What to send before a tattoo consult: references, placement photo, size in cm, budget and what you want changed — plus what not to send.
Artists say the same thing: the best clients arrive knowing what, where and how big. Here is a brief that fits on one page.
1. One or two references — not twenty
Pick the closest references and say what you like about each one ("the line weight", "the composition", "the flowers, not the skull"). Artists do not copy another artist's tattoo; references are a starting point.
2. A photo of the placement
A clear photo of the body part, in natural light, with the area you want marked. Even better: the design previewed on that photo, so the artist sees the angle and how it wraps.
3. Size in centimetres
"Palm-sized" means different things to different people. Give a width (or height) in cm, and ideally print it at real size and hold it against the spot. See the size & placement guide.
4. Style and colour
Fine line, blackwork, traditional, colour or black and grey. If you are unsure, say so — that is what the consult is for.
5. Budget and timing
Most artists charge by time or have a shop minimum. Being upfront saves everyone time.
What not to send
- Celebrity photos or copyrighted characters to be copied.
- A design "to be tattooed exactly as-is" from an AI image or another artist.
Send it as one link
A TryStencil consult pack bundles the design, the on-skin preview, the stencil at real size, the placement and your notes. Your artist opens it without an account.
Designs are references. A licensed tattoo artist must review, adapt and apply them.
Try it on before it’s permanent
Preview a design on your own photo in real centimetres, then print the stencil at exactly that size.
Start for free →
