Tips For Booking Your Very First Tattoo Appointment

Are you ready for your first tattoo appointment? You might be nervous or anxious about that first session. However, there is nothing to fear. Setting up and preparing for your first tattoo is easier than ever. Here are a couple of tips to easily book your first tattoo appointment.

Navigate the Booking Process

When you are ready to schedule your first tattoo session, you want to follow a few steps. First, you need to visit the studios’ websites. Almost all local Philadelphia tattoo shops will have a website that includes the details to make a reservation. Follow those instructions to avoid any misunderstandings. On some sites, you may notice a portal where you can enter specific information for the appointment. If there is no website, head over to their social media. Many tattoo artists will add their details to those pages.

Sometimes, your preferred gallery might not have a website, or there is no portal or form to schedule an appointment. With that, you can always call them at the shop. Tattoo artists and shop owners will be happy to talk to you. By calling, you can have all of your questions answered. Keep in mind that many small shops are busy. You may need to leave a message, but you will have the call returned in a day. You can also stop by and set up an appointment in person. Some shops will want to meet with you in a face-to-face situation.

By stopping by the parlor, you can check out the cleanliness of the space. Plus, this method gives you time to talk to the artist and discuss any design ideas you want for your new tattoo. Some studios do not have walk-in appointments, but you should never be afraid to stop in for a chat. These studios will happily talk to you and set up a new tattoo booking. Never feel intimidated by the process. A friendly and professional shop will always want to discuss a new appointment with their clients.

Before setting up an appointment, you may want to schedule a quick tattoo consultation. A small chat can ensure that all parties want to move forward in the process. With these pre-consultation conversations, you will be able to schedule your first appointment.

What Is a Tattoo Consultation?

Is a tattoo consultation necessary? Yes, you want to discuss the details of your tattoo with your artist. You can talk about your options and what you want from the tattoo in a quick conversation. Take this time to discuss the tattoo’s positioning on your body, the color and size, the design, the timeline of the sessions, and costs. At the end of the consultation, you can get ready for your first tattoo.

Price and Deposit

After setting up the scheduled appointment, you will have to get down to the basics: the deposit and cost. While some people are always looking for a good deal, remember that tattoos are an art form and are not cheap. If you want the best quality, don’t try to bargain with the tattoo artist. Once you have agreed on the costs with the artist, you never want to ask for a lower price. Remember that the artist has years of training and skills to give you the best tattoo for your body. Trying to negotiate is not a good look for you and could create hard feelings with the artist. Most artists already have a fair price for their work. Along with that, you should be prepared to put down a deposit. Some tattoo galleries will want you to pay a deposit so that there is a guarantee that you will show up for the appointment. Unfortunately, many people schedule a session, fail to show up, and waste the artist’s time. Not showing up will take away from the artist’s income.

Preparing for the Session

You can do a few things to make the first session easier for you and the artist. Make sure you are hydrated before the appointment. Don’t go drinking heavily before the session. Alcohol can thin out the blood. When you are well hydrated, it is better for your pain management. In addition, you will want to have a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious meal. While you may be nervous and not want to eat, sitting in a session with an empty stomach for several hours can make for a miserable experience. From the same standpoint, you will want to have plenty of sleep. Since this is your first tattoo, you don’t know how your body will react.

With that in mind, you will want to be physically prepared for the session. Unfortunately, many tattoos will be painful. For that reason, you will want to prepare for the tattoo experience. You can manage your response to pain by going in with the right mindset. Knowing that you will experience pain can also help address pre-sessional anxiety. Many people feel nervous about their first appointment. Remember that everyone responds to pain differently, but there are few ways to take care of those first-time jitters. You might want to skip anything that can cause extra anxiety, including caffeine, energy drinks, or sugary beverages. With that, you can have a calm mindset before heading to the shop.

Wrapping Up

When it comes time to book your first tattoo session, it can be intimidating for a first-timer. Setting up an appointment can be as easy as entering your information into a portal or picking up the phone. Reputable and experienced tattoo shops will be happy to answer any questions. By following these tips, you can get your dream tattoo. With the right help and advice, you can have a high-quality piece of art that will last many years.

Looking for local tattoo shops near me?

Reach out to Oracle Tattoo Gallery. We have been in business since 2020, and our artists deliver high-quality, professional tattoos in various styles. We will be happy to discuss your concerns regarding your first-time appointment. Schedule an appointment by calling 215-638-1601 today.