PARADOX
PRIVATE
STUDIO
The Art of Independence
OXNARD, CA
This space is a project by Michi Stoke that aims to provide a private, comfortable environment for high-quality body art. Located on the beautiful California coast in the Oxnard Collection, this studio also offers guest artists the opportunity to work in a fully equipped private space surrounded by premier shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Vibrant Color
Black & Grey
Fine Line
The Artist
Michi Stoke
I’m the creator behind Paradox. Born and raised in this city, I have always been influenced by all aspects of our local culture, whether it be wildlife, music, fashion or the variety of ethnicities that decorate our community. I focus on making tattoos that celebrate and connect us to our personal journey. Outside of the art that I do for work , I enjoy experimenting with ballpoint pen and Copic markers. I'm drawn to any avenue of creativity and look forward to exploring more in the future.
Preparing For Your Appointment
◆ The week leading up to your appointment, it’s best to prioritize health and skin care in general but specifically in the area of the tattoo.
◆Focus on hydration both topically and by drinking lot of water days in advance.
◆Topical hydration is especially important on dry textured areas of skin like hands elbows and knees. This extra step will help with ink retention and line clarity.
◆Light exfoliation, is also helpful in these areas and in general. For this step I recommend you exfoliate lightly, and days in advance. (In order to start a tattoo, the area of skin needs to be completely settled and not irritated from exfoliation.)
◆Eat a balanced nutritious meal before your appointment and bring snacks for bigger pieces and longer sessions . Having food in your system will help your endurance through out your appointment and keep you comfortable.
◆Good nutrition will help your body heal quickly and boost your immune system during the progress. Additional nutritional supplements can help ad the body in healing. This is another tip that’s more important for larger pieces/longer sessions.
◆The day of your appointment, wear something comfortable that won’t irritate your tattoo or be in the way of the process. Cozy, flowy loose fitted clothing usually make for the best options.
◆You’re welcome to bring headphones or something to keep you occupied, there is also a TV you can enjoy during your appointment.
Feel free to ask questions and communicate your needs. It’s important to me that you enjoy your experience.
Aftercare
◆ Try to keep your bandage on for 3 days. As long as the seal of it is intact the bandage helps the tattoo through the most crucial stages of healing.
(Bandages are beneficial in most cases but not necessary to heal a tattoo)
◆ It is completely normal for fluid to build up beneath the bandage making the design look blurry or less defined. This will vary person to person but will wash off once the bandage is removed.
◆ Before you unwrap your tattoo or remove the bandage, wash and rinse your hands thoroughly. For an easier experience remove your bandage under running water or in the shower.
◆ Once your tattoo is unwrapped, wash it under lukewarm water with an unscented antibacterial liquid soap like Dial Gold Antibacterial. Rinse the area thoroughly until you no longer feel a slimey layer on top of your tattoo and its surroundings.
◆ Pat dry the area with a very clean towel or a fresh paper towel.
◆ Once dry, apply a thin coat of a plain white unscented daily moisturizing lotion like Aveeno All Natural. It’s better to a apply a thin coat more often than to oversaturate your tattoo. It should feel moisturized but not wet or soggy. (If you have a particular moisturizer that you’ve used/prefer feel free to use that, sparingly.)
◆ Wash, dry and moisturize your tattoo anytime it feels dry and tight during the healing process.
◆ It’s normal for your tattoo to get flaky and itchy during the healing process. Don’t scratch or pick at your tattoo, otherwise you risk damaging the design and or introducing bacteria.
◆ After 2/3 weeks, the tattoo should be healed and settling. It is best to wait at least 3 weeks to tattoo again in the same area.
If you have questions about healing or any aspect of your tattoo, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help.