How to prepare
Follow these steps to have a safe, comfortable tattoo session.
Please read through this before your appointment. Set a reminder to review it again the night before — a little prep goes a long way toward making your session smooth.
Payment
Cash is preferred. We also accept Zelle and credit cards (credit cards have a 3% processing fee from the card company). Any deposit you paid is non-refundable and counts toward your total. Design fees, if your artist required one, are separate.
You can pay at the end of your session in cash, via Zelle, or through our payment link.
Most banks limit Zelle transfers to $500–$2,000 per day. If your total will exceed that, call your bank ahead of time to raise your limit — or bring cash or plan on using a credit card for the balance.
Tips
Tipping isn't required, but it's always appreciated. If you're unsure of standard etiquette, a quick Google search for tattoo tip etiquette will point you in the right direction. At the end of your session, just ask your artist how they prefer to receive tips.
Location & parking
We're at 18547½ Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356.
- Residential parking on Mecca St. (perpendicular to the studio) or Clark St. (behind the studio). Check street cleaning signs before you park.
- Metered street parking on Ventura Blvd. Two-hour limit, so you'll need to refill for longer sessions.
- Walgreens, Gelson's, or CVS lots have plenty of space. Their signs say no parking, but no client of ours has ever been towed.
The night before
- Get a good night's sleep — being well-rested helps you sit through your session more comfortably.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water the day before and the morning of.
- Skip alcohol and recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before your appointment. They thin your blood and make tattooing harder.
The day of
- Eat a healthy meal at least 3 hours before your appointment. Don't come in on an empty stomach.
- Bring a snack and a drink for your appointment, especially if your session will run longer than 2 hours.
- If you can reach your tattoo area, shave the hair off before you arrive. The shaved area should have a 2-3 inch margin around the tattoo. For example: if your tattoo is a 3"×3" piece on the forearm, shave at least a 5"×5" area. The bigger you shave, the better.
- Do not apply cream, moisturizer, or sunscreen to the tattoo area on the day of your appointment.
- If you regularly use body cream, skip the tattoo area for 2-3 days before your session.
What to wear
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area. Choose dark colors — tattoo ink can stain fabric. Avoid anything tight, restrictive, or that you'd be sad to ruin.
What to bring
- A photo ID (you must be 18 or older — California Penal Code §653)
- Reference images, if you haven't already shared them with your artist
- Headphones, if you'd like music or video during your session
- Water and a snack
- Anything that helps you feel comfortable — a sweater, a small pillow, etc.
We won't tattoo you if...
- You're taking antibiotics or cortisone
- You're pregnant or recently had a baby
- You were vaccinated within the last 48 hours
- You have an upcoming vacation with prolonged sun exposure
- You have atopic dermatitis on the tattoo area
- You're under 18
- You're under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- You don't have a valid photo ID
These aren't arbitrary — they exist so your tattoo heals well and you stay safe. If you're unsure whether something applies to you, message us before your appointment.
Please be on time
Running late shortens your consult, rushes your artist, and could cost you your deposit. Plan to arrive with a few minutes to spare, and please give the whole day to your appointment — evenings included if it's a longer session. We want you relaxed, not watching the clock.
After your session
Your artist will walk you through aftercare in detail before you leave. For a quick overview of healing best practices, see our aftercare guide →
Have questions before your appointment? We're happy to help.
See FAQ →