What to Know Before You Book
Getting tattooed is a process. Below are answers to common questions about booking, consultations, pricing, aftercare, and touch-ups. If you don't see your question listed here, contact the studio directly.
Booking & Consultations
-
You can book in two ways.
If you know which artist you’d like to work with, visit their artist page to view their work and book directly with them.
If you’re unsure or want the soonest availability, submit the booking form on our website.
You can also email the studio. If you call and reach voicemail, please follow the instructions provided in the message.
-
Consultations are complimentary and scheduled by appointment.
During the consultation, the artist will review your concept, discuss placement and sizing, answer questions, and determine whether the project is a good fit. If the project moves forward, your initial tattoo appointment will be scheduled along with a required retainer to reserve your time.
-
Pricing varies depending on the artist, design complexity, size, placement, and overall time required.
Because each project is custom, final pricing is discussed after your consultation and design review.
-
A retainer is required to secure your tattoo appointment and reserve the artist’s time. The retainer is applied toward the final cost of your tattoo.
Retainer amounts vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project and will be discussed during your consultation. Retainers are non-refundable.
-
We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.
-
If you need to reschedule, advance notice is required. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in forfeiture of your deposit.
These policies are in place to respect both the artist’s time and other clients waiting to book.
Preparing for Your Tattoo Appointment
-
Arriving well-prepared helps ensure a smoother experience and better results.
Eat a full meal before your appointment
Stay well hydrated
Get a full night of sleep
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior
Do not arrive with sunburn or irritated skin
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed.
-
Pain varies depending on placement, size, and individual tolerance. Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others. Most clients tolerate the process well, and breaks can be taken as needed during longer sessions.
-
The most painful areas to get tattooed are typically places with thinner skin, more nerve endings, or less muscle and fat between the skin and bone.
Commonly sensitive areas include:
• Ribs
• Inner bicep
• Spine
• Elbows and knees
• Ankles and feet
• Inner thigh
• Hands and fingersAreas with more muscle or natural padding—such as the outer arm, shoulder, or outer thigh—are often more manageable for many clients.
Pain tolerance varies from person to person, and most clients tolerate the process well. Breaks can be taken during longer sessions as needed.
-
Color tattoos do not typically hurt more than black and grey tattoos. The sensation of getting tattooed generally depends more on the placement of the tattoo and the length of the session than the type of ink being used.
Color tattoos may sometimes require additional passes of the needle to build saturation, which can make certain areas feel more sensitive toward the end of a session. However, most clients find that the overall difference between color and black and grey tattoos is minimal.
Tattoo Aftercare & Healing
-
Proper tattoo aftercare is essential for healing, color retention, and long-term results. Your artist will provide specific instructions, but here is what to expect.
Your tattoo will be covered with Dermshield, a medical-grade protective film. Leave it on for the full recommended healing period. This barrier protects the tattoo from bacteria and irritation while it heals naturally.
Fluid or ink buildup beneath the film is normal
You may shower while wearing it
Do not soak in baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans
Once you remove the Dermshield, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor during the initial days. As peeling begins, switch to a fragrance-free lightweight lotion. Your tattoo should never appear oily or wet — if it does, too much product has been applied. Blot away any excess with a clean paper towel.
-
During the healing process it is normal to experience mild redness in the first few days, light swelling, peeling or flaking, itching, and a temporarily dull or cloudy appearance. Surface healing typically takes 2–3 weeks. Deeper skin layers may take 4–6 weeks to fully recover.
If you notice worsening redness after the first few days, unusual discharge, fever, or any signs of infection, seek medical attention promptly.
-
Avoid direct sun exposure and swimming until your tattoo is fully healed.
Sun exposure during the healing process can slow recovery and affect how the tattoo settles in the skin. -
Do not pick or scratch peeling skin
Avoid soaking the tattoo in any water
Avoid tight clothing or friction over the area
Avoid direct sun exposure
Avoid fragranced lotions, exfoliants, or acids on the tattooed area
Tattoo Longevity & Maintenance
-
Tattoos are permanent, but their appearance will naturally change over time due to factors such as sun exposure, skin aging, and lifestyle.
A well-executed tattoo that is properly cared for can maintain strong clarity and contrast for many years. Protecting your tattoo from excessive sun exposure and keeping the skin hydrated can help preserve the quality of the tattoo over time.
In some cases, touch-ups may be recommended years later to refresh certain areas as the skin naturally changes.
-
Touch-ups are sometimes necessary and are a normal part of the tattoo process. Every person's skin heals differently, and minor pigment loss can occasionally occur. Once your tattoo is fully healed — typically around 4–6 weeks — contact your artist if you notice areas that may need refinement. Send clear photos taken in natural light so the artist can assess accurately.
Over time, tattoos may also fade due to sun exposure and natural skin aging. Applying sunscreen consistently and keeping skin hydrated are the most effective ways to preserve clarity and contrast long term.
-
Sun exposure is the most common cause of premature fading. Once your tattoo has fully healed, applying a high-SPF sunscreen whenever the tattoo is exposed to sunlight can help preserve color and detail.
Keeping the skin hydrated and maintaining overall skin health can also help your tattoo maintain its clarity and contrast over time.
Choosing the Right Tattoo Artist in Chicago
-
Start with the artist's portfolio. Look for clean and consistent line work, even color saturation, strong contrast, and examples of healed work — not just fresh tattoos.
Choose an artist who regularly works in the style you want, whether that's realism, portrait work, illustrative, or fine line. An artist who specializes in your preferred style will consistently produce better results than one who works in it occasionally.
Communication matters too. You should feel comfortable sharing your ideas and confident in the artist's feedback and approach.
If you're unsure which West Loop Tattoo artist is the right fit for your project, submit an inquiry and we'll point you in the right direction.
-
Each artist at West Loop Tattoo works within specific styles, techniques, and types of projects.
For this reason, not every tattoo request will be the right fit. During the consultation process, the artist will review your concept and determine whether the project aligns with their expertise and approach.
If your idea would be better suited to another artist or studio, we are happy to offer recommendations to help you find the right fit. Our goal is always to ensure that each tattoo is executed by the artist best suited to bring the concept to life.