Booking begins with a conversation about the tattoo
If you are planning a tattoo in Kenya, the first step is usually to explain what you want and find out whether the artist is a good fit for the idea. You do not need to have every detail decided before making contact, but a little preparation makes the conversation more useful.
At Inking Tattoos, you can start by contacting Jay by WhatsApp or phone. Share the subject, any useful reference images, the approximate size and the body area you are considering. The aim of the first conversation is to understand the tattoo and discuss the next practical steps, rather than assume that sending a message automatically confirms an appointment.
If this is your first tattoo, say so if you feel comfortable. It can help explain why you may have questions about design, placement, the session or aftercare. You are allowed to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.
Prepare a useful first message
A good first message does not need to be formal. Describe the idea in a sentence or two, then include a small number of relevant references if you have them. Mention the approximate dimensions and placement when you know them; if those choices are still open, say that instead of guessing.
Explain what you like about the references. It could be the subject, line work, amount of detail, lettering, composition or overall mood. Also mention anything you do not want included. This helps distinguish inspiration from a request to copy every detail of another person's finished tattoo.
For example, a useful enquiry might say that you are considering a small butterfly on your forearm, attach one or two references, and explain that you prefer a simple outline rather than a heavily shaded design. That gives the artist a clearer starting point than asking only, 'How much is a tattoo?'
If you are asking about a mobile session, include your location in the first message. Jay is based in Limuru Town and also works as a mobile tattoo artist, but mobile availability depends on location and arrangement. Do not assume that travel is available everywhere in Kenya without confirming it.
You do not need to arrive with finished artwork
Some people contact an artist with a detailed drawing; others have only a subject or a personal story they want to represent. Both can be valid starting points. You can explain the idea in ordinary language and share examples that communicate the direction you like.
If you are unsure about the style, size or placement, identify the parts you have decided and the parts where you would welcome guidance. You might know the subject but not whether it should be simple or detailed, or you may know where you want the tattoo but need help considering the shape of the design.
A useful conversation should help clarify those open questions. It does not mean you must surrender your preferences, and it does not mean every idea can be executed exactly as shown in a reference. The final design needs to be discussed in the context of the intended size, placement and work involved.
Review the artist's actual work
Before committing to a tattoo, look through the work the artist has actually published. Consider whether the visible execution and approach are relevant to the kind of tattoo you want. One photograph may not tell you enough, so look at the available examples rather than judging only from a single image.
Be careful not to assume an artist has demonstrated every style simply because a service or style is discussed online. If you have a specific requirement, raise it directly and compare it with the real work available to review.
You should also feel able to communicate clearly. Ask about anything you do not understand, including the design, placement, working arrangements and aftercare. The conversation should leave you with enough information to decide whether to proceed.
How to choose a tattoo artist in Kenya →Review portfolio, communication and practical considerations before deciding.
Discuss size and placement together
Size and placement are linked. A detailed design may need more space than you first expected, while a simple symbol may work at a smaller scale. The body area also affects the available shape and how the tattoo fits with your clothing, work routine and preferred level of visibility.
Tell the artist where you are considering placing the tattoo, even if you are open to alternatives. If you have not decided, explain what matters most: perhaps you want it to be visible, easy to cover, or positioned in a particular area for personal reasons.
Before tattooing begins, make sure you understand the agreed design and placement. If the size, orientation or position does not look the way you expected, raise the concern before proceeding. It is better to clarify a decision while planning than to feel pressured because you have already arrived.
Read the placement guide →Compare visibility, body area, clothing and design fit before choosing a location.
Understand the price before treating it as final
At Inking Tattoos, tattoos start from KSh 1,000. This is the current starting price, not a promise that every tattoo costs KSh 1,000. The specific design, size, detail, placement and work involved can affect the price.
For a useful discussion, share the actual idea and the information you have about it. A simple outline and a detailed custom illustration may require different amounts of work even if they occupy a similar area. If you are still deciding on the design, say so and ask what information would help clarify the quote.
If you have a budget limit, communicate it respectfully before the plan is finalized. You can discuss whether a simpler composition, a different size or another adjustment would keep the main idea while changing the amount of work involved. Do not assume every detail can remain unchanged at any budget.
If you compare prices between artists, compare similar tattoos and the information included in each quote. A starting price is not the same as an average price for Kenya, and one studio's starting figure should not be presented as a nationwide market rate.
Confirm the practical details of the session
Once the idea and main details have been discussed, confirm the practical arrangements directly with the artist. Make sure you understand the agreed date, time and location, as well as the design and placement being discussed. Do not treat an unanswered enquiry or a general price conversation as confirmation that a session has been arranged.
Ask any questions you need answered before making plans to travel. If something changes on your side, communicate as early as you reasonably can rather than assuming the artist knows. Similarly, if you are unclear about an arrangement, ask for clarification instead of relying on an assumption.
Do not assume policies that have not been communicated to you. If you need to know about deposits, rescheduling, cancellation or what to bring, ask Jay directly and rely on the terms actually agreed for your session rather than generic claims from another studio or website.
Keep a written booking summary
Before treating the appointment as confirmed, make sure you have a written message that records the date, time, location and the tattoo details you have agreed to discuss. If a deposit or specific rescheduling terms apply, keep that confirmation too.
Review the summary if the design, size, placement or location changes. Ask whether the quote or appointment arrangement also needs to change, and wait for confirmation rather than assuming an earlier agreement covers the revised plan.
