Some women would like to have a little privacy, so it is a good idea to keep a spare tube top handy for them, so they don’t get any ink on their clothes. Many women will ask for a private session for more privacy.
An office chair on wheels can be used to move around easily to get in different positions. It may or may not have arms on it, has an adjustable back rest and the height should be adjustable also. Armrests work good for steadying the hand while tattooing.
A folding chair can be used for the customer to sit in. A front rail between the two front legs makes a good foot brace for the tattoo artist when working on an ama tattoo. Some like to work off their lap and find it handy to brace elbows on their leg while doing a bicep, for arm or ankle.
To do a back piece, have them sit facing the back of the folding chair with one leg through the opening in the back so they don’t have to spread their legs so far apart. This position is easier for the artist as long as the tattoo is on the upper part of the back. A pillow under the Customer’s arms draped over the back of the chair will make it more comfortable. If the piece is too low down on the back to do comfort-ably in a sitting position, lay them down on a weight bench. The weight bench works well for chest pieces, stomachs, legs and backsides. You should move the customer where you can reach them best, and still have the ink, sprays and paper towels within easy reach. Then adjust the light so you can see well.
This Outline is a basic set-up to get you started. It is the duty of every tattooist to familiarize themselves with this, then take over where this chapter has left off, customizing the área to suit their own needs.
