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.