Tattoo Etiquette: The Common Courtesies of Getting Tattooed
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If you are new to the tattoo world, you might be wondering if there is a certain etiquette involved with getting a tattoo. When going to the shop, how open will the tattoo artist be with your questions and suggestions? Can you discuss the design, price, and more?
There is definitely tattoo etiquette that you need to know before going to get a tattoo. While getting a tattoo can be very exciting, you must understand that your artist is a professional, and they should be treated as such. However, the etiquette goes both ways.
Read on to learn more about specific topics that deal with tattoo etiquette. You don’t want to do anything to offend or aggravate your tattoo artist, but at the same time, the artist should pay a certain respect as well. You can benefit from having an idea about how far you can go in certain scenarios and what is an appropriate response on the part of the artist.
What Is Tattoo Etiquette?
As with any professional interaction, there is such a thing as tattoo etiquette. You cannot walk into a tattoo shop and act however you please. The shop and its artists are kind enough to provide their services to you, and you must see this exciting endeavor from a professional perspective.
Tattoo etiquette revolves around the understanding that you are in the workshop of a highly respected professional. Treat the experience the same way you would if you were asking for services from any other highly specialized expert.
While the process of getting a tattoo should be fun and is not meant to be a stressful time, it’s worth considering a few boundaries. This will make the process more enjoyable for everyone and make you less nervous.
Typical tattoo etiquette involves a number of aspects:
How to be respectful of the tattoo artist’s time
What to do while you are in the chair
How to approach requesting a change in a tattoo design
Negotiating price
Tipping
Below are several topics of discussion that might come up when you think about tattoo etiquette. It is important to get a general idea of what are appropriate expectations during the tattooing process and no one has any regrets.
What Not To Do When Getting A Tattoo
While you are in the process of starting a tattoo, there are some definite no-no’s that you should keep in mind. Some are obvious, while others may not initially seem like a big deal to you. Either way, it is a good idea to have at least some sort of awareness on the subjects.
The common denominator in the list of what not to do in a tattoo shop is to not disrespect the position of the artist. You are paying for their opinion and expertise as much as for their ability to put ink in skin. Do not treat them like an extension of your own wrist! Treat them like an expert.
With that said here is a list of the more egregious behaviors you want to avoid:
Do Not Go Into A Shop Under The Influence
This is probably an obvious thing to avoid for most people, but you might be surprised how many potential clients disregard this rule. Most shops turn people away if they are noticeably under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Despite the mythos and legends you may have heard about, tattoo shops are not a party zone. They are professional environments like any other respectable job. Just because no one is wearing a suit and they are listening to loud music, doesn’t mean you’re at a block party.
While dealing with an intoxicated client is aggravating enough for a tattoo artist, there are other risks during the tattoo process, such as excessive bleeding, poor ink-to-skin connection, and more.
Do Not Act Like You Are In Charge
Yes, getting a tattoo can be a very personal experience, and the benefits of getting ink that comes out just how you wanted it is the most ideal situation, but you have to understand that you are the customer and the artist is providing the service.
It might be tempting to think that because you are paying them, they should just do whatever you want no matter what. However, if you carry this to its logical conclusion how well would you do in life if you decided you knew better than all the professionals you meat?
This is where trust comes in. You have to trust the artist to gave input. You trust them enough to mark your body permanently so why wouldn’t you trust them to advice you on the design, placement, while charging you a fair market price?
You do not have to accept every suggestion they make, but keep in mind that in most cases, they are making suggestions dealing with what they think would look best, what their specialty design style is, and more. If you do not like the way your artist interacts with you, find a new artist or shop.
Do Not Become Impatient With Your Artist
This is a very common occurrence in tattoo shops. Someone might come in with an idea for some ink, and after a while, they decide they want changes in size, design, color, etc. The tattoo artist is there to help you figure out exactly what you want; do not get mad at them if they struggle to see your vision clearly at first.
To avoid this, you need to put a lot of prior thought into your tattoo. A tattoo shop is not the place for going in and trying to create a design on the spot. You should at least bring in pictures regarding a vague idea of what you want. Being unprepared can result in a tattoo you are not satisfied with.
But keep in mind you can be OVER prepared. If you are too rigid about your design and expect the artist to be able to replicate exactly what you think you see in your mind, that is not going to happen. The most beautiful part of getting tattooed is the dance between your idea and the artistic interpretation that a highly skilled artist will bring into the mix.
The highest levels of satisfaction that I have ever seen on both sides is when the client has a confident idea of what they want and then is willing to give that concept to an artist to just do what they do best.
What To Do While Getting A Tattoo
The suggestions for what not to do can be a little subjective but the guidelines for what to do are a little more straight forward.
