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TATTOO PROCESS & PREP

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THIS GUIDE INCLUDES : WHAT TO BRING, HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE APPOINTMENT AND WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY 

WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR APPOINTMENT

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  • ID & Payment
    Bring valid photo ID for verification. Payment is accepted via cash or Afterpay only.

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  • Comfortable Clothing
    Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows the artist easy access to the area being tattooed. Dark colours are recommended in case of ink transfer.

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  • Snacks & Drinks
    Especially for longer sessions, bring something to keep your energy up—think water, electrolyte drinks like Gatorade, fruit, or protein bars. (There is a cafe down stairs)

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  • Entertainment
    Feel free to bring headphones, a book, or a tablet to help pass the time. Just check with your artist about posture or movement during the session.

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  • Comfort Items
    A blanket or sweatshirt can help keep you warm and comfortable, especially if your session runs long.

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PRE APPOINTMENT CARE 

Whether it’s your first time or you're adding to your growing collection, a little preparation goes a long way. With our pre-care guide, you'll be equipped with all the tips you need to ensure your next tattoo session is smooth, comfortable, and sets the stage for optimal healing.

What To Do Before Your Appointment:

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  • Stay Hydrated
    Begin increasing your water intake a few days before your appointment. Well-hydrated skin is more resilient, making the tattooing process smoother and promoting optimal healing.

  • Get a Good Night’s Sleep
    Arrive well-rested. A full night’s sleep helps your body manage any discomfort during the session and supports your immune system throughout the healing process.

  • Clean Skin
    Please shower before your appointment and ensure the skin in the tattoo area is clean and free of lotions, oils, or perfumes.

  • Eat Well
    Have a nutritious meal the day before and on the day of your appointment. A well-fed body handles longer sessions better and keeps your energy stable.

What to Avoid Before Your Appointment:

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  • Avoid Alcohol
    Avoid alcohol for at least 24–48 hours before your session. It can thin the blood and lead to excessive bleeding during the tattoo.

  • Avoid/ Limit Caffeine
    Try to limit or avoid caffeine, as it may heighten sensitivity and may increase anxiety. 

  • Avoid Painkillers
    Avoid aspirin & ibuprofen before your appointment, as these can also thin the blood.

  • Avoid/ Reduce Sun Exposure
    Keep the area to be tattooed protected from the sun. Sunburned or overexposed skin cannot be tattooed.

  • Avoid Harsh Skincare Products
    Do not use strong exfoliants, scrubs, or active skincare ingredients on the area in the days leading up to your appointment.

APPOINTMENT DAY! (WHAT TO EXPECT)

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT 

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SEND IN YOUR REFERENCES 
Please send your reference photos to your artist via Instagram before booking so we can chat through your ideas and make sure we’re on the same page. include size, placement, and description 
If you’re thinking of making any changes, let us know as soon as possible so we can prepare accordingly.
Note: Major design changes may affect your appointment time and quote.

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DESIGN PROCESS
The day before your appointment, your artist will begin prepping your design.
Unless agreed upon prior, you may not receive a draft beforehand. Most artists prefer to finalise and tweak designs in person, where communication is clearer and more collaborative.
Don’t stress! There’s dedicated time in your appointment to discuss size and make small changes to your design to ensure everything feels just right.

 

DEPOSIT REQUIRED

A $50–$150 deposit is required to secure your booking. This amount will be deducted from the total cost at your appointment.
Please note: Deposits are non-refundable.
Make sure to read your artist’s full Terms & Conditions before booking.

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ON THE DAY  

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GIVE YOURSELF TIME 
Make sure you’ve allowed enough time to find parking and locate the studio. Our Welcome Guide will help you get there stress-free.
Please arrive on time for your appointment, but not more than 5 minutes early, as your artist may still be with another client.

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CONSULTATION & DESIGN FINALISATION
After filling out the consent form, you’ll have a quick chat with your artist to make any final design tweaks.

The final version shown to you will be a stencil, a simplified outline that acts as a guide for your artist. This is printed using a stencil machine that only creates outlines or simple guides (not full-detail drawings).

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Once you're happy with the design, your artist will print out various sizes to help you choose the best fit.

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STENCIL PLACEMENT 

Your artist will clean and shave the area before applying the stencil.

We want you to feel confident and comfortable, so let us know if you'd like to adjust the placement. We’re happy to move the stencil until it feels just right.

Once the design and placement are confirmed, tattooing begins.

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TATTOO PROCESS 

The stencil will dry for about 10–15 minutes before tattooing starts. Depending on placement, you may be sitting or lying down comfortably.

You're welcome to chat with your artist or listen to music, whatever helps you relax.
Need a break? Just let your artist know.

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DOES IT HURT?

Yes, tattooing involves tiny needles piercing the skin repeatedly, so there’s a little discomfort.

Pain levels vary from person to person, but many describe it as a scratching sensation. Most people adjust within the first few minutes.

Longer sessions may require breaks, just ask your artist if you need one.

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WRAPPING & AFTERCARE 

Once your tattoo is complete, your artist will protect it using either Glad Wrap or a Second Skin product.

They’ll walk you through the aftercare steps and provide a link to a full online guide.

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PAYMENT

Payment is made directly to your artist.
Please bring cash to your appointment.

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HEALING 

The healing process usually takes 2–4 weeks, but this can vary depending on your skin, tattoo placement, and how well aftercare is followed.

It’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your artist to ensure proper healing and the best long-term results.

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