What To Expect During Your Appointment
Posted: Friday May 17, 2024
We want to ensure you have the best experience possible during your time at MTS and hope you visit us again. This blog post will guide you through what to expect during your tattoo appointment, what you can anticipate from us and what we need from you.
Before Your Appointment
Before your appointment, there are a few important steps to take.
Arrival
We ask that you arrive on time—not too early and not late. Our artists have back to back appointments each day. This means if you turn up too early, you will be waiting around, while late arrival could reduce the time available for your tattoo and delay subsequent appointments.
Upon arrival, one of our friendly receptionists will greet you, check that your health check form is complete, and help if you need it. If you appear under 25, we might ask for your ID—consider it a compliment!
Meeting Your Artist
Once everything is in order, you’ll wait in the waiting area for your artist to finish setting up. The artist will then introduce themselves and show you your tattoo design on their iPad. This is your chance to discuss any final adjustments to the design before proceeding.
Getting the Stencil On
When you and your artist are pleased with the design, the artist will create a stencil. Once ready, the artist will apply it to your skin. You can check the placement in a mirror and request adjustments if needed. This step ensures the tattoo is positioned exactly as you want it.
Things to Consider During the Stencil Stage
- Centralisation: Is the stencil centered on the intended body part? Does it align well with any existing tattoos?
- Orientation: Typically, tattoos face outward for others to see correctly, but you may prefer it to face you. Designs with faces usually face inward toward the heart.
- Size: Your artist will show different sizes, explaining the minimum size needed for your tattoo. The final choice is yours, but you should consider the artist’s recommendations.
The Tattoo
Once you’re comfortable, the artist will begin tattooing, starting with a small line to help you get used to the sensation. Depending on the length of your session, you might be sitting for a while, so ensure you’re comfortable and have something sugary to eat and drink. Feel free to take breaks as needed. For full-day sessions, there will be a lunch break to give yourself and your artist a chance to grab some food.
After the Tattoo
After your tattoo is complete, your artist will clean it and show you the final result in the mirror. Once you’ve admired your new ink, and your artist has taken some photos, they will wrap your tattoo with cling film or second skin. They will then explain the aftercare process. Once you’re comfortable with the instructions, return to the receptionist to pay the remaining balance, either by cash or card.
Walk-in Appointments
We have walk-in spaces available every day. Depending on the design you would like, we can usually fit you in there and then! (unless your design is particularly large or complex). During a walk-in appointment, you will arrive at the studio and discuss what design you would like with reception. If the receptionist believes we can fit you in for your tattoo, they will call over an artist who has availability. You will then have the opportunity to discuss your ideas with them. Then, you will be sent your health check form and the appointment will commence the same way as the pre-booked appointments above.
We look forward to providing you with an exceptional tattoo experience at Manchester Tattoo Studio!