1. Define the subject
Describe the person, object, animal, scene, symbol, or story you want the tattoo to communicate.
Consultation Guide • Oklahoma City
A useful consultation turns an idea into a tattoo plan.
You do not need to arrive with finished artwork. You do need enough information for Josh to understand the subject, placement, scale, style, and practical limits of the project.
Start here
Bring direction, not a design you expect the artist to photocopy.
References are welcome because they show mood, subject, texture, color, and composition. Josh uses them to understand the direction, then develops artwork for the individual client and body placement.
The most productive consultation requests answer five questions: what is the subject, where will it go, how large can it be, what style or mood fits, and is there existing work that affects the design?
Step by step
Use this checklist before and after the appointment.
2. Choose a placement
Share the body area and whether the tattoo must be visible, concealable, connected to other work, or positioned around movement.
3. Estimate the size
Use inches or compare the area to your hand. “Small” means different things to different people.
4. Gather references
Choose a small group of useful images and explain what you like about each one.
5. Disclose existing work
Send bright, straight-on photographs of tattoos, scars, or skin conditions in the planned area.
6. Discuss scheduling and price
Pricing and appointment length depend on the actual design. Tornado Tattoo has a $50 shop minimum; larger work is estimated after the project is evaluated.
Useful references
What makes a reference useful
- Show the subject clearly and at a useful resolution
- Separate “I like this mood” from “I want this exact composition”
- Include examples of color, black-and-gray, line weight, or texture
- Limit the strongest references to a manageable group
- Tell Josh what you dislike as clearly as what you like
Avoid these mistakes
Give the artist room to solve the tattoo.
- Do not expect another artist’s tattoo to be copied line for line
- Do not hide an existing tattoo that will affect the placement
- Do not rely on heavily filtered or low-resolution screenshots
- Do not promise an exact budget before discussing size and complexity
- Do not arrive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Common questions
Clear answers without pretending every person heals or plans the same way.
Do I need to know the exact size?
No, but an approximate measurement or clear placement photo helps. Josh can recommend a minimum scale based on the subject and detail.
Can I change my idea after the consultation?
Changes may be possible, but a major change in subject, placement, or style can require a new design discussion and may affect scheduling.
Should I email photos before visiting?
Yes for cover-ups, reworks, scars, or existing tattoos. Clear photos can help determine whether an in-person evaluation is needed.
Does a consultation guarantee the project will be accepted?
No. The artist must determine whether the idea, placement, timing, and expectations are a responsible fit.
Need a shop-specific answer?
Contact Tornado Tattoo before guessing.
Josh can answer project and aftercare questions based on the actual tattoo, placement, bandage, and appointment.