• Wake yourself up with a shower.

• Exfoliate the skin to be tattooed.

• Shave the area if you are confident you won’t cut yourself by accident.

• Put some moisturiser on that won’t irritate your skin.

• Be mindful of the area you are having tattooed and wear suitable clothing or bring something to change into.

• Wear clothing you don’t mind potentially getting ink on.

• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.

• Bring extra layers in case you get too hot or too cold.

Drink plenty of water the morning of your tattoo appointment.

Our bodies need water to function normally and it help prevent us from feeling dizzy or sick. It also helps to heal wounds (which is what a tattoo is). Bring a bottle of water with you – you can fill it up at the studio as well, and my studio is ideally located nearby to local shops as well.

Even if your stomach is feeling funny, it’s really important you eat something before your tattoo session. I recommend a nice carb and protein heavy meal no more than two hours before your appointment. Food is fuel for your body!

You can bring lunch with you or pop out for it when you are ready (again, my studio is located nearby to local shops and cafes) but I also advise bringing sweets, crisps, protein shakes and fizzy drinks with you for a boost of energy, sugar and electrolytes.

You can bring your own clean blanket with you. Most tattoo studios play music or films, but you might want to bring headphones for your own choice of music or podcast to keep your mind busy. I won’t be offended if you want to get into the zone and focus on something else. You can also bring a friend for moral support too.

Please discuss this with your artist before taking any type of painkiller medication.

Some painkillers thing the blood, and anti-inflammatories slow down the healing process.

Most artists now have sprays and topical cream suggestions if you do want to discuss pain relief or management, so get in touch with me to discuss your options.

If you are feeling uneasy, anxious, nervous or uncomfortable, you should speak to your artist straight away.

I am always happy to take breaks, stretch your limbs, get a drink of water, tea or coffee. Communication is the best way to manage anxiety and minimise the symptoms of it.