Skard4LyfeInk | Let's Get Inky

 Tattoo Session Guide

Getting tattooed should be an experience you can enjoy from start to finish. My goal is to make sure you come in prepared, comfortable, and knowing exactly what to expect.

Whether this is your first tattoo with me or you’ve sat in my chair before, please read through everything below before your appointment.

SESSION OPTIONS & PRICING

I now offer three different session options depending on the size, detail, and overall concept of your tattoo:

Mini Session — $300


Up to 1–2 hours
Perfect for smaller tattoos, simpler designs, lettering, touch-ups, and pieces that don’t require a half-day session.

Half-Day Session — $600


Up to 3–4 hours
Best for medium-sized pieces or tattoos that require more detail, shading, and overall work.

Full-Day Session — $1,200


Up to 8 hours
Designed for larger, highly detailed pieces, major projects, sleeves, cover-ups, or tattoos that require an extended session.

Your session time includes the tattooing process and necessary breaks. Consultation, final design adjustments, sizing, placement, setup, cleanup, photos, and aftercare may add additional time to your overall appointment.

Some larger projects may require multiple sessions. If we need more time to complete your tattoo properly, we’ll discuss the next steps.

THE DESIGN PROCESS

I like to make sure your tattoo actually fits YOU.

Your design may be prepared before your appointment, but final adjustments are normally made the day of your session. Seeing the design on your body allows me to make sure the size, placement, flow, and overall composition work with your anatomy.

This may include:

  • Sizing and placement adjustments

  • Changes based on the natural curves of your body

  • Minor design modifications

  • Drawing directly on the skin when necessary

  • Making sure everything flows properly before we start tattooing

Please allow time for this process. I’d rather take the extra time in the beginning to get everything right than rush something that’s going to be on you permanently.

WHAT TO EXPECT THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT

Arrival

Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time. Arriving early does not necessarily mean we’ll be able to start early.

Tattooing may begin approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour after your scheduled arrival time depending on final design adjustments, placement, sizing, stenciling, and setup.

That preparation time is part of making sure your tattoo comes out right.

Breaks

We can take breaks when needed, especially during longer sessions.

For half-day and full-day appointments, we can also arrange a food/lunch break if necessary.

I do recommend keeping unnecessary breaks to a minimum. Constantly stopping and starting can interrupt the flow of the tattoo and sometimes make the session harder on your body.

After Your Session

Give yourself approximately 20–30 extra minutes after your tattoo is finished.

This gives us time for:

  • Final cleanup

  • Photos/videos

  • Bandaging

  • Aftercare instructions

  • Any questions you may have before leaving

Please don’t schedule yourself too tightly after your appointment.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TATTOO

The Day Before

Get a good night’s sleep and make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.

Avoid alcohol and try not to overdo caffeine. Showing up rested, hydrated, and feeling good can make a BIG difference in how well you sit through your tattoo.

Day Of

EAT!

Please do not come to your appointment on an empty stomach. Eat a good, balanced meal before your session.

I also recommend bringing:

  • Snacks

  • Water or drinks

  • Phone/tablet

  • Headphones

  • Chargers

  • Something to keep yourself entertained

  • A hoodie, blanket, or extra layer if you get cold easily

Wear comfortable clothing that gives me easy access to the area being tattooed.

Also, DO NOT wear anything you’d be upset about getting ink on. Tattooing can get messy.

AFTERCARE

How you take care of your tattoo after leaving the shop is just as important as what happens while you’re in the chair.

Once we’re finished, I’ll go over your aftercare instructions with you and explain exactly how to care for your tattoo during the healing process.

A second-skin bandage may be applied when appropriate. If you have any known adhesive allergies or sensitivities, please let me know before we begin.

QUICK TATTOO DAY CHECKLIST

  • Get a good night’s sleep

  • Drink plenty of water

  • Eat a full meal before your appointment

  • Bring snacks and drinks

  • Wear comfortable, accessible clothing

  • Bring headphones/entertainment

  • Bring your charger

  • Avoid alcohol

  • Limit excessive caffeine

  • Plan extra time before and after your actual tattoo session

  • Come ready to LET’S GET INKY!

RESPECT THE PROCESS

Tattooing is a process, and I don’t rush my work.

The goal isn’t just to get you in and out of the chair. The goal is to give you a tattoo that looks good, fits your body correctly, and is something you’ll be proud to wear.

Some parts of the appointment may take longer than expected. Designs may need adjustments. Stencils may need to be moved. Breaks may be necessary.

That’s all part of the process.

Communication is always welcome, so if you have questions, concerns, or specific needs during your appointment, speak up.

Come prepared, trust the process, and LET’S GET INKY!