Log in
Contact
Please be sure to read the deposit, reschedule, and cancellation policy in the FAQ first!! By booking an appointment with Adora, you confirm you agree to, have read, and understand the policies.
For tattoo reschedules and cancellations please email:
Booking Information
Adora Bao Studio is the name of my art business I run out of my home art studio. To be clear- I do not own my own tattoo studio.
For tattoos- I tattoo out of the private, appointment-only, tattoo studio Rat King Tattoo, along with a few other talented tattoo artists.
Rat King Tattoo is an LGBTQIA-owned studio, providing high-quality body art in a safe environment! Located about 20 minutes south of Downtown Detroit via the expressway.
Since it is a private studio, our door mostly remains locked, please ring the doorbell if needed.
Address: 19114 Telegraph Rd, Brownstown Charter Twp, MI 48174
As a busy mom, I usually only book out 2 months at a time to allow flexibility in the future.
My custom tattoo request form can be found on my site under the "Custom Tattoo" listing.
I drop repeatable and one-time-only flash designs. You can book those by yourself directly on my site!
If a one-time-only flash you had your eye on has already been claimed, you can submit a custom request for something similar.
I participate in events regardless if my books are opened or closed. For these, I drop flash designs at a discount. These tend to be first come first serve.
My rate is $125/hr. My minimum per session is $150.
If you have a budget, please include that when filling out the form. I am open to working designs into your budget if reasonable.
My Small/Med pre-made designs will have a minimum price and size on their listing on my site.
We can work together on the final size and placement to fit your budget.
A non-refundable deposit is required for all tattoos to reserve your appointment. The deposit will go towards the final price of your tattoo.
$50 deposit for small-medium flash.
$100 deposit for customs and large flash.
For customs-
If you requested a custom piece and have received your acceptance email, follow the instructions in the email to send the deposit. Your selected appointment date will not be held until a deposit is received.
Multiple appointment dates for different projects will require multiple deposits! I typically only tattoo one project a day but if your projects seem doable in one day, we can definitely do that.
Fill out the "Custom Tattoo" form on my site. Send references and photos of where you want your tattoo.
Customs that interest me the most will take higher priority.
Even when my books are closed, you can still submit a custom tattoo request to be on a waitlist. When my books re-open or if I am trying to fill in a cancellation, then I will go through the waitlist.
If your request is chosen, I will email you, detailing the next steps to make your appointment and deposit.
At this time, I do not send out rejection emails.
DO's
• Get a good night's sleep the night before your tattoo.
• SUPER IMPORTANT to have a big breakfast/lunch 1-2 hours before your appointment.
• Drink plenty of water and bring in some of your favorite sugar treats or chocolate on the day of your appointment. For large sitting keep in mind that there are food places close by. If you have specific needs you can bring your food.
• Bring comfortable clothes (especially something that is accessible to the area you are getting tattooed), headphones, a phone charger, and anything that will make you feel more at ease (e.g. if you have a favorite blanket or pillow, bring it! Get comfortable!)
• Make sure you have the correct money via cash, debit/credit card for the day of the appointment.
• A week before your tattoo appointment begin lotioning the area with lotion 2 to 3 times a day.
DO NOT's
• DO NOT take drugs or alcohol within 24 hours of your tattoo (ESPECIALLY on the day, No Oxytocin, Xanax, Tramadol, ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. It will not help.)
• DO NOT come to your appointment if you feel like you are getting sick or if you are already sick. We can always reschedule and get you in on another day.
• DO NOT come in if you are sunburnt. Please notify us and reschedule.
• DO NOT bring a large group with you, Rat King is a private spot and very quaint. It’s okay to bring a friend for moral support.
• DO NOT book a day if you know you will be short on time and will be in a rush. Tattoos take time and precision.
Being over 20 minutes late may result in a reschedule. Please inform me as soon as possible, as I may have clients after you.
I require a 48-hour notice for reschedules. If you provide notice within this time frame, the first reschedule is free. I understand that unexpected events may arise, but please try to notify me well in advance to rearrange my schedule.
Any reschedules made later than 48 hours or a second reschedule will require another deposit to hold your appointment.
After two reschedules or a flat out cancellation, your deposit is forfeited, and you will need to restart the booking process if you wish to book again.
I am offering your first touch-up for a $25 supply fee within 12 months of when you got it.
