10 Tips to Avoid Annoying Your Tattoo Artist:

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Tattoos are more than just ink on skin; they’re a fusion of art and identity, as intrinsically linked to punk culture as Marlboro Reds are to a can of PBR. They’re a badge of honour showcasing your edge to the world. However, getting a tattoo involves more than just picking a design. It’s a dance of respect and understanding with your tattoo artist. Here’s an expanded guide to ensure you don’t end up as the client that artists dread.

Tips to avoid annoying your tattoo artist.

Honor the Artist’s Design: When you choose a flash design from your artist, respect their creativity. It’s fine to have a custom idea, but don’t drastically alter a flash design last minute. For instance, asking to remove significant elements from an established design or adding extras while you’re in the chair, is a no-go.

An illustration of a tattoo artist in his studio, visibly frustrated. He is throwing his hands in the air, surrounded by tattoo equipment such as a tattoo machine and ink bottles. The artist wears casual clothing and has visible tattoos on his arms. His facial expression shows exasperation. The studio has an artistic vibe with various tattoo designs displayed around, and warm lighting highlights the artist and his surroundings.

Respect Tattoo Traditions: Traditional tattoos carry a lot of cultural and historical significance. If you opt for a traditional design like a swallow, understand its meaning – it’s not just an aesthetic choice. These designs often symbolize personal achievements or experiences.

An image depicting a tattoo artist in his studio, showing heightened frustration. He dramatically throws his hands in the air, his face marked by an intense expression of exasperation and annoyance. The studio is filled with tattoo equipment, including a machine, ink bottles, and sketches, contributing to a chaotic atmosphere. The artist, in casual attire with prominent tattoos on his arms, is highlighted by dynamic lighting, emphasizing his dramatic pose and the vibrant, artistic environment.

Avoid Design Plagiarism: It’s a serious faux pas to ask your tattoo artist to copy another artist’s work. It’s not only disrespectful to the original artist but also undermines the creativity of your artist. Always opt for original designs or variations thereof.

An illustration of a tattoo artist in his studio, captured in a moment of extreme frustration. He is vigorously throwing his hands in the air, his face contorted with anger and stress. The studio is in disarray, with a fallen tattoo machine, scattered ink bottles, and crumpled sketches adding to the chaotic scene. The artist, in casual attire, has his tattoos prominently displayed, enhancing the portrayal of his agitated state. The lighting is stark, further emphasizing the dramatic and tense atmosphere of the studio.

Minimize Movement: While it’s understood that tattoos can be painful, excessive squirming or fidgeting can make the artist’s job incredibly difficult. Staying as still as possible ensures better quality work and a quicker session.

An image of a tattoo artist in his studio, exploding with rage. The artist's face is intensely contorted with anger, in a highly animated pose, throwing his hands in the air as if in a furious outburst. The studio is depicted in a scene of chaos, with a tattoo machine flying off the table, ink bottles knocked over, and sketches scattered. The artist, in casual clothing, has his vivid tattoos contributing to the dynamic scene. The studio looks disorganized, reflecting the turbulent mood, with dramatic lighting casting sharp shadows and emphasizing the artist's furious expression.

Choose Your Company Wisely: Bringing a friend for support is fine, but ensure they are not overly opinionated or disruptive. Your artist’s focus should be on your tattoo, not on managing bystanders.

An illustration showing a tattoo artist in his studio, depicted in a comically exaggerated and deranged state of rage. The scene is cartoonish, with the artist's face twisted in anger, eyes bulging, and mouth wide in a manic expression. His pose is over-the-top, with arms flailing wildly and body dramatically contorted. The studio is a whirlwind of chaos, with tattoo equipment flying, ink splatters, and sketches swirling in the air. The artist's tattoos are humorously exaggerated, and the bright lighting emphasizes the absurdity and chaos of the scene.

Stay Sober: Alcohol not only thins your blood, leading to more bleeding and potentially affecting the quality of the tattoo, but it also impairs your judgment. Stay sober to make sure you and your artist are in complete agreement about the design.

An image depicting a scene in a tattoo studio with a client who appears drunk, slouched in the tattoo chair, and the tattoo artist looking on with a mix of concern and frustration.

Be Patient with Pain: Regular breaks are understandable, but excessive timeouts can disrupt the flow and prolong the process unnecessarily. Communicate with your artist about a reasonable break schedule.

Image of a tattoo studio scene with a client experiencing the pain of getting a tattoo. The client is seated, visibly wincing and gritting their teeth in discomfort, showing a surprised and strained expression. They exhibit tense body language, including a clenched fist. In contrast, the tattoo artist is focused and professional, working diligently on the tattoo. The studio is well-equipped with various tattoo tools and designs, and the lighting softly highlights the client's expressive reaction and the artist's concentration on their work.

Think Twice About Name Tattoos: While the idea of immortalizing a loved one on your skin might seem romantic, consider the long-term implications. Maybe also consider how much the coverup will cost. Instead, you might want to consider more timeless designs, like those of pets or significant symbols.

Image showing an arm with a tattoo of multiple names in various styles and fonts, each crossed out with a bold red line. The tattoo reflects a history of relationships, with the striking red ink symbolizing their conclusion. The arm's skin provides a realistic background, emphasizing the contrast between the original black ink of the names and the vivid red used for crossing them out.

Simplify Text Tattoos: Phrases or quotes can be meaningful, but overly complex or lengthy texts, especially those requiring specific punctuation, can lead to mistakes and future regrets. Keep text tattoos simple and impactful.

An image of a tattoo artist in a studio, with a wildly exaggerated expression of surprise and mania. He is leaning forward in his chair, mouth agape in an oversized scream, and eyes wide open. His arms are stretched out towards the camera, accentuating the hyperbolic emotion. The room around him is cluttered with tattooing supplies, and his body is adorned with various tattoos, all under the glow of desk lamps.

Avoid Haggling Over Price: Respect the artist’s pricing. Good art comes at a cost, and haggling can be seen as undervaluing the artist’s skill and time. If you’re pleased with the service, tipping is a great way to show appreciation.

A tattoo artist sits in a dimly lit, padded room, wearing a straight jacket, with a contemplative and slightly sorrowful expression. The room's shadows create a feeling of isolation, with just enough light to highlight his introspective gaze and the restraints of the jacket. The muted color of the padded walls adds to the somber, reflective atmosphere, encapsulating the contrast between the artist's creative spirit and the confines of his environment.

Following these tips will not only make your tattoo experience smoother but will also help you build a good rapport with your artist. Remember, a tattoo is not just a fashion statement; it’s a lifelong commitment, so approach it with the respect and seriousness it deserves. Avoid annoying your tattoo artist.
If you need guidance then ask your tattooer or contact a respected studio like Tattoo Box.