So you’ve decided to get a tattoo — hell yeah. Now comes the part no one talks about enough: how to actually make sure you get what you want and it turns out perfect.
Orange County’s packed with amazing artists and studios, each with their own vibe and specialty. Whether you’re in Costa Mesa, Dana Point, or cruising in from Laguna, there’s no shortage of options — but not all tattoos (or artists) are created equal.
This guide breaks it all down for you: how to find the right artist, how to prep, what to expect the day of, and how to keep your tattoo looking fresh long after you leave the shop. Basically, everything I wish every client knew before getting inked.
🖋️ Why Choosing the Right Artist Matters
Here’s the truth — not every tattoo artist is right for every person, and that’s completely normal. Getting the perfect tattoo isn’t just about finding someone who can draw; it’s about connecting with an artist whose style, skill, and approach match what you want.
Every artist has their lane — some thrive on bold traditional work, others specialize in delicate fine line, realism, or vibrant color. If you love crisp outlines and solid color, you don’t want someone who only does soft-shaded black and grey. The goal is to find the artist whose work you’re drawn to and whose process makes you feel confident.
I work alongside two other talented artists at The Pretty Sister Studio in Costa Mesa. We all take clients by appointment only, which means every session is focused, personalized, and professional. Working in a collaborative studio has its perks — we can consult with each other on ideas, share tips, and maintain a creative, supportive environment for our clients. Even if you book with me specifically, you’re still benefiting from the experience and insight of a team that’s constantly learning and improving.
Start by exploring an artist’s work online. Most tattoo artists showcase their portfolios on Instagram, but don’t overlook TikTok and Bluesky, where you can see their process, personality, and interactions with clients. When looking at their work, pay close attention to healed photos — these show how the lines hold up, how colors settle, and what the tattoo really looks like after the healing process. Fresh tattoos can be misleading: raised lines, redness, or swelling can hide the true quality of the work.
Reading reviews from past clients is also crucial. Look for patterns — comments about professionalism, communication, cleanliness, and the overall experience can give you a good sense of what it’s like to work with an artist. Remember, tattooing is an intimate experience — you’re trusting someone with your skin, often for many hours at a time. Comfort, trust, and communication are just as important as skill. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, schedule a consultation, or step back if something doesn’t feel right. The right fit makes all the difference.
Finally, remember: you don’t have to be in Costa Mesa to find a great artist. My clients come from all over Orange County, from Laguna Beach to San Juan Capistrano. The trick is finding the person whose style, approach, and personality click with you — because that connection makes the entire tattoo experience smoother, more enjoyable, and, ultimately, perfect. Learn more about choosing the right artist HERE
🎨 How to Choose the Perfect Design
Choosing a tattoo design isn’t just about picking something that looks cool on Pinterest — it’s about creating a piece of art that works for you, your body, and your lifestyle. One thing I hear all the time from clients is this: they get a tattoo they don't love, wishing they had spoken up because the final tattoo didn’t match what they’d imagined. Sometimes it’s because they didn’t feel comfortable voicing concerns, or they didn’t realize the artist was making adjustments to ensure the tattoo would look great long-term.
Here’s the truth: artists have an eye for how a tattoo will read on the skin. We make decisions about size, line weights, color choices, shading, and placement that are all designed to create a tattoo that looks balanced, readable, and will age well. That means a lot of times, the design you bring in — no matter how elaborate or detailed — needs to be simplified or adjusted to work as a tattoo. Trust me: it’s not about taking your vision away. It’s about making your tattoo actually work.
A tattoo is a collaborative process. Your artist will offer suggestions to make your idea better, but at the end of the day, you have the final say. You should feel completely comfortable having that conversation. Speak up if you have questions about size, placement, or color. Ask why certain elements might need to change. A good tattoo artist will guide you, not steamroll you.
When planning your design, think about:
What matters most to you? Focus on the elements that are meaningful and visually strong.
How it fits your body. Certain designs work better in specific areas, and proportions make a huge difference.
Longevity. Some colors fade faster in certain areas; line thickness affects how a tattoo ages.
Simplicity over complexity. Too many tiny details can blur over time — fewer, well-placed elements often make a tattoo stronger.
By approaching your design as a collaboration and trusting the artist’s expertise — while still speaking up about your preferences — you’ll end up with a tattoo that’s not only exactly what you want, but also a piece of art that will look amazing for years to come. Remember it's never too late to make changes until the needle hits the skin! Check out my designs!
