English For: Tattoo Studio Professionals
In my online English lessons, I often work with artists and tattoo professionals who want to sound more confident when speaking to clients. Together, we practise explaining designs, talking about hygiene and aftercare, arranging bookings, and giving polite, clear instructions — all in natural British English.
Useful Phrases and Idioms (Natural & Friendly)
- Greeting clients: “Hi there, how are you doing today?” / “Thanks for coming in — what kind of style are you thinking about?”
- Describing work: “I specialise in fine‑line and blackwork.” / “Would you like to see a few design ideas first?”
- Booking: “I have an opening next Thursday afternoon.” / “A small deposit secures your slot.”
- During the session: “Let me know if you need a quick break.” / “It might sting a little at first, but it settles quickly.”
- Aftercare: “Keep it clean and moisturised.” / “Avoid swimming and sun for a couple of weeks.”
- Small talk: “How did you hear about the studio?” / “Do you already have other tattoos?”
Phrasal Verbs You’ll Use
- Book in: schedule an appointment. “Would you like to book in for next week?”
- Draw up: create a design. “I’ll draw up the design and show you tomorrow.”
- Go over: review details together. “Let’s go over the placement before we start.”
- Touch up: fix or refresh a tattoo. “Come back in a few weeks and I’ll touch it up if needed.”
- Set up: prepare your equipment. “I’ll just set up my station.”
- Clean up: tidy the work area after finishing. “Give me a minute to clean up before the next client.”
Example Conversation (Client Interaction)
Client: Hi! I’d like a small rose tattoo on my wrist. Do you have time this week?
Artist: Hi! Thanks for reaching out. I’ve got a free slot Thursday at 3pm — would that work for you?
Client: Perfect! How much would it cost?
Artist: It’s usually around £80, including design and aftercare. I just ask for a small deposit to confirm the booking.
Client: Sounds good — do I need to bring anything?
Artist: Just some ID and comfy clothes. I’ll send you the aftercare details before your session.
Discussion Practice
- How would you explain your tattoo style to a new client in English?
- Practise describing aftercare instructions clearly and politely.
- What small talk topics are comfortable and professional in your studio?
Mini Writing Tasks
- Write a short text confirming a booking with date and deposit info.
- Write a message explaining that you’re fully booked this week.
- Write a polite reminder about aftercare and follow‑up visits.
Vocabulary You’ll Hear
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Natural Example |
|---|---|---|
| Stencil | Outline used to guide the tattoo design. | “I’ll apply the stencil first so you can check the position.” |
| Ink cap | Small container for holding tattoo ink. | “Each colour goes in a clean ink cap.” |
| Needle group | Different sizes and types of tattoo needles. | “I’m using a fine liner needle for this part.” |
| Aftercare | Steps to protect and heal a new tattoo. | “Proper aftercare helps the tattoo heal cleanly.” |
| Patch test | Test for allergic reaction before tattooing. | “Let’s do a quick patch test if you have sensitive skin.” |
| Walk‑in | Client who arrives without an appointment. | “We accept walk‑ins when the schedule allows.” |
| Session | A period of tattoo work. | “The session will last about three hours.” |
| Flash | Pre‑drawn tattoo designs for clients to choose from. | “This design is part of my new flash sheet.” |
| Studio policy | Rules or standards for clients and artists. | “Please read our studio policy before booking.” |
How I Teach This (and Why It Works)
In my English lessons, I help tattoo artists and studio staff learn exactly how to talk to clients — clearly, naturally, and politely. We practise explaining designs, prices, aftercare and schedules in British English, so you feel relaxed and confident in every conversation.
If you’d like to improve your professional English, join my online English lessons with a native speaker. My English speaking course focuses on real communication for your work. You can learn through English lessons online from a native speaker online, wherever you are.