Whether you’re planning your first piece or adding to an existing collection, our goal is to set the tone for a great experience—starting with this form. Designed to capture all the info we need to match you with the right artist and style, it helps us get the ball rolling on your next piece of custom art.

Why We Ask for More Than the Basics

When you fill out our tattoo appointment form, you’ll notice we don’t stop at name, phone number, and desired placement. Sure, we ask about those—but we also want to understand the full vision. What style are you into? What’s your budget? Are you working with a hard deadline, or are you open and flexible?

Dead Ahead Tattoo is a collaborative studio. The more we know about what you’re hoping to create, the better we can pair you with one of our 11 Nashville tattoo artists, each of whom specializes in different techniques—from bold American Traditional to detailed Fine Line, from vibrant Color Realism to haunting Black & Gray.

Help Us Match You with the Right Artist

Not sure which of our Nashville tattoo artists is right for the job? No worries. We use your form to get a feel for what you’re looking for, and we’ll make sure your request lands with the right member of our crew.

If you already know who you want to work with, just let us know on the form. Otherwise, we’ll review your preferences and design ideas to match you with someone whose style aligns with your vision. Our artists are passionate about their work and dedicated to collaborating with you—no matter how specific or open-ended your idea may be.

Custom Work Starts with Clear Communication

When it comes to tattoo appointments, communication is key. That’s why we treat your form as more than just paperwork—it’s the start of a conversation. Once we receive your request, we’ll follow up with next steps, which may include:

• A consultation session (for larger or custom designs)
• Scheduling details and deposit instructions
• Answers to any questions you’ve submitted with your form

We believe in transparency and respect throughout the process. You’ll never be left in the dark about pricing, time estimates, or what to expect during your appointment.

Budget-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Cutting Corners

Another reason we ask about your budget? So we can recommend designs and tattoo sizes that make sense for you. Our artists are masters at scaling, simplifying, or evolving ideas to meet different price points—without sacrificing quality.

We know that tattoos are an investment, and we want you to walk away with a piece you love, not something that feels rushed or compromised. Whether your budget is modest or more flexible, we’ll help make your Nashville tattoo worth every dollar.

Already Have a Design? Great. Just an Idea? Also Great.

Some people come to us with a fully realized concept. Others show up with a blurry photo, a sketch on a napkin, or a few descriptive words. Either way, you’re in good hands.

The tattoo request form gives you a place to describe your idea, upload reference images, and note anything meaningful that should be included. Our artists are not just technicians—they’re storytellers. And we’re ready to help you bring your story to life.

Walk-Ins vs Appointments

Dead Ahead Tattoo gladly accepts walk-ins when available, but submitting a form is the best way to ensure your session is reserved and that the right artist has time to prepare. While walk-ins are great for spontaneous pieces, more intricate work almost always requires a scheduled tattoo appointment.

Need something done on short notice? Still fill out the form—we’ll do our best to accommodate or guide you toward a walk-in option if available.

Deposits, Cancellations & Rescheduling

Once your tattoo appointment is confirmed, we typically require a deposit to hold your time slot. This deposit goes toward the final cost of your tattoo. If you need to reschedule, just give us at least 48 hours’ notice. Life happens, but giving us a heads-up helps our artists stay on track and rebook their time.

Please note that no-call/no-shows and last-minute cancellations may result in forfeiture of your deposit. We appreciate your understanding—our artists pour time into prep and design even before you arrive at the shop.

Let’s Talk Timeline

If you’re planning a tattoo around a trip, event, or other commitment, let us know in the form. Healing takes time, and larger pieces may require multiple sessions. Mentioning a deadline helps us plan appropriately and manage expectations, especially for multi-session projects.

Whether you’re a Nashville local or just visiting Music City for a weekend, we’ll work with your schedule whenever possible.

Questions? Ask Away.

The final section of our tattoo request form lets you ask us anything. Want advice on placement? Need tips for first-timers? Wondering if a particular style works well on your skin tone? We’re happy to share our expertise. No question is too small—we want you to feel confident walking in.

Submit Your Tattoo Request Today

Ready to take the next step? Fill out the form and let’s get your tattoo appointment on the books. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned collector, Dead Ahead Tattoo is ready to bring your vision to life.

Once we’ve reviewed your request, we’ll be in touch with the next steps, including scheduling, artist recommendations, and any additional info we need. We can’t wait to work with you—and we’re honored to be part of your tattoo journey.

Dead Ahead Tattoo
Nashville’s Home for Custom Ink
Bold. Clean. 100% You.
Fill out your tattoo request form today and let's get started.