Larger tattoo sessions are often a few hours long. That may seem doable, but even just one hour is a LONG time to be uncomfortable. Here’s some items we love to keep with us when getting tattooed, hopefully it’ll help you pack your own tattoo go bag!

• A comfy, soft jacket

• Loose, comfy clothing

• Water bottle

• Squeeze ball

• An activity (Nintendo Switch, headphones, book, etc)

• Phone charger

• A small snack

• Wallet

• Keys

• Throw blanket

We provide complimentary snacks and drinks for all tattoo clients. Provided items include:

• Starbucks assorted ground coffee

• Assorted teas

• Bottled and filtered water

• Soda (Coke, cherry coke, ginger ale, sprite, orange fanta)

• Gatorade (various flavors)

• Potato chips (various flavors)

• Jerky sticks (beef)

• Goldfish/cheezitz

• Granola bars

• Cookies (Oreos, other individually packaged cookies)

• Fruit snacks/fruit by the foot

• Pop chips (gluten free/various flavors)

• Crackers

• Other various, rotating snacks and drinks

Clothing choices are completely up to you and your comfort. Some things to keep in mind: it may get pigment, blood, or plasma on it and all of those fluids will stain - it should also be comfortable and loose fitting, with easy access to the area being tattooed.

Arms/Hands

• Short sleeved shirts

• Tank tops

Legs/Butt/Hip/Feet

• A long, flowy skirt

• Shorts

• Baggy sweat pants

(We also have disposable underwear on hand, do not hesitate to ask if you’d like a pair!)

Back/Stomach/Sternum/Chest/Shoulder blade

• A button or zip up shirt or hoodie

• A bathing suit top with ties for straps

(We can provide pasties and dress drapes if needed.)

There’s a lot of good options for pain and sensation management during tattooing.

Mental relief options:

• Bringing an activity to focus on will do WONDERS for both pain and overstimulation during the process

• Stress balls are incredibly helpful for painful spots and soothing anxiety.

• Bringing enough comfort items. Whether that’s a stuffed animal, blanket, jacket, emotional support water bottle, whatever you need. There’s no judgment here.

Physical Relief Options:

If you choose to pre-numb the location, please be sure to discuss it with your artist first. Each artist varies on whether or not they are comfortable with numbing creams, and what brands they prefer. Do NOT show up to an appointment pre-numbed without having discussed it with your artist first, or you may risk forfeiting your deposit and appointment time. Certain numbing creams can cause localized swelling which may warp the stencil when placed, leaving you with a lopsided tattoo for life.

If you should need a break, please ask your artist! There is no limit to breaks. If you’re feeling unwell, or need anything from your artist during the process, let them know.

If you begin to feel light headed, faint, dizzy, etc let your artist know right away. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for them to treat your condition. Alerting your artist to any signs of illness helps them to do their jobs safely. Waiting until you are so sick that it’s obvious means you’re both about to have a very bad time. Let them help you as soon as you feel the first signs of discomfort.

It is YOUR responsibility to advocate for yourself during your appointments. If you want a design changed, a stencil moved, a bathroom break, etc please ask your artist! You are not bothering them, you are not difficult, you are not hard to work with. You are a human being and getting tattooed can be very uncomfortable sometimes. As heavily tattooed individuals, we understand everything you’re experiencing and are more than happy to alleviate any additional discomfort you may be feeling. No need to be sorry, no need to limit your needs to avoid ‘inconveniencing’ them, none of that.

This is your experience, let’s make it awesome.

Your artist will thoroughly explain aftercare instructions after your tattoo is finished. They will go over the supplies you need and the process of caring for your new tattoo.

They will also provide you an aftercare pamphlet (or a digital copy if you prefer) that explains aftercare and recommended products upon request. Your artist will either wrap your tattoo with Saran Wrap or saniderm.

Your artist will do their best to counsel you on which wrap they believe will be best suited for your lifestyle whilst healing your tattoo.

Clients will then pay either at the front counter or directly with their artist (depending on the artist). Tipping is always appreciated but never required. We accept both cash and card tips (or paypal/Venmo/cashapp). 100% of all card tips made at the front counter go to your artist. If any follow up appointments need to be made, this is the best time to do it!

* We sell After Inked products in the shop. We have both full sized bottles and trial sized packets of aftercare ointment for sale. We never pressure clients to buy our aftercare products, but we love them and stand behind them 100%. If you’re having trouble healing with traditional aftercare products, definitely consider giving After Inked a try. *