Booking a Tattoo - Client Guide
Step-by-step guide to booking your tattoo appointment on TattooReserve
- Finding Artists & Flash
- Viewing Artist Profiles
- Submitting a Booking Request
- After Artist Approval
- Scheduling Your Appointment
- Managing Draft Bookings
- Booking Flash Tattoos
- Flash & Tattoo Events
- Notifications
- Navigation Menu
- Booking Tips
- Troubleshooting
- Next Steps
- Need Help?
Booking a Tattoo
Ready to get inked? This guide walks you through finding an artist, submitting a booking request, and confirming your tattoo appointment on TattooReserve.
Finding Artists & Flash
TattooReserve offers three ways to discover tattoo artists and designs: browse artists, search flash designs, or find special events.
Searching for Artists


Search Options:
- Name, Style, or Keyword - Search by artist name, tattoo style, or descriptive terms
- City, State, or Zip - Location-based search to find artists near you
Filter Options:
- Styles - Filter artists by their specialties (Traditional, Realism, etc.)
- Availability - Show only artists currently accepting bookings
Searching for Flash Designs


Search Options:
- Name, Style, or Keyword - Find specific flash designs
- City, State, or Zip - Location filter for nearby flash
Filter Options:
- Price Range - Set minimum and maximum budget
- Style - Filter by tattoo style preferences
Searching for Events


Search Options:
- Name, Style, or Keyword - Find events by title or theme
- City, State, or Zip - Location-based event search
Filter Options:
- Date Range - Filter by event start/end dates
- Event Type - Flash events vs. tattoo events
Viewing Artist Profiles
Once you find an artist you like, view their complete profile to learn about their work and book an appointment.
Profile Header

At the top of every artist profile, you'll find:
- Artist name and studio information
- Request a Tattoo button - Start your booking request
Portfolio Gallery

Browse the artist's portfolio to see their previous work and tattoo styles.
Available Offerings

Below the portfolio, view:
- Available Flash Items - Pre-drawn designs ready to book
- Upcoming Flash Events - Limited-time flash offerings
- Upcoming Tattoo Events - Special booking windows
New Artist Profiles

Artists new to the platform may have minimal portfolio content initially. You can still request bookings if they're accepting appointments.
Submitting a Booking Request
Ready to book? Fill out a reservation request for the artist to review.
The Booking Form

Required Information:
- Title - Name your tattoo project (e.g., "Sleeve Project", "First Tattoo")
- Description - Describe your vision, placement, size preferences, and any important details
- Style Preferences - Select tattoo styles that match your desired design
- Reference Photos - Upload up to 5 images for inspiration (optional but recommended)
Actions:
- Submit Reservation - Send your request to the artist for review
- Save as Draft - Save your progress and complete later
Best Practice: The more detail you provide, the better the artist can understand your vision and provide an accurate quote.
Request Submitted

After submitting, your request enters Submitted status and appears in your reservations list.
Your request shows:
- Client name - Your profile information
- Artist - Who you're requesting (e.g., Sarah Chen)
- Submitted badge - Status indicator
- Request details - Title, styles, description
- Reference photos - Uploaded images
- Comments section - Communicate with the artist
What happens next: The artist reviews your request and may:
- Ask clarifying questions via comments
- Approve and offer appointment options
- Decline if the project doesn't match their style
Typical response time: 24-48 hours
After Artist Approval
Once the artist approves your request, you'll select a session product, pay a deposit, and schedule your appointment.
Request Approved

Approved requests show:
- Approved badge - Green status indicator
- Product - Session type (e.g., "4 hr session")
- Session Length - Duration in minutes
- Booked Rate - Artist's locked hourly rate
- Deposit - Amount due today (Status: Pending)
- Estimated Total - Projected session cost
Actions:
- Cancel - Cancel the request
- Book Now - Proceed to scheduling and payment
Approved Requests List

View all approved bookings awaiting your payment and scheduling.
Sort Options:
- Request Date (ascending/descending)
Each card displays:
- Client and artist names
- Date (TBD until scheduled)
- Session length and booked rate
- Deposit status (Pending)
- Estimated total
- Reference photo thumbnail
- View Details button
Scheduling Your Appointment
After approval, select your appointment date and time before paying your deposit.
Select Date & Time

Booking Summary:
- Tattoo request details - Your design description and reference photos
Calendar View:
- Navigate between months using arrows
- Green dots indicate days with available time slots
- Blue highlight shows your selected date
- Grayed dates are unavailable

Available Time Slots:

After selecting a date, choose from available time slots:
- Sessions displayed in 30-minute increments
- Blue highlight indicates selected time
- Morning and afternoon options available
Action:
- Proceed to Payment - Continue once date and time are selected
Payment Summary

