1. Get lots of rest the night before. A well-rested mind and body, in my opinion, is beneficial.

2. Hydrate. Get lots of water and other fluids starting the day before. Do not consume alcohol in large quantities the night before, as well as prior to your tattoo session.

3. Clear your schedule. If you’re scheduled for a lengthy tattoo session, it’s best not to be in a rush. Your artist will be as prepared for your appointment as possible but allow him/her the opportunity to make adjustments and corrections to your design, if need be. This may add an extra 30 mins or more, but when it comes to wearing something on your skin for the rest of your life, what’s the rush?

4. Eat a meal about an hour or two prior to your session. Be as health conscious as possible and choose foods that you personally digest well to limit discomfort.

5. Dress accordingly. Don’t wear your Sunday’s best, as the tattoo procedure can be messy. There will definitely be blood and bodily fluids, as well as tattoo pigment that may soil your clothing. Make sure to wear clothes that allow your tattoo artist access to the desired area as easily as possible. When possible, dress warmly as the Tattoo Studio gets pretty cold. Bring a junk beach towel if necessary to blanket yourself if need be.

6. Bring drinks and snacks for yourself to aid in keeping your energy up. The Studio has a water dispenser and single use cups. If you prefer to drink other beverages go ahead and do so. We have a small refrigerator that you can use to keep drinks and snacks cold if need be.

7. Don’t forget your phone and listening devices. If you’re scheduled for a long session and prefer to zone out rather than chat with your artist, make sure your devices are charged and have your earphones ready. Or if you’re old school, bring your latest reading material.

8. Take breaks only when necessary. It’s best to get as much work done uninterrupted, but if you need a bathroom, stretch, or mental break, feel free to ask your artist.

9. Prior to your Tattoo appointment, you will be emailed our preferred method of aftercare. If you need to purchase products from your local drugstore such as creams, lotions, or soap, go ahead and do so prior to your appointment. This way, you don’t have to worry about that stuff once you’re done being tattooed. I mean, who wants to go to Walmart after enduring 4-5 hours of pain?

10. Lastly, you’re probably going to be spent after your session. Give yourself some grace and relax. Go home, eat a meal, start your aftercare procedure, and get some rest. Your body will have just undergone some traumatic stress from receiving your tattoo. Rest will help your body get back to homeostasis as soon as possible.

*BONUS TIP* -Don’t get a sunburn on the area to be tattooed. Sunburnt skin tends to bleed more, which will affect the outcome of your tattoo, and it will also raise the level of discomfort.