Getting Ready for your tattoo Appointment

You've booked your tattoo appointment. Now what?

Whether it's your first tattoo or your tenth, it's completely normal to have questions about what to expect and how to prepare for the day. A little planning beforehand can make your appointment more comfortable, help you sit better throughout the session, and ensure you're in the best possible condition for getting tattooed.

To help take the guesswork out of the process, our team has put together this guide based on the advice we give our own clients every day. Inside, you'll find practical recommendations for preparing before your appointment, what to bring, and what to expect during your session.

Think of this as a guide rather than a strict rulebook. Every client and every tattoo is different, so if you have any questions specific to your appointment, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're always happy to help.

The Week Before Getting Your Tattoo

A little preparation in the week leading up to your appointment can make a noticeable difference to both your tattooing experience and how well your tattoo heals afterwards. While none of these are strict requirements, they're recommendations we make to every client to help give your tattoo the best possible start.

Get Plenty of Rest

Try to get a good night's sleep in the days leading up to your appointment, especially the night before. Getting tattooed places extra stress on your body, and being well rested helps you feel your best throughout the session.

Applying the tattoo is only one half of the process. How your body heals over the following weeks has a huge impact on the final result, so arriving well rested gives your body the best possible start, particularly for larger pieces or full-day sessions.

Stay Hydrated & Eat Well

You've probably heard the saying "you are what you eat," and there's some truth to it when it comes to getting tattooed.

Staying well hydrated helps keep your skin in good condition, while eating a balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to begin the healing process. Healthy, hydrated skin is easier to work with and helps put your body in the best position to begin healing afterwards.

Exfoliate & Moisturise

Healthy skin makes for a better tattoo.

Gently exfoliating your skin a few days before your appointment (not the day of) and moisturising regularly can improve your skin's condition. Dry, flaky or ashy skin can be more difficult to work with, and a build-up of dead skin may contribute to less consistent linework or colour saturation.

While minor touch-ups can usually address small inconsistencies, we'd rather get it right the first time than rely on a touch-up later.

Avoid Sunburn

One of the quickest ways to make your appointment more difficult is arriving with sunburn.

Sunburned or peeling skin is already damaged and often can't be tattooed safely. Even mild sunburn can make your skin far more sensitive than usual, leading to a noticeably more uncomfortable tattooing experience.

Even if the skin isn't badly burned, excessive sun exposure can affect how your tattoo looks from day one. If you're spending time outdoors before your appointment, wear sunscreen and do your best to avoid getting burned. Your skin, and your future tattoo, will thank you for it.

Let Us Know About Medications

We're not qualified to provide medical advice, but it's important to let us know if you're taking any long-term medications that could affect your tattoo session.

For example, some blood-thinning medications may increase bleeding during the tattoo process, which can make tattooing more challenging. If you're unsure whether a medication could affect your appointment, it's always best to speak with your doctor before your session.

Managing Expectations Around Discomfort

Let's be honest. A tattoo is going to hurt. It's completely normal to experience some level of discomfort, and it's something everyone should expect when getting tattooed.

That said, the experience is different for every person. Pain tolerance varies, and factors such as the placement of the tattoo, its size, and the length of the session can all influence how it feels. If it's your first tattoo, you won't have a frame of reference yet, so it's important not to overestimate or underestimate what the experience might be.

If discomfort is something you're concerned about, bring it up with your artist during your consultation or before your appointment. There's no stigma or taboo around asking about pain. In fact, we encourage it. We can talk you through what to expect for your specific tattoo, explain why certain areas tend to be more sensitive than others, and answer any questions you have before the day arrives.

Having an open conversation beforehand means you'll arrive knowing what to expect, rather than worrying about the unknown.

Plan Your Journey

Take a few minutes the night before to plan how you'll get to the studio. Whether you're driving, catching public transport, or getting dropped off, knowing your route ahead of time helps make the day much less stressful.

