No matter how many times you’ve been tattooed, it’s normal to feel nervous. The following information is here to help you plan.
leading up to your appointment
You will receive a check-in e-mail the week of appointment including the studio address, phone number, and tips to prepare for your session. You’ll want to take good care of your skin; If the area to be tattooed has developed a rash, sunburn, breakout, or has been injured, please contact me ASAP. We will need to reschedule to allow the area to heal before tattooing.
the evening before your appointment
I suggest that you eat nutritious meals, drink water, avoid drugs and alcohol, and try to get a good night’s sleep the day before/day of/day after your tattoo. Getting tattooed can ask a lot of your body-taking good care of yourself leading up to your appointment can set you up for a more comfortable session and help your healing process!
the day of your appointment
It’s best to eat a meal before your appointment and to avoid excess caffeine. Failing to provide your body with nourishment can lead to a difficult session, so keep this in mind. Too much caffeine can heighten anxiety, and it can also cause your muscles to be twitchy. It’s a good idea to arrive with clean skin, but you do not need to shave or remove body hair from the tattoo site ahead of time. It’s best to avoid razor burn, which can require a rescheduled appointment. Choose comfortable clothing which will allow easy access to the area to be tattooed. You are welcome to bring clothing to change into at the studio.
what to bring with you
Here’s what’s in my bag when I get tattooed:
Government issued photo ID (You’ll need this to verify your age for intake paperwork)
Bottle of water or juice
Extra clothing options if I’m not sure about placement yet, like comfy shorts and a flexible tank top
A book in case I need to wait while the artist draws or finishes up another appointment
A couple snacks like trail mix or a granola bar-sometimes you’re in the studio a long time and a little snack during a break can be so helpful!
Ear buds in case I want to distract myself with music or a podcast
when you arrive
Icon Tattoo and Tattoo DeGink are both wheelchair accessible; if you have questions about other accessibility needs, please reach out! I’m happy to assist with accessibility needs to the best of my ability.
If you prefer a masked appointment, I am happy to oblige. I may require masks for certain placements. We ask that you limit the amount of “stuff” you bring into the studio; but please feel free to bring your phone, change of clothing, a book, or comfort item.
I prefer to limit the number of people in the studio to maintain a comfortable work environment, so we ask that clients do not bring guests except in the case of support for accessibility needs.
After you’ve gotten settled, we will go over your design or I will give you time to look over my design book. Once you are happy with your design choice, we will apply a stencil in your desired placement, and you will have the opportunity to check things out in the mirror. It is simple and easy to make size and placement adjustments. I am more than happy to do this for you! I don’t want you to move forward until you feel happy with your choices.
So…what are your choices? I encourage you to look over this Client Bill of Rights, co-authored by Tamara Sañtibanez and K Lenore Siner. I strongly believe in client empowerment as central tenet of my tattoo practice.
tattoo application process
I typically use a massage table with a 600lb weight capacity. If you use a mobility chair, in most cases its no problem for me to work with you seated in it. We have privacy screens available for your comfort no matter the area to be tattooed.
When we are ready to begin, I will start gently and check in with you often to see how you’re feeling. Most clients say the sensation is much less painful than expected! As your body adjusts to the sensations, you’ll likely become more at ease. I typically plan to take a short break to stretch after an hour of tattooing if your session is more than 60 minutes. You can ask for a break at any time and expect that I will agree.
It is very important that you are aware of your body movements. If you are moving to a disruptive degree, I will gently make you aware for both our benefit. Sometimes all it takes is a quick break or repositioning your body to help with comfort and stillness.
I love talking and connecting with people I work with! I do ask that my clients keep conversation light during the tattoo process. Lively, emotionally charged, or in-depth conversation can be distracting for both of us and can slow me down. I do, however, encourage you to ask questions and check in with me! If you’d rather not talk, that’s perfectly okay too. Many people are helpfully distracted by a book, music, or other digital media. I respectfully request that you use headphones if you want to go this route, as the extra sounds can be distracting for others in the studio.
finishing up
When the tattoo is complete, you’ll have an opportunity to check it out and give your approval. After a short break, with your consent I will take photos of the tattoo. You are not obligated to consent to photos or to allow me to share photos your tattoo on social media.
I will cover your tattoo with a sanitary bandage and provide you with aftercare instructions. I encourage clients to contact me with any questions or concerns about the healing process. I care about your healing process and the final outcome. For more detailed aftercare information, visit the Aftercare section.
Touchups of my work are always free (when needed) within one year of your initial appointment. Not every tattoo will need a touch up. If you’re questioning-send a photo!