consultations
You have an idea in your head. A screenshot on your phone. A few saved posts that all feel close, but not quite it. The tattoo consultation is where we turn that into a clear plan on your skin.
I offer free tattoo consultations in Toronto, either in person at 1800 Davenport Rd or over video. You leave knowing size, placement, rough pricing, timing, and what the design could actually look like on your body.
Before the needle: where the tattoo really starts
What most people worry about is not the pain. It is making the wrong call.
Will the size be right. Will it age well. Will it fit with the tattoos you already have. A good tattoo consultation answers those questions before you book anything.
I work in fine line, black and grey, realism, traditional and modern styles. No colour work. If your idea fits what I do, I help you shape it into a piece that makes sense long term.
The room is quiet. It is just you and me, no crowd, no rush. We talk through ideas, go over your references, and build the tattoo around your body so it works with your shape.
Turn a saved image into a real plan
Over the years I have seen the same problems repeat: designs that are too small, lines packed too close together, pieces that blur into each other over time.
That is what I use the consultation to prevent.
A tattoo consultation is the time to:
- Test placement and scale on your actual body
- Decide which style suits the subject and your skin
- Talk honestly about how the tattoo will age
- Get a clear sense of budget and sessions
- Ask every question you have without feeling rushed
If I think your idea will not work at the size or area you had in mind, I tell you straight. I would rather fix it now than see it fade into a blur later.
The styles I work in
I am not a general shop trying to do everything. I am one artist with a focused style.
During your tattoo consultation in Toronto, we look at how your idea fits into:
Fine line tattoos
Single-needle and fine line pieces with a lot of detail and open skin. Great for script, small realism, and minimal designs that still feel deliberate.
I explain where fine line makes sense and where it is too fragile, so you know what to expect years from now.
Blackwork and dark tattoos
Bold, high-contrast work with heavy black. Full fill, line-heavy, or a mix. Ideal if you like graphic pieces that read clearly from across the room.
We talk about how much black your skin can take in that area and how it will sit with any lighter work nearby.
Realism tattoos
Portraits, objects, scenes and anything that needs depth and shading. Always in black and grey. Never colour.
I break down how much detail we can keep at the size you want, and whether it makes sense as a one-session piece or something we build over time.
Traditional and modern tattoos
I work in traditional and neo-traditional styles with a black and grey focus. Clean lines, strong shapes, classic imagery, updated to feel current.
In the consultation, we decide if your idea fits best as a traditional piece, a modern take, or something in between.
How my consultations work
Every booking starts with a free 10–15 minute tattoo consultation. You can choose in person at Davenport and Dundas or a virtual tattoo consultation over video if that is easier.
1. You send the basics
When you book, I ask for:
- The area you want tattooed
- A rough size
- Any reference images you already have
- Notes on style: fine line, realism, blackwork, traditional, or modern
You do not need a full concept. A few clear references are enough to start.
2. We sit down and talk
In person, you come to 1800 Davenport Rd, Unit 6 for your slot. It is one-on-one. No walk-ins watching, no line behind you.
Over video, I send a link and we talk the same way, just through a screen.
I listen to what the tattoo means to you first. Then I start drawing on that: what kind of shapes make sense, what needs to be simplified, what details matter most.
3. We test placement and size
If we are in person, I look at the actual area on your body. I might sketch with a skin-safe marker to block in where the tattoo could sit and how it should move with you.
On a virtual tattoo consultation, I may ask you to show the area on camera or send a clear photo, so we can still talk through fit and flow.
This is where I am most direct. If the size is too small for the detail you want, I will say it. If it needs to bend or wrap a certain way around a joint, we plan that.
4. I outline the plan
Before you leave the tattoo consultation, I cover:
- Estimated number of sessions
- How long each session will run
- Your minimum and how deposits work
- Any prep you need before session one
My minimum is $200. Deposits are $100 for small pieces, $200 for medium, $400 for a full day. The deposit comes off the final price and is refundable with 72 hours’ notice.
I do not keep a card on file. If you cancel late or do not show, the deposit is kept and a new deposit books the next date.
