Being tattooed can be both exciting and, for some, cause a lil’ anxiety, especially if it’s your first tattoo! We understand all the feels, so this is our guide to hopefully ease your worries and ensure you have the best experience possible.

Prior to the session, your artist will review your ideas, provide feedback/advice if necessary, and give you a price estimate. We aim to quote as accurately as possible; however, this may change if significant adjustments are made to the design or size on the day.

Consultation typically occurs over email (but you are more than welcome to make an appointment to meet your artist in person if you prefer!).

Once your artist feels they have a clear idea of your vision and you have accepted the quote, you will be asked to place a deposit to secure your appointment. It’s important to note that design work on your tattoo usually begins before the appointment, so please ensure you have sent all information, ideas, and reference images in advance.

Some artists may not send design previews ahead of the appointment to protect their work from potential theft or misuse. We allow plenty of time to discuss and make any changes in person on the day of your appointment. There is never any pressure to proceed until you are 100% happy with your design!

Preparing For Your Session

To make your tattooing experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, please follow these guidelines:

1. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the studio and avoid booking any major travel on the same day as your appointment. This will help ensure you don’t feel stressed or rushed before your session begins.
2. Dress comfortably: wear loose-fitting clothing that will allow you to sit for long periods of time.
3. If having a support person with you makes you feel more comfortable, we are happy for you to bring one. We only ask that you let us know in advance if you plan to bring more than one person, as it will depend on how busy the studio is that day. However, if possible we ask that you leave the entourage at home – Or just have friends, family members or partners pop in to check-in on you. This will minimize distractions and allow you to focus on the process with your artist without the added pressure of others.
4. Eat! Have a good meal before coming in and bring some snacks with you or a proper lunch if you are in for a full day session. Protein and carbohydrates beforehand are best and sugary snacks are fine during the process. Just don’t overdo the sugar or caffeine beforehand, as you don’t want to get the jitters!
5. Hydrate! it’s also just as important that you drink plenty of water leading up to and during your appointment if you’re in for a longer session.

On the day

Your artist will have created a design to show you and will collaborate with you to ensure it meets your vision. The ideal size and placement will be discussed and any adjustments you would like to make to the design can be worked out before the tattoo begins.

Our artists have years of experience and base their recommendations on what they believe will give you the best outcome for your tattoo. Regardless – You should always feel comfortable voicing your opinions, asking questions, and taking your time to review/make sure you are completely happy with your design.

Once the drawing is finalised, it will be stencilled on to your skin (except in some cases where the artist may draw all or some of the piece directly onto your body). You will then be able to look at the stencil or drawing in the mirror and share your thoughts with your artist.

Once you are happy and good to go, the stencil may need 10-20 minutes to dry, you can use this time to relax and have a snack/ refreshment/ use the bathroom before the tattoo beings. Feel free to ask us any further questions about the process that pop into your mind during this time.

When it is time to start, your artist will guide you through the beginning stages so you feel comfortable. You can let your artist know if at any time during the process you need to stop for a bathroom break or for any other reason. We understand being still in the same position for longer periods of time can be tough so we don’t mind if you need a minute to stretch it out!

We are here to help bring your ideas to life based on your vision combined with our expertise. You don’t ever need to apologise if you want  to make changes and we always want you to feel that you can speak up if you need anything or have a question. Above all we want you to feel heard, cared for and enjoy the process!