🔍 Finding Your Style and Inspiration
Once you understand that a tattoo is a collaboration between you and your artist, the next step is figuring out what style and inspiration speak to you. This doesn’t have to be intimidating — it’s about exploring, collecting ideas, and thinking about how a design fits you personally.
Start by looking at different tattoo styles. Some common ones you’ll see in Orange County include:
Traditional / Neo-traditional: Bold lines, strong colors, and classic imagery.
Fine line / Illustrative: Delicate details, subtle shading, often minimalistic.
Realism / Portraits: Photorealistic images, either black and grey or full color.
Blackwork / Geometric: Heavy use of black ink, patterns, and shapes.
Pop culture, Anime, or Illustrative Designs: Tattoos inspired by movies, music, or art, with a modern twist.
Bold, Bright Color / MCM: Vibrant, eye-catching tattoos with clean lines and strong shapes, often featuring retro Palm Springs or atomic age motifs. This style works especially well if you love designs that feel fun, modern, and timeless all at once — (and it’s a style I adore!)
Collect examples of work that excite you — saved images, sketches, or Pinterest boards are great starting points. Keep in mind that your artist will adapt them to suit your body, placement, and longevity, so some adjustments are part of the process.
Take a moment to reflect on your personal inspiration:
What’s meaningful to you? Symbols, memories, or interests that really matter, or simply a beautiful piece of art?
Your lifestyle and wardrobe — will your tattoo be visible, or do you want it hidden?
Your body’s natural lines — some designs look amazing in certain areas and awkward in others.
Exploring your style and inspiration is about finding a starting point. You bring the ideas that are important to you, and your artist shapes them into a tattoo that not only looks amazing but is practical, readable, and built to last. Check out my portfolio!
📝 How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment
Getting ready for a tattoo isn’t just about showing up — a little prep goes a long way in making the experience smoother and the result even better. At Wrapped In Plastic INK, I work by appointment to make sure every session is focused, personalized, and exactly what you need. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
1. Take care of your body
Eat and hydrate: Have a good meal and drink plenty of water before your session. It keeps your energy up and helps your skin respond better.
Sleep well: A rested body handles tattooing better and makes the session more comfortable.
2. Mind your skin
Moisturize ahead of time: Well-hydrated skin takes ink better. Ideally you should use moisturizer on the skin to be tattooed at least 3 days before the session.
Sun protection: If your tattoo will be in a sun-exposed area, protect it before your appointment — I can't tattoo sunburned or irritated skin.
3. Dress appropriately
Wear something comfortable and easy to move in. Make sure your clothing allows access to the area being tattooed.
4. Know your limits
Be realistic about session length, especially for long or elaborate designs. Splitting a large piece into multiple sessions keeps both you and the tattoo looking and feeling great.
5. Bring your ideas — but be flexible
Collect references or sketches of what you want, but remember that tattooing is collaborative. I may make adjustments to size, placement, or details to ensure the tattoo looks amazing now and ages well.
6. Expect communication from me
After booking with Wrapped In Plastic INK, you’ll get a confirmation email with session details and instructions. Three days before your appointment, I send a reminder with prep tips so you’re fully ready for your session. After your tattoo, you’ll get follow-up instructions to make sure your new ink heals beautifully and stays vibrant.
A little prep goes a long way in making your session comfortable and successful. Follow these steps, trust the process, and you’ll be setting yourself up for a tattoo you’ll love for years.
🖤 What to Expect the Day Of
Walking into a tattoo appointment can feel a little intimidating if it’s your first time, but at Wrapped In Plastic INK, my goal is to make every client feel comfortable, confident, and excited about their tattoo. Here’s what a typical day with me looks like:
1. Warm Welcome
When you arrive, I’ll greet you, go over your design, and make sure everything is exactly how you want it. We’ll confirm placement, sizing, and any final details. This is the perfect time to ask questions or talk through anything you’re unsure about — remember, your comfort and confidence are the top priority. I also have drinks and snacks and there's a convenience shop on the corner if you need a mid-tattoo pick me up!
2. Consultation and Setup
Even if you’ve had a consultation before, I take a few minutes to walk through the session plan, double-check your references, and explain what to expect during each stage. Then I’ll prepare my workspace, disinfect all surfaces, and get the machine and inks ready. Safety, cleanliness, and professionalism are non-negotiable here.
3. The Tattoo Session
Once we get started, I’ll guide you through the process so you know what to expect for each part of your tattoo. If you need breaks, just let me know. If adjustments are needed mid-session, we’ll talk them through together. Tattooing is collaborative — even when I make suggestions to improve how the design reads on your skin, you have the final say.
