Choosing a tattoo is difficult enough without adding the search for the perfect artist. Thankfully, we've mastered the process of planning and executing amazing tattoos with the input of our clients. It all starts with the initial tattoo consultation, and we'll guide you from there.
We recommend researching which artist you would like to work with prior to scheduling a consultation. You can find our artists’ portfolios right here on our website, as well as on Facebook and Instagram. Every artist has their strengths and preferred styles, though all our artists are very adaptable.
We recommend researching which artist you would like to work with prior to scheduling a consultation. You can find our artists’ portfolios right here on our website, as well as on Facebook and Instagram. Every artist has their strengths and preferred styles, though all our artists are very adaptable.
Some artists have longer waiting periods than others. For large and multi-session tattoos, the waiting period may be as short as a couple weeks, to as long as a year or more. Trust us, each of our artists are worth the wait. We do not take our trade lightly, and you are forever a walking, talking canvas representing the work of your artist.
With the exception of walk-in tattoos (give us a call if you're interested in a walk-in; we'll give you the up-to-the-minute availability), the process leading up to your tattoo appointment includes an initial consultation to discuss your ideas, followed by a drawing consultation to review what we’ve designed for you. We recommend scheduling your initial consultation in advance. We can always do a walk-in consultation; calling ahead just shortens your wait time, and eliminates the risk of your artist not being available.
During your consultation, your artist will meet with you to take detailed notes of your vision, take any photo examples you have, and give you recommendations on how best to translate your idea into a beautiful tattoo. We may also take photos and measurements of the location you’d like to be tattooed. Please be as clear and precise as possible! Tattoo designs require a large amount of time researching, planning, and sketching. It can take more time to prepare than the application of the tattoo itself, and we’d hate to invest hours into a design only to find out the client has failed to give us vital details.
At the end of your consultation, we'll schedule your drawing and tattoo dates, and take a deposit. Note that the deposit is not a payment for your artwork nor the consultation itself: The deposit is a down payment on your tattoo, and will come off the final cost upon completion.
The drawing appointment is pretty straight forward. We’ll show you what we came up with, take notes of any requested alterations, and depending on the amount of changes being done, we may or may not schedule you a second drawing date. With complex tattoos (sleeves, back pieces, etc.) we often schedule two or three drawing appointments so we can discuss the design in stages. As you can imagine, large tattoos require a lot of planning, and we don’t want to put in too much time on a drawing until we know we’re on the right path.
Do not be afraid to make changes to your design. We don’t want to put anything on you that you’re not in love with. Also please let us know in advance of your drawing consultation if you’re changing placement or content. Completely changing up the idea will result in the forfeiture of your deposit, since the artist has already invested a great deal of time into design.