Monk3ys Tattoo Process

The process starts with a free consultation. This allows the time to sit down and discuss everything you want from your new tattoo. During this time we can go over your ideas, reference images, sizing, placement etc... and discuss options and offer suggestions for the best way to bring your tattoo idea to life.

At this time a trace of the area and a photo is taken to get the sizing perfect. This is also a good time to discuss your budget, especially for larger, ongoing pieces as this will affect how far the appointments are spaced apart.

I can provide an estimated cost and an estimated time frame and at this point a deposit of 150 dollars (will be taken off the cost of the final session) to secure your appointment/s. This is non-refundable but can be held if you need to move your appointment/s.

Once you are happy with the direction, we can finalise booking details and begin designing the tattoo (unless it is to be drawn directly onto your skin on the day). Designs that are to be prepared on paper will be sent to you the day before your appointment.

Leading up to the day of your tattoo, its important to take care of your body, to help it cope with the pain and heal easily.

Sleep well, eat well and drink plenty of water. Please eat a big breakfast on the day and avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before as it can thin your blood.

Please try and be as mentally prepared as possible, as a lot of pain management is in your head.

You will be guided through the process, taking breaks as necessary to make it as comfortable as possible.

On the day you will get to see the final design (if it is not a direct draw on) and we can make any small changes required to get it perfect. Once you are happy, I will need a little time to prepare stencils and set up last minute things like machines and inks, so during this time you can relax and read over the consent/health check form that you are required to complete.

Before starting,I will clean your skin with alcohol to remove any bacteria and then either apply a carbon stencil onto the area or start drawing directly onto your skin with skin markers.

Once you are happy with the placement of the stencil (or the drawn on design) it just takes a little bit more time for the stencil to dry before we get started.
In all cases,I work in stages, starting with the outlines, then the black fill/shading.Breaks will be taken in between these stages to make it as comfortable and easy to tolerate as possible.

Larger pieces can be completed over multiple sessions but please note, at the minimum, the outlines need to be completed in one session.

Well done, you did it!

Once it is complete, the artist will clean your tattoo thoroughly, take a photo and then run through how to take care of it (you will also be given aftercare instructions to take home with you so you can refer to it in case you forget anything)

Its important you follow the aftercare instructions, to protect against infection during the healing process and to keep it looking great over time.