My name is Mickey Schlick. I opened Montana Tattoo Company in 2015 as my little out of the way space to create. I generally like to work with customers who have an idea that we can work through from the ground up and can sit still for long periods of time. Let's chat about where your ideas come from and add some symbolism and flow all of your own.

I have always enjoyed a range of styles but I do tend to lean towards the realistic. I look at tattooing a lot more as my lifestyle than a title or job. I love it all and enjoy changing it up from time to time. I really like large scale design work that moves well with the body and looks good from a distance. Whatever the subject matter, it will look better bigger. I have made quite the career focusing on details but experience has taught me so spread things out a bit. More than a subject matter, I want to know where your motivation to do this is coming from. How you envision yourself looking at the end of the day. As much as a tattoo is personal and just for you, we will be making something that should represent your style and personality as well as your artistic tastes. These days I prefer little bit bolder style of realism. Heavier on the illustration and shadows, stronger lines, and a whole lot more flow.... We're going to make something cool together!

I normally work on one person a day in sessions anywhere from 1/2day (3hrs tattoo time) to 2 days. I work afternoons and evenings Friday through Monday but can be flexible when needed. In general my customers are working professionals who are a little bit further along than their first tattoo. They are familiar with the process, plan ahead and don't rush things. They understand this is going to last forever and that it is better to have the right piece with the perfect fit rather than the right-now piece that rarely fits perfectly. They allow me the creativity and space I need so that I can use my experience to their benefit. They are looking for ideas and not worried about directing. It makes me look good to make you look good, and they can always appreciate that. We are normally doing a half limb or more and booking sessions 3 hours or more. I have had relatively few customers that I just didn't vibe with over the years. However, trying to run a business and keep everyone happy has taken a toll. I hate keeping you waiting. I may come off aloof in the consult stage, and too direct in the beginning of the appointment, but I've just been through this a bunch. Your big day is my Wednesday, have a seat, grab the remote, relax... I got you boo! I do loosen up when the tattoo gets started, I promise. Once it is though, good times and good conversations are the best parts of the job. I promise it's me, not you. You are always welcome to bring whatever you need to stay comfortable, headphones, snacks, whatever. I like to keep it pretty loose but I only charge for the time we are actually tattooing. Inspired by my own recent experience getting a tattoo, I really want to work on strengthening relationships with my customers... Longer sessions, more

I have been pricing myself out of shorter sessions and smaller tattoos. I will still do them, but I do charge more when the session is under 3 hours. I also have been staing away from any long form writing (over 3 words in a single font) and landscape and nature scenes for the time being (only so many pine trees and bucks before they all look the same). And I have no desire to copy another artists work for you or to turn you into a "tattoo twinsie" with an internet stranger. On that note, I do not take every tattoo that comes to me. I feel that you will have a better finished product and experience from someone motivated (for whatever reason) to be engaged with the work. As much as it may not be what you want to hear, the most professional thing I can tell you is "no" if it's the not the right fit. I will however, let you know before I make you wait for months and let you know any options I can think of. Don't be shy about hitting me up for the next one. I definitely want to tattoo you!.

Trying to run a business and keep everyone happy has taken a toll. I'm almost never early and I hate keeping you waiting. I may come off aloof in the consult stage, and too direct in the beginning of the appointment, but I've just been through this a bunch. Your big day is my Wednesday, have a seat, grab the remote, relax... I totally got you boo! I do loosen up when the tattoo gets started, I promise. Once it is though, good times and good conversations are the best parts of the job. You are always welcome to bring whatever you need to stay comfortable, headphones, snacks, whatever. I like to keep a pretty relaxed pace in my process, but I only charge for the time we are actually tattooing. I try to only do one larger tattoo a day because that way I can put the energy into the tattoo rather than all the other work involved with multiple customers daily. I will not rush your tattoo for someone else, and they can expect the same. Inspired by my own recent experience getting a tattoo, I really want to work on strengthening relationships with my customers... I believe the way to go is to use the online form. This way I can make a call as to if the piece is for me and also have a list After that, I will have you book your appointment(s) and pay your deposit on the website. If we are doing something over multiple sessions the best bet is to book yourself a recurring monthly or bi-weekly appointment to work at a solid pace until it is done. Last, you can book an in-store or video consultation within the week of the tattoo. This way I can spend some time with you while my mind is on your project and get a feel for your personality, inspiration and motivation.

I work Friday through Monday and spend the rest with my kids. I am however appreciative of the fact that tattoos are expensive and I don't necessarily need you to take off work just to get a tattoo. I enjoy the flexibility of being able to switch my days and often on the weekends I work late into the night so if you need something that is not available on my booking form then feel free to let me know. Often I can have you book on the closest possible day and then switch with my day off.