What To Expect At Your Tattoo Appointment

So, you booked your tattoo—hell yeah. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth, knowing what to expect can make the whole process smoother for both of us. Here’s a rundown of how things go from the moment you walk in to when you leave with fresh ink.

Before You Arrive

A little prep goes a long way. Make sure you:

• Eat a solid meal beforehand (nobody wants to pass out mid-tattoo).

• Stay hydrated—good for you and your skin.

• Wear comfortable clothes that give easy access to the area being tattooed.

• Get a good night’s sleep—rested bodies sit better.

• Avoid alcohol or blood thinners (no pre-game drinking, trust me).

When You Walk In

First things first, we’ll go over your design and placement. If it’s flash, you’re picking straight from the sheet, and we’ll size it to fit right. If it’s custom, I’ll show you the final design, and we’ll make any small adjustments if needed. Once we’re both happy, I’ll print the stencil and get you set up.

The Stencil & Placement

I’ll apply the stencil and have you check it out in the mirror. This is your chance to make sure everything looks good—straight, centered, placed right for the flow of your body. If we need to tweak it, no problem. I’d rather get it right now than after the needle hits skin.

The Tattoo Process

• Lining – The first part of the tattoo, where I put down those crisp black lines.

• Shading & Color – Depending on the design, we’ll build depth with shading and/or pack in color.

• Breaks – If it’s a longer session, we’ll take short breaks as needed. Just don’t disappear for 30 minutes.

• Pain – Yeah, it’s gonna hurt. But pain is temporary—quitting is forever. Breathe through it, don’t tense up, and you’ll be fine.

Aftercare & Wrap-Up

Once we’re done, I’ll clean it up and wrap it. I’ll give you aftercare instructions, but the short version is:

• Wash it gently 2–3 times a day.

• Keep it moisturized, but don’t overdo it.

• Avoid picking, scratching, or soaking it (no swimming for a bit).

• Get outside, but protect it from too much sun.

• Let it heal up right, and it’ll look good for life.

That’s it. Nothing complicated, just a solid plan to make sure you get the best tattoo possible. See you in the chair.