A successful tattoo starts long before the needle touches the skin. One of the most important steps in the process is the consultation, and how well you prepare can directly impact the final result.
At Be You Tattoo, we believe preparation isn’t about having everything perfectly figured out—it’s about giving us the right information to design something that truly fits you.
Your Tattoo Design Consultation Is Important
Bring Visual Inspiration, Not Exact Copies
Reference images are one of the most helpful tools you can bring to a consultation. These don’t need to be exact designs you want replicated. In fact, they work best when they show style, mood, or elements you’re drawn to—line weight, shading style, realism versus illustrative, or overall composition.
Multiple images can be especially useful, as they help your artist understand patterns in what you like and translate them into an original, custom design.
Know Your Approximate Size and Placement
You don’t need to measure down to the millimeter, but having a general idea of size and placement is extremely helpful. A tattoo’s location affects how it flows with the body, how it ages, and how much detail is possible.
Whether you’re thinking about a forearm, shoulder, ribcage, or ankle, sharing your placement ideas allows your artist to design with anatomy and movement in mind.
Be Honest About Pain Tolerance and Past Experiences
Everyone experiences tattooing differently. Letting your artist know if this is your first tattoo, if you’ve had difficult sessions before, or if certain areas were more sensitive helps them plan the session appropriately. This information can influence pacing, breaks, and even design complexity in certain areas.
Set a Realistic Budget Range
A clear budget helps guide the design process and avoids uncomfortable surprises later. Quality tattoo work reflects the time, skill, and care involved. Being upfront about your budget allows your artist to suggest an appropriate size, detail level, or session structure while still delivering strong, professional results.
Share the Meaning Behind the Tattoo
If your tattoo has personal meaning—a life event, a memory, a tribute, or a journey—share that story.
Even brief context can dramatically shape the design choices, from symbolism to style to placement. The more we understand the “why” behind the tattoo, the better we can create something that feels authentic and lasting.
Preparation Leads to Better Results
The more context you provide, the stronger the collaboration becomes. A well-prepared consultation leads to clearer communication, fewer revisions, and a tattoo that feels intentionally designed for you—not just applied to you. At Be You Tattoo, preparation is where great tattoos begin.
How We Do It at Be You Tattoo
At Be You Tattoo, our consultations are design and client-focused, transparent, and collaborative. We prioritize clear communication, professional standards of care, and thoughtful design review. Every tattoo begins with intention. This is because when the process is proper, the result speaks for itself.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to meet you for a consultation.
Click here to make an appointment for your Tattoo Consultation.
Here is a downloadable, printable PDF Checklist to help you organize for your tattoo consultation.
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