Consultations

  • show up on time
  • come prepared with reference materials
  • keep the "meaning / why u r getting the tatto" to yourself
  • present your thought process on the piece
    • location
    • size
    • color vs black/gray
    • must haves
  • THEN SHUT UP AND LISTEN
    • the artist will give feedback
    • LISTEN and go with their PROFESSIONAL opinion...they do this EVERY DAY
    • if you have chosen a solid artist they will want the best possilbe piece...not just apease the client
    • Make adjustments as needed
    • Remember - you can't fit 10 pounds of shit in a 5 pound bag!
  • make your appointment and place a deposit
  • Let the countdown begin

Appointment Prep

Day before
  • Shave as needed
  • Get a good night sleep
  • CALL IF YOU ARE SICK
Day of
  • SHOWER before appointment
  • use DEODORANT
  • SHAVE - stubble check
  • EAT
  • If using numbing cream apply 2 hours before appointment - cover with plastic
  • DRESS comfortable
    • always assume anything you wear to the appointment WILL get ink on it
  • CALL IF YOU ARE SICK

Appointment

Do's
  • show up 5 minutes early to get checked in
  • have a valid ID on you
  • Items to bring
    • headphones
    • blanket
    • pillow
    • snack - (candy/granola bar, apple, grapes)
    • water / apple juice
    • form of payment
  • tips r cool
Dont's
  • show up late / not at all
  • be hungover
  • smell like Satan's ass
  • wear any cologne / perfume
  • have changes to the planned piece
  • bring anyone under 18...really just don't bring anyone period
  • show up sick
    • ...tough to pull a line if you are coughing every minute or so
    • your heal will take longer
  • take excessive breaks (smoke, restroom, etc.)

After Care

Day Of
  • GO HOME AND REST - your immune system is stressed
  • Elevate and Ice
  • Nanopraxen to help with swelling
Week 1
  • Adhesive film covered healing
    • Second Skin
    • Saniderm
  • Open air healing
    • keep tattoo lightly covered with a medicated petrolyum based salve (Bacitracin/Aquaphor)
    • DO NOT rub - if must cover with clothing use plastic-wrap to reduce irritation and keep moisturized
  • If itchy pat the area
  • NO baths (10 days), swimming (pool/hot tub 14 days, lake/ocean 21 days)
Week 2
  • Keep tattoo moisturized
    • Tattoo balm
    • Shea Cocoa Butter loiton
  • NO baths (10 days), swimming (pool/hot tub 14 days, lake/ocean 21 days)
Long Term
  • SUNSCREEN
    • keep covered / shaded
    • hats, spf protection clothing
  • Lotion daily

Consultations

  • offer solutions

Appointment Prep

Day before
  • have stencil ready
  • have references ready
Day of
  • prep work station as much as possible
  • show up on time

Appointment

Do's
  • know what piece you are working on
  • set up reference materials
  • have tattoo station ready
Dont's
  • don't be a 🍆
  • complain
  • show up late / not at all
  • be hungover
  • smell like Satan's ass
  • wear any cologne / perfume
  • take excessive breaks (smoke, restroom, etc.)
  • show up sick

Appointment Follow-up

  • give your first timers a call and see how things are going
  • reminder on after-care best practices

Business Operations

  • Tax planning
  • Documentation