For Beginners
Your First Tattoo: A Practical Guide
Everything you need before your first tattoo: what to wear, what to bring, what happens on the day, and how healing works.
Before the day
- •Choose your design without rush. Bring references: Pinterest boards, photos, sketches. Even a rough idea is enough for the consultation.
- •Pick a placement you can live with for life. Visible vs hidden: your call. Areas to think hard about: hands, fingers, neck (these are visible always and harder to cover later).
- •Eat a real meal beforehand. Sleep well. Hydrate the day before, not just the morning of.
- •Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before. Caffeine is fine but go easy.
On the day
- •Wear clothes that give your artist easy access to the area being tattooed. Tank top for a shoulder, shorts for a calf.
- •Bring snacks and water for longer sessions.
- •You can ask to take breaks. Tattooing is collaborative, and the pace is yours to set.
- •Listen to your body. Lightheaded? Tell your artist. They will pause and get you sugar.
House rules
- •Clients must be 18 or older with photo ID. No exceptions, regardless of parental consent.
- •We do not tattoo anyone visibly impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- •We do not tattoo hate symbols, gang symbols, or anything we judge dangerous to the wearer.
- •We talk through finger and hand placements with you before booking, since they are visible and harder to cover later.
After the session
- •You will leave with a healing plan tailored to the wrap your artist used. Follow it.
- •Itching is normal in week 2. Don't scratch. Don't pick.
- •Touch-ups are $20 a visit for the life of the tattoo. Just message us.
- •Once healed, wear SPF 30+ on the tattoo whenever it is in sunlight. It is the best way to keep it sharp.
Who you'll work with
All six of our resident artists take first-tattoo bookings:
Ross, Max, Maks, Nadija, Amy and Alina.
At the consultation we match you with the artist whose style suits your idea.
Pricing
- •Hourly rate: $180–$200 depending on artist.
- •Studio minimum: $135 (HST included), which covers a small first piece like a single symbol or short lettering.
- •Most first tattoos: $200–$500, single 1–2 hour session.
You get the exact price in writing at your free 30-minute consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a first tattoo cost?+
Studio minimum is $135 with HST included. Most first tattoos sit between $200–$500 depending on size and detail. Your artist will give you an exact price at the consultation.
How much does it hurt?+
Pain depends mostly on placement, not on the design. Forearm, outer shoulder and outer thigh are the easier areas. Ribs, sternum, and inner ankle are harder. Your artist will tell you what to expect for your placement.
Can I bring a friend?+
Yes. One person at most, and they sit in the waiting area, not in the tattoo room. The work needs your artist to focus.
What if I change my mind during the consultation?+
The consultation is free and you can walk away at any point. We revise the design until you are happy with it.
How long does the tattoo take to heal?+
Surface healing in 2–4 weeks. Full settling (all the colour and shading reaching its final tone) takes 3–6 months. Specific aftercare depends on the wrap your artist uses. They will give you a healing plan when you leave.
Ready to start?
Book a free 30-minute consultation. Bring your references, talk through size and placement, and leave with a session count and a price. No deposit until you book the session.
Book a free consultation