A good consultation can make the difference between getting exactly what you wanted and getting something close. Here’s how to prepare so the meeting goes well and you walk out with a solid plan.
Before You Book the Consultation
- Know the general idea. “Japanese sleeve with a koi” is specific enough; “something cool on my arm” isn’t.
- Look at the artist’s portfolio. Make sure their work matches the style you want. Don’t ask a black & grey specialist to do bold traditional.
- Have a realistic budget in mind. See our pricing guide.
What to Bring to the Consultation
- Reference images — 5–10 examples of styles, compositions, or elements you like. Don’t bring one specific image and say “this one.”
- Photos of the placement area — especially for back, chest, or ribs
- A rough size estimate — or measurements if you already know
- Questions written down — so you don’t forget
- Your calendar — so you can book sessions before leaving
What to Expect During the Consultation
A typical consultation runs 20–45 minutes and covers:
- Your concept and what it means to you
- Reference review — what elements work, what doesn’t
- Placement and sizing — the artist will usually measure the area
- Style decisions — color vs black & grey, composition
- Timeline — how many sessions, how long between
- Pricing estimate
- Deposit to hold the first session
Questions to Ask
- “How do you think this concept will age?”
- “Is there anything about the placement that makes this harder or easier?”
- “How many sessions realistically?”
- “What’s your aftercare recommendation?”
- “What’s your touch-up policy?”
- “What happens if I need to reschedule?”
Red Flags at a Consultation
- Pressure to commit on the spot without time to think
- Immediate agreement on everything — good artists push back on ideas that won’t work
- Reluctance to discuss aging or longevity
- No deposit system (unusual for serious artists)
- Vague pricing — “we’ll see” without any range
After the Consultation
Expect a few days to a week before your artist sends you a design draft or sketch. This is normal. Good custom work takes time. Don’t pressure the artist to rush — rushed designs are regrets waiting to happen.
Book a Consultation at Idle Hands Tattoo Co.
If you’re in Jacksonville, St. Johns County, the beaches, or anywhere in Northeast Florida and you want to talk about a new piece, reach out. Idle Hands Tattoo Co. is Jeff Jibran’s private studio specializing in Japanese, American traditional, and black & grey work.
Call (904) 647-5183 or visit us at 3938 Sunbeam Road #4, Jacksonville, FL 32257. Monday–Saturday, 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM. Consultations are always free.
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