Some things to make you more comfortable and help you get my best work possible.  

Greetings,
The big day is near! Here are some things for you to know to help make your tattoo experience as efficient and comfortable as possible I continuously strive to make my clients tattoo experiences exceptional from initial contact and consultation to completed work. I rely on your reviews to let people know I provide a comfortable and unique level of service. Your help is greatly appreciated. If you love your new tattoo please follow me and leave a review on Google +. 
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-Take care of your body and mind. Get proper rest and nutrients as well as drink a lot of water a few days prior to your appointment.

- Substances. Limit your use of alcohol and mind altering drugs the day of and day before as they can effect your stamina and pain tolerance. If you are a regular user of cannabis, determine if the effects of this plant will work in your favor or not. Marijuana and other THC containing products relax and calm some people, but amp out and cause a noisy and anxious mind in others. Use your judgement if it's right for you. I have no problems with a person using cannabis before during or after the tattoo appointment as long as you KNOW how it will effect you, and those effects are conducive for our session. CBD's, another molecule in the cannabis plant, are a very good natural and legal alternative to pain management and can also relax the mind and body as well as make you more comfortable. Capsules and tinctures can now be purchased at reputable marijuana dispensaries. If you wish to take these at your tattoo session, please try them at home prior to make sure your body agrees with them. They are NOT mind altering and you will not feel high or stoned from them.

-Come to your appointment clean and fresh. If possible shower just before you come to the studio as you will not be able to bathe till the following mornings after your tattoo appointment. Wear clean clothes to reduce the chance of bacteria and contaminants infecting the new work. Remember a tattoo is an open wound and should be cared for as such. If you are a smoker please wash your hands after a smoke break and I keep mints on hand for us both.  Please do not wear perfumes or colognes. Woman's perfumes especially gives me a headache. We're going to be in very close proximity so let's help each other out.

- Eat before you come in an hour or two before your appointment. Low blood sugar and hunger can drastically increase your discomfort level and is one of the main reasons people pass out during the tattoo procedure. It is rare but does happen.
 Bring snacks and water or hydrating beverages like coconut water. Electrolytes are your friend. Abstain from excess coffee and beverages containing caffeine but if your body has become dependent on caffeine use a just enough so you don't have a caffeine headache.

- Relax your mind If you are very nervous about the pain try to focus on the outcome and how happy you will be to have this new tattoo you have been wanting. Believe in yourself and know that most people are stronger than they give themselves credit for. However, also prepare yourself in your personal time that this will be challenging and even difficult at times. I don't want you to be caught off guard on the first line that getting a tattoo hurts. I don't sugar coat it. Their are many places on the body that are quite sensitive but get your tattoo where you want it!  Make the decision that this is what you want and are going to accomplish your goal. You can do it!  A few hours or less of discomfort for a lifetime of enjoyment is worth it!

-Please come alone.  I understand getting a new tattoo can be very exciting and people sometimes want to share it with friends and family. Getting tattooed is not a social event and I do not allow others in my tattoo area while working for multiple reasons. 3rd party conversations are incredibly distracting for me and tattooing requires a lot of focus and a calm atmosphere for me to do my best work. Also, most of my appointments are all day sessions and can be incredibly boring for the people that you brought along. I have had clients friends get antsy, pace around, and even get cranky because they have been sitting in a tight room for 5 hours or more. Watching a person get a tattoo is fun for about 10 minutes then its incredibly boring. That being said a friend of yours is welcome to stop by and briefly come into my work space to say hello and see the work in or progress but I ask they keep their visit brief. Thank you for understanding that this is my creative space and requires my full attention and focus.

- Make your tattoo appointment top priority that day. Please come on time but not too early. For larger works such as all day appointments, schedule your appointment on a day you don't have other places to be immediately after your tattoo session. This is a process and there is no telling how long it will take exactly to get started and finished. If you are getting a 3 hour tattoo that doesn't mean you will only be at the shop for 3 hours. It takes what it takes and I prefer not feeling rushed.

-Have patience. Getting tattooed is a process not a quick event. getting the stencil or design can take some time before we begin as this is the most important aspect of tattooing. 

-Electronics  I am fine with you using your electronic devices while we tattoo as long as you're able to be still and not move around. I do ask you turn the alerts to silent though and if you must accept important phone calls during the process that's understandable. Feel free to bring some headphones and listen to what you enjoy.

-Bring sunglasses and a comfortable warm piece of clothing or small travel sized blanket or beach towel. My technical lighting is very bright and often times the light can be hard on your eyes if you are on your back looking straight into the lamp. I can get very warm when working so the shop is kept cool especially in the summer. 

-Don't wear expensive garments. The process of tattooing is messy and I take reasonable precautions to protect your clothing but stains are pretty common and tattoo ink will NOT wash off. I will not be liable if your nice clothes get ink or blood on them. Wear or bring loose comfortable clothing that won't be the end of the world if it gets a few ink stains. Also choose proper clothing for the area you are getting worked on. 

- Cash Only. Payment is due at the end of each session in full and in cash. There are ATM machines on our block but they charge a fee so you may want to go to your own bank prior to the appointment.