If you have an upcoming appointment with me already, we can make time for your touch up on the same day and the supply fee will not be charged. Let me know beforehand so I can block off enough time for you.
To request a touch-up, please fill out the custom tattoo form on my site and include your details, the date you received the tattoo, and a photo of it.
If the request is outside the 12-month time frame, I will send you a quote for the touch-up.
Hand tattoo touch-ups will always be charged by the hour. As, they will almost always require a touch-up.
After I receive your deposit for your custom tattoo, within a few days of your appointment, I will send over a rough draft of the design idea for your approval. At this point, you can ask for modifications before I finalize the design.
I do not send out fully rendered drawings.
If this is not suitable for you, I may not be the right artist for you.
Minor adjustments can be made on the day of the appointment, but if you wish to make significant changes from the draft you approved, a reschedule may be required depending on the time needed.
Sorry, I am not comfortable tattooing anyone under the age of 18. Regardless of parental consent.
A form of official government-issued picture identification is required at the time of your appointment. If you are not 18 with identification by the time of your appointment, you will be turned away and your deposit is forfeited.
Yes, you may bring a guest to accompany you during your appointment. But we ask you to keep it to a minimum, as there is not a lot of space or seating to accommodate large groups.
Keep in mind there are sometimes up to 6-8 other tattoo artist in the shop at 1 time with their own clients and client's guest.
Please do not bring children to the shop.
- Illustrative style
- Anime style
- Engraved style
- Fantasy Weapons
- Suit of armor/ armor pieces
- Creatures
- Characters (In my style)
- Landscapes
- Anime & Video Games
- Pop culture/Movies/TV shows
- Cute and Creepy themes
- Nature themes
- Fantasy themes
- Photo Realism
- Traditional Style
- Simple Fineline
- Blackout Sleeves
- Names of the Living
- Tribal
- Hate Symbols
- Mandelas
- Geometric
I won't copy an existing tattoo. We can take inspiration from it, but we need to make changes to create a unique design just for you.
If you want me to tattoo another artist's artwork onto you, you must get permission from them. Include proof of permission in your submission. Some artists sell tattoo tickets or accept donations.
Why do you offer a sliding scale?
This pricing system is deeply personal to me. I believe art should be accessible to everyone, not just those with financial privilege. My parents were war refugees who escaped genocide with nothing but the shirts on their backs. As a first-generation Asian American from Detroit, Michigan, I grew up in a family that had no generational wealth. We relied on government aid, food banks, and community resources to survive.
I understand firsthand how financial barriers can prevent access to opportunities, including the ability to express oneself through art. I didn’t get my first tattoo until my early to mid-20s because it simply wasn’t something I could afford. That experience shaped my understanding of how inaccessible tattoos can feel for many people, especially those from marginalized and impoverished communities.
By offering a sliding scale, I hope to create a space where those who face systemic barriers, discrimination, and financial struggles can experience the transformative power of art. This initiative is a reflection of my journey and a way to give back to others who may be navigating similar challenges.
How much is the sliding scale discount?
With the sliding scale, you will receive 20% off my flash or hourly rate for customs. All flash pieces (pre-designed tattoos) will have a base price listed on my site. Flash will receive 20% off the total price, and for custom tattoos, my hourly rate will be reduced by 20% from $125 to $100. At this time, this is the discounted amount I can sustainably offer.
How do I request a sliding scale?
To request a sliding scale slot, please use my custom tattoo request form. In the idea box, mention that you’re requesting a flash or custom tattoo at the sliding scale rate. If it’s for a flash piece, specify which design you want. For custom tattoos, describe your idea and include your budget if you have one.
Who should consider booking a sliding scale appointment?
You might qualify for a sliding scale slot if you:
- Experience systemic oppression or discrimination due to race, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, ability, or legal status.
- Are part of a low-income household, supporting dependents, or navigating financial instability.
- Have limited access to financial resources or opportunities, such as criminal history or systemic barriers to work.
- Are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, or part of a marginalized group that faces systemic inequities.
- Rarely have opportunities to access tattoos due to financial reasons.
- Are receive public assistance, such as SNAP.
Who should book a full-price appointment?
Please consider paying my full rate if you:
- Have stable, full-time employment that pays a comfortable wage.
- Regularly afford your basic needs and have savings or investments.
- Have access to family money or financial safety nets.
- Travel recreationally or are visiting from out of town for your tattoo.
