HOW IT WORKS
From Consultation to Completion
1. FREE CONSULTATION
Every project begins with a conversation.
We'll discuss your concept, reference materials, placement, and sizing to determine how to achieve your vision.
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Format: In person at studio or video call
WHAT WE'LL DISCUSS
Your Vision
What you're hoping to achieve, the feeling or story you want the tattoo to convey, and any reference materials that inspire you.
Placement & Flow
How the design will work with your body's natural contours, how it might connect with existing tattoos, and practical considerations.
Appropriate Scale
Based on the concept's complexity and detail level, I'll recommend the size needed to execute it well - and explain the reasoning if it differs from your initial plan.
Options & Alternatives
If your concept needs adjustment, we'll explore alternatives: simplifying elements, phasing the project, or finding a different approach.
Timeline & Investment
How many sessions the project will require, healing time between sessions, and estimated total cost. You'll leave with a clear understanding of the commitment.
WHAT TO BRING
Reference images
Ideas about placement and size
Questions about process, pricing, timeline
An open mind (the best results come from collaboration)
This is a conversation, not a sales pitch. If I don't think I'm the right artist for your vision, I'll tell you honestly.
2. DESIGN + BOOKING
After our initial consultation, if you're ready to proceed, we'll book your first session and collect a 50% deposit to secure your date and commission the design work.
CUSTOM DESIGN APPROACH
Once your session is booked, I'll begin creating your custom design. I don't copy other artists' work or replicate existing designs - I work from your concept and reference materials to create something that is uniquely yours.
Reference images help me understand the style, mood, and composition you're drawn to, but the final design will be original work tailored specifically to your body and vision.
DESIGN REVIEW
A few days to a week before your session, we'll schedule a design review consultation (in person at the studio). This is where we'll:
Review the design together
Test placement on your body
Make any final adjustments
Ensure you're completely happy before your session
For larger multi-session pieces, the initial design focuses on overall composition and flow. Details and refinements develop as we work through the sessions, allowing me to respond to how the piece sits on your body.
3. TATTOO SESSION(S)
Day sessions are typically 6 hours. Session count depends on the scale of your piece:
Small pieces: hourly rate
Medium pieces: 1-2 full day sessions (6 hours each)
Larger work: 4+ full day sessions (6 hours each)
WHAT TO EXPECT
Comfortable studio environment
Breaks as needed
Clear communication throughout
Professional setup and hygiene standards
Bring water, snacks, and entertainment for longer sessions. Wear appropriate clothing for your tattoo placement.
4. HEALING & AFTERCARE
2-4 weeks for initial healing
You'll receive detailed aftercare instructions before leaving the studio. Proper care is critical for how your tattoo heals and ages.
HEALING BASICS
Keep it clean (gentle, unscented soap)
Keep it moisturized (unscented lotion)
No swimming, saunas, or soaking for 1-2 weeks
No sun exposure during healing
No picking or scratching
5. FOLLOW UP SESSIONS (if applicable)
For multi session work
Larger pieces are built across multiple sessions, with each appointment adding depth, shading, and detail.
My process is to take the full piece to approximately 80% complete initially - laying the foundation across the entire area - then use the final session to bring it to 100%. This approach ensures consistency and allows me to balance the overall composition before adding finishing touches.
For example: If your full sleeve takes 5 sessions to establish coverage and core shading at 80%, the 6th session would be dedicated to detail work, highlights, and refinements to bring it to 100%.
TYPICAL SESSION COUNTS
Half sleeves: 2-3 sessions
Full sleeves: 5-6 sessions
Leg sleeves: 5-8 sessions
Back pieces: 6-10 sessions
Each session builds on the last until we achieve the level of depth and dimension the piece requires.