Consultations ; A guide on what to expect before your next tattoo

Whether you’re already booked for a consultation or just starting to think about one, we’ve got you covered. The best way to approach it? Imagine you’re just hanging out with a friend—except this friend makes art for a living. No stress, no pressure—just good conversation and ideas coming to life.

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This is a stock image and does not belong to Rest in Pieces collective as a whole - we may practice the same procedure but do not own any rights to what is portrayed in this image.

Walking into a tattoo shop can feel a little overwhelming—walls lined with flash sheets, books stacked with custom art, and so many options staring back at you. But don’t worry. The easiest way to avoid decision overload is to book a consultation with your artist of choice. That way, you can narrow things down together and create something that’s tailored perfectly to the vibe you’re going for.

We’ve put together the key things to keep in mind before your appointment—and to make life easier, we’ve made them collapsible so you can flip through quickly. I’m here to make this simple for you, not stressful 😉

Bring your ideas (in any form)

Bring whatever sparks your idea—Pinterest saves, screenshots, or even doodles on a napkin. It doesn’t have to be perfect; we’ll shape it together.

While you’re at it, think about where you’d like the tattoo to live—arm, ribs, back of your neck—having a spot in mind helps the conversation flow. And don’t be afraid to stay open to suggestions; sometimes the smallest tweaks in size or placement can make your tattoo last longer and look even better.

Lastly, keep a general budget in mind. You don’t need exact numbers, but knowing whether you’re leaning toward a smaller piece or a multi-session project makes planning that much smoother.

💡 Tip: Jot down your ideas or favorite reference images in one place—it makes the consultation way easier and keeps everything organized.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Your consultation is really just a relaxed chat, like hanging out with a friend who happens to make art for a living.

We’ll go over your ideas, ask a few questions, and start shaping a plan that feels right for you. We’ll make sure your design fits your style and our strengths, and cover all the little details like comfort, healing, and aftercare so there are no surprises later.

Pricing will be straightforward—we’ll give you an estimate, talk deposits, and get you booked if you’re ready. Most importantly, it’s about connection: getting to know each other, feeling comfortable, and making sure you’re excited and confident about moving forward with your tattoo.

💬 Remember: this is your time to ask questions, brainstorm, and really get a feel for the design and the vibe—no rush, no stress.

At the end of the day, getting a tattoo consultation isn’t as intimidating as it might seem. Don’t stress about reaching out or telling your artist exactly what you want—that’s literally what we’re here for. It’s your skin, your story, and your tattoo, and our job is to bring your vision to life in a way that feels right for you. So take a deep breath, trust the process, and know that with a good consultation, the whole experience is easier—and way more fun—than you expected.