- Have significant earning power or privilege based on education, race, gender, or ability.
- Choose to work part-time or not at all for lifestyle reasons.
Why are tattoos expensive?
Tattoo pricing reflects the labor, skill, and costs involved in creating permanent art. My rates cover:
- Shop rent, licensing fees, insurance, and taxes.
- Supplies, which are often single-use for safety.
- Time spent designing, communicating, and preparing for your appointment.
- Educational materials and ongoing training.
Tattoos are a luxury expense, but they are also lifelong pieces of art. Your investment supports not only the art but also the labor and resources behind it.
How many sliding scale appointments do you offer a month?
Right now, I am offering 1 slot per month for a custom tattoo at the sliding scale discount. I will be offering 2 slots per month for flash with the sliding scale discount. I might consider changing the amounts once I find a groove to this.
What happens if I can’t get a sliding scale slot?
Sliding scale slots are limited each month. If all slots are filled, and I would like to pick up your project for a future booking period, I will notify you if I’m able to pick up your project and you will be placed on a waiting list. The waiting list will be prioritized by the order they are received.
Can you still work within my budget?
Even if you don’t qualify for a sliding scale slot, I’m happy to collaborate on designs that fit a fair budget. Let’s work together to create something meaningful and accessible.
Can I help support this system?
Absolutely! If you can afford my full rate, tipping generously helps me continue offering sliding scale slots to those in need. Your support makes this system sustainable for everyone. If you'd like to tip me right now, you can utilize one of these links to do so and comment with any fruit emoji:
Venmo
Ko-fi (Can use PayPal or cc)
This system is a work in progress
I’m constantly refining this system to meet the needs of my clients while maintaining sustainability for myself. Feedback is always welcome as I continue to make art accessible for everyone.
Aftercare
MEDICAL FILM HEAL METHOD:
- Keep the wrap on for no more than three days. If your skin is getting irritated from the film, remove it immediately.
- To remove the film, pull it GENTLY and SLOWLY.
- After the wrap is removed, wash with antimicrobial soap and apply a thin layer of non-scented lotion or tattoo aftercare product like Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel!
- If the film is removed early, refer to the dry healing instructions.
- Helpful tip: it's easier to remove the film in a hot shower.
DRY HEAL METHOD:
- You can begin aftercare as soon as two hours after your tattoo has been applied!
- Wash your tattoo with antimicrobial soap twice a day in the morning and the evening.
- Always wash with clean hands, using warm water. Pat dry with a soft, clean towel.
- Apply a thin layer of a non-scented lotion or tattoo aftercare product like Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel.
- After 1 week you can wash your tattoo with your normal bathing routine.
- Helpful tip: apply your aftercare product when your tattoo is feeling dry or itchy!
DO's:
- If using medical film for healing, keep it on for at least 2-3 days after getting the tattoo.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.
- Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft towel or let it air dry.
- Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer, like Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel, to the tattooed area.
- Wear loose clothing that won't rub against the tattoo.
- Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight, especially during the healing process.
- Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet to promote healing.
- Keep the tattoo clean and moisturized until it is fully healed.
- Follow any additional aftercare instructions given by your tattoo artist.
DON'Ts:
- Don't touch the tattoo with dirty hands.
- Don't scratch, pick, or rub the tattoo.
- Don't expose the tattoo to direct sunlight, tanning beds, or swimming pools.
- Don't wear tight clothing or anything that will rub against the tattoo.
- Don't apply ointments or lotions that contain fragrances or petroleum-based products.
- Don't soak the tattoo in water, such as in a bathtub or hot tub.
- Don't shave over the tattoo until it is fully healed.
- Don't use abrasive or exfoliating products on the tattoo.
- Don't let others touch your tattoo until it is fully healed.
- Don't hesitate to contact your tattoo artist or a medical professional if you notice any signs of infection or other complications.
PAYMENT
To pay the remaining balance on a tattoo, final payments will be made in person at the time of the appointment.
CASH PREFERRED.
The shop does take debit/credit. However, there is a 4% processing fee for all card transactions.
For tattoo deposits or purchases through the website, the following payments are accepted:
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit and credit cards
-
-
Get 20% Off Mad Rabbit Aftercare Products!
CLICK TO REDEEM 20% OFFClick on the link below for my promo code to autofill in your cart! Or use code: "ADORABAO" at checkout!
