Before Your Appointment
The journey starts well before you sit in the chair. Here's how to set yourself up for the best experience.
The Consultation
Every great tattoo begins with a conversation. During your consultation, you'll discuss your design ideas, preferred placement, size, and style with your artist. Bring reference images — even rough sketches or mood boards help communicate your vision.
Your artist will advise on what works best for the body area you've chosen and may suggest adjustments to ensure the design ages well and looks its best.
Preparing Your Body
In the days leading up to your appointment:
- Stay hydrated — well-hydrated skin takes ink better
- Get a good night's sleep the night before
- Eat a full meal before your session — low blood sugar can make you feel faint
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours — it thins your blood and increases bleeding
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area
The Day Of
Arriving at the Studio
When you arrive, your artist will have your custom design ready. You'll review it together and make any final adjustments. Once you're happy, a stencil is applied to your skin so you can see exactly how it will look and sit on your body.
Take your time with stencil placement — this is your chance to make sure everything is perfect before ink hits skin.
The Tattooing Process
Your artist will set up a sterile workspace with fresh needles, ink caps, and disposable equipment. Everything is single-use for your safety.
Does it hurt? The honest answer — yes, but it's manageable. Most people describe it as a scratching or vibrating sensation. Pain varies by body area:
- Less painful: Outer arm, thigh, calf
- More painful: Ribs, spine, inner arm, feet
Your artist will check in with you throughout the session. Don't hesitate to ask for breaks — it's completely normal.
How Long Will It Take?
Session length depends on the design:
- Small pieces (coin-sized, simple): 1–2 hours
- Medium pieces (palm-sized, detailed): 2–4 hours
- Large pieces (sleeves, back panels): Multiple sessions of 3–5 hours each
After Your Session
Your artist will clean the finished tattoo, apply aftercare product, and wrap it in a protective covering. You'll receive detailed aftercare instructions — follow them closely for the best healing results.
The first few days you'll experience some redness, swelling, and tenderness. This is completely normal. Within 2–4 weeks, the outer skin will have healed, though full healing takes about 3 months.
Tips From Our Artists
- Trust the process — your artist has done this thousands of times
- Communicate openly — if something feels wrong, speak up
- Don't rush decisions — a tattoo is permanent, so take the time to get it right
- Enjoy it — getting tattooed is a unique experience, and most people find it surprisingly enjoyable
Ready to book your first session? Reach out to us via WhatsApp or drop by the studio for a chat.