September 12, 2026 · 6 min read

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TATTOO SESSION

Sleep well, eat a real meal, and drink plenty of water before you come in. Skip alcohol the night before, wear clothing that gives easy access to the area you are getting worked on, and bring a valid photo ID since we only tattoo adults 18 and up. A little prep goes a long way toward a smoother session and a tattoo that heals well from day one.

GET A GOOD NIGHT OF SLEEP

Tattoos take focus, both from your artist and from you. A tired body handles the sensation of the needle and the length of a session worse than a rested one does. Try to get a full night of sleep before your appointment, not just a few hours. If you are booked for a longer piece, this matters even more since you will be sitting still and holding a position for a while. Being well rested also makes it easier to sit through a longer session without getting restless or overly sensitive to the work.

EAT BEFORE YOU COME IN

Have a real meal within a couple hours of your session, not just coffee or a granola bar on the way out the door. Low blood sugar during a tattoo can cause lightheadedness, shakiness, or nausea, and none of that helps you or your artist. This goes for smaller pieces too, not just longer sessions. If your appointment is expected to run more than an hour or two, pack a light snack you can eat during a break so your energy does not dip partway through.

HYDRATE, AND SKIP THE ALCOHOL

Drink water in the day or two leading up to your session, not just the morning of. Well hydrated skin is easier for your artist to work with and tends to hold ink more evenly. On the flip side, skip alcohol the night before your appointment. Alcohol affects your blood and how it clots, which can mean more bleeding during your tattoo and a harder time for your artist keeping lines crisp and colors solid. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has more on how alcohol affects your blood and body if you want the details. If you are ever unsure whether a medication or health condition affects bleeding or healing, ask your doctor before your appointment, not your artist.

WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHING

Think about where your tattoo is going and dress so your artist can reach it without a fight. Loose clothing that unbuttons, unzips, or rolls up easily works best for arms, legs, ribs, and backs. If you are getting a piece on your shoulder or upper back, a tank top or a shirt you can slip off one side beats something you have to pull over your head mid session. For lower leg or foot pieces, shorts or pants that roll up past the knee save you from having to change. Layers are smart too, since shops can run cool and sessions can take a while once you factor in stencil placement and breaks.

BRING A VALID PHOTO ID

Wisconsin law requires anyone getting tattooed to be at least 18, with no exceptions and no parental consent, even for minors with a parent present and willing to sign. Bring a valid, current photo ID every time, whether it is your first tattoo or your tenth. We check ID for every client, so do not assume a past visit means you can skip it on your next one. Plan for a couple extra minutes at the start of your visit for this step, especially if it is your first time in.

WHAT ELSE TO BRING

Bring any reference images or ideas you want to share, even if you already talked it over by phone or Instagram. A form of payment, a phone charger if you expect a longer sit, and headphones if you like to zone out during the work all help the time pass. If your tattoo is going somewhere covered by a bra strap, sock line, or waistband, consider bringing a change of clothes so nothing rubs the fresh tattoo on your way out the door. It also helps to think ahead about placement and how much time you can realistically block off, since a rushed visit is a stressful one for everybody.

WALK-INS WELCOME, DEPOSITS FOR BOOKED APPOINTMENTS

You do not need an appointment to get tattooed here. Walk-ins are always welcome, and smaller pieces usually need no deposit at all. If you would rather book ahead, especially for a larger piece or a specific artist, you can call, stop in, or send us a message on Instagram, and our walk-in guide covers how that side of things works in more detail. Scheduled appointments do require a non-refundable deposit to hold your spot, and that deposit goes toward the final cost of your tattoo. Our cost guide breaks down how pricing works if you want to plan ahead before you book. We are closed Mondays, so keep that in mind if you are trying to time a visit around the rest of your week. Either way, showing up rested, fed, hydrated, and with your ID in hand is the best thing you can do for your session. For more first timer basics, our first tattoo tips post covers what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.