Choosing an artist
What Questions Should I Ask Before Getting a Tattoo?
6 min read · Updated August 2026
Two sets of questions matter: the ones you ask yourself, and the ones you ask the studio. Both are quick, and both prevent the kind of regret that laser clinics are built on.
Questions for yourself
Nobody else can answer these.
- Do I want this design, or do I want a tattoo and this is the first idea?
- Am I comfortable with this placement being visible at work or family events?
- Can I afford the piece plus a tip, and the time off training or swimming while it heals?
- Will this placement work with tattoos I might want later?
- Am I doing this for me, right now, and not to mark someone else's moment?
Questions for the artist
Feasibility and expectations.
- Will this design work at this size and placement?
- How will it age?
- How many sessions, and how long between them?
- How and when will I see the design, and can I request changes?
- Is this hourly or a flat price, and what's the estimate?
Questions for the studio
Process and standards.
- Are you licensed and inspected locally?
- Are needles single-use and opened in front of me?
- How much is the deposit and what happens if I reschedule?
- What's your touch-up policy and its time window?
- What aftercare do you provide, and is it included?
Health questions to raise unprompted
Tell the studio about medication, skin conditions, allergies, pregnancy or anything affecting bleeding and healing, even if the form doesn't ask precisely. If you're unsure whether a condition or medication is an issue, speak to a qualified healthcare professional before booking.
Write the answers down
Estimate, deposit amount, notice period, session count and touch-up window. Confirm them by message so both sides have a record. Good studios send this in the booking confirmation without being asked.
Built for tattoo studios
For studios: answer these before they're asked
Policies, quotes and consent forms in the booking flow mean clients arrive informed and confident.
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Frequently asked questions
- What should I ask before getting my first tattoo?
- Ask about feasibility at your chosen size and placement, how it will age, the total price and deposit terms, how many sessions it needs, and the studio's aftercare and touch-up policies.
- Is it okay to ask about hygiene?
- Absolutely. Professional studios expect it and answer plainly. Reluctance to discuss sterilisation is a reason to leave.
- Should I get the quote in writing?
- Yes. A written estimate with the deposit amount and reschedule terms prevents almost every awkward conversation later.