What Actually Makes a Long Tattoo Session Easier?

For a long tattoo session, arrive rested, fed and comfortable. Sitting through hours of work gets harder when you're already tired or running on an empty stomach. Trying to tough it out doesn't make up for that.

Eat a normal meal before you come in, and bring a drink and an easy snack. Wear clothes that let me reach the area and that you're willing to get ink or stencil on. Headphones can help pass the time, provided they don't get in the way when I need you to change position.

Tell me about sunburn, cuts or irritation before the appointment; we may need to let the skin recover. Arrive sober, and discuss any numbing product with me before applying it. Different formulas can change the skin and the way the session goes.

That last point deserves more than a line. Numbing products are drugs, several are sold at concentrations well above the legal limit, and tattoo prep removes the skin barrier that normally limits how much of them gets absorbed. I go through what that means in numbing cream and tattooing. If you are considering one, read that first and then talk to me about it.

Long sessions usually mean a large project, and those are planned differently from a single piece. If that is where you are headed, see how I plan a sleeve.

Your specific appointment instructions always take priority. For healing and preparation information, read the Tattoo FAQ & Aftercare. If you are still planning the tattoo, use the booking form to send your idea, placement, approximate size, budget and references.