It starts with your vision. The inquiry form gives me the details I need — not just to see if we’re a good fit, but also to give me space to sit with your idea. This is where I begin exploring different ways it could come together and the options that might bring out its fullest expression. Sometimes that connection reveals layers of symbolism and personal meaning, and other times it’s about honoring beauty for beauty’s sake. Either way, I approach your project with the same openness and care — and that’s where the magic begins.

After I’ve had time to sit with your inquiry, I’ll circle back with ideas to see if we’re aligned. Sometimes I’ll ask more questions, sometimes I’ll recommend an in-person consultation, and other times everything clicks right away, and I’ll move straight into sending a deposit invoice to secure your spot.

Planning for Larger or Multi-Session Tattoo Projects

Larger tattoo projects with multi-session work allows your body the time it needs to heal properly between appointments, which supports better pigment retention, skin integrity, and long-term results. Healing windows vary from person to person and by placement, so spacing sessions thoughtfully is just as important as the tattooing itself.

During the inquiry and follow-up process, I help map out a realistic timeline based on the size, complexity, and flow of the design, as well as how your body tends to heal.

This is also where we’ll map out tentative session dates, so your timeline is clear, and future sessions are scheduled in advance to maintain momentum while avoiding overbooking. This stage is all about making sure we’re on the same page and setting a strong foundation for the work ahead.

The tattoo session is where everything comes together. Tattoos aren’t painless, and getting through them takes teamwork — your resilience paired with my focus and experience. Along the way, I have the privilege of getting to know you while guiding the process of your transformation. Whether you enjoy chatting through the session or prefer quiet focus, I’ll follow your lead so the space feels right for you. I often say the tattoo already exists in your mind and spirit — my role is to translate it into skin so it can finally be seen by the rest of the world. That’s what makes each session both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Healing is the final stage of your tattoo journey, and it’s different for everyone. During each session, I pay close attention to how your skin responds so I can give you the best guidance for your body — whether it’s your first tattoo or one of many. For single-session pieces, I’ll gauge your skin as we go and adjust your aftercare plan to give it the best chance of healing smoothly. For ongoing projects, each session teaches us more about how your body heals, so over time we refine a process that’s tailored to you. My goal is for you to feel confident in understanding what’s normal for your body while I guide you with what I know works best for most tattoos. Together, we’ll track what to look out for — from tips to protect a tricky area (like hands) to early signs of a strong heal. This isn’t a one-way instruction sheet — it’s a conversation, and your input helps me make sure your tattoo heals its best.