Exterior view of the Club Tattoo studio featuring large illuminated signage, window displays with tattoo artwork, and a modern black metal facade.

What to Expect During Your Tattoo Appointment at Club Tattoo

Getting a tattoo is exciting, but it’s normal to have questions about what the appointment will actually be like — especially if it’s your first time. At Club Tattoo, we want the entire process to feel straightforward and enjoyable from start to finish. Here’s a clear breakdown of what happens before, during, and after your tattoo appointment so you know exactly what to expect.

1. Before the Appointment: Your Consultation With the Tattoo Artist

Before you ever sit in the tattoo chair, you’ll have a consultation with your tattoo artist. This step is simply a chance to make sure everyone is on the same page and that the design fits your ideas, goals, and budget.

During this conversation, you’ll talk through:

  • Your design concept and reference photos

  • Tattoo styles you’re drawn to

  • Sizing and placement

  • Color vs. black and grey

  • The overall vision for the piece

  • Estimated cost and how many sessions you may need

Your tattoo artist might sketch ideas, take photos of the placement area, or give suggestions to improve how the tattoo will look long-term. Once everything is mapped out, your appointment is booked, and your tattoo artist works on the final design leading up to the session.

Not sure who to book with yet? Take a look at our Las Vegas, Arizona, and New Jersey tattoo artist portfolios to find the right fit.

Blackwork tattoo on an upper arm depicting a kneeling woman whose body is filled with detailed floral patterns as she holds a flower near her face.

2. Arrival & Check-In on Appointment Day

When you arrive, you’ll check in at the front desk and complete a few simple steps:

  • Show your ID

  • Fill out a brief consent and health form

  • Review studio guidelines

  • Confirm your appointment details

This part is quick, but it helps ensure your tattoo artist has all the information they need to give you a safe and smooth experience. If you’re feeling nervous, that’s completely normal. Our team is there to answer questions and help you feel at ease.

3. Reviewing the Final Design

Before any tattooing begins, you’ll sit down with your tattoo artist to review the finalized artwork. Even if you already discussed everything during your consultation, this last look makes sure you’re both aligned on the details.

Your tattoo artist may:

  • Show you the completed design or stencil

  • Make small adjustments to size or proportions

  • Confirm colors and shading

  • Walk you through how the tattoo will lay on your body

This is the perfect moment to speak up if you want anything changed. Your tattoo artist wants you to be confident and happy with the design before moving forward.

Modern tattoo workstations inside Club Tattoo with black chairs, equipment cabinets, sinks, and digital screens showcasing artists’ work.

4. Stenciling, Placement & Prep

After you approve the artwork, it’s time to place the stencil.

Here’s what happens:

  • The tattoo artist cleans the skin with medical-grade disinfectant.

  • They shave the area if needed (even light hair can affect the stencil).

  • The stencil is applied or the design is drawn on freehand.

  • You’ll stand, move, and check the placement in the mirror.

The goal is to get the placement exactly right. If something feels off (too high, too low, too angled), just say so! Adjusting the stencil is part of the process, and it’s important that you love where it sits.

5. Setting Up: Clean, Safe & Professional

While you get comfortable, your tattoo artist will finish prepping their workstation. At Club Tattoo, safety and cleanliness are top priorities.

You’ll see your artist set up:

  • New, single-use needles

  • Fresh ink caps

  • Sterile tools

  • Protective barriers on surfaces

  • Gloves and sanitation supplies

Everything used during your tattoo is either disposable or sterilized at medical-grade standards. The setup might look meticulous, and that’s the point. You can relax knowing you’re in a clean and controlled environment.

Full back tattoo of a detailed black and grey dragon surrounded by pink cherry blossoms and swirling pink linework.

6. The Tattooing Experience: How It Feels

Once the stencil is ready and the station is set up, the tattooing begins. If you’ve never been tattooed before, the sensation can be hard to describe. Most people compare the pain to:

  • A scratching feeling

  • A warm vibration

  • A light to moderate sting

  • A mix of pressure and irritation

How much pain you feel depends on the tattoo size, your skin sensitivity, and where on the body you’re getting tattooed. Areas with thinner skin or closer to the bone tend to be more sensitive. 

During the appointment, you can usually relax with:

  • Music or headphones

  • Casual conversation

  • Breathing exercises

  • Simply zoning out

Just try to stay as still as you comfortably can. If you need a break, let your tattoo artist know. They’re used to pacing sessions based on client comfort.

Sessions can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. For longer appointments, your tattoo artist will give you short breaks so you can stretch or grab some water.

7. After the Tattoo: Clean-Up, Wrap & Care Instructions

When your tattoo is finished, your tattoo artist will clean the area and apply a protective wrap or bandage. This helps kick off the initial healing process and keeps the tattoo covered on your way home.

Before you leave, your tattoo artist will explain your aftercare instructions, which typically include:

First 24 hours:

  • Keep your wrap on for the amount of time recommended

  • Avoid touching the tattoo unnecessarily

  • Expect mild redness or swelling

After removing the wrap:

  • Wash gently with fragrance-free soap

  • Pat dry with a clean towel

  • Apply a light layer of recommended moisturizer

During the healing process (2–4 weeks):

  • Avoid sun exposure

  • Avoid swimming, soaking, or hot tubs

  • Don’t pick at peeling or flaking skin

  • Wear loose clothing over the tattoo

  • Keep the area clean and moisturized

Healing times vary based on tattoo size, location, and your personal skin type, but most tattoos go through similar stages of redness, peeling, and settling.

Front desk area inside Club Tattoo with black textured walls, framed tattoo photos, pendant lighting, and a circular black velvet seating bench.

8. Before You Leave: Ask Any Questions You Have

Don’t hesitate to ask questions before you head out. Your tattoo artist can help with:

  • What’s normal during healing

  • When to reach out if something looks unusual

  • How to protect your tattoo long-term

  • When it's safe to resume certain activities

  • Whether your tattoo may need a touch-up later

Your tattoo artist is there to help you feel fully prepared — not just for the appointment, but for the weeks that follow.

Ready to Get Started? Book a Tattoo Consultation

A tattoo appointment doesn’t have to feel intimidating. When you know what to expect and understand how each step works, the process becomes easier and even enjoyable. At Club Tattoo, our goal is to give you a clean, comfortable experience with tattoo artists who take the time to get your design right and make sure you feel taken care of throughout the session.

Whether it’s your first tattoo or one of many, you’ll leave with a piece you’re proud of and the knowledge to care for it properly as it heals.

If you’re ready to start planning your next tattoo, book a consultation with Club Tattoo and take the first step toward bringing your idea to life.