The Tattoo Process

Getting a tattoo is a meaningful decision, and many clients arrive with questions about how the process works. Reny’s approach is designed to make the experience clear, thoughtful, and comfortable from start to finish.

At Paradiso Tattoo, every project begins with a conversation. Some clients arrive with a fully formed idea, while others simply know the feeling or concept they want to express. Wherever you are in that process, we guide you step by step to create something personal, intentional, and something you’ll love for years to come.

Starting the Conversation

Most tattoo projects begin with an email conversation. At this stage we gather information about your idea, placement, and the overall direction of the piece.

Reference photos, inspiration images, and a photo of the body area you want tattooed are often helpful. These allow Reny to better understand your vision and determine the scope of the project.

Once we have a clear understanding of the idea and placement, we can provide an estimate for the time and number of sessions required to complete the tattoo.

Consultations

For larger or more complex projects, we may recommend a video or in-person consultation. This gives us the opportunity to talk through the design in more detail, review placement on the body, and answer any questions you may have before scheduling the tattoo.

Consultations are relaxed conversations focused on making sure the direction feels right before moving forward.

Design and Preparation

Every tattoo Reny creates is custom designed for the individual client.

For most projects, Reny prepares the design before the appointment and shares it with the client shortly before the session. This allows time for feedback and minor adjustments so the design feels right before the tattoo begins.

Small refinements can typically be made based on your feedback. If larger design changes are requested, a design consultation may be scheduled to ensure the final piece works well with the body and overall concept.

Every design is created with careful attention to how the tattoo flows with the natural shape of the body so the finished piece feels balanced and intentional.

Freehand Tribal Design

For many tribal projects, especially larger pieces such as sleeves, parts of the design may be drawn directly onto the skin during the appointment.

This freehand approach allows the patterns to flow naturally with the shape of the body, creating balance and movement that can be difficult to achieve with a stencil alone.

Some tribal elements may be prepared in advance so the client can see the overall direction of the design, while other areas are refined and adjusted during the session to ensure the final piece fits the body perfectly.

Tattoo Session

Paradiso Tattoo is a private, appointment-only studio where every session is one-on-one. This allows the experience to remain calm, focused, and unrushed.

Before the tattoo begins, Reny will review the design with you and make sure everything feels clear and comfortable. For many projects, we print the stencil in different sizes and test placement on the body so you can clearly see how the tattoo will look and how it flows with the placement.

We take time with this step and encourage open discussion about placement, scale, and flow. Nothing begins until you feel completely confident about the design and placement.

Sessions typically range between four and six hours depending on the project. Throughout the session we work steadily while always respecting your comfort and energy level. Breaks for stretching, water, snacks, or a quick rest are always encouraged.

The goal is to make the most of the time together while keeping the experience relaxed and manageable.

Large Projects and Multiple Sessions

Larger tattoos such as sleeves, back pieces, or detailed compositions are usually completed over multiple sessions.

For example, a fully wrapped tribal sleeve may take several sessions to complete. The first session typically focuses on placement, freehand drawing where needed, and initial line work. Later sessions continue building the tattoo through additional line work, shading, and solid black or colour.

Sessions are typically spaced about three to four weeks apart to allow proper healing, although longer breaks between sessions are completely fine if that better suits your schedule.

Each project moves forward at a pace that works for both the artwork and the client.

Pricing and Project Estimates

Every tattoo is unique, so pricing depends on the size, placement, detail, and overall complexity of the design.

Once we have a clear understanding of your idea, Reny can provide an estimate for the number of sessions and the time required to complete the piece.

Some tattoos are completed in a single session, while larger projects such as sleeves or detailed compositions may take multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart for proper healing.

Session lengths typically range between four and six hours depending on the project.

Because each tattoo is custom, the most accurate way to determine the cost is after discussing the design and reviewing reference images.

Healing and Aftercare

Proper healing is an important part of achieving the best possible result.

After each session, Reny will explain the aftercare process and answer any questions you may have about healing. Clear instructions are provided so you know exactly how to care for your tattoo during the healing period.

Following these guidelines helps ensure the tattoo heals cleanly and maintains its clarity and detail over time.

Studio Standards and Equipment

Paradiso Tattoo operates to strict professional and hygiene standards to ensure every client feels safe and comfortable throughout the process.

Reny has been tattooing professionally for over 14 years and uses high-quality wireless tattoo machines along with premium inks, needles, and equipment chosen for precision, reliability, and consistent results.

The studio follows Toronto Public Health regulations and maintains a clean, carefully organized environment designed specifically for professional tattooing.

All single-use items such as needles, ink caps, and other disposable materials are used only once and safely discarded after each session. Work surfaces and equipment are thoroughly cleaned and prepared between every client.

Start the Conversation

If you’re considering a tattoo and would like to discuss your idea, you’re welcome to reach out.

Whether you already have a clear vision or are still exploring possibilities, we’re happy to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.