Booking a Tattoo - Client Guide

Step-by-step guide to booking your tattoo appointment on TattooReserve

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

Artist Search Results

Artist Search - Mobile

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

Flash Search Results

Flash Search - Mobile

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

Event Search Results

Event Search - Mobile

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

Artist 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

Artist Profile - Portfolio

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

Available Offerings

Artist Profile - Booking Options

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

New Artist Portfolio

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

Booking Request 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

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

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

Approved Reserve Requests

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

Book Reserve Request - Calendar

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

Calendar Date Selection

Available Time Slots:

Time Slot Selection

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

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

Confirmed Booking

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

My 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

Edit 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 Item Detail

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 Claimed - Part 1

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

Flash Claimed - Part 2

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

Flash Claimed - Part 3

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)

Flash Available Again - Part 1

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

Flash Available Again - Part 2

Status badges:

  • Exclusive - One-of-a-kind design
  • Available - Open for booking

Flash Available Again - Part 3

All original booking details remain:

  • Shop location and map
  • Pricing information
  • Reserve This Flash button active
  • Share This Design option available

Sold Flash

Flash Sold - Part 1

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)

Flash Sold - Part 2

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)

Flash Sheet Mode View

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 Flash Sheet

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 Event - Part 1

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

Tattoo Event - Part 2

Event header:

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

Tattoo Event - Part 3

Event Details:

  • When - Event dates and timezone
  • Artist - Name and studio address
  • Booking - Deposit requirements

How to Request:

  1. Click "Request Appointment" to open booking form
  2. Fill out tattoo details following event requirements
  3. Submit request for artist review
  4. Receive confirmation and next steps via email

Tattoo Event - Part 4

When booking closes:

  • Gray "Booking has closed" badge
  • Status: "Booking is not currently available"

Tattoo Event - Part 5

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 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

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:

  1. "Your reservation with [Artist] has been approved"
  2. "Appointment confirmed with [Artist]"
  3. "Payment completed for reservation"
  4. "Reschedule required for appointment with [Artist]"

Navigation Menu

Access all booking features from the sidebar menu.

Client 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. 🎨