07/20/2026
A PSA About Tattoo Consultations
I've had a few people ask why I insist on consultations before certain tattoo appointments, so I figured I'd explain.
If I ask you to schedule a consultation before your tattoo, it's not optional—it's part of the appointment process.
A consultation is where we:
Discuss the concept.
Review references.
Talk about placement.
Make sure the design will age well.
Decide whether changes need to be made before I ever put a needle to skin.
If weeks pass and that consultation never gets scheduled, I'm going to cancel the tattoo appointment.
Not because I'm upset.
Not because I don't want to do your tattoo.
Because I refuse to rush permanent artwork that deserved planning.
I know many of my longtime clients remember when we could spend hours texting ideas back and forth or work everything out the day of the appointment. I genuinely enjoyed that, and I'm grateful for every client who helped build my career.
But after nearly 20 years of tattooing, my schedule—and my life—look very different.
My time is limited, and I have to treat it professionally.
Respecting your appointment also means respecting mine.
If I set aside several hours for your tattoo, I expect the preparation to have been done beforehand. When we agree that a consultation is required, I need you to follow through with scheduling it.
The consultation isn't a formality.
It's part of making sure you receive the best tattoo I can possibly give you.
I'd rather disappoint someone by postponing a tattoo than disappoint them with a tattoo that wasn't properly planned.
Thank you to everyone who respects the process. It truly makes for better tattoos, happier clients, and better artwork.
~james
