Before your tattoo
Tattoo Consultation Questions to Ask
6 min read · Updated August 2026
Nobody minds a client who asks questions. Artists would far rather clear things up at the consult than discover a misunderstanding when the stencil is already on. Here's a list worth taking with you.
About the design
This is where most misunderstandings start.
- Is this design achievable at this size and placement?
- How will it age in five or ten years?
- When will I see the drawing, and how many changes can I request?
- Would you change anything about the composition?
- Will it need to be adapted for the body's curves?
About money
Ask plainly. Good studios answer plainly.
- Is this hourly or a flat price, and what's the estimate?
- How much is the deposit and does it come off the total?
- What happens to the deposit if I need to reschedule?
- Do you take cards, and can I tip on the card?
- Is there a shop minimum?
About the session
Ask how long the sitting will be, how many sessions the piece needs, how far apart they should be, and how breaks are handled. If you have a medical condition, medication or allergies, raise it here rather than on the day.
About hygiene and materials
A professional studio will be happy to answer.
- Are needles single-use and opened in front of me?
- How is equipment sterilised?
- What inks do you use, and can you tell me the brand if I have sensitivities?
- Is the studio licensed and inspected locally?
About afterwards
Ask what aftercare method the artist recommends, what wrap they use, whether supplies are included, and what the touch-up policy is — whether touch-ups are free, within what window, and what would void that.
Built for tattoo studios
For studios: answer it once, in writing
Publish your deposit, reschedule and touch-up policies inside the booking flow so every client sees them before paying.
$29.99/month per studio · unlimited artists · 7-day free trial
Frequently asked questions
- Is it rude to ask a tattoo artist about price?
- Not at all. Price, deposit and policy questions are routine, and a professional will give you clear answers before you commit.
- Can I ask to see healed work?
- Yes, and you should. Healed photos show how an artist's linework and shading actually settle, which fresh photos can't.
- What if I don't like the design?
- Say so at the drawing stage, specifically and politely. Most artists allow revisions. Once the stencil is on and you've approved it, changes get much harder.
Keep reading
- How to Book a Tattoo Consultation
- What Questions Should I Ask Before Getting a Tattoo?
- Tattoo Touch-Up Policy: What to Expect