Appointment Information

Before booking an appointment, you must read, understand, and agree to the booking terms and processes outlined across the ‘General Information’, ‘Appointment Information’, and ‘Aftercare’ pages.

By booking, you confirm your agreement to these terms. If anything is unclear, contact me via email before proceeding.

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Client Responsibilities

Booking an appointment means you accept responsibility for being prepared - before, during, and after. Your responsibilities include:

Before Your Appointment:

These begin as soon as you book your appointment:

  • Set reminders for your appointment date and time in your calendar/s.

  • Arrange transport, childcare, time off work, sport/training breaks, etc. to remove any scheduling conflicts that may forfeit your deposit and appointment.

  • Flag or pin our email thread so you can easily find it for follow-ups - don’t start a new thread.

  • Care for your skin and health. Poor condition of either will directly affect the tattoo and healing process. At a minimum, you must:

    • Avoid direct sun exposure, as it damages your skin and can reduce the quality of your tattoo.

    • Use and reapply SPF50+ daily to areas exposed to sunlight (e.g. driving, walking outside, sitting near windows, outdoor adventures and errands).

    • Moisturise at least once a day (twice is better) to improve your skin hydration and barrier function.

    • Exfoliate 1-2 times a week with a liquid or chemical exfoliant to remove the buildup of dead skin cell.

    • Stay hydrated - drink water consistently every day.

    • Understand that arriving with sunburn or wounds (e.g. scrapes, cuts) in the tattoo area may forfeit your appointment and deposit.

The Night Before:

  • No alcohol. Drinking can increase bleeding during the tattoo, which can force the appointment to end early.

  • Get a good nights sleep.

  • Shave the area if you can do so safely. If you’re unsure or think you might cut yourself don’t attempt it - I’ll handle it on the day.

On The Day:

  • What to bring:

    • Payment and valid photo ID (e.g. drivers licence, passport).

    • Headphones, your phone, and tablet or book - something to help you zone out.

    • Chargers for any device you’ll be using.

    • Water and a sugary snack/drink in case you feel faint.

    • Oral painkillers or any prescribed medication you require.

  • What to do:

    • Eat a proper meal. You’ll need the energy and blood sugar stability.

    • Shower, apply deodorant, and wear appropriate clothing (details below).

    • Check your emails - I may ask you to come in earlier.

    • Remind your friends/family not to drop in.

    • Arrive no more than 10-15m early.

After Your Appointment:

  • Follow the written aftercare instructions provided.

  • Send updates as your tattoo heals, and once it’s fully healed.

Clothing Choices

Wear clean, comfortable, and loose clothing that allows clear, easy access to the tattoo area. Keep in mind:

  • If clothing needs to be held away from the area during the session, it’s not suitable and may need to be removed.

  • The shop has an open layout with no dividers or privacy screens. It’s important that you feel comfortable and we maintain a respectful environment for all clients and artists. Partial nudity is not acceptable in the shop, regardless of personal comfort levels.

  • Blood, tattoo ink, and stencil may stain your clothing. While blood may wash out, tattoo ink and stencil usually won’t. Choose your clothing accordingly, and don’t wear anything you’d be upset about ruining (e.g. a white silk top is generally a bad choice if you’re getting your back, ribs, shoulder cap, neck, or chest tattooed).

Recommended Clothing By Area:

  • Chest (full, including pec/breast): no shirt, no bra (wear nipple covers)

  • Sternum: loose t-shirt, button-up shirt or zip-up jumper; no bra (wear nipple covers)

  • Ribs (armpit to hip) - loose t-shirt, no bra (wear nipple covers); loose pants (e.g. sweatpants or other elastic waist pants)

  • Back: button-up shirt or zip-up jumper (to wear backwards), no bra (wear nipple covers); loose pants (e.g. sweatpants or other elastic waist pants)

  • Hip/Glute: loose t-shirt; loose pants (e.g. sweatpants or other elastic waist pants), dress or skirt; underwear that does not obstruct the area (e.g. thong or none)

  • Leg (upper): loose shorts, dress or skirt

  • Leg (lower): loose shorts (finishing above the knee), dress or skirt; clean bare feet (bring clean shoes that won’t touch the tattooed area to wear after)

If you don’t already own appropriate clothing for your tattoo area, please invest in an affordable option.

For areas not listed above, or if you’re still unsure, get in touch with me before your appointment.

Personal Comfort Items:

You may bring a clean towel, blanket, and/or pillow for warmth and comfort. Keep in mind that blood, ink, and stencil may stain your items.

Movement

Unexpected movement - whether voluntary or involuntary - increases the risk of mistakes in the tattoo and needlestick injuries. I cannot tattoo you while you’re moving, so staying as still as possible is essential.

Involuntarily movements happen, especially in certain areas. That’s understandable. But voluntary movement (usually caused by boredom, discomfort, restlessness, or lack of awareness) should be avoided as it can seriously impact the quality and safety of your tattoo. If movement becomes excessive, I may need to pause or force a break until you’re able to settle.

To help me work safely and efficiently, you’re responsible for:

  • Asking for breaks if you feel uncomfortable or restless.

  • Bringing headphones and something to watch or listen to, so you can zone out from the pain.

  • Be aware of how you move - remember that shifting even a distant part of your body can affect the tattoo area.

What To Expect

When You Arrive:

  • You’ll fill out a consent/waiver form and present valid photo ID.

  • You’ll review and approve the prepared design or request any changes before we move forward.

  • Once the design is approved, we’ll confirm size using the prepared stencil. It will be run through the thermal copier, then I’ll invite you into my work area to apply it.

  • You’ll check placement in the mirror or via photos if it’s in a hard-to-see spot.

  • Once we’re both happy with the placement, the stencil needs 10-15 minutes to dry. I’ll use this time to finalise my setup.

  • Stencil timing varies - small designs usually take 5-15 minutes between design approval and stencil placement, and large designs or complex stencils may take up to an hour.

  • Once dry, I’ll begin tattooing. Most placements will require you to lie down for the appointment.

During The Appointment:

  • Your tattoo is an open wound - your hygiene and awareness matter.

    • Don’t touch your tattoo unless you’ve washed your hands thoroughly and dried them with clean paper towel.

    • Be mindful of all the communal surfaces you touch (e.g. door handles, benches, taps).

    • Keep any personal items (e.g. phones, bags) off the tattoo area.

  • You’re welcome to wear headphones to zone out to music, movies, etc. I often wear headphones to reduce sensory overload and stay focused. I’m happy to chat if that’s your preference - just note that it may slow the process as my attention will be divided between the conversation and the tattoo.

  • Please take breaks as needed. I’ll take short breaks to stretch, hydrate, or use the bathroom. For longer sessions (e.g. full days), there will be a 20-30 minute lunch break.

  • At the end of the session I will:

    • Clean your tattoo thoroughly.

    • Ask you to check it out in the mirror.

    • Take photos for my portfolio.

    • Give a verbal rundown of the aftercare instructions and answer any final questions.

Communication Is Key:

Your comfort matters, and you need to advocate for yourself and your needs. Let me know if you need a break, have questions, or want to speak up about anything at any point in the appointment.