Thank you for trusting me with your project and I am more than excited to bring your ideas to life! There are a few things I would like you to do to prepare for our session, ensuring that you and your body are ready. If you’ve never been tattooed before, hopefully this will help calm some nerves. And if this isn’t your first rodeo, here are some reminders to help our session go smoothly. Please feel free to email me at anytime with any questions or concerns and I will be happy to assist as best as I can!

No Alcohol or Blood Thinners

Avoid taking for at least 24 hours before our session as these will cause  increased bleeding and will push out the ink before it sets. Your blood will also dilute the ink as I’m working, which will result in a faded or uneven (patchy) appearance once healed. This applies to the 24-72 hours after our session as well. It causes dehydration to your body and skin as well as hindering proper skin regeneration and an increased risk of infection.

Hydration

Don’t over hydrate (or you might get sick)! Drink the normal amount of water/electrolytes recommended but I just want to remind you to stay hydrated. If there was ever a time to create a good water-drinking habit, now would be the time. Hydrated skin takes ink better and will reduce the likelihood of you feeling faint during the process. 

Moisturizing

In the days leading up to our session, implementing a good skincare regime will help your skin prepare for your new ink. Avoid moisturizing immediately before as it can interfere with the tattooing process. That being said, if you use numbing cream, please let me know before we begin. I personally haven’t had any issues with clients using this but I do notice more skin reddening and raising. Just for my own peace of mind, I’d like to know it’s the cream and not me causing it.

Nutrition

Eating a good meal beforehand can also reduce the likelihood of nausea or feeling faint during our session. I know some nerves can get the best of us and make it hard to eat, so eat what you can, don’t force yourself. The studio I work out of has plenty of complimentary snacks if you find your appetite halfway through our sesh. 

Relaxation

Getting a good night's sleep before our session will help put your mind and body in the best state possible for the tattooing process. Some people may find that getting tattooed on little sleep is more painful; this varies per person but is something to keep in mind. 

Dress Code

Just kidding, there is none, just no flashing anyone in the shop. I do recommend wearing soft and loose fitting clothing, keeping in mind the area you’re looking to get tattooed. If you are unsure of placement then it would be good to ensure easy access to any tattoo area you had in mind. Tattoo ink does stain so please wear something that you don’t mind getting dirty; black is always a great color to wear during our sessions.

Anxiety

If this is your first tattoo or your thousandth, and you have any nerves or anxiety about the session, you can ask me any questions at any time! We can take as many breaks as you need or stop whenever, just let me know! You can bring a comfort friend, partner, or parent along with you, anything to make you the most comfortable. Bring your favorite blanket and/or pillow, headphones and device to distract yourself. I can work around most shakiness as long as you aren’t doing sit-ups on my table or harming me in any way. And I’m available to chat whenever, for the most part, you can text or email me any questions, anytime,  and I’ll stay in touch as much as I can!