Custom tattooing / New York
Behind
the work.
A clear direction, developed around you. From the first conversation to the care that follows your session.
01 / Process
Inquiry
Share your idea, body placement and approximate scale. You don’t need to have every detail resolved before starting a conversation.
Every genuine inquiry receives a response, including projects I’m unable to accept. An inquiry does not confirm an appointment.
02 / Process
Project review
Depending on the project, we may communicate in person, by video call or through text. When appropriate, photographs, measurements and your vision can be discussed remotely.
The aim is to understand what you want and establish a clear artistic direction.
03 / Process
Scope & scheduling
Once the project is understood, we define its scope. I then communicate a price or price range, and we coordinate scheduling.
04 / Process
Design
The design begins with the body: anatomy, placement, flow and scale. I consider where attention should rest, how the elements relate and how the complete composition will read. An attractive image is a starting point; the design needs to work as a tattoo on you.
I work on the design before the appointment and normally arrive with a defined design and stencil. You see the finished direction at the appropriate stage of the process. If the artistic direction needs clarification, we may discuss or look at possibilities before the appointment to align the overall vision.
05 / Process
Placement & preparation
Placement and preparation bring the composition onto the body. Before your appointment:
- Sleep well.
- Allow enough time to arrive without rushing.
- Eat properly before the session.
- Bring food or an appropriate food plan for a long session.
- Drink water and stay hydrated.
- Keep your skin hydrated in the period leading up to the appointment.
06 / Process
Tattoo session
Sessions commonly last around eight hours, but may be shorter or longer. The project’s size, the pace of the session, how your skin responds and breaks all influence the actual duration.
Companions
No companions are permitted in the tattoo work area. A maximum of one companion may stay in the waiting area.
07 / Aftercare & healing
Aftercare.
These instructions describe Sadone’s studio aftercare protocol for conventional plastic film.
Two nights with plastic film. After washing the following morning, stop using plastic.
I apply the first layer of conventional plastic film at the studio.
First night
Before going to sleep, remove the original plastic film and follow the washing steps below.
Wash & dry
- Use cold, room-temperature or lukewarm water. Never use hot water.
- Use fragrance-free soap. Place it on clean hands or fingers first; don’t apply it directly from the product onto the tattoo.
- With your fingers, gently but thoroughly clean away the plasma, blood and excess ink released by the fresh tattoo.
- Pat dry with clean paper towels. Never rub.
My usual recommendations are classic Dove fragrance-free / sensitive-type soap where appropriate, and Bounty paper towels.
Once completely dry, apply new, clean plastic film for the first night.
The following day
Repeat the washing process in the morning, during the afternoon and before going to sleep.
Second night / final night with plastic
Use fresh, clean plastic film for the second night. This is the final night with plastic.
The following morning / stop plastic
The following morning, remove the plastic and wash again. Discontinue plastic film from this point.
After the plastic phase
After the plastic phase, wash morning and night for approximately three additional days. The instruction to reapply plastic no longer applies.
Moisturizing
- Begin Aquaphor only after the third day following the tattoo. Never begin earlier.
- Apply thin layers and continue for approximately five days.
- After that period, a regular moisturizing lotion may be used. My usual recommendation is Lubriderm Daily Moisture, the blue-label or blue-cap type. A specific brand is not medically required.
Food, activity & exposure
Food / first two days
During the first two days, eat as cleanly and healthily as practical. My studio protocol recommends avoiding pork, seafood, spicy foods and very greasy or heavily fried foods. These are Sadone’s studio recommendations, not universal medical requirements or a guarantee about healing.
Alcohol, gym & sports / 5–7 days
No alcohol, gym training or sports for approximately 5–7 days. Minimize sweat as much as reasonably possible during the initial healing period.
Swimming pools & ocean / approximately one month
Avoid swimming pools and the ocean for approximately one month.
Sun exposure
Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible. Use appropriate sun protection when exposure occurs.
Questions during healing?
If you have concerns about how your tattoo is healing, contact me through Instagram so I can see the tattoo and discuss what you’re observing.
Contact SadoneMedical concerns
This guide does not diagnose medical conditions. Medical concerns should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.