A written summary is a practical record, not a substitute for asking questions. If anything is missing or unclear, resolve it with the artist before making travel plans or arriving for the session.
Plan your day and arrive prepared
Give yourself enough time for the appointment and avoid arranging your day so tightly that you must leave at a fixed minute. The conversation, final placement review and aftercare explanation are all part of the experience. The time required depends on the tattoo and the arrangement, so ask rather than relying on someone else's session length.
Arrive rested, eat beforehand and stay hydrated. Wear clean, comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being tattooed without making you uncomfortable. Follow any specific preparation instructions given by the artist.
Do not arrive impaired by alcohol or recreational substances. If you take medication, have a health condition or have a concern about whether a procedure is suitable for you, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not stop prescribed medication or change treatment based on online tattoo advice.
If you feel unwell or a significant issue arises before the appointment, contact the artist to discuss it. It is better to raise a concern before the session than to hide it because plans have already been made.
How to prepare for a tattoo appointment →Use the preparation checklist for references, clothing, timing and questions.
If you are arranging a mobile tattoo session
A mobile tattoo session needs the same clear design discussion as any other session, plus agreement on the location and practical arrangements. Share your location early and confirm whether it can be accommodated before you make plans.
Jay is based in Limuru Town and also works as a mobile tattoo artist. Availability depends on location and arrangement, so Inking Tattoos does not promise that every location in Kenya can be served. Do not assume a travel fee, travel radius or availability until it has been discussed directly.
A convenient location is not automatically suitable for tattooing. Discuss the practical setup with the artist and follow the arrangement agreed before the session. Do not improvise the working setup yourself or assume the same arrangement applies to every location.
Mobile tattoo artist in Kenya →Learn what to discuss about location and arrangements before a mobile session.
Think about healing before choosing your date
Consider what you have planned in the days after the tattoo. Activities involving swimming or prolonged soaking, strong sun exposure and clothing that repeatedly rubs the area may conflict with the aftercare instructions you receive.
If you have travel, an outdoor event or a demanding work schedule coming up, mention it while planning the session. You may be able to choose a more practical time rather than trying to fit a healing tattoo around activities that make aftercare difficult.
Follow the aftercare instructions for your particular tattoo. If something is unclear, ask the artist to explain it. For symptoms that concern you medically, seek appropriate healthcare advice rather than relying on a booking article or social-media comments.
Tattoo aftercare in Kenya →Review practical aftercare considerations, including sun, swimming and warning signs.
Do not feel pressured to proceed if something is unclear
A confirmed plan should not prevent you from raising a genuine concern about the design, placement or practical arrangement. Before tattooing begins, you should understand what is being done and feel able to ask questions.
If you are not comfortable with a design or placement, say so before proceeding. If the idea no longer feels right, taking more time is a valid choice. A tattoo is a lasting decision; a booking conversation should not make you feel that you have to ignore uncertainty.
Good preparation is not about knowing every technical detail. It is about communicating your priorities, understanding the arrangement and giving yourself space to make an informed decision.
A simple checklist before you contact the artist
Prepare a short description of the tattoo idea. Select a few useful references and note what you like about them. If you know the approximate size and placement, include those details; if not, say what you are still deciding.
Review the artist's published work and prepare any questions about the design, price, timing, hygiene or aftercare. If you want a mobile session, include your location and ask whether an arrangement is possible.
Before the session, confirm the agreed date, time, location and tattoo details directly. Plan clothing and timing, follow the preparation guidance you receive, and make sure you understand the aftercare instructions before leaving.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a tattoo with Inking Tattoos? Start by contacting Jay by WhatsApp or phone, share your idea and discuss the practical details. Confirm the session arrangements directly rather than assuming the first message is a booking confirmation.
What should I send in my first message? Include the subject, a few relevant references, approximate size and preferred placement. If you want a mobile session, include your location.
Do I need a finished design? No. Explain what you want and what remains undecided. References can help communicate the direction without needing to provide finished artwork.
How much does a tattoo cost? Inking Tattoos starts from KSh 1,000, but that is not the price of every tattoo. The specific design and work involved affect the quote.
Can I ask about the price before choosing every detail? Yes. Share the information you have and explain what remains undecided. A final quote may require a clearer understanding of the tattoo.
Can I arrange a mobile tattoo anywhere in Kenya? Do not assume nationwide availability. Jay is based in Limuru and mobile sessions depend on the location and arrangement; confirm directly.
What if I am unsure about the placement? Raise that during the planning conversation and review the placement before tattooing begins. You do not have to pretend a decision is final if it is not.
What if I need to reschedule or ask about a deposit? Contact Jay directly and follow the terms actually agreed for your session. Do not rely on policies from another studio.
What should I do after the tattoo? Follow the aftercare instructions given for your tattoo and ask for clarification if needed. Seek medical advice for symptoms that concern you.
Start your tattoo conversation with Inking Tattoos
Jay is the main tattoo artist at Inking Tattoos in Limuru Town, Kenya. To begin, send your idea, useful references, approximate size and preferred placement by WhatsApp or phone. You can also explain what you are still deciding so the conversation starts with the right questions.
If you want to discuss a mobile tattoo session, include your location. Mobile availability depends on the location and arrangement, so confirm the practical details directly before making plans.
A clear first message helps both sides understand the tattoo being discussed. Take the time to ask the questions that matter, agree on the practical details and proceed only when you are comfortable with the plan.