I'm available for business trips to other cities for projects lasting a month or longer.
INSIDE THE TATTOO SESSION
If you’ve never gotten a tattoo before and feel nervous about the process, I’ll walk you through everything – from the moment you step into the studio to the moment you leave with your new tattoo.
1. Arriving at the Studio and Signing the Consent Form
When you arrive at the tattoo studio, the receptionist will greet you, ask for your ID, and provide a consent form for you to sign.
Once the form is signed, the receptionist will call the tattoo artist, and you will proceed with them for the next steps.
2. Discussing the design (if not pre-approved online)
If your design hasn’t been finalized and approved online beforehand, you and the artist will go over the design together.
- Any necessary changes will be made until you are completely happy with the final look.
- The goal is to ensure that the design matches your vision before proceeding to placement on the body.
3. Choosing the Size and Placement
Your artist will print the design in different sizes so you can try them on and choose the best fit. Typically, we start with a medium size, placing it based on your preferences and the artist’s professional opinion.
- You’ll look in the mirror and share your thoughts about increasing or decreasing the size, adjusting the placement, or any concerns you may have.
- We can try multiple options before settling on the perfect one.
4. Preparing and Applying the Stencil
Once you approve the size and placement:
- The artist will clean and disinfect your skin to remove any oils or dirt.
- In 90% of cases, the area will be shaved – even if there’s only light peach fuzz – to ensure nothing interferes with the tattooing process.
- The stencil is transferred onto your skin, allowing you to see exactly how your tattoo will look on your body.
Take your time – you’re not rushed! If you need a moment to think, you can even take a photo and send it to a close friend for advice.
5. Finalizing the Stencil and Preparing for Tattooing
- Once you’re 100% happy with the stencil, the artist will guide you to the tattooing area and instruct you on how to position yourself comfortably.
- Whether sitting or lying down, the goal is to ensure both your comfort and the artist’s stability during the session.
- While the stencil sets for 10−15 minutes, the artist will pour fresh ink into single-use ink caps in front of you.
6. Beginning the Tattoo Process
- Once the stencil has dried, the artist will unpack a brand-new, sterile needle in front of you, making sure you see that it’s fresh and unused.
- The needle is inserted into the tattoo machine, the machine is turned on, and ink is picked up.
During the session:
Green soap is used to wipe away excess ink while keeping the skin clean.
A special natural tattoo glide is applied to keep the skin hydrated and help with smoother ink application.
Sometimes the tattoo artist uses water to rinse the needle of excess ink or to change the color.
The artist will check in on you:
- Your comfort: Feel free to talk, ask questions, or relax. Many clients listen to music or watch videos.
- Breaks: If you need a pause, just say so. This is especially important for larger tattoos. You can take breaks to rest, use the restroom, have a snack, or drink water.
- Photos and videos: If you consent to photo and video recording, the receptionist will capture moments of the session. You can also ask us to take photos or videos on your phone – we’d love to document this important moment for you!
- Feeling cold? Let us know, and we’ll provide a blanket to keep you comfortable.
7. Finishing the Tattoo and Skin Recovery
Once the tattoo is complete, we allow the skin to rest for about 15−20 minutes.
- This helps us evaluate how it looks after the session.
- After that, the artist will let you know that you can walk over to the mirror and check your tattoo from all angles.
- Sometimes the skin appears very red – this is completely normal, especially for sensitive skin.
- Some areas may still have a slight blue stencil residue – don’t worry, this will wash off during your first shower. The artist avoids over-irritating your skin by aggressively scrubbing the stencil off.
8. Final Photos and Video
If you’re comfortable with it, we will take a few high-quality photos of your tattoo for our portfolio.
If you’d like a copy, just let us know – we’ll be happy to send them to you!
9. Applying Protective Film (Second Skin)
Once the tattoo is cleaned and photos are taken, the artist will apply a special protective film (“Second Skin”) over your tattoo. This helps protect the fresh tattoo from bacteria and allows the skin to heal naturally.
The artist will also provide detailed aftercare instructions to help your tattoo heal properly.
10. Payment and Final Recommendations
- We accept cash, electronic transfers, and card payments. Payment details are discussed in advance to ensure a smooth process.
- Staying in touch: If you have any questions or concerns after your session, feel free to reach out – we’re always happy to help!
Now that you know exactly what to expect, the process probably feels much less intimidating. Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, and we’re here to make sure you feel comfortable, confident, and well-prepared.
If you still have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re happy to help!
