You've looked at hundreds of tattoo photos and found an artist whose work you love. Before you press "book" and send a deposit, get a few things clear. A few good questions can be the difference between a great tattoo and one that takes years and a lot of money to fix.
Asking an artist direct questions can feel awkward, a bit like a job interview. Remember that this person is about to mark your skin for life, so it deserves more thought than picking a restaurant. If you've already read our guide on how to read a tattoo portfolio, you're halfway there. These questions cover the rest. You can ask them by message or at a tattoo consultation.
Questions about experience and style
Start here, because everything else depends on one thing: does this artist really specialize in what you want?
- How long have you been tattooing professionally? Count the years since they finished their apprenticeship. The apprenticeship itself is training time.
- Which styles do you do most, and which do you turn down? A great realism artist may only do average fine line work. Honest artists tell you up front. Be careful with anyone who says they do every style equally well.
- Can I see healed photos of work like mine? Fresh tattoos flatter everyone. Swelling makes lines look bolder, fresh ink looks bright and filters do the rest. Healed photos show whether fine lines stayed sharp after six months and whether color stayed strong.
An artist who proudly shows healed work stands behind it. If they dodge the question or only show fresh photos, keep looking.
Questions about price and deposits
Money talk feels awkward. Do it anyway.
- Do you charge by the hour or by the piece? Small designs usually have a set price. Large work is often charged by the hour or by the session. On Inkjin, most small designs cost €80-€140 and medium designs €140-€200.
- Can you give me a rough estimate? Once an experienced artist has seen your references and knows the size and placement, they can usually give you a fair range. If they won't give any number at all, they are either new to pricing or keeping it vague on purpose. The price estimator gives you a starting point before you ask.
- How much is the deposit, and is it refundable? Deposits are usually a fixed amount or 10 to 30% of the price. Most are non-refundable and come off the final price. That is normal and protects the artist's time.
- What happens if I need to reschedule? Ask how much notice they need and whether your deposit moves to the new date.
What isn't normal: a deposit of more than half the estimated total, no written confirmation of your deposit, or rules that punish you for rescheduling with fair notice. Get the deposit terms in writing, even if it's just a message. Our tattoo deposit guide and tattoo cost guide go into more detail.
Questions about the design and the timeline
- When will I see the design? Some artists send the design days before the appointment so you can ask for changes without pressure. Others show it on the day. Then saying no can mean losing your deposit and wasting everyone's time.
- How many changes are included? Many artists include one or two rounds of changes. Ask what happens if you want bigger changes.
- How long will the session take? A small piece may take under an hour. A large piece takes longer.
- How many sessions will a big piece need? A full sleeve is never done in one sitting. A good artist will tell you how many sessions to expect, how long each one is and how long you need to heal in between. Ask if each session is paid separately or if there is a price for the whole piece.
Knowing the full plan up front stops the shock of finding out that your "one tattoo" is really several sessions over many months.
Questions about hygiene and safety
You don't need to be shy about this. A professional artist is happy to explain how they keep you safe.
- Do you use new, single-use needles that you open in front of me?
- How do you sterilize reusable equipment?
- Is the studio licensed or registered with the local authority?
If an artist gets annoyed by basic safety questions, that tells you what you need to know. Our red flags guide lists what a clean studio should look like.
Questions about aftercare and touch-ups
Aftercare advice differs between artists, and the internet makes it more confusing. Ask your artist exactly what they recommend: which products, how often and for how long. Good artists give you an aftercare sheet, printed or digital, so you don't have to remember everything while your skin is still sore. If their advice goes against widely accepted practice, such as soaking a fresh tattoo in a bath, ask why. Our tattoo aftercare guide covers the basics.
Ask about touch-ups before you book. Some studios include one free touch-up within 60 to 90 days. Others charge from the start. Some artists cover their work for a full year. Small spots can lose ink while healing even with great artists. Color work and areas with a lot of friction, such as fingers, feet and inner wrists, need touch-ups more often. If you're planning one of these spots, the touch-up policy really matters.
What good answers sound like
Good artists answer with confidence and detail. Watch out for vague replies, irritation or "just trust me." A good answer about experience sounds like: "I've been tattooing for eight years. I mostly do neo-traditional and Japanese, and I send geometric work to a colleague because it isn't my strength." Compare that with "I've been doing this forever, I can do anything." The first shows self-awareness. The second shows ego.
A good artist is also clear about price. They explain their rate, their minimum, what the deposit covers and how long your piece should take. They don't quote low to win the booking and add costs later. They're specific about aftercare too, and give you more than "just keep it moisturized." Your questions are a filter. The artists worth booking welcome them. The ones who don't are showing you who they are.
When you're ready, you can see Inkjin artists' designs and prices, then book and pay your deposit online through the artist's booking page.
