How do I find the right motif and placement?
Take your time gathering ideas and think about what the motif means to you and how big it should be. A first tattoo doesn't need deep meaning — it's fine if you simply like it — but a clear idea helps.
The body area affects the look, the effort and how sensitive it feels. Forearm, upper arm or calf are well suited for beginners because they are calmer to tattoo. Very exposed or sensitive areas like ribs, hands or neck are trickier and not the classic starting point.
- —Save reference images you like
- —Think of a rough size (palm, forearm, thigh)
- —Consider visibility in everyday life and at work
- —Stay open to the artist's suggestions on feasibility
How do I find the right artist and style?
Choose the artist by their style, not just by price. Look at portfolios and compare them with your idea — every artist has a focus, and a style that matches your motif matters more than any recommendation.
At Tattoo-Werk, resident and guest artists work with different specialities: realism, black & grey, blackwork, linework, fine line, dotwork, colour, neo-traditional, lettering and cover-up. So for most ideas you'll find someone who masters exactly that style.
How does the consultation work?
In the consultation you discuss motif, size, placement and style directly with the artist, who also gives an honest assessment of feasibility, number of sessions and price. We arrange appointments exclusively in person, not by phone.
The easiest first step: message us on WhatsApp (+43 664 5151195) and briefly describe your idea. We settle the rest calmly at the studio at Wagramer Straße 115, 1220 Vienna (U1 Kagran). Walk-ins are welcome too, and our Walk-in Days make it especially easy.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Bring a valid photo ID and arrive rested and well prepared. Eat a proper meal beforehand and drink enough — a stable circulation makes a session much easier to get through.
Wear comfortable clothing that makes the area to be tattooed easy to reach and that can get dirty. Allow plenty of time and avoid a lot of alcohol the day before.
- —Valid photo ID
- —Had a proper meal and drank enough
- —Comfortable, suitable clothing
- —Enough time and no rush
How does the tattoo session itself work?
First the stencil (the outline transfer) is applied to the skin and the position is agreed together — only then does the tattooing begin. You can check the stencil calmly in the mirror and adjust the placement before we start.
We work with sterile single-use needles and fresh materials for every client. The duration depends heavily on size and detail: a small motif is often done in one to two hours, while larger projects run over several sessions.
How much does it hurt and what comes afterwards?
A tattoo is noticeable but bearable for most people — the sensation is similar to scratching and depends a lot on the body area. How individual spots feel is explained in detail in our guide on pain.
After the session the healing begins, and aftercare shapes the final result: keep it clean, don't scratch, moisturise and protect it from the sun. You'll find the details in the linked aftercare guide. The cost depends on size, style and effort — we have a separate guide for that.
