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

5 Things You Should Never Say to a Tattoo Artist | Marine Agency? ›

Asking an Artist to Copy Someone's Work

It's one thing to compare and another to ask for a copy. Never, ever ask an artist to copy someone else's work. It's not fair to the original artist and it's a shot at the person who's about to tattoo you, too.

What not to say to a tattoo artist? ›

Asking an Artist to Copy Someone's Work

It's one thing to compare and another to ask for a copy. Never, ever ask an artist to copy someone else's work. It's not fair to the original artist and it's a shot at the person who's about to tattoo you, too.

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.

Is it rude to go to different tattoo artists? ›

So feel free to request a redo or second session from a different tattoo artist than the one you initially contracted to work with. In addition, many people assume it's rude or unprofessional to ask an artist to finish someone else's design. This belief is entirely false.

Is it rude to ask a tattoo artist their rate? ›

It's better not to negotiate tattoo prices because tattoo artists mostly have a set price range that they charge for their work, and it's fixed according to their skills, and I recommend you respect that.

Is it rude to tip a tattoo artist? ›

In short, yes, you should always strive to tip your tattoo artist. “Often, tattoo artists are renting a chair or space and give as much as 50% of their earnings to the shop owner,” Sinatra says.

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.

What jobs ban tattoos? ›

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

What makes tattoos unprofessional? ›

Tattoos are an art form that people use to decorate their bodies, and they should not be regarded as unprofessional. If the content of a tattoo is racist, hom*ophobic, or problematic in some way, this is a different story. Problematic tattoos can be revealing about a person's character.

Is it rude to wear headphones while getting a tattoo? ›

Is it rude to wear headphones during the session? I encourage my customers to bring headphones or a book to keep them company during the session. But I always appreciate it when customers let me know first so I'm aware they have headphones on if I need to get their attention.

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.

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.

What is the regret rate for tattoos? ›

Apparently, the smaller your tattoo, the more likely you are to regret it. 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.

How much money should I bring for a tattoo? ›

AVERAGE TATTOO COSTS BY PLACEMENT
LOCATION + TYPESIZEAVERAGE COST
HandSmall-Medium$100 - $250
WristSmall-Medium$50 - $200
ForearmSmall-Large$200 - $1,250
BicepSmall-Large$150 - $450
26 more rows
Jan 29, 2022

How are tattoos usually priced? ›

On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo. The sky is the limit though when it comes to very large pieces. It can be very expensive to get elaborate and large tattoos.

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 is considered offensive tattoo? ›

Offensive tattoos

Ideally, your tattoo policy should ban images or words that promote illegal activities, hate speech or violence. Here are some examples of potentially offensive body art: Tattoos that bash a specific religion, race or gender. Tattoos with profanity or controversial phrases.

How do I politely say no to a tattoo artist? ›

You can say, "I appreciate you considering me for your tattoo, but after reviewing the design, I don't think I can figure it out in the best way." 2- Explain your limitations. If you have restrictions on tattoo styles or if there are certain designs that you are not comfortable with, you can mention these limits.

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