4. Aftercare Instructions
An essential part of your tattoo experience with me involves a gift bag that includes professional aftercare products, extra derm, instructions, stickers and other goodies. When we finish, I’ll go over aftercare step by step so your tattoo heals properly and stays vibrant. You’ll also get a follow-up email from Wrapped In Plastic INK with a detailed care guide and tips for the first few days of healing.
5. A Personal, Local Experience
I love working with clients across Orange County — from Santa Ana to San Clemente to Fountain Valley. Every appointment at Wrapped In Plastic INK is one-on-one and focused on making sure your tattoo isn’t just technically applied well, but exactly what you envisioned. You’re not just getting ink; you’re getting an experience, a collaboration, and a piece of art designed to last.
🛡️ Aftercare and Healing Tips
Taking care of your new tattoo is just as important as the session itself. I've seen many beautiful tattoos need to be completely re-done because of botched aftercare. I know you want to show off your new ink the very next day, but keep it covered please 😂. A tattoo re-do is no fun for anyone! Proper aftercare ensures your tattoo heals beautifully, retains color and detail, and stays vibrant for years to come. At Wrapped In Plastic INK, I provide guidance in person and follow up via email so you have everything you need at your fingertips.
1. Saniderm for the win
I use Saniderm, a medical-grade adhesive film, on most tattoos to protect your new ink while it begins healing.
Keep the Saniderm on for the recommended time (usually 3 days, but this can vary).
Remove it carefully according to the instructions — your tattoo underneath will be protected, clean, and less prone to scabbing.
2. Clean gently
Once you remove the Saniderm, wash your tattoo gently with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel — avoid rubbing, which can irritate healing skin.
3. Moisturize lightly
Apply a thin layer of tattoo-safe ointment or lotion as instructed.
Avoid over-moisturizing; your skin still needs to breathe while it heals.
4. Protect and avoid irritants
It's so important to keep your tattoo out of direct sun while healing. Once healed, sunscreen is key to protecting your ink.
Avoid soaking your tattoo in pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, or baths until it’s fully healed. SO MUCH BACTERIA! Large open wound. Bad news.
5. Listen to your tattoo
Redness, mild swelling, or light scabbing is normal.
If you notice anything unusual — excessive redness, irritation, or signs of infection — reach out right away. I’m always available to answer questions or give guidance.
6. Follow-up support
And just to really drive home the magnitude of proper aftercare, after your session, you’ll receive a follow-up email from me with those same detailed instructions, including Saniderm guidance and tips for the first few days. This information also has a dedicated page on my website.
You can reach out at any point while your tattoo is healing — my goal is for every client to leave with ink they love and confidence that it’s cared for properly.
Touch ups - It happens! It’s normal for tattoos—especially bold color work—to sometimes need small touch-ups after healing. I stand by my work and I’m always happy to make corrections. I’d rather take a lighter approach in one session than risk overworking your skin and causing damage or scarring. If you notice any spots that need love after it’s healed, just reach out and we’ll get it looking perfect! With the right preparation, Saniderm, and follow-through, your tattoo will heal beautifully, keeping lines crisp, colors vibrant, and the design to heal and age exactly how it was intended. Learn more about aftercare HERE
📅 Booking Your Appointment
Ready to get started on your perfect tattoo? Booking with Wrapped In Plastic INK is simple, personalized, and designed to fit your schedule. I take clients by appointment only, which ensures each session is focused, professional, and completely tailored to you.
1. How to Book
Visit my website to view available dates and book your session online.
A deposit is required to secure your appointment, which is collected at the time of booking through the website. This deposit confirms your spot, covers the planning and drawing time, and is applied toward your final tattoo price.
2. Consultation is Key
Every tattoo starts with a consultation, whether in person or over email/messages. We’ll go over your design, placement, size, and any questions you have. This is the perfect time to collaborate and make sure your tattoo will be exactly what you want.
3. Orange County Clients Welcome
I work with clients across Orange County, from Newport to Capo Beach, San Juan Capistrano, and beyond. Wherever you are in the county, you’re welcome at Wrapped In Plastic INK for a one-on-one, focused experience.
4. Your Experience Matters
From start to finish, my goal is to make your tattoo session smooth, fun, and comfortable. You’ll get clear communication, professional guidance, and support before, during, and after your tattoo — including free touch-ups if needed once your piece has healed.
Booking with Wrapped In Plastic INK isn’t just about getting a tattoo — it’s about creating a collaborative experience that results in a piece of art you’ll love for years. Schedule your session today, secure your spot with a deposit, and let’s make something amazing together! CLICK TO BOOK!
