You finally decided to get that tattoo you’ve been dreaming of for years, and you’ve found the perfect tattoo artist to bring your vision to life. While it’s important to communicate with your tattoo artist about your design, there are certain things you should avoid saying during the process. Not only can these comments be offensive, but they can also hinder the overall tattoo experience.
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that your tattoo artist is a professional and deserves respect. Avoid making comments about their appearance, personal life, or their abilities as an artist. It’s also important to refrain from making demands or acting entitled. Remember, your tattoo artist is there to create a piece of art on your body, not to cater to your every whim.
Additionally, it’s important to follow proper tattoo etiquette during the process. This includes arriving on time, being prepared with proper payment, and following aftercare instructions. By respecting your tattoo artist and following proper etiquette, you can ensure a positive experience and a beautiful tattoo that you’ll love for years to come.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before getting a tattoo, it’s important to prepare yourself for the process. Make sure you fully understand the tattoo process before your appointment. Ask your tattoo artist any questions you may have, including how long it will take, how much it will hurt, and what aftercare is required. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more relaxed and confident during your appointment.
Choosing a design can be a difficult decision. Take your time when selecting a design and make sure it’s something you really want. Consider the size, location, and style of the tattoo. Bring reference images to your appointment to help your tattoo artist understand your vision.
It’s important to set realistic expectations for your tattoo. Keep in mind that tattoos take time to create and may require multiple sessions. Don’t expect your tattoo artist to be able to replicate a design exactly. They may need to make adjustments to ensure the design looks good on your body.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re prepared for your tattoo appointment and have a positive experience. Remember to communicate with your tattoo artist throughout the process to ensure you get the best possible result.
During the Tattoo Session
During the tattoo session, communication is key. It’s important to let your tattoo artist know if you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for a break if you need one. Your artist wants you to be as comfortable as possible during the session so that they can do their best work.
It’s also important to give feedback to your artist during the session. If you don’t like the way something is looking, speak up and let them know. They want you to be happy with the final product, so constructive criticism is always welcome.
While getting a tattoo, it’s important to sit still and focus. Moving around too much can make it difficult for your artist to do their job properly. If you need to shift your position or take a break, let your artist know. If you feel a sneeze or cough coming on you should let your artist know so you don’t end up with an extra line through your piece.
It’s also important to show respect for your artist and their work. Avoid making negative comments or jokes about the tattooing process. This can be distracting and make the session less enjoyable for everyone involved. Lets just assume the professional tattoo artist knows more than you.
Remember, getting a tattoo is a collaborative process between you and your artist. By communicating effectively and behaving appropriately, you can help ensure that the session goes smoothly and that you end up with a tattoo that you love.
Discussing the Tattoo
When discussing the tattoo with your artist, it’s important to remember that they are the expert. While it’s okay to have preferences and ideas, it’s important to approach the conversation with an open mind and a willingness to listen to their professional opinion.
When discussing the design of your tattoo, it’s important to give your artist feedback without being overly critical. Remember that they are creating a piece of art that will be on your body forever, so it’s important to be respectful of their creative process. If you have specific changes or suggestions, communicate them clearly and be open to their input. Remember, this is a work of art your artists has put time into, you should treat your design as such.
Size and placement are also important aspects of your tattoo that should be discussed with your artist. Be honest about your pain tolerance and any concerns you may have about the size or placement of your tattoo. Your artist will be able to offer suggestions based on their experience and expertise.
Overall, it’s important to approach the conversation with your artist with respect and an open mind. Remember that they are the expert and are there to help you create a beautiful and meaningful piece of art that you will cherish for years to come.
Financial Etiquette
When it comes to actually getting the tattoo, it’s important to remember that it’s not just a piece of art, but also a service provided by your tattoo artist. As such, it’s important to be mindful of financial etiquette when discussing price and tipping.
When discussing price with your tattoo artist, it’s important to be respectful and understanding. Remember that the price of a tattoo is determined by a variety of factors, including the size and complexity of the design, the location on your body, and the experience and skill level of the artist.
Before you even schedule your appointment, it’s a good idea to research the average cost of tattoos in your area. This will give you a general idea of what to expect and help you avoid any surprises when it comes time to pay.
When discussing price with your tattoo artist, it’s important to be clear about your budget and any limitations you may have. However, it’s also important to be open to suggestions from your artist. They may be able to offer alternative designs or placement options that can help keep the cost down without sacrificing quality.
Understanding Tipping
Tipping is a common practice in the service industry, and getting a tattoo is no exception. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a way to show your appreciation for your artist’s hard work and dedication. If you want to show appreciation to your artist you should definitely tip them.
The standard tipping rate for tattoo artists is 15-20% of the total cost of the tattoo. However, if you feel that your artist went above and beyond, you may choose to tip more.
It’s important to note that tipping should not be based solely on the final result of the tattoo. Factors such as the artist’s professionalism, communication skills, and overall experience should also be taken into consideration.
