# Personal Tattoo Planning Session

Plan A Tattoo That Feels Entirely Yours

Shape placement, composition, and cover-up strategy with a clear vision before the needle meets skin.

A focused consultation to turn your tattoo ideas into a thoughtful, workable plan.
A More Personal Way to Plan Your Tattoo
We begin with the story, references, and intentions behind your idea. I help you consider placement, scale, composition, and how the design may work with your existing tattoos or the natural lines of your body. If you are exploring a cover-up, we can also discuss what needs to be concealed and which creative directions may be realistic.
You leave with a clearer understanding of the choices ahead and a more cohesive vision to share with your chosen tattoo artist. The session is conversational and practical, giving you space to ask questions, test ideas, and make decisions without rushing into a permanent commitment.
Ideal For
First-time tattoo clientsPeople refining an early conceptCover-up planningLarger or connected tattoo projects
How It Works
Share Your Vision: Talk through your ideas, references, existing tattoos, and concerns.Explore The Options: Review placement, composition, scale, and cover-up considerations.Clarify The Direction: Finish with a focused plan and clear next steps for the tattoo process.

- Planning session

## About

I am Ian Smith, a tattoo artist and entrepreneur focused on creating work with meaning, structure, and lasting visual impact. I help people turn personal ideas, mythology, and existing tattoos into cohesive pieces that feel intentional from every angle. My approach combines thoughtful composition, contrast, saturation, and visual flow, with special care for cover-ups and complex designs. Every line and transition serves the larger story, so the finished tattoo feels powerful, readable, and uniquely yours.

## Services

- [Tattoo Cover-Ups](https://ianasherlukesmith.com/services/tattoo-cover-ups.md): I transform existing tattoos with thoughtful composition, contrast, and visual flow.
- [Full Sleeve Tattoos](https://ianasherlukesmith.com/services/full-sleeve-tattoos.md): I create cohesive full-sleeve designs that connect every element into one story.
- [Custom Mythology Ink](https://ianasherlukesmith.com/services/custom-mythology-tattoos.md): I design detailed mythology tattoos inspired by powerful symbols and narratives.
- [Tattoo Consultations](https://ianasherlukesmith.com/services/tattoo-consultation-planning.md): I help plan placement, composition, cover-up strategy, and the overall tattoo vision.

## FAQ

### How should I prepare for a tattoo consultation?

Bring clear ideas about the subject, placement, size, and overall feeling you want the tattoo to convey. Reference images can help communicate direction, while a professional artist can guide the composition and adapt the concept to suit the body.

### Can a tattoo artist help develop my idea?

Yes, professional tattoo artists can help turn a broad concept into a cohesive design. They consider composition, readability, movement, and how the artwork will interact with the body's shape.

### Can an existing tattoo be covered or reworked?

Many existing tattoos can be incorporated into a new design, although the approach depends on the original ink, placement, and desired result. A professional assessment helps determine how contrast, shading, and composition can create a balanced new piece.

### How do I choose the right placement for a tattoo?

Placement affects the tattoo's visibility, proportions, movement, and how it follows the body's natural contours. A professional can explain how different areas may influence the design and help you choose an option that suits your goals.

### What is important when caring for a new tattoo?

Following the aftercare guidance provided by the tattoo professional helps support the healing process and protect the artwork. Keeping the area clean, avoiding unnecessary irritation, and paying attention to how it heals are important parts of responsible tattoo care.