5. You decide when to book
There is no pressure to lock in your date during the consultation. Some people book right away, some sit with the plan for a bit. Either way, you leave with a clear idea of what your tattoo will involve.
When you are ready, you come back to the site and pick a day that works.
What a consultation feels like
The aim is simple: you feel heard, and you walk out with answers.
You can expect:
- Straight talk about what will and will not work
- Space to ask anything, even if it feels basic
- Honest feedback on your references
- No judgement if this is your first tattoo
I have been tattooing for six years and learned by working alongside strong artists at SJ Tattoo Studio. That time taught me how much planning matters before you start putting ink in skin.
You bring me your idea. I bring experience in fine line, realism, blackwork and traditional work. Together we find the version that fits you.
Who a tattoo consultation is for
A consultation helps if you:
- Are getting your first tattoo and feel nervous
- Have a general idea but no exact design
- Want a larger piece or sleeve and do not know where to start
- Need to see placement on your body before you commit
- Want to know pricing and timing before booking
If you are looking for colour work, I am not the right artist. I keep my focus narrow so I can do this style well.
If your idea fits what I do, I am happy to be your tattoo consultant and help you work it out.
Location and booking
I work by appointment at 1800 Davenport Rd, Unit 6 in Toronto. No walk-ins. All bookings go through the website so every request stays in one place.
Consultation slots are usually available within a short window. Actual tattoo sessions can book out further, so it is worth getting your consultation in early.
Tattoo consultation FAQ
Is a tattoo consultation free?
Yes, the tattoo consultation is free. I do not charge for the 10–15 minutes we spend planning your piece. It is your time to ask questions and my time to see if your idea fits what I do. You only pay a deposit once you decide to book the actual tattoo.
How long is a tattoo consultation?
A tattoo consultation with me usually runs about 10–15 minutes. That is enough time to go over your references, talk about placement, and outline a plan. If the piece is very large or complex, we may take a bit longer so you leave with clear answers.
What happens at a tattoo consultation?
At a tattoo consultation I ask about your idea, look at the area you want tattooed, and review any reference images you bring. I give feedback on size, style and placement, then outline how many sessions you might need and how pricing works. You leave knowing exactly what the next step is.
What should I bring to my tattoo consultation?
Bring clear reference images that show the style and elements you like. Photos on your phone are fine. If the tattoo is in Toronto and you can come in person, wear clothes that make it easy to see the area so I can check placement properly. Notes on meaning or dates can help too.
What should I wear to a tattoo consultation?
Wear something that lets me see the area you want tattooed without you feeling exposed. For example, shorts for leg work or a loose top for ribs or arms. In Toronto winters that can mean layers you can easily take off in the private room while still staying comfortable.
Can I do a virtual tattoo consultation instead of in person?
Yes, I offer virtual tattoo consultations over video if you cannot make it to 1800 Davenport Rd. We go through the same steps as in person: references, placement, size and planning. I may ask you to send a clear photo of the area so I can give better advice.
How far in advance should I book my tattoo consultation?
It is best to book your tattoo consultation as soon as you feel ready to talk through your idea. Consult slots are usually available sooner than tattoo appointments in Toronto. Getting the consultation done early means you can pick from more session dates and plan around work or travel.
Do I have to book my tattoo immediately after the consultation?
No, you do not have to book right after your consultation. I give you all the information, including deposits and session estimates, and you can go home and think about it. When you are ready, you can return to the website and choose a date that works for you.
Is a tattoo consultation required for every piece?
Yes, I like to have a quick tattoo consultation for every new piece, even small ones. It makes sure we are on the same page about design, size and placement before the day of the tattoo. It also helps me keep the work consistent with any existing tattoos you already have.
Will you redesign my idea during the consultation?
I start shaping your idea during the consultation, but the full drawing happens after you book. In the consult I explain how I would adjust composition, simplify details, or change scale. You get a clear sense of the direction before you commit to a date or pay a deposit.
When you are ready to turn the idea on your phone into something on your skin, start with a conversation. A simple, clear tattoo consultation sets the whole piece up to work.
get somethingbold
Free, 10–15 minutes, by video or in person, before anything is booked. Bring a reference or a rough idea and the placement you have in mind. Minimum charge is $200.