The Tattoo Process: From Consultation to Aftercare at Family Business Tattoo

Getting your first tattoo is a thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience. The buzz of the needle, the permanence of the art, and the anticipation of seeing your vision come to life can stir up a mix of excitement and anxiety. At Family Business Tattoo in San Diego’s vibrant Ocean Beach, the team transforms this journey into a welcoming, creative process that puts first-timers at ease. Whether you’re dreaming of a delicate Fineline piece or a bold American Traditional design, this blog demystifies the tattoo process, guiding you from consultation to aftercare with a behind-the-scenes look at a client’s experience at Family Business Tattoo.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Tattoo Journey

1. Consultation: Collaborating with Artists

The tattoo process begins with a consultation, where you and your artist lay the foundation for your dream design. At Family Business Tattoo, artists like Carrie, known for her intricate Fineline work, and Mariana Domenes, celebrated for her vibrant energy, take time to understand your vision. During this session, you’ll discuss ideas, placement, size, and style—whether it’s a small dragon tattoo or a full Japanese body suit.

What to Expect:

•  Personalized Discussion: Share your inspiration, from Pinterest boards to personal stories. Carrie might suggest delicate floral elements for a sleeve, while Mariana could propose bold colors for a Neo-Traditional piece.

•  Artist Expertise: The artist assesses your skin tone, body placement, and lifestyle to ensure the design ages well.

•  Scheduling: You’ll book your tattoo session and may leave a deposit.

Behind-the-Scenes: Imagine a client, Sarah, meeting with Adrianna at Family Business Tattoo. Sarah wants a back piece inspired by her love for peonies and dragons. Adrianna sketches rough concepts, discusses sizing to complement Sarah’s frame, and explains how the design will flow with her body’s contours. This collaborative vibe sets the tone for a custom masterpiece.

2. Design Phase: Custom Designs vs. Flash Tattoos

Once your consultation is complete, the artist gets to work on your design. Family Business Tattoo offers two main options: custom designs tailored to your vision or flash tattoos, which are pre-drawn designs available at the shop.

•  Custom Designs: Perfect for unique ideas, like Sarah’s peony-dragon back piece. Adrianna spends hours sketching, refining details, and emailing Sarah drafts for feedback. This process ensures the tattoo is one-of-a-kind.

•  Flash Tattoos: Ideal for walk-ins or those seeking classic designs. Family Business Tattoo’s flash sheets feature American Traditional anchors, skulls, or Japanese-inspired koi fish, often crafted by artists like Javier “Jed” Docunge. You can pick a design and get inked the same day.

Behind-the-Scenes: Sarah receives Adrianna’s final sketch—a black and gray peony with a dragon weaving through it. She suggests adding subtle shading for depth, and Adrianna adjusts the design. Meanwhile, a walk-in client at the shop chooses a bold anchor flash tattoo from Jed’s collection, drawn in his signature Neo-Traditional style.

3. Tattooing Day: Preparation and the Ocean Beach Vibe

The big day arrives, and Family Business Tattoo’s Ocean Beach shop welcomes you with its laid-back, artistic atmosphere. The scent of green soap, the hum of tattoo machines, and the sight of vibrant art on the walls create an inviting vibe.

How to Prepare:

•  What to Bring: ID, payment, water, snacks, and a charged phone or book for longer sessions.

•  Before You Arrive: Eat a good meal, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol or blood thinners to reduce bleeding.

•  Dress Comfortably: Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area.

The Experience: After checking in, your artist reviews the design and applies a stencil. For Sarah, Adrianna carefully places the stencil on her back, ensuring perfect alignment. The tattooing begins with fine lines, followed by shading. The shop’s chill playlist and friendly banter keep Sarah relaxed during the four-hour session. First-timers are guided through each step, with breaks as needed.

Behind-the-Scenes: Sarah feels a mix of adrenaline and calm as Adrianna works. The Ocean Beach shop’s open layout lets her watch other artists, like Carrie, tattoo a delicate Fineline rose on another client. The communal energy makes the day feel like a creative celebration.

4. Aftercare: Healing Your New Ink

After the session, your artist provides aftercare instructions to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully. Proper care is crucial to preserve the vibrancy and clarity of your design.

Aftercare Tips:

•  Cleaning: Wash the tattoo gently with fragrance-free soap (e.g., Dial or Cetaphil) twice daily for 7–14 days.

•  Moisturizing: Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion, like Hustle Butter or Aquaphor, to keep the skin hydrated.

•  Protection: Avoid sun exposure, swimming, or soaking for 2–4 weeks. Wear loose clothing to prevent irritation.

•  Watch for Issues: Mild redness and swelling are normal, but contact your artist or a doctor if you notice excessive swelling, pus, or fever.

Product Recommendations:

•  Hustle Butter Deluxe: A tattoo artist favorite for healing and vibrant colors.

•  Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Affordable and effective for moisturizing.

•  Tegaderm or Saniderm: Adhesive bandages for mess-free healing, available at Family Business Tattoo.

Behind-the-Scenes: Sarah leaves with a detailed aftercare sheet from Adrianna. She uses Hustle Butter and avoids tight shirts to protect her back piece. Two weeks later, the tattoo is healing flawlessly, with the peony’s delicate lines popping against the dragon’s bold scales.

Pro Tips from Family Business Tattoo Artists

•  Carrie (Fineline Specialist): “Bring reference images to your consultation, but trust your artist to adapt them to your body. A good design flows with your anatomy.”

•  Mariana Domenes (Versatile Artist): “Don’t rush the healing process. Skipping aftercare can fade your tattoo faster than you think.”

•  Javier “Jed” Docunge (Neo-Traditional Expert): “For bold designs, eat a solid meal before your session. It keeps your energy up and helps you sit longer.”

•  Adrianna (Large-Scale Artist): “Communicate during the session. If you need a break or feel off, let us know—we’re here to make it comfortable.”

A Seamless Tattoo Experience Awaits

Getting a tattoo at Family Business Tattoo is more than just ink on skin—it’s a creative journey guided by skilled artists in a welcoming Ocean Beach shop. From the collaborative consultation to the final healed masterpiece, every step is designed to make your experience unforgettable. Ready to start your tattoo journey? Book a consultation with Family Business Tattoo today and let artists like Carrie, Mariana, Jed, or Adrianna bring your vision to life.

What’s your dream tattoo? Share your ideas in the comments below or tag @FamilyBusinessTattoosd on Instagram to join the conversation!