Tattoo Day: What to Bring and How to Prepare

The design is approved. The appointment is booked. You've been staring at the sketch on your phone for a week. Now you need to actually show up prepared.

Most of the hard decisions are behind you. This is just logistics — but a bit of preparation makes the difference between a smooth session and a harder one than it needs to be.

The Night Before

Sleep

I know — you're excited, maybe nervous. But sleep deprivation genuinely lowers your pain tolerance and increases anxiety. It also makes you more likely to feel faint during the session.

Get to bed early. Even if you don't sleep perfectly, the extra rest helps.

Skin Prep

• Moisturise the tattoo area the night before. Hydrated skin takes ink better and is easier for me to work on.
• Don't shave the area. I do that at the studio with a fresh, sterile razor. Your at-home shave will likely cause irritation.
• Avoid sunburn. If the area is sunburnt, I can't tattoo it and we'll need to reschedule. Just be careful in the days leading up.

Food and Drink

This is the one thing that makes the biggest practical difference.

Before You Arrive

Eat a proper meal 1–2 hours before. Not a long black and a banana. An actual meal with protein, carbs, and fat. Your body is about to go through a sustained physical stress — it needs fuel.

Good options:

• Eggs on toast with avo
• A chicken or salmon bowl
• A proper sandwich or wrap
• Pasta with a decent protein

During the Session

For anything over 2 hours, bring:

• Water. A big bottle. Dehydration makes everything worse — pain, fatigue, the lot.
• Snacks. Muesli bars, nuts, fruit, lollies for a sugar hit. Things you can eat without fuss.
• Juice or a sports drink if you tend to run low on energy.

I keep supplies at the studio too — but I'd rather you come prepared than rely on my emergency stash.

What to Wear

Function over fashion. You'll be sitting or lying in one position for a while, and ink transfers are real.

• Easy access to the tattoo area. Thigh piece? Shorts. Rib tattoo? Button-up shirt or something that lifts. Don't wear a turtleneck for a neck tattoo.
• Dark colours. Ink and antiseptic can stain.
• Loose and comfortable. Tight clothes add friction and discomfort.
• Layers. The studio is climate-controlled, but lying still for hours can make you feel cold. A hoodie or jumper is smart.

Save the outfit for the photos after. Your session wardrobe should be entirely practical.

What to Bring

Essentials

• Photo ID — required for the consent form
• Payment — card or cash, either works
• Phone charger — trust me, a dying phone during a 4-hour session is more frustrating than you'd think

Entertainment

This is key. You need something to keep your mind occupied while staying still. The tattoo demands stillness, not attention — your main job is relaxing.

• Headphones + a podcast or playlist — the most popular choice by a mile. A long session is a great excuse to binge a series you've been meaning to start.
• A book or e-reader — works well for arm or leg pieces where you can hold it comfortably
• Downloaded shows — for longer sessions, a tablet with a show loaded up is gold

Nice to Have

• A small pillow — helpful for long sessions on the bench
• Lip balm — studios get dry
• A hoodie or light blanket — especially if you'll be partially undressed for the placement

What Not to Bring

• Anyone else. I don't allow guests during sessions — no exceptions. It keeps the environment calm, focused, and hygienic, and helps me do my best work. If your mates want to see the result, they can meet you at the pub after.
• Strong perfume or cologne. I'm close to you for hours. Neutral is kind.
• A tight schedule. Don't book something immediately after. Sessions can run long, and you'll want a few minutes to decompress after.

At the Studio

Memento is at 292 King Street in Newtown. Buzz "Memento Tattoo" at the entrance, take the elevator to Level 5, and the studio is on your left. Easy walk from the station. If you're early, there's good coffee nearby — grab one and come in when you're ready.

The Paperwork

Standard consent form — health conditions, allergies, acknowledgment of risks. Be honest on this. Conditions like diabetes, blood disorders, or medication that affects healing are things I need to know about. It stays confidential.

Stencil Placement

I apply the stencil and we check the placement together. This is your final opportunity to adjust — position, angle, scale.

During the Session

• Stay as still as you can. Consistency helps me do clean work. If you need to shift, tell me and I'll pause.
• Breathe steadily. Deep, regular breaths. If you notice yourself tensing up, focus on relaxing your shoulders and jaw.
• Talk to me. If you need a break, if something is particularly sharp, if you feel faint — just say so. I'd rather pause than push through.
• Don't watch the needle. Most people do better looking away and focusing on their entertainment.

After

I wrap the tattoo, walk you through aftercare, and you're free. The whole post-session process takes about ten minutes.

Plan a quiet evening. Get takeaway, sit on the couch, binge something. Your body just went through a physical experience and you'll be more tired than you expect. Let the healing start.

The Checklist

• Full night's sleep
• A proper meal 1–2 hours before
• Comfortable, accessible clothing in dark colours
• Water, snacks, entertainment
• Phone charger and payment
• Photo ID
• A calm, ready mindset

That's it. Show up fed, hydrated, comfortable, and ready to sit still. I handle the rest.

See you on King Street.