When it comes to tipping, it’s best to bring cash with you to your appointment. This allows you to tip your artist directly and ensures that they receive the full amount. If you’re unable to tip in cash, you can also ask your artist if they accept tips via Venmo or other digital payment methods.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you’re being respectful and mindful of your tattoo artist’s time, effort, and skill, while also getting the best possible tattoo for your budget.
Booking Follow-Up Sessions
In some cases, your tattoo may require multiple sessions to complete a larger tattoo. Expect to book multiple sessions for any full sleeves or chest/back pieces. It’s important to trust your tattoo artist and follow their advice on when to schedule follow-up sessions. Rushing the process or trying to complete the tattoo in one session can result in a poor quality tattoo or damage to your skin.
It’s also important to communicate with your tattoo artist about any changes you want to make to the design or placement of the tattoo. Learning to trust your tattoo artist and communicate effectively with them can help ensure that you end up with a tattoo that you love.
Overall, taking good care of your tattoo and following up with your tattoo artist as needed can help ensure that your tattoo looks great for years to come.
Respecting the Tattoo Artist
When getting a tattoo, it’s important to remember that your tattoo artist is a skilled professional who takes their work seriously. Your tattoo artist has likely spent years honing their craft and developing their skills. They put in long hours to create beautiful, unique pieces of art that will last a lifetime. When you book an appointment with them, you’re not just paying for a tattoo – you’re paying for their time, expertise, and hard work.
To show your appreciation for their skills, make sure you arrive on time for your appointment. Don’t keep your artist waiting, as this can throw off their entire schedule for the day. And if you need to cancel or reschedule, give them as much notice as possible so they can fill your spot with another client.
While it’s important to communicate with your tattoo artist to ensure you get the tattoo you want, there are certain topics you should avoid. For example, don’t try to haggle over the price of your tattoo – your artist has set their prices based on their experience and the quality of their work, and it’s not fair to try to negotiate them down.
What Not to Bring to Your Session
When preparing for your tattoo session, there are a few things that you should avoid bringing with you. These items can not only be a distraction to your tattoo artist but can also compromise your safety and the quality of your tattoo. While having a supportive friend with you during your tattoo session can be beneficial, bringing a large group of friends can be distracting and disruptive. Your tattoo artist needs to focus on their work and having a group of friends talking and moving around can be a hindrance to their concentration. Additionally, having too many people in the tattoo shop can be a violation of the shop’s capacity limit and can put everyone’s safety at risk.
Numbing cream can be a great tool while getting your tattoo. You should always talk to your artists before applying any numbing cream before a session. Some artists have particular rules and steps they like their clients to follow. There are also artists that don’t like when their clients use it as it can affect the way your skin takes to tattoo ink. Make sure you’ve spoken to your artist about numbing options before your appointment, especially if you’re concerned about the pain of getting your tattoo.
Avoiding Alcohol and Substances
It’s important to avoid alcohol and other substances before your tattoo session. Not only can they affect your judgment and decision-making abilities, but they can also thin your blood and make you more prone to bleeding during the tattoo process. This can make it difficult for your tattoo artist to work and can compromise the quality of your tattoo. Additionally, being under the influence can be a violation of the tattoo shop’s policy and can result in your session being canceled.
Overall, it’s important to be mindful of what you bring with you to your tattoo session. By leaving friends at home and avoiding alcohol and substances, you can ensure a safe and successful tattoo experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cool if I take a nap while getting inked?
If you’re one of those people that can sleep in the middle of a hurricane, you might find yourself dozing off during your tattoo. Especially since your tattoo artist needs to make sure you’re comfortable and in a good position to ensure the best possible outcome. however, sudden movements during a nap can be dangerous and result in a mistake that could be difficult to fix.
Can I discuss my budget limitations upfront?
Yes, and please do! It’s essential to discuss your budget limitations upfront, so your tattoo artist can work with you to create a design that fits within your budget. It’s better to be honest about what you can afford than to end up with a design that you can’t pay for or that is less than what you expected.
What topics are no-go when chatting with my tattooist?
It’s best to avoid discussing topics that can be considered offensive or controversial, such as politics or religion. Keep in mind that your tattoo artist is there to do a job and may not want to engage in conversations that could lead to discomfort or conflict. Every tattoo artist is different so its a good rule of thumb to allow them to direct the conversation. Stick to light-hearted topics or ask your artist about their favorite tattoo designs.
Should I worry about the artist judging my tattoo choice?
No, you shouldn’t worry about your tattoo artist judging your tattoo choice. A professional tattoo artist will respect your decision and work with you to create a design that you’ll love. However, it’s essential to be open to their suggestions and feedback, as they have the expertise to make your design look its best.
Are there any red flags I should watch out for with a tattoo artist?
Yes, there are a few red flags to watch out for when choosing a tattoo artist. Make sure they have a clean and sterile workspace, use new needles for each client, and have a portfolio of their work that you can review. If they seem unprofessional, uninterested, or unwilling to answer your questions, it’s best to look for another artist.