If you’re about to get your first tattoo you might not know what to expect. Here are some helpful tips:
Firstly, it’s extremely important that you do your research to find the right tattooist for you. What style to they specialise in? How much experience do they have? Look though their gallery to see if you like their style, what is the quality of their work like? A lot of tattooists heavily photoshop their photos these days so be mindful of that also. We do not over-saturate our photos so they are a true representation of our work.
Once you have found the right tattooist for you, it’s time to get in contact with them and email through your ideas. Give them as much detail as possible so they can calculate how many sessions you’ll need (please keep in mind this is an approximate due to the variables in tattooing). Including where you’d like the tattoo to be placed, the size of the tattoo and a photo of the area to be tattooed.
If you are having an old tattoo lasered before getting some cover work done, please contact us and we’ll refer you to a reputable laser specialist.
After the tattooist has established approximately how many sessions you’ll need, then a deposit and drawing fee is to be paid to book your dates (see Terms & Conditions). We also book you in for a free design consultation to resolve your tattoo ideas, this usually takes around an hour. Bring along hard copies of your ideas or files on a USB, a tracing of the area on your body where you want the tattoo is taken to work out the correct size.
After the consultation Clare will sketch a draft design, then we’ll book you in for a fitting – usually a week or two before we begin your tattoo sessions. In the fitting session we’ll make sure the placement and size of the design is correct and make any adjustments necessary. After the fitting session Clare draws the final stencil ready for tattooing.
If you love Clare’s work but don’t have a design already in mind, she will create a custom made tattoo design for you. Please note that Clare does not copy any other tattooist’s work. All of her work is custom and drawn freehand to suit, unless it is from a photo – a person’s portrait for example.
On the day of your tattoo session it’s very important to have had a good night’s sleep and a substantial meal two hours before the appointment. But please DO NOT:
- Consume drugs or alcohol within 24 hours of getting tattooed
- Wax or shave the area prior to the appointment
- Get sunburnt and/or have peeling skin
If you become unwell close to your appointment (including cold and flu) please contact your tattooist ASAP as they won’t tattoo you if you’re sick. Don’t leave it until the day of your appointment!
Don’t forget to read your tattooist’s Terms & Conditions as well. It’s common practice for you to pay by cash on the day of your tattoo session, before they begin your tattoo.
Don’t forget that tattoos are a life long investment. It’s important to look after them properly (learn how to care for your tattoo here). Make sure you do your research and find a skilled and experienced tattooist whose style you love, and have a great tattooing experience!