If you're driving, it's also worth checking parking options before you leave. Arriving a few minutes early is always better than feeling rushed because you couldn't find a park.

The Night Before Your Tattoo

The night before your appointment can be exciting, especially if you've been looking forward to it for a while. As tempting as it is to stay up thinking about your new tattoo, try to get a good night's sleep. You'll feel much better throughout your session if you're well rested.

Confirm Your Appointment

Double-check your appointment time, make sure you know how to get to the studio, and allow yourself plenty of time to arrive without feeling rushed.

It's also a good time to make sure you've packed everything you'll want to bring the next day.

Avoid Alcohol

Try to avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol the night before your appointment. Arriving well rested and feeling fresh will make your session far more enjoyable.

If you're taking any prescribed medications or have questions about how they might affect your appointment, it's always best to discuss them with your doctor beforehand and let your artist know.

Hair Removal

If the area being tattooed has a lot of hair, it can be helpful to carefully trim or shave it the night before your appointment. This saves a little time on the day and allows your artist to do a quick final touch-up before getting started.

If you're not confident shaving the area yourself, or it's somewhere difficult to reach, don't worry. We're more than happy to take care of it at the studio. The most important thing is to avoid any nicks, cuts, or razor burn before your appointment, as damaged skin can make tattooing more difficult.

The Morning of Your Tattoo

Have a Shower

Starting your day with a shower is never a bad idea, unless you somehow manage to slip over. Knock on wood.

Fresh, clean skin is always appreciated, particularly if you're in for a longer session.

Eat a Proper Meal

If you're getting tattooed, don't skip breakfast or lunch. We usually recommend having a generous meal before your appointment, especially if you're booked in for a longer session or starting later in the day.

Getting tattooed can be surprisingly physically demanding. Your body is working hard throughout the session and will immediately begin the healing process afterwards, so having a good meal beforehand can help keep your energy levels up and reduce the chances of feeling lightheaded or unwell during your appointment.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Choose clothing that gives your artist easy access to the area being tattooed. Soft, loose-fitting clothing is ideal, and darker colours are often a good choice since there's always a chance they could pick up a little ink during your appointment.

It's also worth wearing something you're not too precious about, just in case.

Bring Food and Snacks

If you're booked in for a full-day session, pack a few snacks and a drink to help keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Sharing is entirely optional, but always appreciated.

Taking a break for a meal is usually a good idea. We do however recommend keeping breaks brief as maintaining momentum often makes the day feel smoother for both you and your artist.

There are plenty of great cafés and restaurants around our studio on Swan Street if you'd rather grab something nearby. You're also more than welcome to bring your own food. We have a fridge and microwave in our pantry that you're welcome to use if you'd prefer a quick meal without leaving the studio.

Prepare Your Payment

Before heading to the studio, it's a good idea to have your payment organised ahead of time.

We prefer payment by cash where possible. Having it organised beforehand saves a last-minute trip to the ATM when all you'll probably want to do is admire your new tattoo and head home.

If you have any questions about pricing, deposits, or payment methods before your appointment, feel free to get in touch with your artist.

Arrive On Time

Aim to arrive on time for your appointment. This gives you a chance to settle in, go through any final questions, and start your session without feeling rushed.

If you're running late for any reason, just let us know as soon as you can.

You're Ready

If you've made it this far, you're about as prepared as you can be.

From here, it's our turn.

Our job is to make your tattoo experience as enjoyable as the tattoo itself. Whether you're here for a small one-shot piece or settling in for a full-day session, we'll guide you through every step, answer any questions, and make sure you're looked after from start to finish.

We genuinely love what we do. Every tattoo is different, every client has their own story, and it's a privilege to be trusted with something you'll wear for life.

Now all that's left is for you to walk through the door. We'll take it from there.

Your Tattoo Appointment

You've Arrived... What Happens Next?

The big day has finally arrived! Whether it's your very first tattoo or you're adding another piece to your collection, you've made it to the studio and you're just moments away from bringing your idea to life.

