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.
Generally, tattoo artists prefer quiet clients. It is important for them to be able to focus on the task, and having a chatty and continually distracted client is not ideal.
When you get a tattoo, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are naturally occurring chemicals that are produced by your body to relieve stress and pain. When released, they cause a euphoric feeling not dissimilar to a class of drugs called opioids.
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.
“Can you please copy this tattoo?” Top tattoo artists want to do their own original work. Even if you like the work another tattoo artist has done, you should not ask a different artist to copy it. It is rude to the artist you are asking, as well as the artist whose work is being plagiarized.
A tattoo artist may refuse to do a tattoo if the design is racist, sexist, homophobic, or promotes hate speech. In such cases, tattoo artists may refuse to do the tattoo as it goes against their personal beliefs, and they don't want to promote offensive or discriminatory designs.
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.
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.
Many artists are happy to use and even provide numbing cream for your session, while others refuse to use it. And their reasoning might surprise you. Artists that are pro-numbing cream argue that it helps them work more efficiently with fewer interruptions. This means less time under the needle for the client.
It isn't considered rude, though there should probably be a little consulting before asking that question. Figure out some ideas, get a game plan for exactly what you want to get done, then ask the question. Just walking into a parlor and ask “To how much a sleeve?” will definitely get you an eye roll.
Artists love it when you give them creative freedom but don't do it unless you really do want them to make all creative decisions.
"During the tattoo process, just stay still," said Cuda Vendetta, tattoo artist at Big Joe and Sons Tattoo. "Stop checking your phone and if you have a friend with you, don't talk with your hands."
They're busy. Artists are often busy people who work long hours. They may have multiple clients scheduled in a day, or they may be working on a large piece that requires their full attention. It's important to remember that just because your artist isn't responding immediately, it doesn't mean they are ignoring you.
Practically every job, (think office worker, mechanic, labourer, dish washer) requires the active use of your hands. The skin here also constantly sheds and is much thicker than other areas of your body, which makes applying the tattoo and the healing of your tattoo even more problematic.
The spots pose obvious challenges, most due to their frequent use during the healing process. Not to mention that hands are uneven surfaces with delicate skin and bone structures, which may make tattooing them much more difficult than other body areas; even for the experienced tattooist.
What if I hate the design? At the end of the day, it's a permanent tattoo going on your body. 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.
Inspire not knock off!
Some people think mimicking is the greatest form of flattery but putting it bluntly, it's disrespectful to the original tattoo owner, original tattoo artist and the artist you ask to copy it. In fact, it's one of the most despised requests tattoo artists get.
The majority of reputable tattoo artists will not copy another tattoo and will be offended if you ask them to. They are artists in their own right and are able to produce stunning designs of their own.
How much do you tip for a $1,000 tattoo? You would tip around $200 - $300 for a $1,000 tattoo. So, the final price you'd expect to pay for the service is $1,200 - $1,300.
But optimally, four to six hours is the limit. For one thing, you, as the person being tattooed, is going to run out of adrenaline and all those lovely chemicals the brain makes that are "natural opiates" which keep you from feeling pain clearly.
However, the average tattoo tip in the U.S. is at least 15-20 percent. “A tip is a tip—we appreciate anything,” says Clifton. “But you can always follow the Golden Rule of tipping 20 percent of whatever your tattoo price was if you're not sure.”