Do you know what you should and shouldn’t do during a tattoo appointment? It’s helpful to be aware of this to ensure everything goes smoothly! We’ve compiled the most important do’s and don’ts for you. This way, you’ll know how to prepare and what to avoid. You’ll get the most out of your tattoo experience, and neither you nor the artist will face any surprises. Everyone’s happy! Read on to make sure you’re well-prepared when you go under the needle.

Do’s

• Start the day with a good breakfast before heading to your appointment. Make sure you’re well-fed and have enough energy for the session. A meal with plenty of protein is a great choice.
• Be on time! We schedule sessions carefully based on how long the artist thinks your tattoo will take. If you’re late, it might affect other appointments.
• Make sure to withdraw cash in advance if your artist only accepts cash payments. This also helps with planning.
• Check out the artist’s style. Everyone has their own taste! Before booking an appointment, look at the artist’s previous work to ensure you’re booking with someone whose style matches yours.
• Bring extra clothing if you get cold easily or have a long session ahead. Your body temperature can fluctuate while getting tattooed. If you still get cold, we also have blankets in the shop!
• Choose your clothing wisely. Getting a tattoo on your leg? Avoid tight jeans or leggings, as they make it harder to tattoo and can press tightly on the fresh tattoo.
• Feeling anxious? Keep asking questions and communicate with your artist! We want to provide the best tattoo experience possible.
• Ask if the artist enjoys talking during the session. Some artists like to chat, while others prefer to concentrate. Ask what they prefer. Conversations can help you relax, but it’s important to respect quiet moments so the artist can focus.
• Shave the tattoo area. If you’re not good at this or feel unsure, leave it to the artist. That way, you can be sure the appointment will go ahead smoothly.
• Come to the shop fresh and clean. Take a good shower before your appointment, so it’s pleasant for the artist to work with you. After all, you’ll be in each other’s personal space all day.

Don’ts

• Don’t drink alcohol the night before or the day of your appointment. So, skip that glass of wine. You’ll feel less fit, and your blood will be thinner (Google “hangover” for more info). Drinking makes it harder for the artist and can scare them, as they’ll be dealing with more blood.
• Don’t ask an artist to copy someone else’s design. A good artist will never directly replicate another person’s design. You can bring reference images, though, and point out what you like about them.
• Don’t take any drugs before your session. It’s really not a good idea to get something permanent on your body while under the influence.
• Don’t bring your entire family to the appointment. We understand that getting a tattoo can be nerve-wracking. It’s fine to bring someone along, but they’ll need to wait in the lounge. Keep in mind that everyone has different opinions about size and placement, which can be confusing. Make sure you know what you want and let the artist help you make decisions. Our waiting area is cozy, but it can get cramped with lots of extra people, and it’s not really the best place for a family outing. Plus, waiting all day can get long and boring for your guests.
• Don’t overbook your day. Artists like to take their time with each tattoo. Want to stress out your tattoo artist? Pack your schedule with appointments right after your tattoo session! It’s not ideal for an artist to work under time pressure.
• Don’t use numbing cream without discussing it with the artist first.
• Don’t expose your new tattoo to the sun. The sun is no friend to tattoos, especially fresh ones. Our advice is to always use SPF 50 sunscreen on your precious ink. In the first few hours and days, definitely avoid direct sunlight. For more info on tattoos and sun protection, check out our blog: “Protect Your Tattoo in Summer.”
• Don’t change your mind last minute. Artists put a lot of time and effort into creating a custom design for you. There’s usually not enough time to make a completely different design during your appointment, and the artist has already spent time on the initial design.
• Don’t be a no-show. Unfortunately, it still happens. When someone doesn’t show up, it’s disrespectful to the artist’s time. Our artists are freelancers, so no client means no income for the day. It’s frustrating, especially if an appointment was scheduled. If you’re unsure about getting a tattoo, just call or email us. We’ll reschedule your appointment for another time.
• Don’t drink too much coffee. Too much caffeine can make you feel jittery and anxious, which might cause you to shake—definitely not ideal for the artist.