Tattoo Consultation Checklist
A good consultation prevents expensive rework. This checklist helps you arrive with decisions that matter most to design quality.
By the InkPatterns editorial team · Updated
The checklist
- Placement: which body area, which side, and roughly where on it (inner vs outer forearm, upper vs mid spine).
- Size: measure the space in centimetres and bring the number, not just a feeling.
- Orientation: vertical, horizontal or following a curve — show a preview on the body if you have one.
- References: 3–5 images of the motif and 1–2 of the placement, and say which parts of each you like.
- Style: name it (fine line, minimal, floral, geometric, blackwork) and say how much shading you want.
- Visibility: how often the tattoo will show at work, at events and in summer.
- Skin: moles, scars, stretch marks or previous tattoos in the area the artist should work around.
- Session length: your tolerance for a long sitting and whether you would rather split the work.
- Budget and deposit: ask how pricing works (hourly or per piece) and what the deposit covers.
- Aftercare: what products and routine the artist recommends, and when the follow-up check is.
Forearm tattoo ideas to compare
See all forearm tattoos
Context
Preparation reduces ambiguity and improves collaboration with your artist.
Pain and session length
Discuss expected session duration and sensitivity by placement before finalizing design density.
Placement advice
Bring reference images for placement scale and orientation, not just motif style.
Aftercare planning
Confirm product plan and activity limits before session day so healing starts correctly.
Style considerations
Clarify dominant style and acceptable variations so the final composition remains cohesive.