Tattoo artists are not servants; they are skilled professionals who deserve your respect, money, and gratitude. They are here to do a job, which is hard on its own. Add in the antics they have to deal with on the regular, and we just may have found the most difficult profession on the planet. After all, if your tattoo is on fleek, then you'll probably want to be able to come back to the same artist for more. Don't expect to be welcomed back if you are rude.
If you're prepping for your first piece of ink (or simply can't figure out why your tattoo artist seems so annoyed in your presence), then please read these 10 things that are major no-nos in a tattoo parlor.
1. Asking Your Artist to Copy Another's Work
Even though someone else already has it tattooed on their arm. It also happens to be done by a tattoo artist across the country whom you have no access to. I'm sorry for your loss, because your tattoo artist is an artist, and s/he does NOT want to copy another artist. The best way to not totally insult your artist's abilities is to bring in several images from different artists OR using one image as a reference, making it clear that this is just for inspiration.
2. Openly Scoffing At The Quoted Price
Hey, guess what? Art costs money. That's why there are high-priced galleries around the world. This particular piece of art is going to be on a canvas of your skin, which can actually be much harder to work with than most other mediums, considering humans often flinch when they are in pain / sneeze / need water breaks. Many parlors have an hourly fee which varies per artist, plus a minimum you may have to pay up front - even if you're just getting a tiny tat. And unless you have a very generous tattoo artist friend, you're not getting a full sleeve for less than a couple hundred bucks. Sorry.
3. Negotiating
While we're on the subject of price, negotiating the cost is rude. And it's probably not going to get you anywhere. If it does, you've just given your tattoo artist a little bit of shame to sleep with for the night. No one wants their art to be undervalued. This isn't a flea market, and you aren't purchasing a set of old plates. If the quoted price is out of your ballpark, chances are it's because of the detail and size, NOT because your artist is taking advantage of you. And whatever you do, don't agree on a price and then negotiate after your piece is completed.
4. Standing Your Artist Up
Usually, the reason you're putting a deposit down after a consultation is to ensure that you show up. If the artist is taking the time to work with you on drawing exactly what you want on your body, then the least you can do is show up for your appointment. If you're having sudden cold feet, it's best practice to either call and cancel in advance (so that they can book another client), or still go in and express your concerns. The artist will be happy to answer any questions that have suddenly popped up.
5. Rolling In With A Crowd Of Besties
I get having your friend come with you when you get a tattoo. I have definitely gotten friend tattoos and sister tattoos, watching each other sweat in the chair. One companion is fine, but rolling in five deep to the tattoo shop is not a good look. Not only is there not enough space for your crew, but the chatter and incessant questions hurled at the artist is distracting. The last thing you want is a distracted artist with an inked needle to your arm. If you're old enough to get a tattoo, then you are old enough to not need a giant support group. Oh, and puh-leaaaaaase don't bring your children.
MORE NEXT MONTH!
#1 shop in quality & safety | 10215 102 St | (780) 830-3633 | www.inkspottattoo.ca
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