You should understand the design before tattooing begins
A tattoo is permanent work on your body, so take time to understand what has been agreed before the session starts. You should be able to review the design, ask questions and explain a concern before the artist begins tattooing.
Do not feel that you must approve a design simply because an appointment has been booked or preparation has already started. If something important is unclear, pause and discuss it.
A clear conversation at this stage can prevent avoidable misunderstandings about the artwork, placement or size.
Check the stencil on your body
If a stencil is used, review its position and orientation on your body before tattooing begins. Look at it from a normal viewing distance as well as close up, and consider how it follows the shape of the area.
Check the approximate size, spacing and alignment. For lettering, verify spelling, dates, punctuation and the direction in which the design will appear.
If the placement feels wrong, say so before the session proceeds. Ask whether an adjustment is possible and review the revised position rather than assuming the first placement must remain.
Compare the design with what you discussed
Make sure the main subject and the details you identified as important are present. If you asked for a particular symbol, word, date or composition, check that it matches the plan.
References are useful for communicating an idea, but the final design may be adapted. If an adaptation surprises you, ask what has changed and why before deciding whether you are comfortable with it.
Do not rely only on a quick glance at a phone screen. Review the actual design at the proposed size and ask for clarification about any detail you cannot see clearly.
Consent should be clear and voluntary
You should be comfortable agreeing to the tattoo being done as discussed. Booking an appointment does not mean you have to proceed with a design or placement that you do not understand or no longer want.
Ask for a pause if you need time to think, need an explanation or feel pressured. It is better to raise a concern before tattooing begins than to remain silent because you feel awkward.
The artist should also be able to explain what will happen next and answer reasonable questions about the design and session.
Discuss changes and possible effects on the quote
Changing the size, adding details or moving the design may affect the preparation or work required. Ask how a proposed change will affect the plan and price before agreeing to it.
Inking Tattoos has a general starting price of KSh 1,000. That is a starting point, not a fixed price for every tattoo; the quote depends on the design, size, detail, placement and work involved.
If you decide not to proceed, ask about any booking or deposit terms that apply. Do not assume the outcome of a cancellation or change without checking the arrangement you agreed to.
You can ask for clarification without being confrontational
Try specific questions such as: “Can we check the placement once more?”, “Is this the final size we discussed?” or “Could you explain how this detail differs from my reference?”
Clear, calm feedback gives both you and the artist a chance to understand the concern. You do not need specialist vocabulary to explain what feels different or what you want checked.
If an important concern remains unresolved, it is reasonable to pause rather than approve work you are not comfortable with.
A final approval checklist
Before the tattoo begins, check the design, spelling where relevant, size, orientation and placement. Confirm that you understand the agreed work and have had an opportunity to ask questions.
Make sure any last-minute change has been discussed, including any effect on the price or appointment. Do not rely on assumptions about what the artist will do after the session starts.
Only give the go-ahead when you are comfortable with the design and the agreed plan. Taking a few extra minutes to review these details is part of thoughtful tattoo preparation.
Discuss your design with Inking Tattoos
When arranging a tattoo with Inking Tattoos, share your idea, references, approximate size and preferred placement early enough to discuss the design. Jay is based in Limuru.
If you are considering a mobile appointment, include your location and confirm availability and arrangements directly. Mobile availability depends on location and arrangement and is not guaranteed throughout Kenya.
Before the session begins, make sure the final design and placement match what you have agreed and ask any remaining questions.