So, You're Getting Tattooed. Here's What You Should Know.

First of all, congratulations on making a decision that will live on your body longer than most of your relationships.

Whether this is your first tattoo or you're running out of available real estate, getting tattooed is a pretty special experience. It's personal, permanent, occasionally uncomfortable, and (hopefully) something you'll be ridiculously happy to look at for the rest of your life.

I want the experience to be just as considered as the artwork itself. So before we get started, here are a few things I'd like you to know about preparing for your appointment, working together, and making sure we get the best possible result.

Before Your Appointment: A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Get some sleep.

I know, groundbreaking advice. But arriving well-rested makes a difference. Tattooing is a physical experience, and your body will appreciate not having to contend with an all-night Netflix marathon at the same time.

Eat a proper meal.

Please don't arrive on an empty stomach. Have a substantial meal before your appointment, and bring a snack if we're going to be together for several hours. Your blood sugar and I would both appreciate it.

Hydrate.

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment. Hydrated skin is generally happier skin, and your body will thank you.

Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.

Please arrive sober. Alcohol and certain substances can affect bleeding, judgment, and your ability to sit comfortably through an appointment. If you're taking prescription medication or have a health concern that could affect your appointment, communicate that with me beforehand.

Protect your skin.

Avoid sunburn, tanning, and unnecessary irritation in the area we're tattooing. If we're working on your leg, maybe reconsider that ambitious weekend hiking expedition in the blazing sun.

And please don't shave the area immediately before your appointment unless we've discussed it. I'll take care of any necessary preparation.

What Should You Wear?

Think comfortable, practical, and appropriate for the placement.

If we're tattooing your thigh, wear shorts. If we're working on your shoulder, bring a top that gives us easy access to the area. If you're getting something on your ribs, consider clothing that can be moved without creating an elaborate gymnastics routine.

Dark, comfortable clothing is generally a good idea. Tattooing can be messy, and your favorite white designer shirt doesn't need another problem.

Also, consider bringing a sweater. Studios can get chilly, and sitting still for several hours can make you surprisingly cold.

Let's Talk About Your Design

One of my favorite parts of tattooing is the collaboration between artist and client.

I want to understand what you're drawn to, what the tattoo means to you (if anything), and what kind of visual language you're responding to.

References are welcome! Pinterest boards, photographs, paintings, historical illustrations, botanical references, and even seemingly unrelated images can help communicate your ideas.

However, there's an important distinction between inspiration and replication.

I'm interested in taking the things you love and translating them into something that feels cohesive, intentional, and uniquely suited to your body. I'm not particularly interested in simply assembling a collection of other people's tattoos.

Trust me to interpret your ideas through my own artistic perspective. That's where the interesting stuff happens.

If you have a specific concern about size, placement, composition, or color, tell me. I'd much rather have that conversation before we start than discover halfway through that you've been quietly imagining something different.

During the Appointment: What to Expect

We'll begin by reviewing the design, discussing placement, and making any necessary adjustments.

I want you to feel comfortable with what we're doing before we begin. You'll have an opportunity to look at the stencil, see how it sits on your body, and discuss any concerns.

Once we're happy with everything, we'll get started.

A few things to keep in mind:

• You can take breaks. Tattooing isn't a competition. If you need to stretch, use the bathroom, eat something, or simply take a moment, just say so.

• You don't have to entertain me. I'm perfectly happy with conversation, silence, music, or whatever combination makes you comfortable.

• Try to stay relaxed. Tensing up makes an already uncomfortable experience more difficult.

• Speak up. If something feels wrong, you need a break, or you have a question, tell me.

And yes, we can talk about absolutely anything. I have a fairly broad range of interests, so there's a reasonable chance we'll end up discussing art history, psychology, fashion, obscure historical figures, or something completely inappropriate for polite dinner conversation.

No pressure, though. You can also just enjoy your headphones.

A Few Things to Leave at Home

Please avoid bringing an entourage. Having a friend or partner there for emotional support can be nice, but a tattoo appointment isn't necessarily the ideal spectator sport.

Unless we've discussed it beforehand, please don't bring additional guests, children, or pets.

Also, please don't arrive with a fresh sunburn, an unexpected medical issue, or a completely different design idea that you developed in the parking lot.

We can work through most things with communication and a little planning.

After Your Tattoo: The Important Part

Once we're finished, I'll walk you through the aftercare instructions appropriate for your tattoo.

The healing process is part of the tattooing process, and what you do afterward matters.

Generally speaking:

• Follow the specific cleaning and moisturizing instructions I provide.

• Avoid swimming, soaking, and baths while your tattoo heals.

• Avoid direct sun exposure.

• Don't pick, scratch, or peel flaking skin.

• Wear clean, comfortable clothing that won't constantly rub against the area.

• Avoid activities that create excessive friction or irritation around the tattoo.

Your tattoo may look a little different as it heals. Some peeling, flaking, itching, and temporary changes in appearance are normal. Resist the urge to interfere. Your body knows what it's doing, even if it occasionally makes the process look a little alarming.

If you experience unusual or worsening redness, swelling, warmth, pain, drainage, or fever, seek medical advice rather than assuming it's part of normal healing.

And please remember that a tattoo isn't finished simply because I've put the last bit of ink in your skin. Give it time to heal before judging the final result.

One Last Thing: Trust the Process

I take the work seriously, but I don't think getting tattooed should feel intimidating or overly formal.

My goal is to create something beautiful that feels right for you. I want you to feel involved in the process, comfortable asking questions, and confident that the artwork we're creating has been thoughtfully considered.

I also want you to enjoy the experience.

A tattoo is more than a transaction. It's a collaboration, a conversation, and a little piece of your personal history that happens to involve a needle.

So come prepared, bring your ideas, eat something beforehand, and let's make something worth keeping.

I'm looking forward to working with you.

— Rick Schenk