You’ve done the consultation, paid the deposit, prepped your skin, and now it’s tattoo day. What actually happens between walking in and walking out? Here’s a walkthrough of a typical session at a professional shop.
Before You Arrive
A few hours before:
- Eat a solid meal — tattoo sessions drain blood sugar hard
- Drink water
- Skip alcohol (the night before, too)
- Shower and be clean — artists will tell you if they want you to avoid shaving the area
- Wear comfortable clothes that allow access to the tattoo area
- Bring snacks, water, and entertainment for long sessions
More detail in our first tattoo tips guide.
Arrival: Paperwork and Final Review
When you arrive, you’ll do a few things before sitting in the chair:
- Sign the release form — standard paperwork acknowledging the tattoo process
- Show ID — required for all tattoos in Florida
- Review the design — the artist shows you the final drawing. Speak up now if anything needs adjustment
- Discuss placement — the artist may hold the stencil up to your body and mark with pen to decide final positioning
- Confirm pricing — final number and payment method
Stencil Application
Once placement is agreed, the artist applies a stencil — a purple transfer of the design to your skin. This is where you want to take 2-3 minutes to really check it. Walk around, look at yourself in a mirror, photograph the placement if useful. Once the needle starts, there’s no repositioning.
Setup
While you’re approving the stencil, the artist sets up:
- Fresh gloves
- Machines assembled and tested
- Needles opened in front of you (single-use)
- Ink poured into disposable caps
- The entire station wrapped in plastic to prevent contamination
Watch for this. Clean setup is a non-negotiable sign of a legitimate shop.
The First Minutes
The initial line work is often the most intense — your body isn’t used to the sensation yet. After about 10-15 minutes, adrenaline kicks in and most clients settle into a rhythm. Pain is always worse in anticipation than during.
Pain Management
Session-long pain strategies:
- Steady breathing — don’t hold your breath
- Small movements only — big shifts disrupt the artist
- Tell the artist if you need a break — they’re used to it
- Music, podcasts, or movies through headphones help
- Snacks mid-session keep blood sugar up
See our full tattoo pain guide for pain by location.
Session Length
- Small tattoos: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Medium pieces: 3-4 hours
- Longer sessions: 4-6 hours (maximum most bodies tolerate)
- Very long: 6-8 hours (only experienced clients usually)
Wrap-Up
When the tattoo is done:
- The artist cleans the tattoo thoroughly
- Photographs are usually taken for portfolio (ask if you don’t want this)
- The tattoo is wrapped (Saniderm or plastic)
- Verbal aftercare instructions — follow the full aftercare guide
- Payment and tip (15-25% standard in the U.S.)
- Book the next session or touch-up if needed
First 24 Hours After
Your tattoo is a fresh wound. Follow aftercare exactly. Leave the wrap on for the time the artist specified (2-4 hours for plastic, up to 5 days for Saniderm). Wash gently when removed, apply thin aftercare, and do not touch, rub, or soak.
Booking at Idle Hands
Ready to book at Idle Hands Tattoo Co.? Call (904) 647-5183 for a free consultation. We’ll walk through everything — idea, placement, timing, pricing — before anything gets tattooed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tattoo session take?
Small tattoos take 30 min-2 hours. Medium pieces 3-4 hours. Longer sessions typically max out at 4-6 hours because skin can’t tolerate more in one sitting.
Do I need to bring anything to my tattoo appointment?
ID, a snack, water, and something to keep you entertained (headphones + podcast/movie) for longer sessions. Eat a real meal before arriving.
Can I look at the tattoo design before it’s done?
Yes — stencil placement is reviewed before any needle touches you. Take your time to check the position. Once tattooing starts, the design is permanent.
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