You can absolutely walk-in to get a tattoo whenever you please, however your tattoo design may determine whether or not that is a good idea. Walk-in tattoos are quite common, and you can get a nice tattoo at the spur of them moment. However, you should not expect to be able to get a customized tattoo during as a walk-in. Anything that is custom, will need to be scheduled ahead of time.
There are a lot of things to consider when going for a walk-in tattoo. Walk-in’s can be quite fun if you end up going to the right one, and know want design you want to get. If you plan on heading to a walk-in tattoo then you should continue reading this article to understand what you can expect.
What Is Considered A Walk-in Tattoo?
Usually when people plan to get a tattoo they will first book an appointment with the artist and then arrive at the shop at their scheduled time. Walk-in tattoos are different, you don’t have to book an appointment as you can just go at any time and get a tattoo. Walk-in tattoos are very different, but can be very fun and spontaneous. In order to achieve a fun walk-in tattoo experience there are a few things you must consider doing.
Firstly, it’s best if you research a bit on different tattoo artist that are open to walk-in tattoos and choose the one that has the best experience and reviews. You can plan a walk-in tattoo too, and this way you know what you’re getting into. You must also decide what design you plan to get. Make sure to keep your design small. It’s not feasible to expect the artist to be able to design and complete a large size tattoo in a short amount of time.
Secondly, you must mentally and physically prepare yourself. There may be slight pain experienced which is something to prepare yourself about. When it comes to physically preparing yourself then you shod make sure that the placement you’re getting your tattoo on should be clear and wound free as you can’t carry out a tattoo on a wound.
You must also go in a relaxed and calm mind so that you enjoy every bit of the walk-in tattoo process. However, do NOT turn to alcohol or drugs to help you with relaxation. Any professional tattoo artist is certain to turn you away if you are intoxicated due to legal liabilities.
The last thing to keep in mind when going in for a walk in appointment is to be prepared for the cost. Make sure you have the funds to pay for your new tattoo, but also make sure you have the correct payment method. Some shops will only accept cash for their work. Before you commit to the session, make sure you have all the payment details worked out.
What Limitations Exist On A Walk-in?
There are quite a few things you will be limited to do when going in for a walk-in tattoo. This doesn’t mean you should stop yourself form going for a walk-in tattoo. Its good to know what you can’t be able to do in a walk-in tattoo so that you’re aware of what you’re getting into, and next time you can get a tattoo through an appointment. Mentioned below ate limitations on walk-in tattoos:
Limited to Small and Simple Designs
You can’t expect to get a large or detailed detailed tattoo during a walk-in tattoo as sometimes these take a lot of time, and you may have to go for more than one session. This is the case with colored full-sleeve tattoos or full body tattoos. Hence, with the limited time you have you will be limited to designs that are smaller and rather basic.
Limited Time
Tattoo walk-ins don’t give much time to clients. You will have a limited amount of time in which you just show the tattoo deigns it your artist and get on with the process. This is one of the reasons why you must decide everything including the tattoo design before hand.
It’s important to be decisive when choosing your design. One of the most frustrating things for a tattoo artist is a customer who can’t make a decision about their design. Please do not expect the artist to design what your final design should be. It’s fine to ask their opinion and advice, but the ultimate decision is on you.
Limited to Artist Selection
You can’t expect to get tattooed by the best tattoo artist in the shop as those ones usually tattoo clients that make appointments beforehand. You will get a tattoo artist that is available at the time you arrive at the shop. If the shop is busy, you might have to wait for a while for your turn to come. This sometimes takes longer and you need a lot of patience.
What’s The Pros/Cons Of A Walk-in?
Walk-In tattoos come with affair share of pros and cons. While you may be making the right decision to attain a walk-in tattoo, at the same time you might miss out on a lot when getting a walk-in tattoo. Mentioned below are a few pros and cons associated with walk-in tattoo that will help you in making the right decision and se if a walk-in tattoo is the right thing for you:
Pros
You Get Done Faster
Walk-In tattoos have very small time slots; hence you don’t have to worry about sitting for hours for your tattoo. It’s not unreasonable to get a tattoo completed in less than 30 mins or so depending on your design. This is why you can only get small-to medium sized tattoo during a walk-in.
Assess Artist for Larger Work
A walk-in tattoo is a good way to try out a tattoo artist and see if it’s worth it to get bigger more complicated tattoo from them. During walk-in tattoos you get a small design, so even if you don’t like it somehow won’t show. For this you have to make sure you go for a very small tattoo design and choose a discreet tattoo parlor.
Cons
Cannot Seek Tattoo Consultation
Tattoo consultation is very important, especially if it is your first time getting a tattoo. However; you can’t expect an extended consultation if you come in for a walk in. Consultations allow you to build a relationship with your artist before your session. It’s hard to do that during a walk in.
Will Have to Take Any Artist Available
With walk-in tattoos you can’t choose your tattoo artist as you get whoever is available during the time slot you go in. If you have reviewed your shop’s website and found an artist you like, you shouldn’t go to shop expecting that specific artist to be available. Artist try to keep as much of calendar booked as possible. You will have to accept the artists that are available or come back at a later time.
Too Many Restriction on the Tattoo Design
When going for a walk-in you can ask the tattoo artist to tattoo any design on your body. You have to choose a small and simple design as you don’t have much time during a tattoo walk-in. You might have to miss out on the chance of getting a complicated tattoo design you’ve always wanted. For this you will have to book an appointment.
Might Have to Come in another Day
Tattoo walk-ins are open for everyone, so in case you end up going at a time when they’re fully booked then you will have to go back home and come again another day. There is no guarantee that you will get a slot the next time either as there are no bookings for walk-in tattoos. This does take up a lot of time and money.
Final Thoughts
Now that you are aware of what walk-in tattoos are, you should consider getting one. There is no doubt that it is better to go for a tattoo on an appointment basis rather than through a walk-in. However, walk-in tattoos have their fair share of pros.
Regardless of how you get a tattoo, you will end up having fun and at the same time achieve some amazing body art. Just make sure to research the tattoo parlor where you plan to go for a walk-in tattoo as this way, you will have a slight idea on whether or not they are worth it enough to go to.