5 Things You Should Never Say to a Tattoo Artist | Marine Agency (2024)

5 Things You Should Never Say to a Tattoo Artist| Marine Agency (1)

When working with a tattoo artist, it is important to remember that this individual is a skilled professional. To ensure a positive experience and a good relationship with your tattoo artist, you need to treat him or her with respect and consideration. Here is exactly what not to say to a tattoo artist:

5 Things You Should Never Say to a Tattoo Artist| Marine Agency (2)

Table of Contents

“Can’t you give me a discount?”

When you are thinking about what to look for in a tattoo artist, the price is often a consideration. However, good tattoos are not cheap. Creating art is a difficult task with any medium, and the products created are often expensive. Your tattoo artist is using your skin as a medium, which means the task is even more challenging and the art created is even more valuable.

When your tattoo artist quotes you a price for his or her services, you should not try to negotiate. The artist has chosen this price for a reason and asking him or her to lower it is insulting. If you aren’t comfortable paying the quoted price, simply go to another artist.

“Can I bring my friends in?”

Bringing in a sibling, partner or friend to watch you get your tattoo is fine. However, you should not try to bring a group of people into the room. Not only will this crowdthe space and make it harder for even the best tattoo artist to work, but the conversation and questions can be highly distracting. Don’t make your artist ask your friends to leave. Be considerate and come to your appointment alone or with only one other person.

“Can’t you just make it work?”

Clients in tattoo parlors are sometimes disappointed when they learn that their artist’s plan for their tattoo is smaller than expected or lacks requested details. However, your tattoo artist is the professional. If he or she tells you that something won’t fit in a certain spot on your body, can’t include a detail you asked for or can’t be completed in a certain size, you should not try to argue.

5 Things You Should Never Say to a Tattoo Artist| Marine Agency (3)

“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. If you must have a specific tattoo you’ve seen somewhere else, find a tattoo artist who did the original work and ask him or her to give you the same tattoo.

“Can you do this while I’m drunk?”

Asking to get a tattoo while intoxicated is never a good idea. When you are drunk, you aren’t making the best decisions and you may end up with a tattoo you don’t really want. In addition, you may accidentally hurt yourself or the tattoo artist by falling down or failing to follow the artist’s instructions properly.

Because of the risks posed by drunk clients, as well as other risks, most tattoo artists purchase insurance to protect themselves. However, it’s still a bad idea to go to the tattoo parlor when you aren’t sober.

Key Takeaways

  • Tattoo artists are professionals who should be treated with respect and consideration.
  • There are certain questions you should never ask your tattoo artist. For example, you should never ask your tattoo artist to negotiate on the price or copy another artist’s work.
  • Tattoo artists should purchase adequate insurance coverage to protect themselves from liability and other issues that may arise in the operation of their business.

If you own a tattoo parlor, it is important to have adequate insurance coverage to protect your business. To learn more about purchasing insurance for your tattoo business, please contact Marine Agency today.

5 Things You Should Never Say to a Tattoo Artist | Marine Agency (2024)

FAQs

What not to say to your tattoo artist? ›

There are certain questions you should never ask your tattoo artist. For example, you should never ask your tattoo artist to negotiate on the price or copy another artist's work.

What annoys a tattoo artist? ›

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

What do tattoo artists refuse to do? ›

Moral Objections: Tattoos That Artists Refuse to do

Additionally, almost every tattoo artist will turn down racist, sexist, hom*ophobic, and otherwise offensive tattoos.

What are appropriate tips for tattoo artist? ›

A general guideline is to tip between 15-20% of the total cost of your tattoo, but you can adjust this amount based on your personal budget and satisfaction with the service.

Can you sue a tattoo artist for messing up your tattoo? ›

Generally, you can sue a tattoo artist or parlor if you have been subjected to injury or unsatisfactory work.

Do tattoo artists like when you talk to them? ›

Don't be afraid of “talking too much” or “over explaining” something to us. We want to know. It's only when you tell us these things we'll be able to deliver your ideal vision. And when we're able to do this for you, it leaves both of us totally satisfied with the experience.

Do tattoo artists judge your body? ›

The client-Tattoo Artist relationship is purely professional and free from sexuality, shame, or judging. Therefore, it is not uncommon for customers to feel an emotional and sentimental connection with a person who marks their skin permanently. In addition, people tend to trust individuals.

Is it rude to show a tattoo artist a picture? ›

Bringing a picture or drawing lets the artist understand your vision; however, they will need to adapt it to suit their own style and your body contours.

How do you tell your tattoo artist they messed up? ›

If at any point you think something is wrong you are responsible to speak up and the tattooist is responsible to respond, make adjustments, and/or explain what you're witnessing. Communication is everything between a client and artist – that communication must occur before, during, and after the tattoo.

Why don t tattoo artists numb you? ›

Why don't tattoo artists like numbing cream? Here's one of the primary reasons. Some tattoo artists say that numbing creams can alter the texture of a client's skin, making it “spongy” after the cream is applied. Others report that it makes the skin not stretch evenly, become mushy, or form raised hive-like bumps.

What jobs ban tattoos? ›

Follow along with Tatt2Away® for the inside scoop!
  • Military.
  • Airlines.
  • Medical Professionals.
  • Actors.
  • Teachers/Educators.
  • Law Enforcement.
  • Corporate.
  • Legal.

How do you trust a tattoo artist? ›

The first thing you have to do is look through the portfolio of the artist. As with a lot of things, a person's previous work speaks volumes. Make sure there is a large variety of different work in the portfolio: color, black and gray, traditional, realism.

How much do you tip for a $100 tattoo? ›

If you're getting smaller art done or maybe a touch-up for $100, tipping anywhere from $15 to $25 fits the bill. Some regular or return clients also give gifts to their tattoo artists, such as restaurant gift cards, theater tickets and doughnuts for the shop.

How much do you tip on 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.

How much to tip for a $400 tattoo? ›

Tattoo Tip Cheat Sheet: How Much to Tip a Tattoo Artist
Tattoo Cost15% Tip: “o*kay”20% Tip: “Good”
$100$15$20
$200$30$40
$300$45$60
$400$60$80
15 more rows

What should I say to my tattoo artist? ›

Tell the artist the tattoo style you want.

Some artists are really versatile while others may only specialize in a certain style. Briefly mention the tattoo style you were hoping to get so the artist can decide if it's something that they're comfortable and confident working on.

What should you not tattoo over? ›

It's never a good idea to get tattooed when your skin is irritated, sunburnt, or your immune system is low. There's also the possibility that a newer scar could reopen, causing the tattoo session to end and requiring medical attention. It's best to give the scar adequate time to heal to avoid this from happening.

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