How to Book Your First Tattoo Appointment

Getting your first tattoo is exciting but the process can also be a bit intimidating as you are not sure what to expect. In fact, simply booking the first appointment may seem overwhelming. However, if you follow these simple steps, booking that first appointment will be much easier at Oracle Tattoo Gallery.

Get an Idea of What You Want

Before you make that first appointment, you want to have at least an idea of the style of tattoo you want. By having an idea of the design, you can review previous work by a tattoo artist to see if their style fits your needs. Keep in mind that artists in Philadelphia tattoo shops are like every other type of artist, each has their own artistic style.

Find an Artist or Studio

The first step in booking a tattoo appointment is to find the right artist or studio. You can do a search for “local tattoo shops near me” in order to find studios in your area. Check the profiles of the various artists in the shop to find one whose work best matches the style of tattoo you want. Be sure to read any reviews that are posted on the website as well.

Closed Book

When you are ready to book the appointment, there are a few things you need to understand. When viewing a website, you may come across an artist with a “closed” book. This means that the artist is not taking new appointments at this time. This often happens when an artist is in high demand, leading them to close their appointment books for a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years. When they catch up on appointments, they will open the book up again.

Booking the Appointment

In many cases, Philadelphia tattoo shops have a “book now” button on their website. When you click that button, it may give you the option to choose the artist you prefer. However, many tattoo shops, like Oracle Tattoo Gallery, prefer to schedule a consultation with you before you book your appointment. In that case, you will schedule an appointment to discuss the tattoo you want with the artist before they complete the tattoo. In some cases, the consultation can be completed using email or by telephone before the first appointment to begin the tattoo process is scheduled.

Walk-In Tattoos

Some tattoo studios do allow you to walk in and get a tattoo, although more and more studios are requiring appointments. This is especially important if you are requesting a custom tattoo as those take longer to complete. A flash tattoo, artwork that the tattoo artist has already created, can be completed faster than a custom tattoo. Flash tattoos are usually found on the walls or in books within the shop. These may also be small, generic tattoos like hearts and butterflies that can be done quickly.

Prices and Deposits

The price of your tattoo will depend on several factors, including the size of the tattoo, coloring, how elaborate the tattoo is, where it will be placed, and more. Flash tattoos often have a fixed price while custom tattoos are usually priced using the artist’s hourly rate. Tattoo prices are rarely negotiable, although some artists will try to work within your budget. Keep in mind that negotiating a lower price may result in your tattoo being less intricate than you wanted. It is important to remember that tattoo artists are artisans similar to other craftspeople and their hourly rate reflects their value and talent. The artist may ask for a deposit, especially if your tattoo is very complex as this holds your place on their calendar and demonstrates that you are serious about getting the tattoo.

Prepare for the Appointment

Once you have booked the tattoo appointment, you need to prepare. Be sure to be well-hydrated and bring a bottle of water with you. Eat and sleep well the day before the appointment. Don’t go to the appointment on an empty stomach as you may be in the chair for several hours. Treat your skin like a canvas by preparing it for the new artwork. Shower and moisturize before the appointment. Do not drink alcohol prior to getting the tattoo. Some artists will refuse to complete a tattoo if you are under the influence. Plan the session for a time when you won’t be rushed.

Preparing for Pain

Understand that no matter where you place the tattoo, the process will be painful, although tattoo pain is rarely excruciating. It is often described as bee stings or a slight burning sensation. Areas of the body with little skin, like the top of a foot, over the ankle bone, or the lower back are usually more painful than fleshier areas like the shoulder, upper arm, or stomach.

After Care

You will need to have a few supplies on hand after your tattoo is completed, so it is recommended you pick them up prior to the appointment. An antibacterial ointment, such as A&D, Dexeryl, Saniderm, or Neosporin, should be applied for several days to avoid infection. Once the tattoo begins to heal, you can use other types of lotion to prevent drying of the skin over the tattoo. Some studios hand out a care packet that includes the items you need for the first few days, but if they don’t it is good to have these things on hand.

Getting your first tattoo can be exciting and thrilling, but nerve-wracking as well. These simple tips will help you set up that first appointment and be prepared for the new artwork on your skin.