What should I say to my tattoo artist?

Author: Xander Fahey V  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Be Specific As You Can From the Very Beginning Communication needs to start at the beginning and it needs to be specific. When you're getting a quote from your tattoo artist, we recommend telling them as much about your design as possible. Don't just tell them you want a butterfly on your back.

What do you say to a tattoo artist?

Tell the artist the tattoo style you want.

“I was hoping to get this design in a black-and-gray realistic style.” “I think this tattoo would work really well as a color new school piece.” If you want the specific style that your artist specializes in, you don't have to mention it in your email.

Is $20 a good tip for a $100 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.

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?

5 SMART Questions To ask Your Tattoo Artist BEFORE Your Appointment

What not to ask a tattoo artist?

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 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.

What not to say in a tattoo shop?

Things You Probably Shouldn't Say to Your Tattoo Artist
  • “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.

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 for a $1000 tattoo?

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 ...

What to do before a tattoo appointment?

What to do before getting a Tattoo
  1. Get a Good Night's Sleep. The last thing you want is to come in and be completely exhausted for your tattoo session. ...
  2. Stay Hydrated. ...
  3. Shave. ...
  4. Shower. ...
  5. Moisturize your Skin. ...
  6. Eat and Bring Snacks. ...
  7. Dress for you Session. ...
  8. Do not show up Intoxicated.

How do I write a message to a tattoo artist?

Be clear and concise when describing your tattoo idea. Use descriptive language that provides the tattoo artist with a good idea of what you're looking for. If you have specific reference images to include, attach them to the email. This will help to provide a visual reference for the tattoo artist.

What's a good saying for a tattoo?

Best Tattoo Quotes to Inspire Your Next Ink
  • We are our choices.
  • Make it count.
  • Surviving is the new art form. — Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson.
  • Just keep me where the light is.
  • Everything is temporary.
  • Trust your vibes, energy never lies.
  • Look for the magic in everything.
  • Godfidence.

Are inner forearm tattoos visible?

Inner Arm Tattoos: Hidden Gems of Ink

While people will often be able to see that you have a tattoo there, they won't be able to tell what it is without your help. When thinking about an ideal arm tattoo placement for personal or meaningful designs, the inner arm stands out.

What are red flags with tattoo shops?

Here are some red flags to watch out for when selecting a tattoo shop or artist:
  • Poor Hygiene Practices.
  • Lack of Professionalism.
  • Overly Arrogant Artists.
  • High-Pressure Sales Tactics.
  • Disregard for Your Ideas.
  • Unexplained Exclusivity.
  • Toxic Community Vibes.

What damages tattoos the most?

Excessive Sun Exposure. Excessive sun exposure can quickly ruin a new tattoo. Especially during the first 40 days, stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you have to go outside, then make sure to cover up your fresh tattoo with clothing.

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 $50 a good tip for a $200 tattoo?

Tattoo tipping rates

But as a rule of thumb, a 15-20% tip is usually a good place to start. So, if you spent a total of $200 on a tattoo, tipping anywhere from $30 to $40 shows your artist that you appreciate their handiwork.

Do you tip for a free tattoo touch up?

When it comes to tattoo touch-up appointments, the general rule of thumb is yes, you should tip for the extra work required. Showing appreciation for the additional effort illustrates your understanding of the artist's commitment to ensuring your tattoo looks its best.

Do you tip on a $3,000 tattoo?

The best rule of thumb you can follow is to tip at least 20 percent of the total cost of your service and tip even more for custom, intricate tattoo styles.

What is the most regretted tattoo?

The types of tattoos people regret most are lettering/script (19%), symbols (16%), names (12%), animal designs (10%) and tribal tattoos (9%).

What is the hardest spot to tattoo?

Most Painful Places to Get Tattooed
  • Ribs. ...
  • Fingers. ...
  • Groin. ...
  • Head. ...
  • Armpit. ...
  • Upper Back. ...
  • Outer Arm. If you are looking to avoid pain, getting tattooed on the outer bicep is an excellent choice. ...
  • Outer Thighs. Much like the calves, the thighs have a lot of muscle.

What tattoos not to get?

If you don't want to regret your body art, read this list of tattoos that you should never get.
  • White Ink Tattoos. White ink tattoos are the latest trend. ...
  • Face Tattoos. ...
  • Partner's Name. ...
  • A Cheap Tattoo. ...
  • Any Tattoo While Intoxicated. ...
  • An Offensive Tattoo. ...
  • What to Do If You Don't Like Your Tattoo.

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