Everything that happens during your tattoo consultation and what to expect:
If you're planning your first tattoo—or even your tenth—you may wonder what actually happens during a tattoo consultation. Is it just scheduling an appointment? Will the artist draw your tattoo on the spot? What should you bring?
At Chariot Tattoo Studio in Boise, Idaho, we believe a great tattoo begins long before the machine ever turns on. The consultation is where ideas become a plan, expectations are aligned, and both you and your artist can feel confident moving forward.
Whether your consultation takes place over the phone, through email, or in person, here's what you can expect.
It Starts With Your Idea
Every consultation begins with learning about you and the tattoo you'd like to get.
Sometimes clients come in with a fully developed vision, while others simply know they want "a mountain tattoo" or "something meaningful for my kids." Both are completely okay.
During your consultation, your artist will likely ask questions such as:
What is the subject of the tattoo?
Does it have personal meaning?
Are there styles you love or dislike?
Is this your first tattoo?
Do you have a preferred placement?
Approximately what size are you imagining?
The more information you can provide, the better your artist can understand your goals.
Reference Photos Are Helpful
One of the best things you can bring to a consultation is reference material.
This doesn't necessarily mean another tattoo you want copied. Instead, reference images help communicate the style you're drawn to.
You might show examples of:
Flowers you like
Animals with a certain pose
Lettering styles
Black and gray versus color
Fine line versus bold traditional
Overall artistic mood
Even photos that simply make you say, "I like how this feels," can help your artist understand your vision.
Placement Matters More Than Most People Think
One of the biggest parts of a consultation is discussing where the tattoo will live.
Certain body areas naturally lend themselves to specific designs, while others may limit the amount of detail that will hold up over time.
At Chariot Tattoo Studio in Boise, Idaho, we'll often discuss:
Body flow and anatomy
Visibility for work or personal preference
Future tattoo plans
Sun exposure
Skin quality
How the design will age in that particular location
Sometimes we'll even recommend a different placement or slightly larger size—not because we're trying to change your idea, but because we know it will create a stronger tattoo in the long run.
Your Artist May Suggest Design Changes
This is often the part clients appreciate most.
Your artist isn't there simply to recreate exactly what you found online.
Instead, they're considering things like:
Long-term readability
Balance and composition
Contrast
Line thickness
Detail level
How the tattoo will heal
How it will look 10 or 20 years from now
Sometimes this means simplifying small details, increasing spacing between elements, or adjusting proportions.
These recommendations aren't meant to change your vision—they're meant to protect it.
We'll Talk About Size and Price
Once the overall concept is established, your artist can usually recommend an appropriate size.
This is also when you'll discuss pricing.
Depending on the project, pricing may be based on:
Hourly tattoo rates or day-rates depending on the artist
Estimated session length
Multiple-session projects
Deposit requirements
Our goal is complete transparency so there are no surprises on tattoo day.
Questions Are Encouraged
A consultation isn't just for the artist—it's for you, too.
This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions like:
How should I prepare?
Does this placement hurt?
How long will it take to heal?
What should I wear?
How should I care for it afterward?
Will this design age well?
No question is too small. An informed client is usually a more relaxed client, and that leads to a better overall experience.
Do I Leave With My Tattoo Design?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about consultations.
Most custom tattoo artists do not complete your final artwork during the consultation.
Instead, the consultation is used to gather information, plan the project, and schedule your appointment.
Your artist typically creates the design in the days leading up to your tattoo session, after they've had time to thoughtfully develop the artwork. This allows them to focus on creating a custom piece rather than rushing through the creative process during a meeting.
On the day of your appointment, you'll review the design together and discuss any reasonable adjustments before tattooing begins.
Phone, Email, or In-Person—They're All Valuable
Not every tattoo requires an in-person consultation.
Simple projects can often be discussed through email or over the phone, especially if clear photos and measurements are available.
Larger custom projects, sleeves, cover-ups, or tattoos that require precise placement can sometimes benefit from meeting in person which will be determined by your artist.
No matter how the consultation takes place, the goal is always the same: creating a tattoo that's designed specifically for you.
The Consultation Sets the Foundation
At Chariot Tattoo Studio in Boise, Idaho, we believe the consultation is one of the most important parts of the tattoo process. It's where trust is built, expectations are aligned, and your artist begins transforming an idea into artwork that will last a lifetime.
A great tattoo isn't created by chance. It starts with thoughtful planning, honest communication, and collaboration between you and your artist. By investing time in the consultation, we're able to create tattoos that not only look incredible when they're finished, but continue to look beautiful for years to come.