Things Your Tattoo Artist Wants You to Know: The list (2023)

While it may not be as common as ear piercings, more and more people are taking a chance when it comes to getting one.tattoo. It can be an extremely intimidating process - tattoosthey are forever, finally. Whether you're a seasoned pain-bearing pro or thinking about completing your first piece, there's an undeniable thrill when you first sit in the chair.

I've spent countless hours in this very spot, so many that I've lost count, to be honest. If you complete a large enough piece, you could end up spending days with your artist. All this got me thinking: what do tattoo artists do?ActuallyWould you like to know the moment you walked through his door?

A small tattoo might seem like the only compromise you're willing to make, but Annie Motel of Little Annie Motel Tattoo Parlor at Old Tradition Tattoo Shop in Hollywood, California wants clients to know that small doesn't always have to. be the best possibility.

"Many small tattoos look cute at first, but over time they lose the details that make them special," he says. “That's why I usually suggest a piece a little bigger than the client's first idea. The other day, my client chose a drawing I did of a beautiful mermaid covered in tattoos. The size of the piece had to be large enough to show the detail. Once the tattoo was complete my client fell totally in love with it and I was pleased to know that the quality of the tattoo will stand the test of time." Artists know how ink ages, what fades and distorts, and how getting tattooed makes you look fresh. Trust them!

johnny vampotnais based in Los Angelesartists and painterswho has traveled the world and whose work has appeared in numerous art galleries and magazines. For him, one of the most delicate parts of the tattoo is a delicate subject: the price.

"There's an old Sailor Jerry saying," he told me, "good tattoos don't come cheap and cheap tattoos don't look good. Will." I don't think anybody wants to get paid half that amount for being efficient," she says.

Some, like Vampotna, charge little by little. Some charge by the hour, others make up over time. Anyway, everyone has the experience to know what works best for them. Vampotna strives to give its customers a great experience, no matter what. "I always try to give my clients a fun, positive, personal, and overall memorable experience," she says.

If the price is always difficult, the price of smaller tattoos is even more difficult.Annie motelsays the price might not be as low as you'd expect, and there's a good reason for that. “Sometimes clients think that because it's a small piece, I shouldn't charge the same amount for something bigger,” he says. "That's true, but we still have to charge the store a minimum amount to cover deliveries for each query."

The setup for each appointment is the same regardless of the size of the project: health and safety guidelines must be followed, and there is setup, prep, sterilization, and consumables still in use. Be confident in appreciating your artist's time and creativity. You get what you pay for!

Becoming a professional tattoo artist is more difficult than it seems and, at its core, it is a creative pursuit. Ask anyone who creates for a living and they'll tell you that creativity on demand can be a physically and mentally exhausting endeavor. "The physical cost is both positive and negative at the same time," he says.gordoby One Truth Tattoo in Northridge. “On the one hand, customers pressure you to be creative and get out of your comfort zone. On the other hand, clients don't understand how much time and effort it takes to get a tattoo... Patience is a virtue and I have to remind myself every day to be patient with everyone."

If you get a bighabitpiece, you will probably consult with your artist first and give you some ideas of what you want. The artist will then contact you when the design is ready for you. So be patient and understand that the process takes time; it's probably not the only piece the artist is working on.

Tattoo artists don't read minds, so it's important to communicate exactly what's on your mind. But it's important to strike a balance between telling the artist what he wants and letting him do the work.

Oliver Kenton, a San Francisco artist specializing ingeometric and blackwork tattoos, says it's helpful to remember why you chose your artist in the first place: something in their art appealed to you. And for artists to be at their best, don't micromanage. Share ideas, but let them do their thing when it comes to detail, precise placement, and color.

"Let your artist be an artist," says Kenton. “Once you've researched and chosen your artist before anyone else, let him do the work and create a piece for you. You should always feel free to say you don't like something," Kenton clarifies, "but micromanaging the process is a surefire way to lose your artist's trust," they both boast.

Christina Bankpor The Painful Tattoo Company esighsays she hopes her customers always know they can voice their questions or concerns; there are no dumb questions.

"Part of my job as a tattoo artist is to teach newbies to tattooing and build their confidence by answering all of their questions and assuring them that I want them to be happy with the design," she says. "My clients chose me for precisely this reason and they have stayed with me throughout my 12 years as a tattoo artist. If questions arise about my artistic style or tattoo placement, I make sure to explain my reasons for design placement and answer and explain the color options, leaving the final choice to the client".

added feces. "At the end of the day, I want my clients to be happy to wear whatever design they choose, even if it means a compromise."

Sometimes tips aren't just expected, but mandatory, and his tattoo studio is one of those places. Making a living as a full-time tattoo artist probably means this pro spent a lot of time as an apprentice. And if they don't own the shop where you get a tattoo, they're probably paying rent to use the chair you're sitting in. And like any other small business owner when you tip? You help them keep the doors open.

"Tip your artist," he saysOliver Kenton. “Tattooing is very personal and hard work, and that little extra is used to create a lasting and positive experience with your artist. You've just taken home a lasting and priceless piece of art that's yours to keep forever, and as a bonus, there's a small price to pay for it at the end of your session.” How much should you tip?tattoo shop label15 to 20 percent recommend. But when your artist goes above and beyond, don't hesitate to show love.

There is no set path to becoming a tattoo artist, but clients often underestimate how difficult it can be to break into the business and then become good enough to make it their full-time job. Even if you're part of a store, it's an ongoing process of building portfolios, creating new and innovative work, and presenting yourself in a variety of ways.

Many artists, like Annie Motel, come from fine arts and have art degrees. Ella (She has a BA from the University of Washington, where she majored in drawing, painting, and acting). Regardless of her background, no one gets into a successful tattoo business like that. Regulations for artists vary by state and, at a minimum, they must take courses in things likebloodborne pathogens. Artists, shops, and merchants must be licensed in accordance with state and local health authorities. There's a good reason for all the paperwork you're likely to fill out before your session begins!

When I reached out to a number of different artists, some similar themes came up in their responses. At the end of the day, most of the artists I spoke to wanted their clients—and potential clients—to understand the basics of basic tattoo shop decorum.

Don't ask for a spec draft first and promise to make an appointment if you like it. Second, don't come here drunk or hungover, and definitely don't come here sick. Also, try not to make appointments for the days when you will be menstruating. (The pain increases tenfold. Even areas that aren't particularly sensitive to needles become excruciating, especially if you're prone to aches and pains even on the best of days.) Don't try to negotiate the price. Don't bring a whole group of people and definitely don't bring kids. Prepare for pain: you can handle it like a big kid. Finally, don't ignore your artist's advice or what they say about aftercare. Remember: you chose her for a reason.

Once you've decided on a tattoo, it's important to do your research and choose the right artist. Sometimes that means talking to friends who know someone or have experience in a certain business. I once stopped someone on the street to ask where they work and when they recommended me.hyperion tattooin western New York, I made an appointment a few days later. You'll know when you've found the right artist. When in doubt, keep looking. Remember that a finished work not only represents you, but also speaks for its artist.

Artists also rely heavily on word of mouth, and once you're satisfied with their work, don't be afraid to recommend your artist to someone else. It's a win-win situation and can lead to a long-term relationship. After all, tattoos are addictive. Once you find your style, there's no going back!