The tattoo process up close: from consultation to final application on the skin

The idea of getting a tattoo sparks in your mind like a flash of lightning—exciting, personal, and a little mysterious. But how does that spark travel from your imagination to become a living, breathing design on your skin? What really happens behind the doors of a professional tattoo studio? For many, the unknown is a barrier, causing them to postpone their dream for months, or even years. The fear of the process, worries about pain, or uncertainty about the steps are completely natural.

But what if we told you that this process isn’t something to fear, but rather an exciting creative collaboration between you and your artist? What if we walked you through every single step, so you could walk into the studio with absolute confidence?

In this comprehensive guide, we at PinkTatPier studio in London invite you on a behind-the-scenes tour. We’re pulling back the curtain on the entire journey, from the first consultation and the birth of a design to the final application and essential aftercare. This isn’t just a guide; it’s our promise to you of a transparent, professional, and completely comfortable experience. Join us to see how your idea is transformed into a work of art that will forever be a part of your story.

The tattoo process up close

The Consultation: The Most Crucial Step of the Entire Process

Many believe the tattoo process begins the moment the needle touches the skin. The truth is, the cornerstone of a successful tattoo is the consultation. This meeting isn’t a simple price check; it’s a collaborative session where the foundation of your artwork is laid. It’s your opportunity to get to know the artist, and the artist’s chance to understand your vision and personality.

At our studio, we take this step very seriously. You’ll sit down with one of our expert artists to ensure there’s a great connection and a shared creative vision.

How to Prepare for Your Consultation:

• Gather Your Ideas: Bring photos, sketches, paintings, or anything that inspires you. You don’t need to have a final design in mind; keywords, symbols, and a general mood are perfect starting points.
• Consider the Placement: Think about where on your body you envision the tattoo. Be flexible; a skilled artist might suggest a more suitable location based on your body’s anatomy and the flow of the design.
• Ask Questions: No question is a silly one! Feel free to ask about the artist’s style, their experience, hygiene protocols, or any other concerns you have. A true professional will happily answer everything.

This session is where trust is built. You should leave the studio feeling understood, respected, and genuinely excited for the next step.

From Idea to Final Design: The Magic of Custom Artwork

After your consultation, the artist’s creative work begins. They take your ideas, stories, and inspirations and translate them into a unique, visual design. This creative process may take several days. The artist will then send you a preliminary sketch for your feedback.

This is a two-way conversation. If you’re not in love with a part of the design or want to make adjustments, it’s essential that you say so. The ultimate goal is to arrive at a design that you are 100% passionate about.

The tattoo process up close

The Stencil and Placement: The Final Check

Once the design is finalised, the artist creates a stencil. On the day of your appointment, this stencil is applied to your skin, giving you a perfect preview of the tattoo’s size and placement. We will reposition it as many times as needed to find the perfect spot. Remember: no ink is applied until you are completely happy with the stencil’s placement. To see the final results and get inspired by creative placements, feel free to browse our gallery of work.

Preparing for the Big Day: Your Pre-Appointment Checklist

How you prepare for your tattoo appointment is just as important as the artist’s skill in achieving a quality result. Your body is the canvas, and a well-prepared canvas yields a better outcome.

24-Hour Pre-Tattoo Preparation Table

Following these simple tips will make your experience significantly more comfortable and ensure a professional outcome.

The Main Event: What Happens During the Tattoo Session?

You arrive at the studio, prepared and excited. Here’s a transparent breakdown of what happens next:

1. Consent Form: You’ll fill out a standard consent form, confirming you are aware of the process. This is a legal and professional requirement.
2. Site Preparation: The artist will thoroughly clean, disinfect, and (if necessary) shave the area to be tattooed. This is crucial for preventing any risk of infection.
3. Final Stencil Approval: The stencil is applied, and you’ll check it in the mirror. This is your last chance to make any adjustments to placement or size.
4. The Process Begins: The artist prepares their station. All equipment, especially needles and tubes, is 100% sterile and single-use. You will see the artist open the sterile needle packaging in front of you.

Understanding the Tools and Sensation

The sound of the tattoo machine might seem intimidating at first, but you’ll quickly get used to it. The sensation is often described as a constant vibration or a mild scratching feeling. The artist typically begins with the main outlines (lining) before moving on to shading and colouring. There will be short breaks to stretch or have some water. We constantly monitor your comfort level—it is our top priority. For more information on health and safety standards in the tattoo industry, you can refer to trusted sources like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The tattoo process up close

A New Chapter: Vital Aftercare for a Flawless Tattoo

The artist’s work is done when the last drop of ink is applied, but your work has just begun. The first two weeks of aftercare are critical in determining the lifelong vibrancy and beauty of your tattoo.

Your artist will clean the tattoo, apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment, and cover it with a protective wrap. You’ll be given specific instructions, but the general process is as follows:

• The First Few Hours: Keep the wrap on for the duration recommended by your artist (typically 2-4 hours).
• The First Wash: After removing the wrap, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, antibacterial soap. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel—do not rub it.
• The First Week: Apply a very thin layer of the recommended aftercare ointment 2-3 times a day. The goal is to keep the tattoo moisturised, not suffocated.
• The Second Week and Beyond: Your skin will begin to flake and may feel itchy. This is a normal part of the healing process. Never pick at the flakes or scratch the tattoo.

During the healing period, avoid swimming, sunbathing, and wearing tight clothing over the tattoo. Following these instructions diligently will guarantee a brilliant result. You can find our complete guide on the Aftercare page of our website.

Answering Your Concerns: Frequently Asked Questions About the Tattoo Process

Can I use numbing cream before my session?

This is a very common question! While numbing creams can help reduce pain, they must be used in coordination with your artist. Some products can change the skin’s texture, affecting how it takes ink or even impacting the final healed result. The best approach is to discuss it with us beforehand so we can recommend a suitable product and guide you on its application.

What if I don’t like the stencil placement on my skin?

This is your body and your art! You have every right to be 100% happy. If you’re even slightly unsure about the placement or size, please speak up. We will gladly wipe it off and reapply it. This is a completely normal part of the process, and we would much rather spend an extra 30 minutes on placement than have you be unhappy with the result for a lifetime.

How do I know when my tattoo is fully healed?

A fully healed tattoo will be smooth and level with the rest of your skin. There will be no more scabbing, peeling, or unnatural shininess. The ink will have settled into the skin, revealing its final, permanent appearance. This initial phase typically takes 2-4 weeks, but the deeper layers of skin can continue healing for a few months. During this time, continue to protect it with a quality sunblock. For a more scientific look at skin healing, this article from Healthline is an excellent resource.

The tattoo process is a journey that begins with an idea and ends with a permanent part of your identity. It’s an intimate collaboration between you and an artist you trust. By understanding every step, this journey transforms from something stressful into a powerful and memorable experience. Each stage—from consultation to design and application—is handled with precision and the utmost respect for you and your body, ensuring the final result is nothing short of a masterpiece.

This is more than just ink on skin; it’s art, it’s a story, and it’s built on trust. At PinkTatPier, we are proud of this process and are committed to making it the best possible experience for you.

The tattoo process up close

Are You Ready to Begin Your Artistic Story?

Now that you’ve seen the entire process up close, perhaps that spark in your mind is ready to become a real design. Let’s talk about it. Our team in London is here to listen to your ideas and help you transform them into a one-of-a-kind tattoo.