RTS Tips & Tricks

S1.E7. What's in the box?

A quick little dive into what might be good for you to take to your tattoo appointment.

1. Any reference material

This fully depends on the booking process, the artist and what you're getting, but if there is any specifics that haven't been confirmed yet, do make sure you have these things with you. For example, if you have specific dates, names or handwritten notes getting used for the tattoo that need to be copied exactly, if these things haven't already been sorted with the artist just make sure you're covered with everything they might need for the tattoo.

2. Suitable clothing

This is another one for both you and your artist. A happy balance between you needing to be comfortable and the artist having access to the tattoo area. Be mindful and conscious about where you're getting the tattoo and if you're undecided, then take options to cover all scenarios. Comfort is always a win in our studio and things you don't mind potentially getting damaged. Most good artists will try their best to keep everything clean but the reality is, there is tattoo ink getting moved around and it sometimes can mean things will get onto clothing, so just be aware, don white clothes at your own crazy risk. A good artist should also be able to offer some advice on trickier areas and what to wear to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible, so if you're unsure, just drop them a message before hand. Also, plan for after the tattoo, don't turn up in shorts ready to tattoo your calf and then slip straight into skinny jeans once the tattoo is done for example. Top tip: having a baggy full zip hoody is always quite useful to have on hand as it can be versatile, one arm in one arm out, draped over areas for cover or can be worn back to front, leaving your back fully exposed to tattoo and your front covered.

3. Medications!

If you have any medication that you need make sure you have it! I have encountered this a little before because tattoo day is a little out of routine. You're likely thinking about everything else you need, you might be nervous, you might be excited and you just forget about the normal day to day things. You might have a day bag that goes everywhere with you, prepped with your medication in there so you don't forget, all of a sudden that bag doesn't come to your tattoo session and your 1pm alarm goes off for your meds, mid tattoo... Damn!

4. Food, drinks and all things good

Depending on your artist and the studio you're booked in with, some might have food and drinks for you (we do!) but I still think it's a good idea to bring things with you that you know you like. Especially for long full day sessions, you want to make sure you have lunch with you or at least know if you can pop out to get something when you have a break. I say go overkill on snacks, things you can just dip into when you need. Variations are good to have too, because sometimes, you might just really want some chocolate and other times something more savoury, so just bring a load of options then you're covered! High sugary snacks or drinks are very important to have with you to keep you bodies blood sugar levels up whilst going through the trauma of a tattoo.

5. Entertainment

I've encountered all types of people that prefer to get tattooed in all types of ways. Fundamentally, for me, it's whatever is best for you. If you need to come in, zone out to a good book or if you want to sit and chat for hours., either is good for me! Getting tattooed is a journey and sometimes you need to do what you need to do to get through it. So bring that book, bring your headphones, bring your iPad or bring that classic Gameboy colour, as long as you're not wriggling around and making the tattoo process more difficult, you do you!

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