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Before getting your first tattoo, eat a real meal within a couple of hours of your appointment and drink plenty of water the day before — most people who feel faint in the chair simply came in hungry. Skip alcohol for 24 hours beforehand and avoid aspirin or other blood thinners unless a doctor has told you to take them, because both make you bleed more and bleeding pushes ink back out. Sleep properly the night before. Wear loose clothing that gets the placement uncovered without you having to undress, bring a valid photo ID, and bring reference images even if they are only screenshots of a style you like. Do not shave the area yourself — your artist will do it with a fresh single-use razor. Expect the whole visit to run longer than the tattoo itself once paperwork, stencil placement and setup are done, and plan to sit still for it. If you are unsure, start smaller and somewhere forgiving like the outer forearm; you can always add to it later.
Most first-timers describe it as a hot scratch rather than a sharp pain, and the anticipation is usually worse than the needle. Placement matters far more than size. The outer forearm, outer thigh, calf and the meat of the shoulder sit over muscle and are the easiest places to start. Ribs, sternum, spine, feet, hands, the inside of the elbow and the inner bicep sit close to bone or thin skin and are noticeably sharper. Numbing cream is an option for longer sessions, but tell your artist before you apply anything — some products change how the skin takes ink. You can ask for a break at any point; nobody is going to make you tough it out.
Yes. Consultations at PhillyInkz are free — there is no charge to sit down with an artist, show your references and get an honest quote, and there is no obligation to book afterwards. Sessions run about fifteen to thirty minutes, in person at 2480 SE 58th Ave in Ocala or over the phone if you are driving in from Belleview, Summerfield, The Villages or Gainesville. You can reserve one online through our booking page or by calling (352) 355-1033.
At PhillyInkz, nothing. Some studios do charge a tattoo consultation cost of roughly fifty to a hundred dollars as a drawing fee, usually credited back against the tattoo if you go ahead — so if you are comparing shops, ask whether the fee is refundable or applied to the work. We do not charge for the conversation. The only money that changes hands before your session is the booking deposit that holds your date, and that deposit comes off the final price of the tattoo. It is not an extra fee on top.
You bring the idea and any references — photos, screenshots, a rough sketch, or just a description. Your artist talks through placement, size, whether the design will still read clearly in ten years, and how many sittings it realistically needs. You leave with a real quote instead of a guess, and if you want to go ahead you pick a date and put down a deposit. If the honest answer is that your idea works better smaller, simpler or somewhere else on the body, you will hear that too.
Plenty of tattoo shops take walk-ins and we are one of them. Walk-ins are welcome at PhillyInkz whenever an artist has an opening, and our walk-ins page shows live availability so you can see who has slots left today before you drive over. Small, simple pieces and flash designs are the best fit for a walk-in. Large custom work, realism and heavy cover-ups need drawing time, so those are better booked as an appointment. Bring a photo ID either way.
Small flash pieces at PhillyInkz start around one hundred dollars, and most custom work is quoted by the session — sessions on our books generally start in the one-hundred-and-fifty to two-hundred dollar range depending on the artist and the piece. What moves the number is size, placement, level of detail, colour versus black and grey, and how much existing skin has to be worked around on a cover-up. Anything large enough to need multiple sittings gets quoted per session at the consultation, in writing, before anyone picks up a machine.
- You can book an appointment by visiting our booking page and selecting your preferred artist, service, and time slot. You'll need to complete a waiver form and provide a deposit to confirm your booking.
- During your first session, our artist will review your design, ensure you're comfortable, and begin the tattooing process. The duration depends on the size and complexity of your tattoo. We'll take breaks as needed and ensure you're comfortable throughout.
- Proper aftercare is crucial for healing. Keep the tattoo clean and dry, apply recommended ointment, avoid direct sunlight, and don't pick at scabs. We'll provide detailed aftercare instructions specific to your tattoo.
- We accept cash, credit/debit cards, and various digital payment methods like Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal. Payment methods may vary by artist, so please check during booking.
- We can provide services to clients 16 years and older. Clients aged 16-17 require notarized parental consent. No services are provided to anyone under 16 years of age, as per Florida state law.
- We recommend booking 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for popular artists or larger pieces. Some artists may have longer wait times. You can always join our waitlist if your preferred time isn't available.
- We understand that plans change. Please give us at least 48 hours notice to reschedule. Last-minute cancellations may result in deposit forfeiture. Contact your artist directly or use our online booking system.
- Yes, we offer complimentary touch-ups within 30 days of your initial session for any healing-related issues. Touch-ups for design changes or additions are subject to artist pricing.
Still have a question?
Ask us directly. Nobody gets talked into a tattoo here — if your idea needs rethinking, or a smaller budget, we will tell you that instead.