A consultation is where your idea turns into a plan: size, placement, style, time and price. It can be a 15-minute chat at the studio, a video call or an exchange of messages. Coming prepared makes it shorter, cheaper and far more likely to end with the tattoo you actually want.
The catalogue is a good place to collect references: filter by subject and placement, and save the pieces whose style you like.
Most studios ask for a deposit to book a date. It is usually non-refundable, deducted from the final price, and covers the time the artist spends drawing your design. Rescheduling with enough notice normally keeps the deposit; no-shows usually lose it. Popular artists may have waiting lists or open their books only at certain times — follow their studio page or social accounts.
Many artists show the design only on the day or a few days before, to avoid their drawings being taken elsewhere. Small changes are normal; a complete redesign may cost extra. Trust the artist’s advice on size and flow — it is what they do every day.
You should leave knowing the date, the price or rate, the deposit terms and how to prepare. Next: how to prepare for the session and a realistic look at what it will cost.
This guide is step 3 of how tattoo booking works. For the details: what to write in your first message, how deposits, rescheduling and cancellations usually work, and when you’ll see your design and how changes work.