The Tattoo Process: From Consultation to Aftercare

Every Step in Detail

1. Step 01

   Free Consultation

   Every project starts with a conversation: free, in person, no obligation.

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   Every project starts with a conversation. Book your free consultation online.

   Consultations are free, in-person and come with no obligation to book a tattoo.

   Please note that a consultation is separate from a tattoo session. Booking a consultation does not reserve a tattoo appointment.

2. Step 02

   Come Prepared

   Bring photo ID, ideas, references and placement. An unfinished idea is welcome.

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   You don't need a finished idea. An early or unfinished idea is welcome. To get the most from your consultation, bring:

   • A valid photo ID
   • Your ideas and any reference images
   • Your preferred placement
   • Any important names, symbols, dates or details you'd like included
   • Your questions about budget, scheduling and the project

   Wear clothing that lets Allan see the area you'd like tattooed.

3. Step 03

   Build the Plan

   Allan reviews placement, scale and style, then estimates sessions and cost.

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   During your consultation, Allan will:

   • Talk through the subject, meaning and visual direction of your tattoo
   • Examine the placement area
   • Consider your body shape, movement, size and flow
   • Explain which details will work well at the chosen scale
   • Discuss style and composition
   • Suggests design adjustment based on the anatomy of your body
   • Estimate the number of sessions and the cost
   • Review scheduling and booking policies

   Allan may recommend changes to size, arrangement or detail so the tattoo fits your body better.

   The free consultation is a planning session. A completed drawing is not included.

4. Step 04

   Secure Your Date

   A $500 non-refundable deposit per session confirms your booking.

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   Tattoo sessions require a $500 non-refundable deposit per session.

   Your date is secured once your deposit is received and your booking is confirmed. Multi-session projects require a deposit for each session.

   Before paying your deposit, please review your appointment details and our rescheduling policy which will be handed to you during the consultation process. You may reschedule once, with at least 3 days' notice.

   To see current openings, check our live Availability Calendar (on the booking page).

5. Step 05

   Design & Review

   Designed in appointment order, with up to two revisions; final tweaks on tattoo day.

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   Good to know: how and when you'll see your design

   • A deposit is required before design work begins.
   • Design work is part of your tattoo session.
   • Allan makes the designs in the order of scheduled appointments, so paying a deposit doesn't mean your design will be delivered right away.
   • When his schedule allows, Allan aims to share the design ahead of time as a courtesy. A preview may arrive a day before or about a week before your appointment. There's no guaranteed preview date.
   • Final adjustments may still happen in person on the day of your tattoo session.

   Design Review, Cancellations, and Rescheduling

   Custom design work is part of your tattoo session, and Allan does not charge a separate drawing fee. Whenever possible, he prepares and shares your design during his personal time before your appointment as a courtesy. Otherwise, design development and adjustments take place during the scheduled session.

   If the initial design does not match your expectations, please share clear feedback so Allan can work with you within the included revision allowance.

   Disliking the presented design does not automatically entitle you to a free reschedule, an exception to our cancellation and deposit policies, or priority access to another date. Any request to move your appointment remains subject to our standard rescheduling policy and the dates currently available.

   Sharing a design early is intended to make the process more comfortable and collaborative; it does not change the booking policies that apply to your reserved session.

   Reviewing your design early helps you understand the direction and share feedback. It also lets Allan focus your appointment on preparation and tattooing.

   Your design includes up to two revisions, after that Allan and the client must finalize the design on the day of the tattoo session. To make the most of them:

   • Share your feedback in one organized message.
   • Double-check names, dates, spelling and any meaningful details.
6. Step 06

   Prepare for Tattoo Day

   Sleep well, eat a big meal, dress for access, expect to stay late.

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   Use this checklist in the days before your appointment:

   • Get a good night's sleep.
   • Eat a big and proper meal before you arrive.
   • Stay normally hydrated.
   • Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area or bring a robe or small blanket if needed to cover up and help you get comfortable.
   • Choose clothes you won't mind getting an accidental ink mark on.
   • Bring your valid photo ID.
   • Bring headphones, a phone charger or anything else that helps you feel comfortable.
   • Keep your day flexible, without tight commitments afterward and expect to stay late.
   • Arrange your payment or financing before your session.
   • Contact the studio if you're ill or have any skin concerns in the tattoo area.
   • Talk with Allan before using any numbing product.

   The shop is fully stocked with snacks and hot & cold beverages, free of charge, but you are welcome to bring any snack or food of your preference.

   We sometimes bring extra home-cooked dinner to share with clients as a courtesy. You’re welcome to join us, but there’s no obligation—we won’t be offended if you decline. Feel free to bring your own food, especially if you have dietary preferences or restrictions.