Before payment, review your complete booking summary:
Booking Summary:
- Appointment Date - Full date (e.g., Thursday, October 30, 2025)
- Start Time - Session start
- Session Length - Duration (e.g., 4 hours)
Payment Due Today:
- Deposit Required - Amount to reserve your appointment (e.g., $100.00)
Estimated Final Cost:
- Booked Rate - Locked hourly rate
- Estimated Total - Session length × rate
- Less Deposit - Deposit already paid
- Estimated Balance Due - Remaining payment at appointment
Important Note: Final price may vary based on actual session duration. The estimated total is based on the planned session length.
Action:
- Proceed to Payment - Complete deposit via Square checkout
Booking Confirmed

After paying your deposit, your booking is confirmed!
Confirmed booking shows:
- Booked badge - Green status indicator
- Appointment details - Date, time, and duration
- Session length - Confirmed appointment duration
- Booked rate - Locked hourly rate
- Deposit - Amount paid (Status: Paid)
- Estimated total - Expected session cost
Actions:
- Request Reschedule - Orange button to change appointment date
Communication:
- Comments section - Continue discussing your tattoo with the artist
- Both you and the artist can post comments
- Like and reply to messages
Managing Draft Bookings
Save incomplete booking requests and return to them later.
Viewing Drafts

Access My Drafts to see saved booking requests.
Draft cards display:
- Draft badge - Gray status indicator
- Title - Your tattoo project name
- Artist/Studio - Who you're requesting
- Description preview - Truncated description
- Style tags - Selected styles
- Reference photos - Count of uploaded images
- Last updated - Timestamp of last edit
Actions:
- Continue Editing - Blue button with pencil icon
- Submit Draft - Green button to send request
- Delete - Red button to permanently remove draft
Editing a Draft

Editing Draft badge - Gold indicator showing you're in edit mode
Editable Fields:
- Title - Project name
- Description - Full tattoo vision
- Style Preferences - Select up to 5 styles from grid
- Reference Photos - Upload new images or remove existing ones
- Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, GIF (up to 10MB each, min 100×100px)
- Upload or drag-and-drop interface
Actions:
- Update Draft - Blue button saves changes privately
- Submit to Artist - Green button sends request for review
Helper Text:
- Update Draft: Saves your changes privately.
- Submit to Artist: Sends your request for review. Requires title and description.
Booking Flash Tattoos
Flash designs offer instant booking for pre-drawn tattoos. The process differs slightly from custom requests.
Viewing Flash Details

Flash page includes:
- Large design preview - Full-size artwork
- Title and description - Flash design name and details
- Status badges - Exclusive, Available, Sold, etc.
Shop Location:
- Studio name and full address
- Embedded map preview
- Action links:
- Open in Maps
- Get Directions
- Calculate Distance
Pricing:
- Full Price - Total cost
- Deposit Required - Percentage and amount (e.g., 25% / $125.00)
- Booking Type - Instant booking vs. needs approval
- Estimated Time - Session duration
Actions:
- Reserve This Flash - Purple button to book
- Share This Design - Share flash on social media
Artist Information:
- Artist name and studio details
- View Profile link
Flash Booking Flow
When you reserve a flash design, you'll go through a streamlined payment and scheduling process.
Flash Item Details

Flash Item Details:
- Design preview image
- Title and description
- Artist information
- Estimated time
- Sale mode (One-time only, etc.)
Payment Details:
Payment Summary:
- Deposit (Today) - Amount due now (highlighted green)
- Remaining (At appointment) - Balance due later (highlighted blue)
Important Notice: You're paying a deposit to reserve this flash tattoo. The final price will be determined by the artist based on size, placement, and any modifications.
Customer Information

Required Information:
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number - Format: (555) 555-1234
- Additional Notes - Special requests for the artist (optional)
Payment Information:
- Secure payment powered by Square
- Redirects to Square's secure checkout
- Continue to Payment ($X.XX) - Purple button with lock icon
- SSL encrypted • PCI compliant • Your data is protected
Booking Policies

Important Information:
✅ Auto-Booking: Your payment automatically reserves and books this flash item. The artist will contact you to schedule.
💰 Deposit Payment: You're paying a deposit today. The final price will be determined by the artist based on size, placement, and complexity.
📅 Scheduling: After payment, the artist will contact you within 24–48 hours to schedule your appointment.
🔁 Refund Policy: Deposits are refundable if cancelled 48+ hours before your scheduled appointment.
Flash Availability States
Flash designs can have different availability statuses. Here's what each means:
Available Again (Expired Claim)

When a flash item was previously claimed but the booking wasn't completed, it becomes available again.

