The Business of Tattooing: Turn Tattoo Consultations to Paid Bookings

Memphis Mori

Jan 17, 2025

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Tattoo consultations are your chance to make a lasting impression on potential clients. It’s not just about explaining your work, but about building trust and creating a connection. A great consultation can turn a curious inquiry into a lifelong client. If you want to nail your next tattoo consultation, here are some tips to help you prepare and win over clients.

1. Listen First, Offer Suggestions Later

The most important part of a consultation is listening. When a client comes in with a tattoo idea, it’s easy to jump right into design suggestions or talk about how you'd approach it. But first, give them the floor. Let them explain what they want, why it's meaningful, and any concerns they might have. Listening shows that you care about their vision, and that goes a long way in building trust.

Once they've shared their ideas, then you can offer your professional input. Maybe their design could be improved by resizing or placement changes, or perhaps you can suggest some stylistic adjustments. When you frame your suggestions as enhancements to their original idea, clients are more likely to appreciate your expertise rather than feel like you’re taking control.

2. Showcase Your Portfolio and Style

Clients come to you because of your unique style, so don’t shy away from showing off your best work. During the consultation, it’s a good idea to showcase your portfolio, especially pieces that are similar to what the client is asking for. This helps set realistic expectations and builds confidence in your abilities.

However, be transparent about what styles you excel in. If their idea doesn’t match your expertise, it’s better to be upfront than to take on work you’re not passionate about. This honesty not only helps you avoid potential dissatisfaction but also shows that you have integrity as an artist.

3. Clarify the Details

Tattoo consultations are also about hashing out the logistics. Be sure to cover important details like the size of the piece, placement, and how many sessions might be required. This is the time to talk about pricing as well, so there are no surprises later. Make sure your pricing is clear, and explain why certain factors (like size or complexity) influence the cost.

Clients also appreciate a clear breakdown of how the sessions will go, how long they can expect each to be, and what they need to do to prepare (like avoiding alcohol or moisturizing the area beforehand). The more transparent you are about the process, the more comfortable they’ll feel moving forward.

4. Prepare for Questions

Most clients will come to consultations with a few questions, especially if they’re new to getting tattooed. Be prepared to answer common questions like:

How painful will this tattoo be?

How long will the healing process take?

What should I do to care for my tattoo after the session?

Can you make adjustments to the design if needed?

Providing clear, patient answers will not only ease their concerns but also show that you’re a professional who is dedicated to ensuring a positive experience.

5. Set Expectations for Design Revisions

Many clients expect revisions to the initial design after the consultation, and that’s perfectly normal. However, it’s important to set expectations for how many revisions are reasonable and what additional revisions might cost. Some artists include a certain number of design tweaks in the overall price, while others may charge for multiple redesigns. Whatever your process, make sure it's clear upfront so clients know what to expect and can make decisions accordingly.

6. End with a Call to Action

At the end of the consultation, don’t leave things hanging. Give the client a clear next step. Whether it’s setting up an appointment, confirming the design, or scheduling a follow-up for design tweaks, make sure they know what happens next. This leaves them feeling confident and ready to move forward, rather than unsure about how to proceed.

You can also encourage them to reach out if they have any additional questions after they’ve had time to think about the consultation. This helps keep communication open and shows that you’re approachable, even after the initial meeting.

A successful tattoo consultation isn’t just about nailing down a design—it's about building trust and making your client feel heard and valued. By listening carefully, offering expert advice, clarifying expectations, and being transparent about the process, you’ll not only win over clients but also create the foundation for a positive, long-term relationship. After all, a great consultation is the first step toward a successful tattooing experience!