What a Professional Tattoo Consultation Should Feel Like
What to expect from a quality tattoo consultation: honest communication, design discussion, pricing clarity, and collaborative feel.
The Consultation Sets the Tone
A tattoo consultation isn't merely logistical. How it feels tells you a lot about what the actual tattoo experience will be like. A rushed, dismissive consultation rarely precedes an attentive session. A thoughtful, engaged consultation usually does.
Beyond gathering practical information, you're evaluating whether this person should put permanent art on your body. Trust your impressions. They matter.
Signs of Quality
Unhurried attention is the first indicator. You should have dedicated time, not minutes squeezed between appointments. The artist should ask questions and actually listen. You should be able to explain your vision fully without interruption. If you feel rushed or dismissed, that's information about how the tattoo experience will feel too.
Honest feedback is the second indicator, and it might feel counterintuitive. A quality artist tells you when something won't work rather than agreeing with everything. They explain reasoning: "At that size, details will blur within five years." They offer alternatives and solutions. They respect your vision while guiding toward what works in skin.
An artist who agrees with every idea without question might be more interested in your deposit than your long-term satisfaction. Agreement is easy. Honest guidance requires actually caring.
What Should Be Covered
The conversation should thoroughly explore your design vision: references and inspiration, size and placement options, style considerations, and how the design will age. The artist should offer their interpretation and suggest modifications where helpful. This is collaborative, not one-sided.
Pricing transparency is essential. The artist should explain their rate structure clearly, give realistic session estimates, and clarify what's included (design time, touch-ups). At 46 Tattoo, deposits are $100 and apply toward your final cost. If pricing feels evasive, pay attention. Clarity about money reflects clarity about everything else.
Red Flags to Recognize
Warning signs during a consultation:
- Pressure to book immediately
- "This price is only good today" tactics
- Resistance to you taking time to decide
- Guilt trips about consulting other artists
- Vague or evasive pricing
Toronto has hundreds of excellent artists. Anyone creating urgency to prevent comparison likely fears comparison. You have options.