A tattoo consultation is a planning session where you and the artist make sure you’re on the same page before any ink touches skin. It’s part creative discussion, part practical prep, and part vibe check. At GLT, the goal is to set the tattoo up for success.
Most consultations start with you explaining your idea. This can be anything from a fully formed concept to a rough feeling or reference images. The artist will ask questions to clarify what you want, such as style, size, placement, symbolism, and how open you are to artistic interpretation. This is also the time to talk honestly about what you like, what you don’t like, and any tattoos you already have that the new piece needs to work around.
From there, the artist will help translate your idea into something that works as a tattoo. They may suggest changes to size, placement, or detail based on how tattoos age, how the body moves, and how the design will sit on your anatomy. This isn’t about watering your idea down—it’s about making sure it holds up years down the line. A good consultation often includes guidance you wouldn’t think to ask for if you’re new to tattooing.
Placement is usually discussed in detail. The artist may ask to see the area you’re thinking about and talk through how the design will flow with your body. They’ll also mention things like pain level, visibility, and how certain placements heal or fade faster than others. This helps avoid surprises later.
Practical details are covered as well. This includes pricing, estimated session length, how many sessions might be needed, and the artist’s booking process. Many artists will explain their deposit policy at this stage and how it applies to drawing time or cancellations. This is also when you’ll schedule the tattoo appointment if you decide to move forward.
Health and safety topics may come up, especially if you have allergies, medical conditions, or skin concerns. The artist might ask about previous tattoo experiences, how you heal, or whether you’ve had issues with scarring or reactions before. This helps them adjust their approach if needed.
A consultation is also a chance to get a feel for the artist themselves. You’ll learn how they communicate, how collaborative they are, and whether you’re comfortable trusting them with something permanent. That mutual trust is a big part of a good tattoo experience.
By the end of the consultation, you should leave with a clear understanding of the design direction, placement, cost, and next steps. You don’t need to have everything finalized, but you should feel informed, heard, and confident moving forward. A solid consultation sets the foundation for a tattoo that looks good, heals well, and feels right long after the appointment is over.