What not to ask a tattoo artist?

Author: Tremayne Larson  |  Last update: Monday, May 5, 2025

5 Things You Should Never Say to a Tattoo Artist
  • “Can't you give me a discount?”
  • “Can I bring my friends in?”
  • “Can't you just make it work?”
  • “Can you please copy this tattoo?”
  • “Can you do this while I'm drunk?”

What are the 4 rules for talking to tattooed people?

So, general public, here are four things to keep in mind when you're interacting with tattooed people – and especially tattooed women – to strike a balance: to show appreciation, but not offend; to ask appropriate questions, but not overwhelm; to start a conversation that's genuine, not selfish.

What annoys tattoo artists?

Stupid ideas, indecisiveness, expecting free work (including expectations of original art), vague descriptions, haggling for price, being late to an appointment, /whining/ about pain, any question to the effect of ``is this permanent?

What not to do when asking for a tattoo?

Here's a handful of bad habits that are top of the list of things tattoo artists hate.
  1. Not Showering Beforehand. ...
  2. Micromanaging the Process. ...
  3. Comparing an Artist's Work to Someone Else's. ...
  4. Negotiating or Criticizing the Tattoo Price. ...
  5. Acting Like a Know-It-All. ...
  6. Bringing a Bunch of Friends. ...
  7. Asking an Artist to Copy Someone's Work.

What should I not tell my 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. You pre-approved the art before they started.

What Not To Say To A Tattoo Artist | Don't Say This!

What do tattoo artists refuse to do?

Tattooing minors, offensive hate symbols, or copyrighted designs without permission are examples of requests that can be legally refused.

Is it rude to ask the tattoo price?

There's nothing wrong with asking what the hourly rate is, and for a rough estimate of how long the tattoo will take. Trying to talk them down on their rates, though, that's where it gets rude. You have to have an idea of the cost...

What I wish I knew before getting a tattoo?

Here are some things I discovered – and probably should've learned earlier.
  • You should have a connection with your tattoo artist. ...
  • You may regret sacrificing design for comfort. ...
  • Numbing cream will be your best friend. ...
  • Some body parts are more sensitive than others. ...
  • To reduce pain further, take an Ibuprofen beforehand.

Is it rude to bring headphones to a tattoo appointment?

So, they often don't mind if you bring in headphones to listen to your own music during the session.

Do tattoo artists judge your body?

Tattoo Artists do not judge their clients. It is better to have doubts than to regret a tattoo you just got.

What is the most overused tattoo?

Here are some of the most common cliche tattoos.
  • “Carpe Diem” ...
  • Om Sign. ...
  • Anchor. ...
  • “This Too Shall Pass” ...
  • Dreamcatcher. ...
  • Barred Wire. ...
  • Geometric animals. ...
  • Area Code. If you might want to get your area code tattooed on you in either large block numbers on your forearm, or in subtle small numbers somewhere else on your body.

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 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 is the 1 3 rule tattoo?

The black, both lines and shading in a tattoo is what will last the longest in any tattoo. For traditional American tattoos the black shading should be about ⅓ of the design. ⅓ of the tattoo should be color or black and grey shading ( not solid black), filling most of the remaining design space.

Do you tip a tattooist?

Unfortunately, there's no hard and fast rule governing how much to tip tattoo artists. As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done.

Is it rude to ask a tattoo artist to copy a tattoo?

“Can you please copy this tattoo?” Top tattoo artists want to do their own original work. Even if you like the work another tattoo artist has done, you should not ask a different artist to copy it. It is rude to the artist you are asking, as well as the artist whose work is being plagiarized.

Should I wear a bra to my back tattoo appointment?

Full back: As the back must be accessible, a hoodie or button down shirt that you can put on backwards to cover the chest area works great. If you wear bras and choose to wear one to the appointment, please wear one that unhooks from the back.

What are unprofessional tattoos?

If the content of a tattoo is racist, homophobic, or problematic in some way, this is a different story. Problematic tattoos can be revealing about a person's character. They show employers what values or beliefs they might bring to a workplace.

Is it rude to ask a tattoo artist to change their flash?

No, flash designs are only drawn in advance. (And it's simple tattoo etiquette not to ask!) If you see something you like but want a more personalized touch, artists are usually happy to do that for you! This is considered a custom design, though.

What is a nice first tattoo?

Outlines are typically starting points for tattoos. Script or cursive tattoos are also among the best ideas for first tattoos. They are typically meaningful to those who get them and are a great way to start your tattoo journey.

Can I donate blood if I have tattoos?

Yes, you can donate blood if you have tattoos

The same rules also apply to ear and body piercings. Remember, tattoos also include tattoo “touch-ups” and permanent cosmetic tattoos.

What is the regret rate for tattoos?

We found that 63 percent of people with a tattoo smaller than the palm of their hand regret it. However, only 2 percent of people with full-sleeves or longer, regret their tattoo. Perhaps that's because people with full-sleeves or longer spent more time thinking about it.

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.

What tattoo artists want you to know?

10 Things Your Walk-in Tattoo Artist Wants You To Know
  • Walk-in Tattoos Are Often Limited to Simpler Designs. ...
  • You Should Know Your Pain Tolerance Before You Go. ...
  • You Need to Know What You Want. ...
  • Yes, You Can Get the Dreamcatcher Tattoo. ...
  • Don't Ask Your Tattoo Artist to Copy Someone Else's Work. ...
  • All Tattoos Cost Money.

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