Realism.

If you have specific preferences, please describe them in detail and send as many references as possible, so I fully understand what you want. I’ll show the design on the day of the appointment. If needed, we can make changes and adjustments on the spot. If I don’t have enough information, I will contact you in advance via WhatsApp.

A standard session is up to 7 hours. Approximate estimates: Full sleeve: usually 8-10 sessions. Shoulder: 2-3 sessions. Forearm: 1-2 sessions. Colour work and cover-ups usually take longer than black & grey. Exceptions depend on the design, detail level, and your size.

• Get a good night’s sleep - being tired makes pain feel stronger.
• Eat a proper meal 1-2 hours before your appointment and stay hydrated.
• No alcohol or recreational drugs for at least 24 hours (ideally 48).
• Keep caffeine moderate (too much can increase anxiety and sensitivity).
• If you take any regular medication or have medical conditions, please let me know in advance.
• Bring fully charged headphones and download a few films or series to watch during the session - it helps take your mind off the pain.

• Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area and won’t rub the tattoo afterwards. For shoulder work, a vest is better than a T-shirt. For legs, wear shorts.
• It’s recommended to prep your skin for the best result: gentle exfoliation 1-2 times per week and regular moisturising, especially after showering.
• Shave the area the day before your session (with a small margin). If it’s on the inner bicep, shave the armpit too. If you’re not confident doing it neatly, leave it - I can do it on the day.
• Avoid oils, self-tan and harsh scrubs on the area for 2-3 days before the session.

I don’t recommend numbing creams by default: there is a risk of allergy (including to lidocaine), the skin can react unpredictably, and healing can sometimes be less stable. The effect is often inconsistent - it can suddenly stop, and strong pain may hit abruptly. Cream is applied only to unbroken skin at least 40 minutes before we start and usually lasts about 1 hour. The first hours of a session are often the least painful, while the most sensitive and painful part is usually the last hour - when the cream has already worn off. It’s also difficult to recommend “safe” manufacturers, so I don’t advise using them and I don’t keep them in stock. Make sure you are not allergic to lidocaine before using any numbing product. If needed, I can use calming sprays/gels (secondary numbing) during the session - this is usually a more gentle and acceptable option than cream.

If you have allergies (latex, plasters/adhesives, antiseptics, medications, etc.), tell me in advance so we can choose suitable products. If you’ve had strong reactions to tattooing or cosmetics before, please let me know before booking.

If you are unwell (fever/cold), have active skin issues in the area, serious medical conditions, blood-clotting problems, or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, please message me in advance so we can confirm whether it’s safe to proceed. If you’re unsure, ask before the appointment.

Yes, I do cover-ups. Please keep in mind that a dark tattoo can only be covered with something darker and usually larger. The final result depends on the old tattoo’s colour, density, size, placement, and how it has healed over time. To assess it properly, please send: • a clear close-up photo of the old tattoo, and • a photo showing the entire area (from a short distance) in good natural light.

Yes. You can come with a friend or partner - they can stay with you until we start the actual session. For large projects, preparation can sometimes take up to a couple of hours.

Yes, I film parts of the process and take final photos of the tattoo, usually without showing your face. If you don’t want this, please tell me in advance.

The surface usually looks healed in 10-14 days, but full healing can take 4-6 weeks (sometimes longer depending on the area and your body). • Gym: light activity is usually fine, but avoid heavy sweating, friction, and intense stretching of the area for the first 7-10 days. • Sauna/steam room: avoid for at least 2-3 weeks (ideally 4). • Pool/sea: avoid for at least 2-3 weeks (ideally 4). • Sun/tanning: avoid sun exposure until fully healed. After that - always use SPF (see “Longevity”).

UV is the main reason tattoos fade. Avoid sun exposure until fully healed. After healing, always use SPF on your tattoo, especially in summer and on holidays. Tanning reduces contrast and speeds up fading.