You will be asked to complete a Consent to be Tattooed form and to show a valid photo identification with your birth date on it (driver's license, passport, school ID, etc.) You might also be asked to complete a health questionnaire, which is designed to determine if you are healthy enough to have a tattoo applied.

The artist makes a stencil of the design. Then she will clean and might shave your skin where the work will be done and, will swipe your skin with an "adhesive," which is usually deodorant stick (it should be applied to a clean paper towel to apply it to the skin). The artist will then put the stencil design directly on your skin and, when the paper is lifted a stencil line drawing of the design will appear on your skin. She will let you look in a mirror to make sure you are happy with the design and the placement. The stencil can be reapplied several times if the placement isn't correct the first time.

Once placement is agreed upon, the artist will then begin setting up the tattooing work station. The artist will be doing things like dispensing various colors of ink into disposable ink caps, and putting a sterile needle tube set into the tattoo machine. At this time, you will want to try to relax and take a bathroom break. You will probably be somewhat nervous, but excited at the same time. Your body is going through quite an adrenaline rush. Your excited condition and your anxiety about the anticipated pain may trigger a fainting spell. It will help if you are not there on an empty stomach. Eat about an hour or two BEFORE you go in for your tattoo session.

The artist will let you know that she is ready to start tattooing. The artist will start up the machine, dip the needle into the ink and let you know that she will start to work on the stenciled outline by starting on a small line that is not noticeable to let you know how it will feel. Don't forget to breathe and relax. The outline is usually the most painful part for most people. Remember that any move you make may cause the artist to make a mistake, so BEFORE you try to move, ask the artist first.

Most people can sit through over an hour of work, but if you get uncomfortable, just ask your artist if you can take a break. If you feel light headed or dizzy, tell your artist IMMEDIATELY so they can give you a break and get you some water. Once the tattoo is finished you will get to look at it, then it will be bandaged up and after-care will be discussed.

You will be sent home with written after- care instructions. Follow the after-care instruction as closely as possible. Good after-care will make the difference in how your tattoo heals and ultimately how it will look.