Before Your Appointment

• Communicate design changes early: While some changes can be made last-minute or even during the session, bigger or more complex changes may require rescheduling the appointment, which can result in the loss of your deposit.

• Wear appropriate clothes: Choose loose, dark clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo spot and won't be ruined if a drop of ink lands on it.

• Leave guests at home: Limit or avoid bringing a crowd; one quiet companion is usually the maximum allowed in the workspace.

• Eat and hydrate: Eat a meal beforehand and bring snacks and sugary drinks (I often have sodas and snacks for my clients) to keep your blood sugar stable and prevent fainting.

• Be punctual: Arrive right on time—not excessively early or late.

• Arrive completely sober: Never drink alcohol or use drugs before your session, as they thin your blood and increase bleeding.

  During the session

• Trust the process: Bring reference photos, but do not micromanage or dictate every single line. Trust your artist's creative style.

• Minimize movement, especially during delicate outlining. Always give a heads-up before shifting, stretching, or reaching for water.

• Manage your phone: Keep your phone on silent and use headphones if you listen to audio. Avoid loud phone calls that distract the artist.

• Speak up: Communicate if you need a bathroom break, a stretch, or adjustments to the stencil before the ink starts.