A sketch is the first drawing of a tattoo design. It shows the composition, proportions and main elements before the artist works out the details. It can be a simple outline or an almost finished drawing, depending on the style and how the artist works.
What is a sketch for?
A sketch lets you check whether the direction matches what you expect. At this stage it is easy to move a motif, change proportions or simplify a detail. The artist then transfers the finished sketch to the skin as a stencil to see how the design sits on the body.
When will you see the design at Dirty Lust?
Under our studio terms, artists prepare designs on the day of the session. Preparing a design earlier is up to the individual artist. At the start of the session, you agree the final design, size and placement together. The details are in our studio terms.
Well-prepared references shorten the work on a sketch. We explain how in First tattoo: preparing for a session.