A great tattoo begins with a great conversation.

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Your consultation is an opportunity to explain what you want, ask questions, discuss placement, and begin developing a tattoo that is right for you.

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At 434 Tattoo Waikīkī, we work with everything from smaller custom tattoos to large Japanese Irezumi projects that may develop over multiple sessions.

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The more prepared you are for your consultation, the more productive that conversation can be.

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Bring Your Ideas

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You don't need to have everything figured out before contacting us.

Bring the ideas that inspired you.

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You might have:

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• A particular subject you want

• Examples of tattoos you like

• Traditional artwork

• Japanese woodblock prints

• Photographs

• Ideas about color

• A specific placement

• A larger vision that you haven't completely figured out yet

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References can help communicate what you're imagining, but your finished tattoo should be developed specifically for you.

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Know Your Placement

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Think about where you want the tattoo and why.

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For larger Japanese tattoos especially, placement affects the entire composition.

A sleeve, backpiece, chest piece, or leg project needs to be considered in relation to the body's shape and movement.

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Think About the Size

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Size matters.

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A tattoo that looks great at a certain scale may not work the same way when made smaller.

Your artist can help determine what size allows the design to remain readable and age properly.

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Be Open to the Artist's Experience

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You don't need to arrive with every detail predetermined.

Part of the consultation is allowing your artist to explain what will work best.

Sometimes the best tattoo develops through a conversation between the collector and artist.

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Be Honest About Your Timeline

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If you're visiting Hawaiʻi, tell us your travel dates.

If you're planning a large project, let us know whether you're

available for multiple sessions.

Understanding your timeline helps us plan appropriately.

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Ask Questions

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A consultation is a conversation.

Ask about:

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• The design process

• Placement

• Size

• Sessions

• Healing

• Scheduling

• Pricing

• Aftercare

• Anything else you're unsure about

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You should feel comfortable understanding what you're committing to before the tattoo begins.

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Your Consultation Is the Beginning

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A consultation isn't simply an appointment before the tattoo.

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It's where the relationship between the collector and artist begins.

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Take your time.

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Ask questions.

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Share your ideas.

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Listen.

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And give the design process the respect it deserves.

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Ready to Start?

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If you're ready to discuss your next tattoo, contact 434 Tattoo Waikīkī and tell us what you're thinking.

A conversation is the first step toward creating something that can become part of your story.

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434 Tattoo is Hawaii's destination for authentic Japanese Irezumi and premium custom tattooing.