Some artists love to gab while tattooing but others prefer to be quiet. Let the artist take the lead or ask them what they prefer. Do bring a book to read or movie to watch provided you can do it without moving. Do let your artist take the lead on whether or not to talk.
They can also help make a common tattoo design more personal for you. This is why, always listen to your artist when they tell you to make any alterations in your tattoo design because they will only make it better for you.
It's usually best to email your tattoo enquiries in as you can explain in detail what tattoo you want, send reference photos and describe how you want the tattoo to look.
Be Specific As You Can From the Very Beginning
When you're getting a quote from your tattoo artist, we recommend telling them as much about your design as possible. Don't just tell them you want a butterfly on your back.
Some artists love to gab while tattooing but others prefer to be quiet. Let the artist take the lead or ask them what they prefer. Do bring a book to read or movie to watch provided you can do it without moving. Do let your artist take the lead on whether or not to talk.
You Can Find a Studio Willing to Touch Up Another's Work (where applicable) You should not be punished for not living in the same locale as the tattooist who completed the original work. You may have received a tattoo in another destination while on vacation or you (or the artist) may simply have moved.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
Yes. It's perfectly ok. You are the customer and the artist will work with you to give you the tattoo you want. Personally, I'm rubbish at drawing so I'm happy for my artist to take my scribbles as a guide and come up with something fantastic.
Your artist will very much appreciate any pictures you can bring him. You two can go over the picture together and make it into something entirely YOURS. This will make your artist's job easier and make this a better experience for both of you.
All tattoo artists have different skills, specialities or preferences—which means that not every tattooer is down to do a micro tattoo. Name tattoos, specifically the name of a significant other, are a big taboo in the tattoo industry. Many artists will deny name tattoos and in most cases, it's for your own good!
Every tattoo artist's favorite customer is their most loyal patron. Time and time again this person has come back to them, trusting their creative eye to decorate their body permanently. Also, it doesn't hurt that loyal customers are practically walking billboards for their shop.
"Spiritual tattoos — mandala, hamsa, chakra, tree of life, Budha, lotus, etc. — are common for battling anxiety. They symbolize the overcoming of struggle, protection, self care, rebirth, the circle of life, kindness, strength, new challenges, and new beginnings."
If at any point you hate the design, don't hesitate to tell your artist. You might have to reschedule the appointment, but they should be able to work with you to find a balance that you both love. To avoid this situation, make sure to be clear about the design's direction from the start.
On average, tattoo artists rate the meaningfulness of their work a 3.5/5. Unlike many careers, tattoo artists have little difficulty finding meaning in their work, and it likely constitutes one of the main reasons people become tattoo artists.
In short, yes, you should always strive to tip your tattoo artist. “Often, (tattoo artists) are renting a chair or space and give as much as 50% of their earnings to the shop owner,” Sinatra says.
There are many artists who will recommend a touch up within the first 6 months. Your best bet is to check with your artist and see what their recommendation is based on your tattoo design and any other factors to consider.
In tattooing a general rule is that all designs should face the center of the body (heart). For example, front thigh tattoos should face inwards towards each other. And top outer arms will face forward in the same direction the body faces.
How Much are Touch-Ups? Many reputable artists will guarantee their work and throw in a touch-up free of charge. However, doing without proper aftercare can void your “warranty.” If you're neglecting your tattoo against your artist's recommendation, you'll likely have to shoulder the price of a touch-up yourself.
Plus, many artists offer free touch-ups after the tattoo is completed. (Just make sure to tip your artist, even for a complementary touch-up session!)
Small tattoos usually take under an hour to make. Palm-sized tattoo would take from one to three hours to make. Hand sized tattoo can take up to 5 hours to make. Full sleeve tattoo can take 6-10 hours to make.
Bring your headphones
If you have music or something that might relax you, we strongly encourage you to have your headphones as an option. On some projects our artists might choose to wear their own headphones as well, which can help them focus without the general shop distractions.
They have found that individuals with tattoos report that they feel more attractive, stronger and more self-confident—having overcome the fear of pain. [ii] For some, tattoos seem to go deeper than just underneath the skin, creating a deep personal change, which makes him or her mentally stronger.