Preparing for your appointment
Keep your skin well moisturized in the week(s) leading up to your tattoo. This prepares the skin for tattooing and makes it easier for the ink to easily enter the skin.
Get a good night’s sleep before your appointment date. Your body benefits from being well-rested.
Stay hydrated! Water is always important.
Eat something substantial on the day of your tattoo, and feel free to bring snacks/candy to munch on, especially for larger tattoos/longer sessions. This helps to keep your blood sugar levels from dropping while we’re doin’ the consensual stabs.
Try to refrain from drinking alcohol 24 hours prior to your appointment. Alcohol thins your blood which causes you to bleed more, and tattoos can feel more painful and heal poorly if you come in hungover.
Avoid blood-thinning medication when possible/applicable.
Taking ibuprofen before your appointment can be helpful with keeping the swelling and inflammation down!
other things to consider
If you are feeling apprehensive or nervous in any way about your upcoming appointment, you aren’t alone. It can seem like an intimidating experience, even if it isn’t your first tattoo! However, there are some useful things to keep in mind when coming in for your appointment.
In my personal experience as both an artist and a client, sitting well for a tattoo largely comes down to being mentally prepared and keeping your mind off of the pain whenever possible.
With me as your artist, conversation and chatting is always welcome!
It can also be helpful to bring headphones to listen to your favorite music or watch something on your phone to give yourself something else to focus on.
Feel free to bring a friend along for moral support and company.
Before we begin, you’ll be able to choose from a whole selection of cute fidget rings, squishy toys, stress balls, and worry stones if you would like something to hold or squeeze to help distract your brain. It might seem silly, but it truly does help!
Your consent and comfort is my top priority 100% of the time and I will never pressure you to sit longer than you feel you can, get a design you don’t like, place a stencil somewhere you’re unhappy with, etc. I want to make your time in my booth enjoyable and memorable. Getting tattooed isn’t just about the final product, it’s also about the experience!