Walk-In vs. Appointment: What’s Best for Your Tattoo Idea?A Practical Guide from West Side Tattoo

Choosing Between a Walk-In or Appointment? Here’s How to Decide

Whether you’re planning your first tattoo or adding to a growing collection, one of the biggest questions is: Should I try for a walk-in, or should I schedule an appointment?At West Side Tattoo, we offer both options — but each is better suited for different tattoo ideas, schedules, and styles.

This guide breaks down exactly how to choose the best route for your next piece, so you can plan confidently and get the tattoo you really want.

What Is a Walk-In Tattoo?

A walk-in means you arrive at the shop without a scheduled appointment and get tattooed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Perfect for:

• Small, simple designs

• Flash pieces

• Symbols, lettering, fine-line minis

• Spontaneous tattoos

• Quick add-ons (small filler pieces)

Best times to try for a walk-in:

Tuesday–Saturday 10–6 Walk-ins depend entirely on which artists have availability that day, so arriving earlier increases your chances.

What Requires an Appointment?

Appointments are ideal for anything custom, detailed, larger-scale, or style-specific.

Perfect for:

• Sleeves, backpieces, or multi-session work

• Realism (color or black & grey)

• Japanese Traditional

• Detailed linework

• Cover-ups or reworks

• Tattoo ideas that need drawing time or consultation

• Any project where you want a specific artist

Bookings are available Tuesday–Saturday 11–7 and Sunday/Monday 10–3, depending on the artist.

How Your Tattoo Idea Determines Which Option You Need

Here’s how to decide based on the tattoo you're planning:

1. Size & Complexity

The bigger or more detailed the piece, the more likely it requires an appointment.Realism, Japanese Traditional, illustrative, patch-style, and large black-and-grey pieces all require planning.

2. Specific Artist Request

If you want a certain artist — whether it’s Liv for fine-line, Axl for Japanese traditional, Jardel for color realism, or Clayton for American Traditional — you’ll need an appointment so we can secure your spot on their calendar.

Walk-ins depend completely on whoever is free that day.

3. Custom vs. Pre-Drawn Designs

If your idea requires designing, adjusting, or building around existing tattoos, book an appointment.Walk-ins work best for flash sheets or simple ideas that don’t require prep time.

4. Cover-Ups

Cover-ups always require appointments, consultations, and artist direction.Walk-ins aren’t suitable for most cover-up projects due to design limitations and planning.

Pros & Cons of Walk-Ins vs. Appointments

Walk-Ins

Pros:

• Great for quick tattoos

• No deposit needed

• Same-day tattoos

• Fast, flexible, spontaneous

Cons:

• Not guaranteed

• You may need to wait

• Limited to artists available that day

• Only suitable for smaller designs

Appointments

Pros:

• Guaranteed time with your chosen artist

• Perfect for custom work

• Time reserved for design discussions

• Ideal for large or detailed projects

Cons:

• Requires a deposit

• May need to wait for availability

• Some artists book out farther than others

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How to Plan Your Tattoo at West Side Tattoo

Here’s the easiest way to move forward depending on your idea:

If your idea is small and simple:

Come in for a walk-in Tuesday–Saturday 10–6.We’ll pair you with the artist available that best fits your style.

If your idea is custom, detailed, or large:

Call the shop to get on your artist’s schedule and secure a deposit.Tuesday–Saturday 11–7 or Sun/Mon 10–3

If you're not sure which you need:

Send us your idea — size, placement, and a few references — and we’ll let you know the best path.

Final Thoughts: Which Is Best?

Both walk-ins and appointments have their place — the key is matching the right option to the right tattoo.

If you’re wanting something quick and simple, walk-ins are perfect.If you want something custom, meaningful, or technically advanced, an appointment ensures you get the exact result you’re envisioning.

No matter what you choose, West Side Tattoo is here to help you get the best tattoo for your idea, your style, and your schedule.