7. Step 07

   Arrive & Review

   Check in at Suite 101 with your photo ID, then review your design with Allan.

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   The studio is located at IMAGE Studios, Suite 101, 10321 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee. Suite 101 is on the right as you enter.

   When you arrive, you'll:

   • Check in
   • have your valid photo ID ready so we can make a copy
   • complete any required forms before your tattoo session begins.
   • Review the design together with Allan
   • Confirm size and placement
   • Make any final adjustments

   Your session begins at your scheduled appointment time. Just like a regular office workday starts when you clock in and includes preparation—not only the main task—your tattoo session includes design review, adjustments, skin preparation, and stencil placement, tattoo station set-up, as well as tattooing.

   These steps require Allan’s time and expertise and count toward your session time. Please keep this in mind when planning your appointment: the session covers the full tattoo process, rather than only the time the needle is on your skin.

8. Step 08

   Perfect the Placement

   Stencil, mirror check and adjustments, all before tattooing begins.

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   Allan will prepare the skin and position the design using a stencil or another suitable method.

   You'll check the placement in the mirror while Allan considers the shape and movement of your body. Any adjustments are made before tattooing begins.

   This is the time to speak up about placement, size, spelling or any details. Careful placement takes time, and it makes a real difference to the final result.

9. Step 09

   The Session

   A private studio with scheduled breaks around 3, 5 and 7 PM. Speak up anytime.

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   The studio is private and appointment-based, so you can settle in, relax and speak openly.

   Allan will work through your planned design. Larger projects may take several appointments.

   A few things to keep in mind:

   • Pain varies from person to person and depends on placement.
   • Please let Allan know if you need a break or feel unwell. During longer sessions, Allan takes three scheduled breaks at approximately 3 PM, 5 PM, and 7 PM to accommodate that day’s consultations, including a dinner break when needed. These pauses also give you time to rest, stretch, or eat before tattooing resumes.
   • Staying reasonably still helps Allan work precisely.
   • Progress depends on the design's complexity, how your skin responds, preparation and breaks. Time estimates are not guarantees but Allan does his best to stick to the estimate he has given during the consultation.
10. Step 10

    Finishing Up

    Allan cleans, reviews and covers your tattoo, then plans any next steps.

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    Allan will clean the area, review the finished tattoo or the progress made during the session, and apply a covering.

    For continuing projects, you'll discuss what remains and plan your next appointment.

    If you have another tattoo session the following day, please skip jogging, gym workouts, and any activities that cause excessive sweating between appointments. Take the time to rest and follow the aftercare instructions Allan provides so you’re ready for your next session.

    Before you leave, you'll review the session balance and the details of any upcoming bookings.

11. Step 11

    Your Aftercare Kit

    We walk you through aftercare and send you home with a complimentary kit.

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    Your experience doesn't end when the tattoo session is finished. Before you head home, we'll walk you through your aftercare instructions and provide a complimentary Mad Rabbit aftercare kit to support your care routine at home.

    Your kit is provided by Allan Mandi Tattoo and includes:

    • Mad Rabbit Repair Soothing Gel: An aftercare gel intended to soothe freshly tattooed skin. Follow the product directions and Allan's instructions.
    • Mad Rabbit Replenish Body Lotion: A moisturizing lotion to help keep skin hydrated at the appropriate stage of aftercare and for ongoing maintenance.
    • Mad Rabbit Defend SPF 30 Sunscreen: Sun protection for use only once your tattoo is fully healed. Never apply it to a fresh or open tattoo.
    • Mad Rabbit Enhance Unscented Tattoo Balm Stick: A convenient balm for moisturizing and maintenance. Allan will explain when to add it to your routine.
    • EZ Inkin Aftercare Bandage: in tattoo cover designed for faster healing and protection. It is sterile, waterproof, and breathable, providing optimal protection for new tattoos by preventing infections and reducing friction while allowing the skin to breathe. We provide this to patch leaking spots if needed.
    • Printed aftercare instructions: A take-home reference for caring for your tattoo.
    • Reusable Mad Rabbit zippered bag: Keeps your supplies organized.
    • Allan Mandi Tattoo extras: Branded pens, stickers and Instagram QR-code items.

    These products serve different purposes and should not all be applied to a fresh tattoo at the same time. Allan will explain which products to use and when and it is also written on the aftercare cards provided.

12. Step 12

    Heal & Follow Up

    Follow your aftercare instructions and reach out with any questions.

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    Follow the aftercare instructions you're given for your specific tattoo and covering.

    Ask any questions before you leave the studio, and contact us afterward if anything needs clarifying.

    For multi-session projects, future appointments are part of your plan, with appropriate recovery time between sessions.