What to Discuss with Your Tattoo Artist Before You DTR

Whether it’s your first or your fifteenth, every tattoo starts with the same thing: a conversation. And while yes, your artist is technically the one holding the machine, you hold the power to make sure the experience is just right for you.

One of the best ways to guarantee a great tattoo experience is by asking your artist the right questions — before your stencil is even fresh off the thermofax. These questions will help you figure out if you’re in the right hands, understand the tattoo process better, and ensure you walk away with a piece you love (and not a tale of regret).

Let’s dive into the essential, SEO-optimized, and slightly sassy guide to: “What should I ask my tattoo artist?”

1. Are you licensed and certified?

This one’s not exactly sexy, but it’s super important. Licensing ensures your tattoo artist has passed health and safety inspections and knows how to keep things sterile (i.e., no one wants a souvenir infection). If you are chatting with an artist and they do anything but answer “yes” to this question (unless you live in a state where tattoo regulations are but a mystical creature and the artist has a clean setup, environment, and lines) your answer to letting them tattoo you should be “no.”

2. Can I see your portfolio?

No shame in scrolling! A tattoo artist’s portfolio shows their style, skill level, and how they approach different types of designs. If their work makes you do a little happy dance, you’re in the right place. As a client, do be wary if you notice an artist only photographs their work from afar, blurs their photos, heavily filters their photos, or has no examples of work they have completed. If they are not willing to share their portfolio, maybe don’t be willing to share your skin with them.

3. Have you done tattoos in this style before?

Just like chefs have signature dishes, tattoo artists have preferred styles. You want your artist to love doing your type of tattoo. Whether it’s fine line, color realism, traditional, or neo-traditional — it helps to know they’re in their element. The great news is: there are lots of tattoo artists! Many artists are versatile in many styles, and we all have our soft spots for certain styles. However, some artists may only offer work in specific styles, so this is great information to know before you ask the guy who zaps crispy American Traditional on people like a wizard to tattoo some fine line florals…he may say “yes,” or he may look at you like you’re growing a third head.

4. What do you think of my design idea?

This isn’t fishing for compliments. A good artist will give you honest feedback, suggest improvements, or help adapt your idea to work better on skin. We spend most days creating art on bodies, so we have a pretty good idea of what is tattoo able, and (maybe even more importantly) what is not tattoo able. Most artists are happy to discuss your vision and create that vision in a way that can be a beautifully rendered on your skin. (Pro tip: skin and paper are very different canvases. Try drawing a perfect circle on paper with a vibrating pen, then try that same exercise on a Coke can, and then imagine you are doing that on a living being that is a hands talker.)

5. Where will this tattoo look best?

Your body is a beautiful, bumpy, bendy canvas. Placement can affect how a tattoo ages, how painful it is to get, and how visible it will be. Your artist can help you figure out the perfect placement. A bad placement can ruin a perfectly good tattoo.

6. What do you charge — and what’s included?

Transparency is key. Ask about hourly rates, flat fees, deposits, and whether touch-ups are included. No one wants surprise math at the end of a tattoo session. Some would argue sticker shock is more painful than the tattoo application itself. Having this conversation is uncomfy sometimes, but it is best to help yourself financially prepare. Tattoos are an investment, and preparation is necessary. We can’t pay our bills with random Amazon gift cards either.

7. How do you ensure cleanliness and safety?

Don’t be shy — ask how they sterilize equipment, use needles, and prep the station. A reputable artist will happily walk you through their hygiene protocol and answer tattoo-related questions! If an artist does not properly prepare their station, does not properly wrap their machine, and does not tattoo in a sanitary environment losing your deposit is cheaper than losing your limb. Not to be dramatic, but tattoos are technically a surgery so don’t let just any random dude permanently modify your body.

8. How long will the session take?

Time flies when you’re having fun...or repeatedly getting poked with a needle. It’s good to know if you’ll be there for one hour or five so you can mentally (and snack-wise) prepare. Take into account if you need a baby/pet sitter, to feed a parking meter, or prepared an emergency pizza order. Keep in mind too that larger pieces can be split up into shorter session if that’s more your vibe. (Some of us are more masochistic than others.)

9. How should I prepare before my appointment?

Should you avoid caffeine? Shave the area? Bring headphones? Not have that third shot the night before? Knowing how to prep your body (and mind) will help your session go smoothly. There are many things you can do to make your tattoo experience more comfortable for you before, during, and after your appointment.

10. Does this placement hurt more than others?

Pain is part of the process, but it’s not the same everywhere. Spoiler alert: ribs, palms, and nether regions are not for the faint of heart. Your artist can help you brace yourself. Or, you can just keep telling yourself beauty is pain and hope for the best.

11. What happens if I need a break during the session?

This isn’t a tattoo marathon (unless you wore your running shoes). Most artists totally understand if you need a moment to stretch, hydrate, or cry quietly into a juice box. It’s okay to ask in advance. We are humans too, and trust that our crunchy wrists and backs could use them occasionally too. Just keep in mind that longer sessions take time, so both parties need to communicate to best use the time you have together. We get that after several hours that you might have some tumble grumblies, but a cigarette break every 10 minutes from either party is just not cool.

12. What is the aftercare process like?

This is crucial. Ask your artist for their preferred aftercare instructions. This will usually include info on keeping it clean, moisturized, and protected (and probably something about not scratching). Also, if you get tattooed by multiple artists, it is okay if they have different preferred aftercare methods. Follow the guidelines and talk with your artist over time about what works best for your body too.

13. Can I contact you with questions during healing?

Tattoos go through stages, and sometimes things get weird (hello, flaking phase…after some color tattoos you may look like you are transforming into a pinata). Knowing you can reach out to your artist for help or reassurance is a comforting bonus.

14. Do you offer touch-ups if needed?

Even with great aftercare, sometimes tattoos need a little polish. Ask if they offer free or discounted touch-ups within a certain time frame — many do, especially for normal healing issues. The price (if any) will differ from artist to artist, and each artist can set their ramifications for what is considered “normal” wear and tear that can be addressed in a touch up session.

15. What’s your favorite piece you’ve ever done?

Okay, this one isn’t necessary, but it’s a great way to break the ice and get your artist talking. It can give you insight into their passion, personality, and creative spark. Some of us have several! Asking your artist questions about their process, style, and inspiration is a fun way to get those creative juices flowing!

Bonus: What NOT to Ask

• “Can you copy this exact tattoo I found on Pinterest?”

• “Can I bring six friends to watch?”

• “Can you tattoo me even though I’m under the influence?”

• “Can you tattoo over my gaping flesh wound?”

• “Can you tattoo my newborn child"?”

Just... don’t.

Final Thoughts: Ask First, Ink Second

Getting a tattoo is a collaboration — not just a service. The more informed and respectful you are going into the process, the better the experience will be for both of you. You might be surprised how many artists genuinely enjoy getting to know their clients, and want to build a genuine lasting relationship with you (in a platonic and professional manner, of course).

So speak up, ask questions, and trust your gut. A good tattoo artist won’t just welcome your questions — they’ll appreciate that you care enough to ask! And, even if you think it’s a silly question, chances are it is a good question to ask. We don’t expect you to be the expert on tattoos, but we should be. After all, this isn’t just about art. It’s about your body, your story, and your self-expression.

Now go forth, get curious, and get inked!