Tattoo Process

Curious about what a tattoo session is really like?

 

Here’s what you can expect as we turn your idea into a tattoo you’ll love.

 

Every step of the process is designed to be collaborative, ensuring your comfort and prioritizing your health and safety.

 

My sessions follow a 5 stage process.

Let me walk you through it ↓

01.

CONSULTATION

First step:

> Fill out Consultation/Appointment form
Here is the difference between both services helping you understand what the purpose of each one is.
 
  • Tattoo *Consultation: A conversation-based meeting for those who need help refining their tattoo idea. This is ideal for someone who is not sure what they want to have as a tattoo. At a consultation we’ll discuss concepts, make a draft, answer any questions you may have, and help gain clarify about the tattoo you envision having. A consultation is not required before booking an appointment. Tattoos are not done on consultation day unless requested in advance
  • Tattoo *Appointment:  Includes a brief consultation and is for getting a tattoo done the same day. We’ll have discussed your design already thoroughly in advance via email or Instagram before the appointment. This is ideal for someone who has a clear concept of what they want to have done as a tattoo, and are ready to have the tattoo done.

 

Before we meet for the first time,  identify if you would prefer to book a free tattoo consultation (in shop or through a video call), or a tattoo appointment.

When you arrive to the tattoo shop , it will be required for you to fill out a tattoo waiver form before we begin.

Here’s how we’ll turn your idea into a tattoo you’ll love:

  • Our Conversation: We’ll dive into your tattoo ideas—what it means to you, everything you’ve brainstormed, and how to bring them to life through design, size, and placement. Together, we’ll fine-tune everything to fit your vision and body.

 

  • Our Collaboration: This step is all about bringing that vision to life artistically. We’ll work together on refining the details, discussing the tattoo process, and either have already pre-drawn or begin building out a custom sketch that captures the essence of your idea, ready for the session.

 

  • The Pricing: I charge a flat rate per piece, not by the hour. The price depends on the complexity, size, style, and placement of your tattoo. You’ll get an estimate during the consultation, or through email/Instagram before finalizing booking an appointment.

 

These steps help us ensure we’re on the same page and create a defined foundation for our next steps moving forward. I’m here to answer any questions, offer guidance, and make sure you’re excited for the session 🙂

• Submission of your appointment form about your tattoo inquiry:

  • A description of the tattoo you want.
  • Reference photo(s) for inspiration.
  • Approx. size (in inches: length x width).
  • Placement on your body.
  • Think about any questions you would like to discuss.

The difference between both:

• A consultation appointment is a discussion to explore your idea, answer questions, and plan the best design. It is dialogue-based in comparison to any practical work like tattooing on your body. No tattooing happens during this time. A consultation is not required before booking a tattoo appointment.

• A tattoo appointment includes a consultation and design planning aswell –  but with additionally focusing on the physical tattoo creation, and guarantee the tattoo will be  done on the scheduled day. 

How to Prepare for Your Appointment:

  • Get a full night’s sleep the night before.
  • Eat a full big meal 1-2 hours before your appointment.
  • Bring some factory-sealed snacks.
  • Wear comfortable clothes with easy access to the tattoo area.
  • Avoid alcohol at least 24 hours before your appointment.
  • Moisturize the tattoo area twice on the day before your appointment.

If you’re feeling unwell 24 hours before your appointment, please let me know.

02.

CREATE

Before we start any tattooing, we’ll further deep dive into the tattoo design process.

 

We will work on the design drawing here.

This is where your ideas, inspiration,

and vision take shape.

 

We’ll dive into the details,

and refine the design together.

 

 I’ll guide you through each step—

adjusting, tweaking,and

making sure everything feels right.

 

Your input is key in this stage, so we’ll keep refining until it’s exactly what you want, both visually and meaningfully.

 

Only when we’re both fully happy with the design — will we move forward to the tattooing process.

  • We discuss your vision for the tattoo.
  • Review the design – make any needed adjustments.
  • Print the design on a regular white paper in various sizes.
  • Test placement by taping paper cutouts on your body.
  • Trace the paper cutout with a marker on the Final placement
  • Place a stencil on your body

03.

INK

What to Expect When Getting Tattooed

Its time : ) Getting tattooed is a professional, step-by-step process designed to keep you informed, safe, and happy.

Its an experience where something internal becomes visible in an artistic form.

We’re capturing a feeling, a memory, or a part of yourself — and making it a visual statement.

