What can I do to help the tattoo artist enjoy the process?
Tattoo Artists are professionals (for the most part, but not always so do your homework!). We have a wealth of knowledge we bring to the table. If you will try to be a little malleable, and trust your tattooist, you will get a great tattoo that you’ll love for a lifetime. On the flip side, when you are working with an experienced tattoo artist, there are several ways you can actually make the experience rewarding for them in return. A true win-win…Happy tattooist, happy client.
Give the artist full artistic freedom.
Try to keep an open mind. When you bring in a design idea, the artist will want to make it a custom tattoo for you. When you give them artistic freedom it inspires them the be creative and deliver incredible art. That freedom will result in a tattoo you’ll love.
Understand the creative process takes time.
Your tattoo will be unique to you. The size, details, and placement consideration can take several hours. Usually, this is a 2 to 4-hour process and sometimes longer. Don’t rush the artist. Being patient while they create will go a long way for you both to enjoy your time together.
Flexibility is key.
The best tattoo artists are booked weeks to months or even a year in advance. If you want to work with a specific artist, then be flexible as you can be to the dates and times they have an opening. Just like you, the best artists are extremely busy. If they can create an opening for you, they will.
Tattoos are an investment. You get what you pay for.
The more experienced and in-demand tattoo artists are, the more expensive the tattoo sitting fee will be. This tattoo will be with you for the rest of your life. You will be able to enjoy it every single day. So understand that cheap tattoos look cheap. Invest in yourself. Invest in the best artist you can afford. You will not regret it. Understand they have spent years developing their craft and skill. It’s worth it in the end.
Tattoo artists need time off too.
When you are in their chair, you have 100% of their focus and attention. They have dedicated a specific time to you and you alone. However, if you reach out to them when they are off, understand they will get back to you as soon as they can, but you are one of many wanting part of their time every day. Respect their off-hours. Don’t get frustrated if they don’t email or text back right away. They have lives outside of the studio and need some down time to deliver professional-level tattoos when they are at the shop.