Before your tattoo
How to Book a Tattoo Consultation
6 min read · Updated August 2026
A consultation is where a vague idea becomes a bookable job with a price and a date. Artists get dozens of vague messages a week; a clear enquiry gets a reply. Here's how to make yours easy to say yes to.
Find the right route in
Check the artist's profile or the studio site for a booking form or open-books announcement. Forms exist because they collect everything the artist needs in one go. Messaging on social media works, but expect slower replies.
What to include in your enquiry
Give the artist enough to quote and schedule without three rounds of questions.
- The idea in a couple of sentences
- Placement, and whether it's your first tattoo there
- Approximate size in cm or inches
- Two or three reference images — for direction, not to copy
- Your budget range and how flexible it is
- Days and times you can realistically attend
In-person, video or messages
In person is best for cover-ups, scar work and anything wrapping the body, because the artist needs to see and measure the skin. Video works for straightforward placements and out-of-town clients. For simple flash adaptations, a few messages may be all it takes.
What happens at the consult
You'll talk through feasibility, size, placement, style, how it will age, and the price range. Bring photos of the area and wear clothing that lets you show it. Ask everything you want to ask — this is the moment for it.
Booking the session
Consults usually end with a date and a deposit. The deposit holds your slot and typically comes off the final price, but is usually non-refundable if you cancel. Read the studio's cancellation and rescheduling policy before you pay.
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Frequently asked questions
- Are tattoo consultations free?
- Most are. Some studios charge a small fee that is redeemable against the tattoo, to filter out no-shows on custom projects.
- How long does a tattoo consultation take?
- Twenty to thirty minutes for most pieces; longer for large custom work or complex cover-ups.
- Will I see the design at the consultation?
- Usually not. Artists typically draw after the deposit is paid and often show the design on the day, or shortly before. Ask how the artist prefers to handle revisions.
- Can I consult with more than one artist?
- Yes, and for a big piece it's sensible. Be upfront about it and don't ask multiple artists to produce drawings for free.