My door is locked for a reason. Here is why I charge a £25 consultation fee to filter out the time-wasters and focus on the clients who actually want world-class realism.
In this industry, time is the only currency that matters. I spent 18 years in construction project management, and if there’s one thing that carries over to tattooing, it’s efficiency.
If you’ve looked around my site, you’ll see I’ve spent a lot of time creating a "Source of Truth"—detailed info that answers 99% of questions about my process, pricing, and style. Yet, I still get enquiries that are a complete waste of time. People who haven't read a single word and just want to kick the tyres.
That is why I introduced a £25 in-person consultation fee. Here is exactly why it exists and why, for serious clients, it doesn't actually cost you a penny.
My studio in Chapeltown is a private space. I work 1-on-1. When a client is in the chair for an 8-hour realism session, they are paying for my undivided attention and a controlled environment.
I keep the door locked during the day. I cannot have random people walking in off the street, interrupting a critical part of a tattoo to ask, "How much for my bird's name on my neck?" or wanting to chat for 30 minutes about five different ideas they "might" get one day.
It’s disrespectful to the client in the chair, and it kills the workflow.
The £25 fee isn't there because I’m desperate for twenty-five quid. It’s calculated based on 15 minutes of my hourly rate.
Its real purpose is to separate the serious collectors from the time-wasters.
This isn't money for old rope. During that consultation, we are working. We discuss your specific ideas, look at the placement, and—crucially—I can take high-quality photos of the area. This allows me to prepare the design digitally before your actual appointment, ensuring the scale and flow are perfect.
Here is the important part: The fee is credited toward your tattoo.
If you come in, we have a chat, and you book your session during the consultation, that £25 comes right off the final price. Essentially, the consultation costs you nothing.
It’s a simple system. It protects my time, protects your session privacy, and ensures I’m only working with clients who value the craft as much as I do.
Serious about your next piece? Book your consultation today, and let’s get the process started properly.