Well the day usually starts with myself Emma the manager arriving early morning to prepare the studio which consists of cleaning all areas and getting ready for the day. Accompanied by my wife Sammi who usually serenades me whilst I do this.
Closely followed by Luke who will be found by the microwave eating his chicken and rice…. Yes for breakfast :)
Next two in is usually Cassie and her partner Leighan (lasting cosmetics) followed by their coffees from the coffee shop next door. Next the cheery Chappy that is Danny arrives with a big smile on his face unless his car has let him down again, if its Friday or Saturday Hannah our apprentice will arrive around this time too, Then Emma K will arrive by the skin of her teeth at 10.30am she will usually be accompanied by some funny story of how she’s been wandering around with a sock in her hand looking for her keys and has no idea how she’s always late. Then last but not least enter Myles who will swoop in like a ninja like he’s always been here and we just haven’t noticed him.
Its 10.30am and time for our clients to arrive.
Clients are greeted by myself or your individual artist and taken or directed down to the waiting area. Where they will be asked to fill in their consent forms.
During this time they may be able to hear the artists cheeky banter between themselves, the bromance between the boys is real. They warm into their days by Sammi singing, the artists winding each other up and casually throwing screwed up balls of paper at each other.
Now it's time to prepare your designs and the artists will usually be found during this time in the drawing area discussing their designs offering advice to each other and generally loving their jobs.
Now its time to invite our clients over to the bays and begin the stencil/tattooing :)
Some artists will be deep in thought, some with their headphones on if they need to focus on something intricate and others will be chattering away to their clients.
Meanwhile I will be buzzing around making sure everyone is ok and has everything they need.
Lunchtime consists of all the artists congregating in the staff area behind the reception desk tormenting each other whilst they are eating their lunch. Our clients are welcome to eat in the area by the big screen or go out into town for some fresh air the choice is theirs.
The afternoon starts quiet with full tummys and happy faces from all. The fun continues as we add all the essential touches to your tattoos. There may be some x rated banter between the boys including Sammi and Cassie who have as much “lad banter” as the others but have no fear the girls do even out the atmosphere for our quiter customers.
Its approaching the end of the day and the tidying will begin for myself the aftercare sheets are ready for the clients and the artists are providing their clients with the aftercare advice needed to look after the new tattoos - this is absolutely vital as the application is important but once you leave the studio the aftercare is of greatest importance to your new tattoo healing well.