12 Questions to Ask a Tattoo Artist Before Your First Session

Asking the right questions upfront saves time, money, and skin. Copy this list into your consultation message or bring it to your in-person sit-down.

Before you book 1. **Do you specialize in this style?** A great fine-line artist is not a great traditional artist. 2. **Can I see fully healed examples?** Fresh photos lie; healed work is the real portfolio. 3. **What is your deposit and cancellation policy?** Get it in writing. 4. **How long will the session run, and how many sessions total?** 5. **What is your hourly rate or flat fee, and what is included?** 6. **Do you draw the design before the day, or freehand on the skin?**

Before the appointment 7. **What should I do (and avoid) the night before?** 8. **Can I see the final stencil and adjust placement before the needle starts?** 9. **What ink brands and needle cartridges do you use?** Reputable answers: Eternal, Fusion, World Famous, Solid Ink, Kwadron, Cheyenne.

On the day 10. **What aftercare products do you recommend specifically for this placement?** 11. **When should I book the touch-up if I need one, and is it included?** 12. **Are you comfortable if I take breaks every 60–90 minutes?**

Red flags - No portfolio of **healed** work - Refusing to show licensing or autoclave records - Pressuring you to change the design or upsize on the day - Quoting cash-only with no deposit and no paperwork

Booking through a reputable platform like Tattoo Booking surfaces all of this upfront so you are not interrogating a stranger on day one.