Inside a Tattoo Consultation: Planning Travis’s Forearm Piece

When most people think of tattoos, they imagine the day of the tattoo itself. But one of the most important steps happens before any needle touches the skin: the consultation.

For larger or more detailed projects, I require a consultation, which is a professional service with a $200 fee. Think of it like going to see a doctor, you’re paying for expertise, planning, and clarity. Whether or not you decide to get tattooed by me, you leave the consultation with real value: a clear vision for your tattoo, a realistic plan, and professional guidance to avoid mistakes.

Step 1: The First Message

Travis reached out with this idea:

“I’d like a tattoo that represents California and Santa Monica. The main elements I’d like included are: palm trees – tall, classic California-style palms, swaying slightly to give a relaxed beach vibe. The ocean – waves rolling in, not too aggressive, more like a calm, scenic shoreline. Santa Monica Pier – a recognizable silhouette of the pier with the Ferris wheel as the main landmark. Above that I would like to have something representing Las Vegas. So something like the Welcome to Vegas sign with playing cards.”

Placement requested: forearm.

Here are some of the references he sent me to illustrate his vision:

Step 2: Breaking Down the Idea

During the consultation, we reviewed Travis’s references and discussed how all these elements could fit together on the forearm. For a tattoo of this size, balance is essential, too many details can overcrowd the design, while too few leave it feeling unfinished.

As we tested different placements and combinations, Travis realized something important: he no longer wanted the Santa Monica Pier or the Las Vegas sign on his forearm. Instead, he decided to keep those elements for a future upper-arm piece and replace them with a Gibson guitar headstock and a rose, symbols that meant more to him personally.

This is exactly why consultations are so valuable. You might come in with one idea, but after seeing how it actually fits and flows on your body, you may decide to adjust the design.
My job is to guide you through those choices and recommend what will work best for you.

Step 3: Building the Design

After we locked in the new concept, I moved into the design stage using Procreate. This stage is where references are blended into one cohesive tattoo that works with the arm’s natural shape.

Here are some of the mock-ups we worked on during the consultation:

And here’s a look at the printed sketches we prepared:

These steps let Travis see not only how the tattoo would look, but also how it would move with his arm from different angles.
We print and try as many variations as possible until we find the perfect one for your body.

Step 4: Why the Consultation Matters

In Travis’s case, the consultation completely changed the direction of his tattoo. He started with Santa Monica and Las Vegas on his forearm but left with a design built around a Gibson headstock and rose, while saving the other elements for a future project.

This process shows that it’s normal for ideas to shift. As long as the overall structure and composition make sense, we can always adapt and refine. The consultation is where those decisions are made, ensuring the tattoo is meaningful, balanced, and designed to last.

What You Get for $200

Here’s what every consultation includes:

• Review of your idea and references

• Placement analysis and body flow check

• Honest feedback on what works and what doesn’t

• Rough sketch or layout plan (digital or printed mock-ups)

• Time and budget breakdown

And the best part: if you decide to get tattooed by me, the $200 consultation fee is deducted from your tattoo session.

Like a doctor’s consultation, this isn’t just “prep” — it’s a professional service in itself.

Update: First Tattoo Session

Before starting the tattoo, Travis decided to make a last-minute change to the beach scene we had planned. Instead of keeping the original version, he wanted to adjust the design slightly to better match his vision.

Because this was a relatively simple change within the same composition, I was able to adapt the artwork on the spot and move forward without any problem. This is a good example of how some elements can be flexible, while others may require more planning.

The important thing is that we kept the overall structure and flow of the tattoo exactly as designed during the consultation, so it still works perfectly on the arm and connects naturally with the rest of the piece.

The result of Travis’s first tattoo session.

Travis is a musician, and you can check out his work here.

Final Thoughts

As much as I guide every client with my experience and tell you honestly what works and what doesn’t, I always listen to your wishes and try to include them in the design. I will never force anyone into getting something they don’t like.

That said, I do ask that you come to a consultation with an open mind. After more than ten years of tattooing, I know what flows well on the body, what will heal properly, and what will continue to look good years from now. My goal is to combine your ideas with my expertise to create a tattoo that is both personal to you and artistically strong.

If you’re considering a large tattoo project but aren’t 100% sure yet, a consultation is the perfect first step. You’ll walk away with clarity, a plan, and the confidence that your tattoo will work for you.