A half-sleeve takes 6-10 hours across multiple sessions. A back piece can take 20+. The difference between a good session and a rough one often comes down to preparation.
The Night Before
- Sleep. 7-8 hours minimum. Fatigue lowers your pain tolerance and makes you fidget.
- Don’t drink. Alcohol thins your blood and makes the tattoo bleed more. Zero alcohol for 24 hours before your session.
- Eat a real meal. Not a protein bar on the way over. Sit down and eat something substantial.
Day Of
What to Eat
Bring food or plan to eat during breaks. Your body needs fuel:
- Complex carbs (whole grain bread, pasta, rice)
- Protein (chicken, eggs, nuts)
- Sugary snacks for quick energy (fruit, candy, juice)
- Avoid: caffeine overload, heavy greasy food, empty stomach
What to Wear
- Loose, comfortable clothing that gives access to the tattoo area
- Layers - the studio can feel warm or cold depending on the day
- Clothes you don’t mind getting ink on
What to Bring
- Phone and headphones - podcasts, music, whatever keeps you calm
- Snacks and drinks - we have water, but bring what you like
- A book or tablet - for the times your phone isn’t enough
- Cash for a tip - if that’s your thing (never required, always appreciated)
During the Session
Pain Management
- Breathe. Deep, steady breaths. It sounds simple because it is.
- Communicate. If you need a break, say so. There’s no award for toughing it out.
- Reposition carefully. If something goes numb, tell your artist before moving.
Breaks
- We’ll take breaks every 1-2 hours for large sessions
- Use break time to eat, drink, stretch, and use the bathroom
- Walk around. Get blood flowing.
What Not to Do
- Don’t bring an entourage. One person max if you need moral support.
- Don’t show up sick. We’ll reschedule. It’s fine.
- Don’t take painkillers beforehand without asking your artist first. Some thin blood.
After the Session
Your artist will bandage the area and walk you through aftercare. Check our aftercare guide for the full breakdown.
Multi-session pieces will be scheduled before you leave. Typical healing time between sessions is 3-4 weeks.
Show up prepared, and we can focus on what matters: making great work.