The essential ingredient common to any suggestion of what to do when getting a tattoo is to have a positive attitude! Be relaxed and stay open to the experience and it will feel like fun instead of things to be nervous about.
Stay relaxed and calm.
The key to a good experience while getting tattoo begins with your mental state. If you are high strung and nervous you will have a harder time communicating what you want, sitting still while getting tattooed and may even come off as rude.
Be polite
Showing respect and cooperation towards your tattoo artist is a must. Follow their lead through the process and defer to their opinion. This doesn’t mean you need to scrape and grovel. Just treat them with the same dignity and respect you would any other highly respected professional.
During the actual tattooing, If they like to talk, feel free to talk to them. If they seem like they wish to stay quiet and focus on the tattooing process, let them work their magic. Bring a book, your phone, or anything else to keep you busy while you sit still.
Listen
This goes with being polite but it also means a lot on its own. You are in an unfamiliar world. You truly are there to learn. Let the tattoo artist guide the process. They have the experience, so trust them!
Sit still
The importance of this can not be over-stated. You must be calm and relaxed during the process of getting tattooed. You might think that squirming and twitching is involuntary or you cant control how much you moan and cry. That is absolutely not true. You must cultivate a relaxed mindset. Click here to read an article I wrote about how to prepare for the pain of getting tattooed.
Show appreciation
Showing respect to your tattoo artist can go a long way. This does not have to mean you carry a conversation the entire time you are getting a tattoo. Whether that is right depends on the personality of your artist. Rather, come into the shop prepared to discuss what kind of tattoo you would like, be open to any suggestions your artist may have, and most importantly, make sure you are willing to spend the necessary money for your tattoo.
How To Tell A Tattoo Artist What You Want
Telling a tattoo artist what you want is another aspect that you should not be stressed about. While tattoo artists do have their own creative minds, your idea is equally as important. After all, you are likely going into a shop for a specific type of tattoo; customers rarely give tattoo artists complete freedom.
There is a fine balancing act that occurs during the process of designing a tattoo. Your idea is the starting point and must be clearly defined but you also have to be ready to set it free in the hands of the artist so they can create a work of art for you.
Before you go into a shop, gather pictures of either the exact design or styles that you would like to build a design off of. If you are prepared to this minimal extent, it makes the tattooing process so much easier.
Please be aware that you do not need an image of what you want to get tattooed. The artist is there to interpret the information you give them. There is a lot that can be done with reference material that suggests style and design. When being asked to create a unique and original design, artists do not need exact specifics and, in fact will probably do better given more freedom.
On the flip side, it is also perfectly valid to have a very specific idea of what you want as long as you are able to provide an image of exactly what you have in mind and that image will function well as a tattoo. Your artist will tell you if your design is a good candidate for being a tattoo and if not, why not.
When you want a tattoo, you will most likely go in for an initial meeting with your artist before the date of your tattoo - unless you are a walk-in, which is a bit of a different story. During this initial meeting, you will be able to show your artist pictures and discuss ideas of how the tattoo design will look. This is the encounter that will allow you to express your ideas most freely, so take advantage of the situation.
With the initial meeting, you will be able to plan everything out, meaning that in an ideal situation, your artist will not have to deal with any additional adjustments when it comes time for your tattoo.
Will A Tattoo Artist Design A Tattoo For Me?
This question depends on the experience and tattoo style of your tattoo artist. If they are an amateur tattoo artist, they may not be comfortable designing a tattoo for you from scratch. On the other hand, some up-and-coming artists welcome the challenge of creating their own ideas, so you may not have this problem.
With more experienced artists, design capabilities are likely much broader. While it is nice to have an idea of what you want before you go into the shop, your tattoo artists might be open to designing a tattoo for you. Keep in mind, however, that this requires more time from them, so you must be especially patient and appreciative.
Asking your artist to design a tattoo for you is much easier if you have worked with them before. This way, you are familiar with their tattoo style, and at the same time, they probably have a good idea of what you are looking for, especially if the professional relationship is cordial.
Can I Ask For Changes In A Tattoo Design?
As mentioned above, if you want changes to your tattoo design, the best way to go about it is by discussing any alterations during the initial assessment with your tattoo artist. It can be a hassle for your artist and an uncomfortable situation for you if you go in on the day of your tattoo asking for changes to an already-designed tattoo.
If it is a minor change, asking for it on the day of your appointment is not entirely rude. As long as the artist does not have to create another whole stencil, they are not likely to be annoyed by you asking. If you find a reliable tattoo artist, they will be just as eager to give you the best tattoo possible.
Do Tattoo Artists Hate Copying?
For the most part, tattoo artists prefer to be original. One of the most interesting things about tattooing is that each artist has a specific style. Even if it is related to the same tattoo genre, there are so many different qualities that go into a specific artist’s tattoo process.
