The Tattooing Process: What Happens in the 808 Studio

Getting a tattoo is an exciting and deeply personal experience. Whether you’re looking to commemorate a special moment, express your individuality, or simply add a piece of art to your body, the process can feel a little overwhelming if you’ve never gone through it before. That's where we come in.

At 808 Studio, your go-to tattoo shop in Halifax, we make sure your experience is as seamless, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible. From your initial consultation to your final touch-up, we guide you every step of the way to ensure your tattoo is not just beautiful, but meaningful and long-lasting. In this blog post, we’ll break down what to expect during the tattooing process, so you can walk in with confidence and excitement.

1. The Initial Consultation

The tattooing process begins long before the needle touches your skin. Your journey starts with the consultation. During this meeting, you’ll sit down with one of our experienced tattoo artists to discuss your ideas and the design you're looking for. This is a key part of the process as it allows both you and your artist to align on expectations.

During the consultation, you'll:

• Discuss the design: Whether you have a specific idea in mind or need some guidance, our artists will help refine the design concept, considering size, placement, and style. This is the time to talk about any details or special meaning you want the tattoo to have.

• Choose placement: The location on your body plays a huge role in the final look of your tattoo. Our artists will provide input on the best spots for your design, considering how the tattoo will flow with the natural shape of your body.

• Discuss size and details: The complexity of your design will determine how much time and how many sessions the tattoo will require. Our artists will give you an idea of how long it will take to complete the piece.

• Talk about aftercare: Tattoo aftercare is crucial to ensuring the design heals properly and looks fresh. We’ll provide all the details on how to take care of your new tattoo during the healing process.

After this consultation, the tattoo artist will start sketching your design (if you don’t already have a ready-made one). In most cases, you’ll be able to review the design the day of your appointment to make sure everything is just right.

2. The Tattoo Session

On the day of your tattoo, the excitement builds. After checking in and filling out any necessary paperwork, you’ll be led to the tattooing area, where the process of bringing your design to life begins.

Here’s what you can expect during the session:

• Preparing the Skin: First, the artist will clean and disinfect the area where your tattoo will go. This helps minimize the risk of infection and ensures a clean surface for the tattoo.

• Stenciling the Design: Before the tattoo needle touches your skin, the artist will apply a stencil of your design. This is usually done with a special transfer paper, so you can see the layout of your tattoo and make sure it’s perfect before we begin. If any adjustments are needed, this is the time to speak up.

• Getting Started: Once you’ve approved the stencil, the tattooing begins. The tattoo machine uses needles to inject ink into the dermis (the second layer of skin), creating your permanent design. Depending on the size, complexity, and placement of your tattoo, this step can take anywhere from an hour to several hours.

  
  

  • Pain levels: Tattoo pain varies from person to person, and the level of discomfort depends on factors like the area of your body and your personal pain tolerance. At 808 Studio, our artists work efficiently to minimize discomfort, but it's good to come prepared with a positive mindset.

  • Breaks: If the tattoo session is long, your artist may offer short breaks to give you a chance to relax, hydrate, and stretch. This helps make the experience more comfortable, especially if it's your first time getting a tattoo.

3. The Finishing Touches

As the tattoo nears completion, your artist will clean up the area again to remove any excess ink and blood. Once the tattoo is done, they may apply a thin layer of healing ointment and cover the area with a sterile bandage to protect it during the first few hours.

• Aftercare Instructions: After the tattoo is complete, the artist will walk you through detailed aftercare instructions. This is extremely important for ensuring the tattoo heals properly. Expect to be told to clean the tattoo gently, avoid direct sunlight, and apply ointment for the first few days to keep the area moisturized. Additionally, you’ll be advised to avoid picking or scratching at the tattoo during the healing process to prevent scarring.

4. The Healing Process

Healing can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks depending on the size and location of your tattoo. During this time, it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your artist closely. Proper aftercare ensures that your tattoo heals well and retains its vibrant colors and crisp lines.

Some general tips for aftercare include:

• Keep it clean: Gently wash the tattoo with mild soap and warm water.

• Moisturize: Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion or the ointment recommended by your artist to keep the tattoo hydrated.

• Avoid sun exposure: Sunlight can fade the tattoo, so wear sunscreen or cover the tattoo when you go outdoors.

• Be patient: Healing takes time. While some tattoos may look healed after a couple of weeks, it can take a few months for the deeper layers to fully recover.

5. The Final Touch-Up

Once your tattoo has healed, you may notice a few areas that might need a little touch-up—perhaps some color has faded or a line has blurred slightly. At 808 Studio, we offer a complimentary touch-up for any minor adjustments needed within the first few months of healing.

During the touch-up, the artist will revisit the tattoo, enhancing the areas that need attention, ensuring that the final result is just as you envisioned.

Conclusion

At 808 Studio, we are proud to be Halifax’s trusted destination for high-quality, professional tattoos. From your first consultation to the final touch-up, we make sure that your experience is not only satisfying but memorable. Our talented artists are dedicated to bringing your tattoo vision to life with precision, care, and expertise. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your next piece, we are here to make the journey smooth, enjoyable, and entirely personalized. If you're looking for your next tattoo, look no further than 808 Studio—Halifax’s go-to tattoo shop. We can’t wait to help you turn your ideas into art!