The Inked Perspective

There are a million tattoo artists out there, just spend five minutes on Instagram. You could spend an entire day looking at different artist’s posts and still feel lost about who you should go to. Well, today’s your lucky day, because I’m about to give you my un-asked for opinion and advice on the matter.

First of, a word of caution! If someone doesn’t include the deposit in the final price, ask for the deposit over social media or the phone, or ghosts you at every turn: GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. While the vast majority of tattooers are honest people trying to make a living, there are scumbags in the space, just like any other industry.

Also, anyone charging more than $400 for a deposit who isn’t famous can (and should) go fornicate themselves with something large and sharp.

Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, let’s begin, my little padawan.

1. What do you want to get?
   • Knowing what you want is half the battle. If you’re into American Traditional, Japanese, Neo-Traditional, or Fine-Line. Find an artist whose portfolio matches what you like. Most artists are able to recreate pieces, however, the guy who does a lot of American Traditional work may not want to do your Photo-Realism Memorial piece for Gam-Gam.
2. So you found the artist, now what?
   • After scouring your locale for an artist who does work similar to what you are wanting, you have finally found them. Now, you need to actually go to the shop and see what they are like. Don’t just look at how friendly they are, either. Genuinely talk to the person about what you want. You won’t know if you want to spend hours with that person poking you with needles if you don’t go meet them face to face. Sometimes you find someone with awesome work and they have the personality of a wet carrot, or even worse, a God complex. Go say hi.
3. I think I could sit with them while they stick me with a needle.
   • Great! If you feel comfortable with that person, like their work, and enjoy the vibe of the shop, book that appointment.
4. Now judge the absolute shit out of them.
   • I know, I know, don’t judge a book by it’s cover. All I’m saying is that if they person doing work on you has a majority of good work on their body, it says something about them. It says they take it seriously, appreciate good work, and will take the time to give you the same treatment. HOWEVER, if you walk in and the person you meet has A LOT of crappy work done, GENERALLY that means that you’re about to get the same treatment.
5. Now that you feel terrible, here’s how you should act.
   • Most places require a deposit to book an appointment. This ensures you’re gonna show up, if you don’t they still get paid for doing the work to get your art ready. THIS IS NOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAGGLE. If you don’t like their price, go elsewhere. Don’t be disrespectful and try to get a “deal”. Not only does it show you don’t value the artist’s time, it also makes you seem like an incredible douche bag. Save it for the pawn shop, this isn’t the place.
6. During the appointment…
   • Let your artist know if you prefer to talk, remain silent, wear headphones, etc. Let them know when you need a break, and if they ask how you’re doing BE HONEST. Too many people try to “tough it out” and end up passing out because they switched their breathing from “auto” to “manual” to get through the pain. Talk to your artist. 99% of them are awesome people with really cool stories and hobbies. Make a friend.
7. After the appointment.
   • Did you have fun? Did the artist do a good job? Did you like the piece and the process that went into it? Give feedback. Tell your artist how you feel it went, and be appreciative of their time. Yea, you just went through an hour or more of pain, but their back and hands aren’t feeling awesome either. Say thank you.
8. And finally….
   • TIP YOUR ARTIST, ALWAYS. Every single artist I have been to has never expected a tip, but are always appreciative of the gesture. They have said this to me or have signs saying so. They just spent hours of their time to get this done for you, and make it a positive experience. I’m not saying you have to tip big, but you should always toss a little extra their way as a thank you. This isn’t Chilis, don’t skip on the tip (which if you don’t tip servers, you suck).

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the experiences you have and encounter at a tattoo shop. When I first started getting tattooed, I was fully intimidated by every artist I came in contact with. These are tough looking folks, who work a super cool job, and do cool shit. The vast majority have hearts of gold, and are the salt of the Earth.

Be nice. Be calm. Be genuine.

It’s all gonna be ok, they’re nice, I promise. If not, go somewhere else.

xoxo

-Jake