The experience is transformative, intentional, and like a form of self-care.

Breakdown:

  • Final Design Check:  Your design and placement are finalized with your approval. Nothing starts until you’re 100% satisfied.
  • Skin Prep: The area of skin where the tattoo will be – is cleaned with antiseptic, and shaved for a smooth – sterile surface.
  • Stencil Placement: The stencil is applied with precision. You will have time to review it in the mirror to make sure it feels right . We can re-apply it if necessary.
  • Professional Set-Up:

For each session:  Every station setup & tool I use is new, sterile, and disposable — other than my trusted tattoo machine. 

My tattoo machine is protected with protective and disposable wrapping, and changed for every single appointment.  Needles are single-use. All surfaces are disinfected and cleaned between appointments.

  • Comfortable Positioning: I’ll adjust your chair, armrests, and pillow to keep you comfortable & steady throughout the session.
  • When you are being tattoo’ed: 

– We keep communication open —let me know if you need a quick break.

– Feel free to lay low, take a nap, or yap with me ♡

– Small snacks are offered

– The area of skin where the tattoo is is wiped regularly to keep the design visible and clean.

– I use a moisturizer on your skin frequently while tattooing.

  • Post – Tattoo:

– I’ll clean & reveal your finished tattoo

– Take professional photos of your tattoo

– A medical-grade bandage (commonly called second skin) will be applied on your tattoo to protect it for 3–5 days (exact number of days will be advised at session).

– I will educate you on how to take care of your tattoo, and provide a brochure with expert aftercare instructions to ensure you can take the right steps to have your tattoo heal as best as possible.

04.

TATTOO AFTERCARE

When we finish your tattoo, you will receive a aftercare brochure with clear instructions to guide you through the healing process.

 

On average, a tattoo takes 1 month to heal. I will also explain everything you need to know to keep your tattoo looking its best.

 

The first month of healing is crucial, as it shapes how your tattoo will look for years to come.

05.

APPOINTMENT HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOL

Sterile Environment & Hygiene:

  • Single-Use Equipment: All supplies are sterile, single use, disposable and opened in front of you for full transparency.

 

  • Medical-Grade Sterilization: Reusable tools like tattoo machines are sanitized with hospital-grade cavicide.

 

  • Artist Hygiene: Hands are thoroughly washed, and new gloves are worn for each session. I’m also certified in bloodborne pathogens.

 

Skin Preparation & Comfort

  • Cleansing & Shaving: The tattoo area is cleaned with medical-grade disinfectant and shaved with a new disposable razor.
  • Pain Management: Open communication is encouraged. Please inform me of any health conditions or allergies before we begin a session. We’ll check in on pain levels, take breaks when needed, and I use gentle techniques to minimize discomfort. 

 

Aftercare & sanitary work space:

  • Aftercare Education: I’ll guide you through aftercare instructions and provide a brochure for easy reference to ensure optimal healing.
  • Work space: Tattoo shop studio complies with all local health regulations and exceeds industry standards for safety.

CONSULTATION | TATTOO | APPOINTMENT

BOOK NOW

FAQ

Frequently Asked Q's

PRESS TO READ ALL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HERE >

I am presently located in Toronto, Canada. The studio address will be shared upon booking.

I am available for tattoo appointments and free consultations on:

Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday
⏰ 12 PM – 5:00 PM

If your tattoo requires more time, I  continue past 5:00 PM as needed.

I charge a one time flat rate per tattoo, not an hourly rate. 

An approximate estimate will be given 1-3 days after I receive your inquiry form. In order to finalize securing an *tattoo appointment date for us – a deposit will be required before coming in on your actual appointment day.

The cost of a tattoo depends on:

  • Design complexity
  • Size
  • Body placement
  • Tattoo style

Please send me all of these details in your inquiry form to accurately determine your tattoo’s cost.

testimonials

Preston Macneil
I loved working with Nicole. She is patient and prompt when responding to inquiries. She brings no ego to the session; just warmth, calm and excitement.
Ken Shalo
Nicole was excellent to work with on my tattoo’s design and placement - she was very meticulous about the positioning, ensuring everything was perfect and to my own liking before beginning. The three plus hours or so of the session itself blew by, as I found Nicole easy to chat with and the space was comfortable.
Rahma Ahmed
I went to Nicole last summer for my first two tattoos and I couldn’t be more thankful to her! Nicole is skilled, precise, trustworthy, and open to feedback - all qualities you would want in your tattoo artist.