BODY TATTOO | Xenith

SHE/THEY

Jess Versus began tattooing in Brooklyn in 2009, and moved to Virginia in March of 2013 after visiting Richmond as a guest artist for several years and falling in love with the city. She spent the next decade working in some of Richmond's best body tattoo shops, focusing on both the artistic and technical sides of the craft. Her personal focus has always been on ensuring a welcoming, supportive, and open-minded environment for their clients, especially those who have all too often felt excluded or intimidated by traditional tattooing culture. The act of being tattooed is an inherently vulnerable one, and Jess believes everyone deserves to have an experience that leaves them feeling celebrated and accepted.

Her tattoo imagery tends to focus on organic illustrations and figural representations, most commonly floral, animal, and human forms. They work in several different visual styles at any given time, exploring black & grey and color tattoos, and most recently she has been focusing on large-scale pieces and cover-ups. Jess’ style has been described as "traditional-ish" and "American Gothic" – somewhere between what is considered "American traditional tattooing" and "illustrative" tattoos.

She believes that there is transformative magic in tattooing, and that getting tattooed is an empowering act of ownership over one's own body. In the coming years, Jess would love to focus more on certain aspects of this, such as working with scar coverups and other styles of restorative tattooing. They are looking forward to learning from and collaborating with the other artists at Xenith, and cultivating an environment that is welcoming and affirming for any and every client who comes through our door.

When scheduling an appointment through e-mail, please include:

1. Your name / pronouns and contact information.

2. Tattoo design idea(s) - Feel free to include images

3. Location / Placement (Please attach a photo of the area if you have other tattoos)

4. Approximate size in inches

5. Color, black and grey, and style preference

6. Budget (If applicable)

7. Preferred days/times for booking (Wednesday - Saturday, Afternoon or Evening)

8. Best way to reach you

Making sure you're healthy before your tattoo appointment also includes your skin. I cannot and will not tattoo you if you show up for your tattoo appointment with a sunburn, animal scratches, scrapes/bruises, bite marks, hives/rashes, or burns (etc) directly on the area meant for tattooing that day. Send me an email prior to your appointment if you have any skin situations.

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How much is my tattoo going to cost? Larger pieces (coverups, sleeves, backpieces, etc.) are charged at the hourly rate of $200/hr. For smaller pieces, individual estimates can be given at the time of consultation (either in-person or via email).

There is a deposit required for all tattoo appointments; there is no charge for consultation. The deposit is $100, non-refundable, and will be applied to the price of the tattoo when it is finished.

Where can I find pictures of tattoos? Avoid Pinterest. If you're looking for a custom tattoo, attach some photos of the actual picture of the item, place, or idea and let's collaborate together.

What are some things I should avoid while my tattoo heals? Avoid swimming, sun exposure, soaking in the tub, excessive water exposure, or any water activities until the tattoo is healed. Only clean your tattoo with a non-scented antibacterial soap, avoid hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or any scented and fragranced soap.

Can I get tattooed while I'm sick or don't feel well? Getting a tattoo when your immune system isn't at 100% isn't a good idea. You need your white blood cells to heal your tattoo, and if your body is already working in overtime to heal any sickness or bacteria, getting a tattoo many push it too far. Not to mention, it's not nice to come to any appointments while sick and risk infecting anyone else. It is also not recommended to get tattooed while on antibiotics.

Do you take walk ins? I am a by appointment only artist, but check out my Instagram stories for any last minute availability.

What can I do to prepare for my appointment? Please do not drink alcohol or use any type of blood thinning medications 24 hours before your appointment. Refrain from tanning beds or excessive sun exposure that may compromise your skin's state. Make sure you eat and drink plenty of water before and during your tattoo appointment.

Can I bring a friend or family member? We ask that you do not bring any guests with you, but contact me directly to see if we can accommodate an exception for special circumstances.

What do I bring? Please bring a government issued ID with you if this is your first appointment with me. Feel free to bring anything that makes you comfortable and content; headphones, water, snacks, book, etc.

How do I book an appointment? Please refer to the top of the page on how to inquire a tattoo with me. I only book appointments through email, and I check them every Tuesdays (Please allow me time to reply to your email before sending another one. I tattoo full time as well as handle my own schedule and booking.)

If you have any other questions, please click on my "contact" button and send me an email. Looking forward to seeing you soon!