A tattoo enquiry checklist you can reuse

Start with the tattoo idea, where it will go and the references your client likes. That gives you something to talk through before agreeing a price and appointment. You don't need all the studio paperwork in the first enquiry.

What to ask in a tattoo enquiry

A name and reply email

Give the conversation a reliable contact point. Ask about a preferred artist if your studio has a team, while leaving room to recommend someone else.

The idea and what matters about it

Ask for a short description. A subject alone, such as “flowers”, leaves more open than “three wildflowers with fine lines and space between the stems”.

Body area, side and approximate size

“Outer left forearm, about 12 cm tall” is more useful than “medium”. Keep that size provisional until the artist has discussed the design and placement.

References with a purpose

Ask what the client likes about each image: its subject, line weight, shading or composition. A reference helps explain an idea; it does not establish permission to reproduce someone else's work.

Style, colour, budget and availability

These help you assess fit and ask the next question. Treat a budget as a starting range, rather than an accepted quote, and preferred dates as a request.

Existing work that affects the brief

Leave room to explain a cover-up, addition or ongoing project. You may need a consultation before deciding on the work.

Keep medical answers, identity documents and payment-card details out of a general brief. In InkWell, digital consent and the health questionnaire are a separate private step linked to the appointment.

A brief the artist can respond to

Illustrative example: Maya would like three wildflowers on the outer left forearm, around 12 cm tall, in black fine-line work. One reference shows the spacing she likes; another shows the line weight. Her budget is £150–£300 and Fridays usually work best. She is open to the artist's advice about the final size.

You can now ask a useful follow-up: which flowers matter, how the piece should sit around existing work, or whether a consultation is needed. You still need to assess the design, agree a price and check the artist's diary.

Read and download the free enquiry template

Copy this into your existing process or adapt it for an enquiry form. There's no signup needed to use it.

Download free template (.txt)

TATTOO ENQUIRY TEMPLATE
From InkWell: https://theinkwell.app/resources/tattoo-enquiry-checklist

Use this to start a conversation about a tattoo. An enquiry does not reserve
an appointment, agree a final price or take payment.

YOUR DETAILS
Name:
Reply email:
Preferred artist (if any):

YOUR TATTOO
Idea and the details that matter to you:
Body area and side:
Approximate size in centimetres:
Style and colour or black-and-grey preference:
Reference images or links, and what you like about each:
Is this a new piece, cover-up or addition to existing work?

PREFERENCES
Budget range, if you have one:
Preferred dates or usual availability:
Anything else you would like to discuss with the artist:

FOR THE ARTIST TO REVIEW
[ ] The idea, body area and approximate size are clear.
[ ] References are accessible and their purpose is explained.
[ ] The work fits the artist, or needs a consultation/referral.
[ ] Missing information has been requested.
[ ] The price and any deposit are discussed separately from this enquiry.
[ ] The artist and appointment time are agreed before booking.
[ ] The studio's separate consent and health-intake process is followed
    before tattooing.

Keep health answers, identity documents and payment-card details out of this
general enquiry template. Use your studio's appropriate private processes.

Adapt the questions to the work you take on. This is a booking brief, not a
tattoo consent form or a payment agreement.

Review the brief before agreeing a booking

1. Check fit. Read the idea, placement, size and references together. Decide whether it suits the artist and whether you need a consultation.
2. Ask for what is missing. Keep the question and reply with the original enquiry, so another member of the team can understand the decision.
3. Agree the commercial details. Discuss the quote, any deposit and your booking terms. Keep those distinct from the enquiry itself.
4. Check the diary and book the agreed session. A requested date, saved quote or received payment does not reserve an appointment in InkWell.

InkWell's tattoo booking workflow keeps that brief, private conversation, quote and artist calendar connected. Clients can enquire without creating an account. Your team controls the appointment you agree.