Most tattoo artists will want you to stop into the studio for an in person consultation, and this is so they can make sure they are going to draw up exactly what it is you are looking for. If we try to do a consultation over the phone or email, there is a lot of room for miscommunication and error in the drawing.
Booking an appointment for your custom tattoo
If you just intend to get a flash tattoo then it is perfectly acceptable to just wing it with a walk in but if a custom design is your desire then booking with a studio means you have the chance to discuss things in detail ahead of your tattoo.
For every $100 spent on the tattoo most would say $20-$25 but I think most artists agree there is a reasonable limit to that. Probably anything over a $250 tip for one's days worth of tattooing might be unnecessary however greatly appreciated.
Just depends on the shop. Some tattooers won't mind taking a walk-in that will require more work, others keep walk-ins simple. Your best is just go and ask, if they won't take it as a walk-in just make an appointment.
Consultations generally take 15-40 minutes, depending on how involved the tattoo is. The consultation itself is free, but if you do decide to book a tattoo appointment once we've talked, I have you put down a deposit to secure your spot.
Most tattoo artists will want you to stop into the studio for an in person consultation, and this is so they can make sure they are going to draw up exactly what it is you are looking for.
Tattoo consultations usually take around 15-30 minutes, but can sometimes take up to 1 hour, depending on the nature of the tattoo and design. Your artist will discuss all your ideas and reference images with you and advise on the best way to plan and execute your tattoo.
However, by accepting walk-ins, artists can make the most of their time and keep their schedules busy. Another benefit of tattoo walk ins is that they allow artists to showcase their skills to new clients.
As we state generally “tips are not required, but appreciated “ because most tattoo artists in a shop minus the owner are making 50-60% of the total cost… on a $1000 tattoo (most likely multiple sessions) I would tip at least $100-$150 for every session done.. so roughly I'd say average a good tip on a tattoo that's ...
Setting Up A Consultation
You can do this by calling, emailing, or just stopping by the shop. The consultation is a scheduled time for you to come in and talk to the tattoo artist about what you want to get tattooed. Bring any references you might have with you to the consultation.
Begin your email by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in their work. This helps the tattoo artist get to know you and understand your design idea better. You can mention how you came across their work and why you believe they would be the right artist for creating your tattoo design.
Tattoos typically take two to four weeks to heal on the surface, but it can take three to six months to fully heal. The tattoo healing process typically involves a week of redness and oozing, followed by two to three weeks of itchiness and peeling. After about a month, the skin still internally heals.
Walk-in Tattoos Are Often Limited to Simpler Designs
If you want a large piece, a full sleeve, or a very detailed, time-intensive piece – it's likely going to take multiple sessions to complete.
Even if you have reference photos, tattoo artists spend a ton of time drawing, designing, coloring and shading your art — especially if it's custom. By tipping, you're showing appreciation for the artistry and dedication that goes into creating a unique piece of body art.
Avoid the following medications and foods, as their consumption causes an increased likelihood of bleeding problems: Steroids, anti-inflammatories, aspirin, ibuprofen, or any medicines containing aspirin or ibuprofen (i.e. Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Excedrin, Midol).
So, they often don't mind if you bring in headphones to listen to your own music during the session.
When it comes to tipping your artist, there is no such rule but rather etiquette. If you feel like they earned it for the consultation, you can list them however you're satisfied. You can save your tip money for the day of your tattoo appointment, as it seems more appropriate to tip them for their hard work.
A tattoo consultation is always free; that's when you can chat with an artist about your ideas, get a more accurate quote, and ask all of the questions you have about the process and design. But after your free consultation if you want to make an appointment, you may be asked for a deposit.