THE ART OF MAKING MARKS.

The ins, outs, and everything in between of getting tattooed by me.

Whether you're getting your first tattoo or you're already an experienced collector, here's a little rundown of what to expect when you come in for a session with me.

Some people come in wanting a deeply meaningful design, something that represents a significant chapter of their life. Others just want a sick piece of flash because it looks cool as fuck.

Both are equally valid.

For me, tattooing isn't just about putting artwork on someone's skin. It's also about the experience we share while creating it.

I want you to feel welcomed, comfortable, heard and involved throughout the process, whether we're having deep conversations about life or just having a laugh over a ridiculous story.

So, here's how a typical session with me goes.

Before your appointment: Feed yourself, please!

About a week before your appointment, I'll send you a pre-session message with some tips to help you prepare.

A few things that can make a big difference:

• Eat a proper meal beforehand. Please don't rock up on an empty stomach!

• Bring snacks and water, specially for longer sessions.

• Get a decent night's sleep. Easier said than done sometimes, I know.

• Moisturise the area being tattooed in the lead-up to your appointment. Healthy, hydrated skin can make the process easier. 

• Wear something comfortable and practical that will allow us to access the area comfortably. If you're unsure, feel free to ask!

If you haven’t organised food, I can point you somewhere nearby, but coming prepared is always easier.

I currently take cash, so please bring your payment along too.

Arriving at the studio: Let's settle in

Most of my appointments start around 11 am, but that doesn't mean we'll be tattooing at 11:01.

We’ll have a chat, settle in and look at the design together. Depending on preparation, we might not start tattooing until closer to midday. That’s completely normal.

I’ll usually print a few sizes so we can work out what suits your body, placement and any existing tattoos.

The design: Your body, your say

I'll usually print a few different sizes so we can see what works best for your body, your chosen placement and any existing tattoos we need to work around.

And I really want to emphasise something:

You are absolutely allowed to speak up.

Want another size? Need the stencil moved? Not quite sure about something? Please tell me. I’d much rather spend an extra 15 minutes getting it right than have you agree because you’re worried about being annoying.

It's all part of the process.

I'm generally happy to make small adjustments to custom designs on the day. However, major changes may mean we need to reschedule so I have enough time to redesign the piece properly.

I put a lot of care into communicating with you beforehand to avoid that situation, but sometimes things change, and that's okay.

At the end of the day, I want you to love what's going on your body, while making sure I have the time and space to do my best work.

Getting started: One line at a time

Once we've settled on the design and placement, you'll complete a consent form get comfortable in the chair.

Then I'll usually ask:

"Alright, are you ready?"

Once you give me the OK, I like to start with a tiny section of the tattoo before checking in again.

"How's that feeling?"

It gives you a chance to experience the sensation and settle into the process before we really get going. I like to think of it as us entering the tattooing experience together, rather than me just switching on the machine and going for it.

While we're tattooing: Find your own rhythm

You don't have to entertain me while I tattoo you.

Some people love a good yarn. Others want to pop their headphones in and disappear into their own little world. Some start off chatty and go quiet once the tattooing gets a little spicy.

All of that is welcome.

I’ll sometimes go quiet to concentrate too. We’re here to make a tattoo, not host a podcast. Although, depending on the conversation, we might accidentally have enough material for one.

Breaks, pain and looking after yourself

Look, tattoos hurt. There's no point pretending otherwise.

Some parts are cruisy; others might have you thinking, why the f*ck did I choose to do this?!

I’ll check in, but please tell me what you need. A stretch, water, a snack, five minutes to collect yourself? A crispy high five to remind you how badass you are?

Just say the word.

There’s a difference between manageable tattoo discomfort and reaching your limits. If you feel faint, sick, shaky or overwhelmed, tell me straight away so we can stop and look after you. Sometimes a break is enough; sometimes we’ll need to finish another day. Both are okay!

Sometimes tattoos bring up feelings

Not every tattoo needs to have a profound meaning.

Sometimes a skull is just a skull. Sometimes you just want a cool piece of artwork on your body.

I love that.

But sometimes tattoos are connected to something deeper: grief, identity, transformation, celebration or marking a significant moment in your life.

My background in art psychotherapy has shaped the care I bring to working with people, particularly around safety, trust and connection.

If something emotional comes up, you’re welcome to share as much or as little as you like. Tissues, breaks and comfortable silence are all available.

I'm not here to turn your tattoo appointment into a therapy session. I'm here as your tattoo artist, and part of that role, for me, is treating you with care and respect as a whole human being.

The big reveal (and the inevitable photoshoot)

Once the tattoo is finished, I'll give it a good clean and invite you over to the mirror. This is honestly one of my favourite parts of the session. I'm usually just as excited as you are, and sometimes a little nervous too!

We'll chat about any final details and then, comes the part nobody warns you about.

The photoshoot.

Yep. You thought we were done, didn't you?

Taking photos and videos allows me to showcase my work, track my development and give future clients an idea of what I create.

I'm genuinely grateful to my clients for their patience during this part, especially after they've already spent hours in the chair.

Photos and public sharing are covered in my tattoo consent form, but if there's ever a particular position, angle or photo you're uncomfortable with, please let me know. And if you'd like any of the photos sent to you, I'm happy to share them!

Wrapping up: Aftercare and heading home

I’ll wrap your tattoo and explain what aftercare and healing looks like. Questions are always welcome, whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth.

Before you head off, I'll thank you for trusting me with your skin.

And I truely do mean that.

The honour of permanently marking someone's body is something I don't take lightly.

If questions come up during healing, or something doesn’t seem right, message me. Send healed photos a few weeks later and you’ve immediately become one of my favourite clients!

You can also visit my Aftercare 101 post once you’re home, ideally enjoying your favourite food and TV shows in bed.

Two humans, one tattoo

There's one last thing I want to mention.

At the end of the day, we're both human.

As an artist, I always want to show up feeling creative, confident, welcoming and ready to give you the best experience possible.

But sometimes I've life has been chaotic, I've slept badly or I'm not quite as chatty or articulate as usual.

Regardless, I always give 100% of whatever I've got in the tank.

My energy might vary, but the care and responsibility I bring to tattooing doesn't change. If I’m not well enough to tattoo, I’ll let you know and be honest about that.

I don't expect you to show up as some perfect version of yourself either. You can be nervous, quiet, excited, emotional, awkward, chatty or just having one of those days.

You don't have to be anything other than yourself.

Whether your tattoo marks a huge personal transformation or you just wanted a sick little demon because it made you laugh, I want you to walk away feeling good about the experience and excited about the artwork you're carrying into the world.

Thank you for trusting me with your body, your stories, and for carrying my art into the world.

Much love,

Dee ♡

ARTXPUNK