katie haus // tattoo apprentice
Firefly Tattoo // Bloomington, IN

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katie haus

Katie (she/they) has been apprenticing in Bloomington with Laura since early 2024. Although new to tattooing, Katie comes from a long line of self-taught artists, and has been working with a variety of mediums for as long as she can remember. Some of Katie's favorite practices include sewing, drawing, painting, jewelry making, poetry, and working with found objects.While art has taken a back seat for much of their academic life, tattooing bridges the gap between their educational and personal interests. Katie is a dual Ph.D. candidate at Indiana University studying health behavior and qualitative research methodology. Katie uses creative, embodied approaches to research, and is embracing tattooing as a healing connection between body, mind, and being. When not at school, in the shop, or making beautiful messes at home, she loves spending time with cats and nature.

before you book

Thank you for considering getting tattooed by me. Here’s everything you need to know before we move forward with booking, including my policies around design, pricing, rescheduling, and accommodations. Please read through this page carefully—by booking an appointment, you’re agreeing to these terms.

cultural respect

As a white artist, I recognize that tattooing as a practice has deep roots in sacred and ceremonial traditions that come from cultures that are not my own. I’m a guest in this art form, and I strive to honor that by staying mindful of cultural boundaries.Because of this, I will not tattoo imagery that comes from closed or sacred cultural practices unless I (or my client) are part of that culture. This includes (but is not limited to):- Bundles of sage
- Día de los Muertos skulls or masks
- Words or phrases in a language that is not your own
- Other culturally significant symbols or imagery that carry meaning within specific communitiesIf you’re unsure whether a design idea falls into this category, feel free to ask—I’m happy to talk it through.

design policy

I don’t copy other people’s tattoos—especially custom pieces created specifically for someone else. If you have a tattoo you admire, we can absolutely use it as inspiration, but the final design will be unique and original. My goal is always to create something meaningful and personal to you.If you’re looking for flash, I have pre-drawn designs available and update them regularly.

pricing

Booking Fee:
A nonrefundable $25 fee is required to make an appointment.
For custom work, this covers drawing time. For flash, it acts as a deposit and goes toward the final cost of your tattoo.Hourly Rate:
$100 per hour (this is also the shop minimum).Final costs will vary based on the size, complexity, and placement of your piece. I’m happy to give estimates once we talk about your idea.

rescheduling & cancellations

Life happens, I get it. That said, to respect my time and others waiting to book:- If you need to reschedule, please let me know at least 48 hours in advance.- No-shows or same-day cancellations will result in the loss of your booking fee.- Clients who reschedule more than twice may be asked to pay an additional deposit to hold future appointments. This deposit will be forfeited if another reschedule happens within 48 hours of the appointment time.Let me know if something serious comes up and I’ll always try to work with you.

accessibility & accommodations

I want my space to be as welcoming and affirming as possible. If you have any specific needs, sensory sensitivities, mobility concerns, pronoun preferences, or anything else that would help you feel comfortable, please don’t hesitate to reach out ahead of time.I’ll do my best to support you however I can.

booking inquiries

When reaching out to book, please include the following info:- A brief description of what you’d like (custom or flash)
- Approximate size in inches
- Placement on your body
- Any reference images you have
- Your availability (days/times that work for you)The more info you give upfront, the easier it is to get started.

tattoo aftercare

How you care for your tattoo in the days following your session plays a major role in how it heals. Following these steps can help you avoid prolonged healing, infections, faded colors, or the need for touch-ups.If Saniderm or Derm Shield Was Used:
Leave the bandage on for 24 hours.Remove the bandage gently—doing this in the shower works best. Wash the area with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water.Let the area air dry completely. Do not touch it after washing.If provided with a second sheet, apply it over the clean, dry tattoo. You can leave this second bandage on for up to six days.The bandage is waterproof, so showering and exercising are fine.If you notice redness, irritation around the edges, increased sensitivity, or pain, remove the bandage early.If a second sheet was not provided, apply a very thin layer of healing balm.
Recommended: Hustle Butter or any basic, fragrance-free lotion.
More is not better—just enough to absorb into the skin.Continue applying a thin layer of balm a few times throughout the day for two weeks. Avoid letting the tattoo dry out or feel tight.Always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before applying lotion or touching your tattoo. Remember—it’s an open wound.Do not pick at scabs or scratch the tattoo, even if it itches.Avoid sun exposure during healing. UV light and heat can fade the colors.
After healing, use sunblock with zinc oxide to protect your tattoo long-term.Avoid soaking the tattoo until it’s fully healed. This means no:SwimmingHot tubsBaths
(Showers are fine—keep it clean!)

book with me

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