Things to Know and How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment
Getting a tattoo isn’t just about grabbing something off Pinterest or going to your cousin’s friend because they’re “really good.” Choosing your design and your artist are the two most important decisions you’ll make, whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth.
Here’s what you should know before you commit:
1. Choose the Right Tattoo Design and Placement
Your tattoo is (ideally) going to be on your body forever. So don’t rush this part. I’ve lost count of how many people have come into my Vancouver studio years later with that “why did I do this?” look, asking me to cover or fix a tattoo they got on impulse.
Sometimes an impulsive tattoo turns out fine. I’ve got a buddy who walked into a shop drunk in Vegas and came out with a random skull and rose tattoo he still loves 15 years later. But that’s the exception. More often, I’m sending people to the laser clinic. And laser is brutal: slow, painful, and way more expensive than the tattoo itself.
My advice:
Take your time.
Do your research.
Don’t get tattooed drunk (yes, I’ve had clients try this).
And if you think you might want larger tattoos down the road, like sleeves, back pieces, be strategic. Don’t fill up the “money spots” (outer forearm, upper arm, calf) with random flash that blocks you later. That little heart on your lower forearm might seem harmless now, but when you’re building a full sleeve in five years, it could be a problem.
2. Research and Choose the Right Tattoo Artist
Instagram is a great starting point, but remember: it’s curated. Filters, lighting tricks, and even Photoshop are everywhere. Look for healed photos, and if you can, see someone’s tattoo in person.
Better yet, ask another tattooer. We’re usually honest about who’s solid and who isn’t. Don’t just rely on your friend’s opinion unless your friend is also a tattooer.
Here’s what matters most:
Find someone who specializes in the style you want.
Expect to wait. Good artists are booked out for a reason.
Be wary of artists showing every style under the sun in their portfolio. Mastery in one style takes years.
When I started, it took me years of mistakes, practice, and discipline to even feel confident in Japanese work. Lately in Vancouver there’s been a flood of hobbyists and part time tattooers offering cheap deals out of makeshift studios. I’ve fixed enough of those “cheap deals” to last me a lifetime. Trust me, a lot of these small tattoos you think are easy and that anyone can do are lot harder than you think.
Red flag: if an artist says yes to doing a style you don’t see in their portfolio. Walk away.
3. Understand the Tattoo Process
This isn’t Ink Master. You’re not walking in for a full dragon sleeve in one sitting.
For custom work, it usually starts with a consultation. You’ll bring your ideas, talk placement and style, and the artist will give feedback. If it’s a fit, you book the tattoo, sometimes weeks or months out.
For larger work, your first session might just be stencil and linework. Shading, color, and detail usually happen later. Be patient. Good tattoos take time.
I once had a client try to push me into “just doing it faster” so they could get their sleeve done in two sessions. That’s not how this works. I’d rather take my time and make sure it’s right than rush something that’s going to be with you forever.
4. Prepare Your Body Before Your Appointment
Think of it like training for a big workout. You don’t show up hungover and half-asleep.
Eat a solid meal.
Drink water.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Skip the booze the night before.
Dress for the area being tattooed.
You wouldn’t believe how often clothing gets in the way. I had one client show up in skinny jeans for a calf tattoo, no underwear, so the pants were staying on. no i’m not joking. We had to roll the jeans up so high the pants were cutting in it their leg like a tunicate. Not ideal. Save yourself (and your artist) the hassle.
Bring snacks if it’s a long session. And don’t be shy about asking for breaks. We know it’s not easy sitting there.
5. Pain Is Part of It — But It’s Tolerable
Yes, tattoos hurt. No, it’s not the end of the world.
Pain depends on placement, style, and your own tolerance. Some clients sit like a rock through a full-day blackout session. Others tap out 30 minutes into a forearm tattoo. Neither is wrong, it’s just different pain thresholds.
I work almost exclusively in large-scale Japanese pieces, so I see it all: some people breeze through, others struggle from session to session. Even I’m not the best at sitting for tattoos, but I get through it. If I can, you can.
If you want details on placement and pain levels, check out my separate blog here: Does It Hurt to Get a Tattoo?
6. Follow Aftercare Instructions
A beautifully executed tattoo can be trashed in a week if you don’t care for it properly.
Follow the aftercare your artist gives you. Every artist has slightly different methods, but the basics are always the same:
Keep it clean.
Don’t soak it.
Don’t scratch or pick.
Keep it out of the sun.
Wear loose clothing.
Think of it as a wound. Because it is.
For a full breakdown of each stage, check my blog on healing here: How Long Does it Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal?
7. Healing Takes Time
Your tattoo will look amazing, then dull, then flaky, then cloudy. That’s normal.
The stages go something like this:
Fresh and vibrant
Red and sore
Peeling and itchy (the ugly phase)
Dull and cloudy
Settled and fully healed
Don’t panic. Give it time, and it’ll settle in.
8. Don’t Cheap Out
A good tattoo isn’t cheap, and a cheap tattoo isn’t good.
If an artist charges $1,500 for a full day, you’re not just paying for six hours. You’re paying for years of experience, training, and dedication that made them efficient and clean.
I’ve had clients try to bargain with me: “My buddy got the same thing for half the price.” Cool, then go to your buddy. Bargaining doesn’t get you better tattoos.
This is art. It’s permanent. Save, wait, and invest in it.
Final Thoughts
Getting a tattoo is a big deal. It’s permanent, intimate, and when done right, one of the best investments you’ll ever make in yourself.
So take it seriously:
Don’t rush.
Do your research.
Pick the right artist.
Prepare your body.
Respect the process.
Take care of it after.
A little effort goes a long way, and if you do it right, even your grandma might love it.
FAQs
Is there an age requirement to get a tattoo?
In most places, you need to be at least 18. Some regions allow parental consent earlier, but I personally don’t tattoo under-18 clients.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, one. Not five. This isn’t a party. The focus should be between you and your artist.
What if I change my mind later?
That’s what laser removal is for, but it sucks. Painful, expensive, and inconsistent. Better to take your time upfront and be sure.
Is it safe to get tattooed while pregnant or on medication?
Talk to your doctor. I don’t tattoo pregnant clients, and if you’re on meds or have health issues, get cleared first.