Status badges:
- Exclusive - One-of-a-kind design
- Available - Open for booking

All original booking details remain:
- Shop location and map
- Pricing information
- Reserve This Flash button active
- Share This Design option available
Sold Flash

When a flash design has been purchased, it's marked as Sold.
Status badges:
- Exclusive - One-of-a-kind
- Sold - No longer available (red badge)

Sold flash shows:
- All original details (pricing, location, etc.)
- Gray Sold button (disabled)
- Link: Browse other available designs from [Artist Name]
- Share This Design still available
Flash & Tattoo Events
Artists run special events for limited-time flash releases and booking windows.
Flash Event (Sheet Mode)

Sheet mode events display:
- Event title - Name and date
- Artist card - Artist name and username
- Event dates - Start and end dates
- Status indicator - Event Ended, Active, or Upcoming
- Flash sheet image - Complete sheet with multiple designs and prices
- Save Sheet button - Save for reference
Optional sections (if provided):
- Pricing information
- Walk-in instructions
Actions:
- Share This Sheet - Purple button with share icon
- Copy Link - Gray button for quick sharing
Sharing Flash Sheets

Share modal includes:
- Facebook - Blue button
- Twitter - Black button
- LinkedIn - Blue button
- Reddit - Orange button
- WhatsApp - Green button
- Email - Gray button
- Copy Link - Direct URL copy
Tattoo Events

Tattoo events are special booking windows for custom work (guest spots, conventions, themed events).

Event header:
- Event title - Name and theme
- Description - Event details and requirements
- Status badge - Booking Open, Booking Closed, etc.
- Gradient banner - Visual event branding

Event Details:
- When - Event dates and timezone
- Artist - Name and studio address
- Booking - Deposit requirements
How to Request:
- Click "Request Appointment" to open booking form
- Fill out tattoo details following event requirements
- Submit request for artist review
- Receive confirmation and next steps via email

When booking closes:
- Gray "Booking has closed" badge
- Status: "Booking is not currently available"

Artist Section:
- Artist name and studio information
- View Artist Profile button
Share Event:
- Share button for promoting event
Notifications
Stay updated on your booking activity through the notification system.
Notification Badge

Notification indicators:
- Red badge on profile image shows unread count
- Green badge (1) on Approved section shows active approvals
- Purple badge (1) on Booked section shows upcoming appointments
Notifications Page

View Options:
- Unread (0) - Filter to unread notifications only
- All Notifications - Complete history
Each notification displays:
- Status - Read or unread
- Timestamp - When notification was sent (e.g., October 14th, 05:39 AM)
- Title - Tattoo project name (if applicable)
- Message - Notification details
- Delete - Red link to remove notification
Common notification types:
- Reservation approved by artist
- Appointment confirmed
- Payment completed
- Reschedule required
Booking journey example:
- "Your reservation with [Artist] has been approved"
- "Appointment confirmed with [Artist]"
- "Payment completed for reservation"
- "Reschedule required for appointment with [Artist]"
Navigation Menu
Access all booking features from the sidebar menu.

Top Section:
- Search bar - Quick search for pages and reservations
Dashboard:
- Dashboard - Home overview
Reserves Section:
- New Requests - Submit new booking requests
- My Drafts - Manage saved drafts
- Approved (1) - Approved requests awaiting payment (badge shows count)
- Booked! (1) - Confirmed appointments (badge shows count)
- Past Reserves - Completed or expired bookings
- Needs Reschedule - Sessions requiring new dates
Calendars:
- My Bookings - Calendar view of appointments
Resources:
- Documentation - Help guides
- Questions - FAQ and support
- Changelog - Platform updates
User Profile:
- Name display - Current user (e.g., John Smith)
- Notification badge - Red badge with count (e.g., 5 alerts)
- Dropdown menu - Account settings and logout
Booking Tips
Before You Book
- Research artists - Review portfolios thoroughly
- Prepare references - Gather inspiration images
- Set a budget - Know your price range
- Be flexible - Artists book weeks/months ahead
Writing Your Request
- Be specific - Include size, placement, and style preferences
- Add context - Explain the meaning or vision
- Upload references - Visual examples help immensely
- Mention constraints - Budget, timeline, or physical limitations
After Approval
- Pay promptly - Secure your appointment before slots fill
- Respond quickly - Artists have other clients waiting
- Confirm details - Double-check date, time, and location
- Communicate changes - Life happens - let your artist know ASAP
Flash Bookings
- Act fast - Popular designs sell quickly
- Read descriptions - Some flash is non-negotiable on size/placement
- Check availability - Green Available badge means it's bookable
- Understand deposits - Read refund policies carefully
Troubleshooting
Can't find the "Request a Tattoo" button?
- Artist may not be accepting bookings currently
- Check their profile for availability status
Draft won't submit?
- Title and description are required fields
- At least one style must be selected
- Try refreshing and submitting again
Approved request missing?
- Check Approved section in sidebar
- Look for green badge notification count
- Artist may have declined instead
Payment button is disabled?
- You must select both date and time slot first
- Ensure deposit amount is displayed
- Try selecting different time if issue persists
Flash shows "Sold" but I just saw it available?
- Another client may have claimed it seconds before
- Check "Browse other designs" link for alternatives
- Contact artist to see if they have similar flash
Next Steps
Need Help?
Questions about the booking process? Contact support.
Happy booking! Your perfect tattoo is just a request away. 🎨
Need help? Contact our support team