What to Bring to Your Tattoo Consultation

Start with what matters to you

A tattoo consultation gives you and your artist a chance to talk through the idea, the placement and what it will take to make the piece. You can start with a subject, a memory or a rough sketch. For a realistic portrait tattoo, explain who or what you want to capture and whether there is an expression, pose or detail you especially want to keep.

If you are planning a full sleeve, bring a photo of your arm and point out any existing tattoos. Tell the artist which pieces should stay visible and whether you want the new design to connect them. That helps the artist consider the composition as a whole.

Choose references that explain your idea

Pick a few images and note what you like about each one. One might show the contrast you like in a black and grey tattoo, while another might show how a design wraps around the forearm. For portraits, send the clearest original photo you have and include alternatives if the face is partly in shadow or cropped. The references give your artist a starting point for an original design.

Browse Tisi’s tattoo portfolio for examples of portrait tattoos, sleeves and black and grey work. If you are still deciding how the idea should look, read our guide to choosing a tattoo style before you put your references together.

Talk about placement, timing and cost

Share where you want the tattoo and roughly how much space you are comfortable using. Ask when you will review the design, how many sessions the piece may need and what the estimate covers. If you are travelling to Fier for your tattoo, include your dates and confirm the appointment before booking travel around it.

When you are ready, send your tattoo enquiry to LondonInk Tattoo with your idea, preferred placement, references and available dates. The studio can use those details to talk through the design and appointment with you.