5 Questions Your Tattoo Artist Will Ask You
Quick answer
At a tattoo consult, your artist will usually ask where on your body you want it, how big you're thinking, what your budget is, whether you have reference photos, and whether there's anything they should know, like allergies, skin conditions or medications. Come with a spot in mind, a rough size, an honest budget and a few references, and be open to your artist's suggestions.
A consult is a conversation, and the better you're prepared, the better your tattoo will be. Your artist is going to ask you a few things. Here are five to be ready for, from the chair.
1. Where on your body?
Why they ask: placement decides the size, the flow of the design and how it heals.
Bring: a spot in mind. Be open to: your artist's ideas on what fits that spot best. See 5 Tattoo Spots That Usually Hurt the Least and The 5 Hardest Places to Heal a Tattoo, Ranked.
2. How big?
Why they ask: size changes everything. Detail needs room, and lines that are packed too tight can blur together as a tattoo ages.
Bring: a rough size. Be open to: going a little bigger so the design holds up over the years.
3. What's your budget?
Why they ask: good tattoos aren't cheap, and that's okay. Knowing your budget helps your artist plan a design that fits it.
Bring: a real number, and be honest about it. Be open to: splitting a bigger piece into more than one session.
4. Do you have references?
Why they ask: a few photos go a long way toward showing the style, mood and details you like, and the ones you don't.
Bring: a few references. Be open to: a custom take. Don't expect a copy of someone else's tattoo. Your artist will make it yours.
5. Anything we should know?
Why they ask: allergies, skin conditions, medications or anything else that could affect your session or how you heal. It helps them keep you safe.
Bring: honest answers. Be open to: rescheduling if the timing isn't right, like if you're sick or your skin is irritated where you want the tattoo.
Consult checklist
| They'll ask | Bring | Be open to |
|---|---|---|
| Where on your body? | A spot in mind | Their suggestions |
| How big? | A rough size | Going bigger |
| What's your budget? | A real number | More than one session |
| Do you have references? | A few references | A custom take |
| Anything we should know? | Honest answers | Rescheduling if needed |
Great tattoos start with a good conversation
Know your spot, a rough size and your budget, bring a few references and be upfront about your health. Then let your artist do what they do best.
Got questions of your own? See 5 Questions to Ask Before You Book a Tattoo.
FAQ
What should I bring to a tattoo consultation?
A spot in mind, a rough size, an honest budget and a few reference photos. Be ready to share any allergies, skin conditions or medications too.
Should I tell my tattoo artist my budget?
Yes. Knowing your budget helps your artist plan a design that fits it, or split a bigger piece into more than one session.
Will my tattoo artist copy a tattoo from a photo?
Don't expect a copy of someone else's tattoo. References help show what you like, and your artist will create a custom take that's yours.
Why would a tattoo artist suggest going bigger?
Detail needs room. Going a little bigger can help the lines hold up as the tattoo ages.
Do I need to tell my artist about medications or allergies?
Yes. Allergies, skin conditions and medications can affect your session or healing, and sharing them helps your artist keep you safe.