How To Book A Tattoo Appointment – Beginner’s Guide In 2023

Tattoos are wonderful pieces of art, but they also take up a lot of time to actually do. Art should never be rushed so that is why it is always best to contact a tattoo artist or tattoo shop to set up a tattoo appointment. But how to book a tattoo appointment and what are the steps you need to take to book them?

A tattoo appointment is key for your tattoo. It gives a timeline for you to get prepared for the big day that you will get a tattoo. It will also transfer the idea of getting the tattoo to actually get the tattoo itself. But before you book an appointment, there are some things that you should know on how to book one and what are the things you need to give to the artist. Your first step to getting a tattoo starts here with learning how to book a tattoo appointment!

Key Takeaways

• You might think that a tattoo shop will accept a walk-in customer, but there are certain conditions for such a client.
• There are a few ways to book a tattoo appointment so you should learn how to do it in different ways to be successful in making the appointment.
• Before getting the appointment, it might benefit you to get a tattoo consultation first before booking the tattoo appointment.
• For the big day, learn the things that you need to do so you are better prepared for the tattoo appointment.

Are Walk-In Tattoos Possible?

While some shops do allow walk-in tattoos, not all shops will do a same-day tattoo. This is especially the case for tattoos that are custom-made and that the artist has no idea about. They will need to see the design beforehand and talk it out with you first.

The tattoo shops that do accept walk-in customers, will ask them to pick out a design from their catalog instead of asking you to give a design. These catalog photos of previous tattoos that an artist has done so they are more comfortable in doing that type of tattoo.

So if you are looking for a custom design tattoo or a very large tattoo, you can forget about a walk-in tattoo. It is always best to contact the tattoo shop before you visit them. That way you can talk about the tattoo you want with them and set up an appointment at a later date.

4 Ways to Book Your Tattoo Appointment

A tattoo shop won’t know anything about you without having contact, so be sure to approach a tattoo shop. This can be done in many different ways.

Booking through their website

Now that everything is online, most tattoo shops and artists have their own websites. On their website, you can find a place where it will tell you in a big red button to “Book Now”. This can be a good way of booking your tattoo appointment.

Email the tattoo artist

The booking system on websites might be a little lackluster at times, so it is always better to email the tattoo artist or tattoo shop about an appointment. Remember this is a formal email so be as cordial as possible.

In the email, you should have a subject line like “Tattoo Booking Request” so that the shop or artist knows what the email will be about. Greet the artist in the opening lines and then move on to the components of your tattoo and its design. While mentioning the tattoo style is not necessary, you could always mention the style you would prefer. That way the artist knows that it is a style they are comfortable in.

Next, you will have to mention the size and placement of the tattoo. It is better to give exact measurements or at least a rough estimation of the size so that your tattoo artist knows what they are dealing with. Mention the days or dates you are available to get the tattoo so that the artist can book you on those days if they are free.

If you have any questions, then you should definitely ask them in the email too! Make sure that the questions are short and simple so that they can be answered very quickly in the email. Lastly, leave your name and contact details at the end of the email so that the artist knows how to contact you. Do make sure to attach the reference images for your tattoo so the tattoo artist has a rough idea of the design you will want.

If you receive a reply, apply accordingly and this will be the perfect time to get a quote for a price.

Here is a sample email that you should write for a tattoo artist:

Subject: Tattoo Appointment Booking Request

Calling the shop

Sometimes a tattoo artist is so overloaded with emails that they might not reply to yours in the time that you want. Instead, it would be helpful to call the shop where the tattoo artist is working and schedule a time to meet them. It could save a whole lot of trouble as talking in person is better than miscommunication through email. If they don’t pick up the call, it is better to leave a voice message on their answering machine so that they can get back to you at a later time when they are free instead.

Visiting the shop

And what is better than calling is actually going to the shop and talking to the members of the tattoo shop directly. You should be courteous and let them know by email or calling them ahead of time that you want to visit the shop in person to talk about setting up an appointment for a later date. That way you can actually get to talk to them before the actual appointment in what is known as a tattoo consultation.

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What You Need for the Tattoo Consultation

All of the above-mentioned parts are good ways to book an appointment, where the last one is probably the best way to do so. Getting a tattoo consultation can be helpful to the artist and you to hash out the design and other choices about the tattoo. So with all of that said, let’s get you prepared for the tattoo consultation.

• Bring references: when you are talking to the artist, make sure you bring references of the type of tattoo you want to be done. While they will not copy someone else’s tattoo, it can give them an idea of how the tattoo will look like.
• Come on time: a tattoo consultation is important so be sure to arrive early so that you can talk to your tattoo artist with ample time.
• Research the shop: try to know as much about the artist that shop you chose and look through their portfolio properly. Also, get to know their consultation policies before arriving there.
• Prepare any question you have: This can be anything related to your actual tattoo appointment itself! So ask about the pain, size and placement, color of the tattoo, style, budget, cancellation policies, pricing, and if a tapout tattoo is doable or not. Leave no questions behind for your consultation. It will be the only time you have before the big day!

While a tattoo shop is more than happy to accept a walk-in consultation, it is better to know beforehand if they charge for the consultation themselves. I know some shops do ask for money to book a consultation so make sure to know if you are required to do so.

The consultation can be the place where you might just be able to book an appointment with the tattoo artist if they are available on a date that you are free. If the consultation is successful, then the artist will ask for a deposit to book them for the specified date of the tattoo appointment. So make sure you have money on hand for the deposit. It can range from 100$ to 300$, so be sure to bring your card or cash when you are coming in for the consultation.

Tips to Prepare for the Tattoo Appointment Day

Now that you have had your consultation, gotten a date for your tattoo appointment, and made all the necessary deposits, it is now time to prepare for the big day.

Here are 12 things you can do to help with preparing for the tattoo appointment:

1. Don’t haggle for lower prices.
2. Dress appropriately for the appointment; wear loose clothing.
3. Shower and shave the area where you are getting a tattoo; don’t use scents and moisturizers. The tattoo artist might do the shaving for you as well so be sure to know about that before coming in for the appointment.
4. Don’t bring a large group of people to the shop; bring a close friend if you want.
5. Don’t drink 24 hours before the appointment.
6. Have a healthy meal before the appointment.
7. Bring water so you stay hydrated during the session.
8. Avoid blood thinning medications.
9. Arrive early so that your tattoo artist can start preparing the materials and equipment.
10. Don’t distract the artist; you can talk to them while they are working but make sure that they are comfortable too.
11. Be sure to tip about 20 to 30% of the total cost; tipping is an industry-standard.
12. Don’t forget to bring cash or your card!

FAQs

How far of a date should a tattoo appointment be?

It is better to have at least 3 days to a week before your tattoo appointment. This gives you all the time to prepare. Appointments months ahead of time could be difficult because you never know if that date you will actually be free or not!

How quickly can I get a tattoo appointment?

The quickest time you can get a tattoo appointment will be dependent on your time and the artist’s time. If both of you are free on a specific date and time, then booking the appointment will be very easy!

Should I shave before a tattoo?

Shaving the area is important so that the artist has a clear canvas to work on. Most artists will shave the area for you right before tattooing. That way there is no hair and it is done the way the artist wants.

Final Thoughts

With this, you can be sure of making and finalizing your tattoo appointment for your tattoo! It can be pretty daunting if you have never made a tattoo appointment before so it is always better to go to the tattoo shop and ask for a booking instead. I know most people feel that is not the correct way to do so but it is the easiest way you can talk to your artist before the big day and talk about the design that you want. Regardless, call or email the shop before you visit them!

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