How We Design & Schedule Portrait Tattoos

1) Consultation & Reference Review

Send or bring your reference photo(s) during your consultation. We’ll evaluate:

• Lighting, contrast, and clarity of the image (high-resolution photos are best)

• Desired placement and size

• Artistic preferences, like realism vs. stylized realism, soft vs. high-contrast shading

We’ll also discuss whether you want a full portrait, partial (face or bust), or composite design combining multiple elements or figures.

If your reference photo isn’t ideal, we can help you select or enhance it for the best tattoo outcome.

2) Design Development

After the consultation, we begin refining the design digitally:

• Adjusting contrast, lighting, and depth for optimal readability on skin

• Mapping highlight and shadow structure to preserve facial accuracy

• Incorporating background fades, framing, or soft textures if requested

We may create digital mock-ups to help you visualize placement and composition. Each portrait is drawn to scale and tested for clarity at your chosen size — we’ll never rush this stage.

3) Scheduling & Deposit

Once the design is approved, we secure your session with a non-refundable deposit, applied toward your final total. Portrait sessions are typically booked in half-day or full-day blocks, depending on scope. You’ll receive confirmation, prep instructions, and policies (reschedules, IDs, aftercare, etc.).

4) Preparation Before the Appointment

To ensure the smoothest possible session:

• Get a good night’s rest and stay hydrated

• Eat a solid meal beforehand

• Avoid alcohol, tanning, or heavy sun exposure on the tattoo area

• Bring reference photos or mementos if they inspire the piece

Portrait tattoos require long focus periods — comfort and skin condition make all the difference.

5) Placement & Stencil

We’ll carefully size and position the stencil to fit natural muscle flow and composition. You’ll check in the mirror and we’ll adjust until placement feels perfect. Because portraits rely on symmetry and flow, this step is never rushed.

6) The Tattoo Process

We work methodically, layering tones from light to dark:

• Outline (if applicable): Light, minimal structural lines to guide composition

• Black & Grey: Building soft gradients, mid-tones, and highlights to sculpt realism

• Color Portraits: Layering flesh tones, undertones, and contrasting hues for depth

Expect frequent cleaning and pauses to ensure precision. We’ll show you progress throughout so you can see your piece come to life.

7) Aftercare & Healing

Once complete, your tattoo is cleaned, bandaged, and we’ll walk you through aftercare in detail. You’ll get written instructions explaining:

• How to clean and moisturize the area

• What’s normal during healing

• How to preserve contrast and tone as it settles

We recommend sending a healed photo after 4–6 weeks for review. If minor touch-ups are needed (for normal healing variances), we’ll guide you on scheduling.

Common Questions

How long does a portrait take?
Most single-face portraits take 3–6 hours, depending on size and detail. Multi-subject or full-color pieces can take longer, often booked as full-day sessions.

Do you work from any photo?
Not always. Low-resolution, blurry, or heavily filtered photos don’t translate well to skin. We’ll help you choose or retouch a better option for accuracy and detail retention.

Can I combine multiple faces in one piece?
Yes, though we’ll suggest thoughtful composition to ensure balance and legibility. Each added face typically increases both time and cost.

Is black & grey or color better for portraits?
Black & grey tends to age more gracefully over time, while color adds realism and vibrancy. The choice depends on your skin tone, aesthetic, and emotional intent.

Do portraits hurt more?
Not necessarily — but they require longer, concentrated sessions in one area. We work at a controlled pace to prioritize both comfort and precision.

Ready to Begin?

Send us your portrait idea and reference image(s) along with desired size and placement. We’ll reply with a custom time estimate, deposit details, and available dates. Together, we’ll design a portrait tattoo that captures every detail, emotion, and memory — a piece of art that truly lasts.