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Whether it’s a tiny fine line piece or a detailed design, your first appointment can feel equal parts thrilling and nerve-wracking. At Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio in Oakleigh, we’re here to make your first experience smooth, comfortable, and memorable (in a good way).
Let’s walk you through exactly what to expect, from booking your consult to walking out with your new tattoo.
Chest piece in progress by Nado at Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio
Step 1: Your Consultation
Before your actual appointment, most clients start with a quick 15-minute free consult, either in person or online. This is your chance to meet your artist, discuss your idea, and get expert input on placement, sizing, style and pricing. It’s casual, obligation-free, and helps ensure you and your artist are on the same page before we go any further.
Bonus: At Eleven Pillars, consults are free and have no obligation to book at the end of them!
What to bring to your consult:
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Reference images or inspo pics
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Ideas about placement (for example, wrist, ankle, upper arm)
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An open mind since your artist may recommend tweaks to things to make the design suitable to tattoo
Step 2: Your Quote & Booking
We offer fixed pricing for tattoos rather than charging by the hour. This gives you peace of mind with no clock-watching or surprise costs if things take longer. Once you’re happy with the quote, you’ll lock in your appointment with a deposit.
Pro tip: Appointments fill fast, especially for our fine line & realism artists. If you have a specific date in mind, don’t wait to book.
Step 3: The Day of Your Tattoo
You’ve made it! Here's what to expect:
✅ Approve the Design
For most designs our artists will send you a draft the day prior to your appointment so you can review and provide any feedback. That way our artists are able to have the design ready to go on the day of your bookings so we can get straight into tattooing!
✅ Arrive Fresh
Have a good meal and drink plenty of water beforehand. At Eleven Pillars we always have some snacks and refreshments on hand so don't stress to much if you forget to pack any. Avoid alcohol or blood thinners (like Panadol or Nurofen) and wear something comfy with easy access to the area being tattooed.
✅ Check In
You’ll be greeted by our front-of-house team and asked to fill out a quick consent form. Then your artist will walk you through your design one more time and prep the stencil.
✅ Placement & Prep
Once you’re happy with placement, the stencil goes on. We’ll give you a mirror to check everything before we start. This is your chance to speak up if anything feels off.
✅ The Tattoo
Depending on the size and style, this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. You can bring headphones, a book, or just chat with your artist. A bit of discomfort is normal, but most people say it’s way more manageable than they expected. A support person is always welcome - just let your artist know beforehand so they can ensure they have the right amount of space allocated for your appointment.
Knee-dala done by Hayley at Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio
Step 4: Aftercare
Once your tattoo is done, your artist will clean and wrap it and walk you through aftercare. We recommend Ink Nurse or Dr. Pickles, the healing products we trust and love the most.
You’ll also get:
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Written aftercare instructions
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An estimated healing time
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Round the clock support - just send us a message if you're ever concerned!
Tattoos are an investment. Great aftercare leads to great results.
First-Timer FAQs
“Does it hurt?”
Pain is part of the process, but it’s different for everyone. Most clients describe it as more annoying than painful, like scratching a sunburnt area.
“Can I bring a friend?”
Yes! Just let us know beforehand so we can make sure there is enough space for them to also be comfortable at your appointment.
“What if I’m nervous?”
Totally normal. Let us know and we’ll talk you through everything, take it slow, and make sure you feel supported the whole way through.
Want to chat more? Send us an inquiry here to kick off your next tattoo!