If you walk into a tattoo shop and ask an artist to copy an exact design from a different artist, they might not be too fond of the idea. For one, their tattoos are a way for them to express their artistic abilities, and by copying someone else’s work, they lose that freedom. Also, they may not like the idea of copying an artist’s design because it is just that: using another artist’s ideas to get money.
Another thing to consider is the question of copyrighted images. Sports teams, name brands, and the like might have legal copyrights that prevent their images from being used for art. Since tattooing is an art form, this can be a slippery slope. Though it is not always common, a tattoo artist may not be able to copy a design if it has a copyright on it.
For things like quotes or famous phrases, the story is a little different. Copying words is not the same as copying an entire image, and copyright laws do not typically pertain to this. Just keep in mind that tattoo artists value originality as much as the person they are tattooing. You should not ask an artist to copy an exact design from another artist.
Can I Negotiate The Price For A Tattoo?
Most established tattoo artists have set prices for their tattoo services, whether they be based on size, design, or time. Typically, a larger tattoo will be charged by the hour, and varying sizes of smaller tattoos will be estimated by the tattoo artist.
It is considered very rude to try and negotiate the price of your tattoo. Tattooing is a craft that requires rare skills, acquired over many years of practice. Trust your tattoo artist to do quality work, and trust their prices are fair.
It is important to consider that this is a service industry like any other. You do not typically negotiate prices with a doctor and this it is no different at your tattoo shop.
If you are a bit skeptical about the price of your tattoo, in most cases, it is okay to ask why the price is what it is. If the price is fair, your tattoo artist should be able to explain why the price is what it is
Keep in mind that big-name tattoo artists with great reputations typically charge higher prices.
The following option is not always totally professional, but it is not necessarily a violation of tattoo etiquette, either. If you are new to tattooing or have found a new tattoo artist, you might walk into the shop and ask what kind of tattoo you can get for a certain amount of money. It makes sense; tattoos can be pricey, and you may not want to be spending all of your paychecks on new ink. Depending on the tattoo artist, they will usually respect your wishes and tell you what kind of tattoo you can expect.
Should You Tip A Tattoo Artist?
Should you tip a tattoo artist? You do not have to, but it is certainly appreciated. Tattoo artists do not always expect a tip with their services. When they do get tips, however, they are more likely to recognize that, making it easier for you to develop a relationship with them for future tattoo sessions.
If you know that you are a more particular customer, you might consider tipping if your tattoo has a lot of detail and specifications, especially if you know the artist is trying their best to stay true to what you want. As said before, it is not required, but it is most definitely appreciated.
How Much Should You Tip For A Tattoo?
If you decide to tip for a tattoo, a good range to start with is between 20% and 30%. It will not necessarily empty your pockets any more than the actual tattoo, and it is a great way to show the artist that you appreciate their work. You do not have to tip this amount; anything less will still be appreciated, and anything more just further assures the artist that you are a great customer.
What Do Tattoo Artists Hate?
Tattoo artists hate when you have no idea what you are doing inside the shop. Before going for a consultation or appointment, do some research on how you should act in a tattoo shop and how to approach the act of getting a tattoo.
If you are totally unprepared during your initial meeting with an artist, they are likely going to be annoyed. Make sure you have at least some ideas to discuss with your artist before going into the shop. Other things tattoo artists hate include:
Trying to negotiate previously set prices
Not being able to stay still during a tattoo session
Acting like you own the place when you walk into a tattoo shop
Never being satisfied with the artist’s attempts to create the design you want
Just be a good person. Do not treat your artist terribly, and they will take care of you. If you are new to the tattoo world, you may be a little nervous. That is okay; nervousness is different from intentional acts of obnoxiousness, not cooperating, and more.
Things Tattoo Artists Love
Tattoo artists love to see their customers happy. They love when customers show extra appreciation for their tattoos through any outlet, be it tips, promotion on social media, etc. If you are happy with the work your tattoo artist does, let them and other people know.
Tattoo artists also love returning customers. Another great way to show your appreciation is by returning to the same artist when you want more work done. And you never know: if you build a solid enough relationship with them, you might get a deal on a tattoo every once and a while.
Tattoo artists also love customers who are prepared. As you already know, you need to be familiar with at least some idea of how to act in a tattoo shop. Before you go in, have design ideas ready to discuss. While you are inside, treat your artist and other artists there with respect.
Takeaway
Tattooing is an excellent way to express yourself. Before being able to do that, however, you actually have to go get tattooed. You need to make sure you are familiar with proper tattoo etiquette so that both you and the artist can have the best experience possible.
Thanks For Reading!
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