How do you talk to a tattoo artist about a tattoo?

Author: Hailey Beer  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Try explaining it in one sentence.” Then there's some practicalities. “We need the size in cms/inches, the location on your body where you want it to go, whether or not it's a cover up, if it needs to fit into a gap around other tattoos, whether it's going to be in colour or blackwork or black and grey,” Kezz tell us.

How do I message a tattoo artist about getting a tattoo?

How to Email a Tattoo Artist
  1. State the purpose of your email in the subject line.
  2. Greet the artist at the start of your email.
  3. Describe the components you want in the tattoo design.
  4. Tell the artist the tattoo style you want.
  5. Explain the size and placement you want for the tattoo.

How to start a conversation with a tattoo artist?

Use a friendly and respectful tone in your communication. Address the artist by their name if you know it; if not, a simple ``Hello'' or ``Hi'' works. State Your Intent: Clearly mention that you are interested in getting a tattoo.

What to say when reaching out to a tattoo artist?

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.

How do you explain a tattoo to a tattoo artist?

The best way to convey what you want to an artist is to show them an example of a tattoo you like and then show them a tattoo they have done in the past that you really liked.

5 SMART Questions To ask Your Tattoo Artist BEFORE Your Appointment

What not to say to a tattoo artist?

Here's some of the things you may want to avoid saying or asking:
  • “Can you go any faster?” – If you want a crappy tattoo, maybe.
  • “If I don't like it, can I get a refund?” – No, sorry. ...
  • “I've only had a few drinks before I came in.” – Well, I guess you're not getting your tattoo then.

How do you present a tattoo idea to an artist?

How to Submit Your Idea to a Tattoo Artist
  1. A thorough explanation of your concept/idea, in as much detail as possible.
  2. The area of your body that you're looking to get tattooed.
  3. The ideal size of your tattoo, especially if the surrounding area(s) is already tattooed.

Should you talk to your tattoo artist while getting a tattoo?

It can be tempting to want to chat with your tattoo artist while they're working on you, but it's important to remember that they are trying to focus on giving you a great tattoo. If you must talk, keep it brief and to the point. The same goes for taking pictures.

Why do tattoo artists ask for a deposit?

A deposit is a way to financially ensure that you are committing to your appointment. Without some sort of monetary protection the tattoo artist and the shop would be losing significant amounts of money due to cancellations without any repercussions.

What is tattoo etiquette?

The first part of proper tattoo etiquette comes in the design phase. Your tattoo artist is just that – an artist – so although the tattoo is yours, you need to work with them on the design. Don't ask them to tattoo in a style that's wildly different from their usual style, and listen to their recommendations.

How do I speak to a tattoo artist?

10 Questions To Ask Your Tattoo Artist
  1. Ask About Their Experience. ...
  2. Discuss Your Design Ideas. ...
  3. Find Out What They Specialise In. ...
  4. Ask About Pricing. ...
  5. Ask How Long It Will Take. ...
  6. Check Out Their Social Media. ...
  7. Ask About Hygiene and Aftercare. ...
  8. Ask If You Need ID.

Do tattoo artists care if you bring a friend?

There's no set rule against bringing a friend to a tattoo shop, but there are some important tattoo etiquette tips to keep in mind. First, space is often limited.

Can you negotiate a tattoo price?

It's better not to negotiate tattoo prices because tattoo artists mostly have a set price range that they charge for their work, and it's fixed according to their skills, and I recommend you respect that.

How do you approach a tattoo artist?

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.

Do you pay for a tattoo consultation?

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.

Am I expected to tip my tattoo artist?

In most instances, tipping is appropriate and encouraged. While you can tip less than 15%, try to avoid it. Good work should be recognized, and being broke is no excuse not to tip. If you don't have the money to tip your artist, rethink getting tattooed until you can.

Do you pay before or after a tattoo?

In most studios, payment must be made before services are rendered. It is up to each studio to decide which methods of payment they accept. Whatever method you pay with, make sure they give you a receipt. It is also customary to tip the artist for their work– 20% is the norm, but you can use your discretion.

How much are tattoo deposits usually?

At the end of your consultation, we take a deposit to secure your appointment spots and start working on your design (generally either $60 to one hour of the artists rate, or more at the artists discretion for large-scale designs).

What not to wear to a tattoo appointment?

Although tattoo artists are meticulous and conscious people, at times, ink can transfer to your clothing and it will be difficult to wash out. Leave anything uncomfortable or super-tight at home.

How do you trust a tattoo artist?

Trust Your Tattoo Artist's Input About Your Design

It's also important to remember your artist is a professional and they know what they're doing – especially if they have a good reputation. Trust your artist when they talk to you about fading, size and shape, and where tattoos tend to smudge.

What to bring to a tattoo consultation?

Additionally, come prepared with a clear idea of the tattoo's placement and size. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area where you plan to get the tattoo. It's also wise to bring a list of questions or concerns you might have about the process, aftercare, or any health-related issues.

What do you say when you message a tattoo artist?

This is a great example one how you should message a tattoo artist :) “Hi how are you, my name is ______ and I was looking to get a _______ on my left inside forearm around 3/4 inches long. I would like the style to be______ but if you have any personal ideas to make it better/ fit your style I'm open to it.

What do tattoo artists appreciate?

If you don't know what to offer as a gift for your tattoo artist, go with music. That's an evergreen idea for a gift. Find out what they're listening to and buy them a vinyl or a CD. It's personal, and they will surely appreciate it.

How do you tell a tattoo artist what you want?

We recommend bringing or emailing photos of the objects or themes you want in your new tattoo to your tattooist. Google image search is perfect for this, as are the Tattoodo inspo archive! You can bring images from other tattoo artists, but only to explain what sort of style or aesthetic you're going for.

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