If you've followed our How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment guide, you've already done the hard work. You've eaten a good meal, stayed hydrated, worn comfortable clothing and made it to the studio on time. Now it's our turn to take over.

It's completely normal to feel a little excited, a little nervous, or both. Don't worry, we'll guide you through every step of the process and make sure you're comfortable before we begin.

Check In

When you arrive, let someone know you're here and who you've come to see. Your artist might be putting the finishing touches on your setup, grabbing supplies or just wrapping up with another client.

We recommend arriving about 5 to 10 minutes before your appointment. This gives you time to settle in, use the bathroom if needed and complete any paperwork without feeling rushed.

Take a seat, relax and your artist will come and get you as soon as they're ready. It usually won't be long.

Final Design Check

Once your artist comes to collect you, you'll go over your design one last time.

This is your opportunity to make sure everything is exactly how you imagined it. We'll confirm the size, placement and any changes that may have come up since your consultation or your last conversation.

Don't be afraid to speak up if something doesn't feel quite right. We'd much rather spend a few extra minutes making small adjustments than have you wishing you'd said something later.

Get Settled In

Next, you'll be shown to your tattoo station.

Put your belongings down, get comfortable and if you've brought snacks or food for a longer session, now's the perfect time to get them organised. If you have anything that needs to go in the fridge, just let us know and we'll happily look after it for you.

If you've brought headphones, a book, a tablet or anything else that helps you relax, have them ready to go. Long sessions are much easier when you're comfortable.

Time for the Magic

Now comes the exciting part.

Your artist will apply the stencil or draw the design directly onto your skin, depending on the tattoo. You'll have plenty of time to check the placement in the mirror and make sure you're completely happy before anything permanent begins.

Once the stencil is exactly where you want it, you'll complete and sign the consent form while your artist finishes preparing their workstation, opening fresh sterile equipment and making sure everything is ready to go.

When everything is set, all that's left to do is get comfortable.

Then it's time to get tattooed.

Before You Know It...

By the time your appointment starts, all the important decisions have already been made. From here, it's all about bringing your tattoo to life.

Managing the Pain

Let's be honest, getting tattooed hurts. There's no getting around it. The good news is that while it can be uncomfortable, it's absolutely manageable for most people, and there are a few simple things you can do to make the experience more comfortable.

The biggest tip we can give you is to relax. It's easier said than done, but staying loose really does help. Tensing your muscles, clenching your fists or holding your breath won't reduce the pain. In fact, it often makes you shake more, which makes your artist's job a little harder.

Try to stay as still as you comfortably can. Avoid sudden movements like quickly turning your head, stretching without warning or gesturing while you're talking. You might not realise it, but those little movements can shift your whole body. A good rule of thumb is to treat it like getting a haircut. Stay relaxed, and if you need to move, just let your artist know first.

Keep Your Mind Busy

For many areas of the body, the pain is definitely there, but it's also surprisingly easy to distract yourself from it.

Watching a movie, listening to music or a podcast, reading a book or chatting with your artist can all help the time pass much more quickly. We pride ourselves on having a friendly, relaxed studio, so don't be afraid to have a conversation if that's what helps you unwind.

Just remember not to get too animated. We've all had a laugh that made us move without thinking, so try to save the big hand gestures and dramatic reactions until your artist has lifted the needle.

Finish and Aftercare

Well done! Your tattoo is finished, or you've wrapped up another session towards a larger piece.

Before you leave, we'll clean your new tattoo, apply the appropriate dressing and walk you through everything you need to know about aftercare so your tattoo heals as beautifully as it looks.

You'll also have the opportunity to ask any last questions before you head home. We want you to leave feeling confident about looking after your new tattoo and knowing exactly what to expect over the coming days and weeks.

In our next guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about caring for your new tattoo, what to expect during healing and how to get the best possible result from your fresh ink.

Turn Intention Into Action

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Make Room for Growth

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.