The Inked Perspective

Anyone who has spent any amount of time getting tattooed has asked the person doing the work “So, how long have you been tattooing?” Sometimes it’s a decade, sometimes it’s less, and occasionally you’re in the chair with someone apprenticing who just got a machine in their hands this year (or less). A majority of the time it’s a positive experience, both parties leave happy, and everyone goes about their merry day.

Other times, as I have been told and personally witnessed, not so much.

I have seen people pay deposits for custom pieces and then pick apart every single detail, eventually forfeiting their deposit and going elsewhere. I’ve watched people pick flash art off the wall and ask for some changes, then absolutely pick that design apart as well. Look, I get it, it’s your money and you want something to wear permanently that you will love. But for some of you goofballs, there’s no pleasing you and you wholeheartedly suck.

I think (at least I blame) reality television for people’s shitty attitudes when it comes to tattooing in general. All they see is someone pick a design, get inked super duper quick, and then either cry tears of joy or freak out at the result of the “big reveal”. Not only has this led people to some incredibly false ideas about what actually happens and the time that it takes to do great work, but it also has cheapened the amount of work that a tattooer spends on their craft. They are referred to as Artists, after all.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some very crap artists out there. People who just want to tattoo for the look, aren’t sanitary (Ew), and will take your money all while scarring you (literally, in some cases) for life. Tattooers are regular people too, most are incredibly awesome humans who genuinely enjoy what they do and are excellent at it. Some shouldn’t be allowed anything sharper than a crayon. It is what it is.

Go with me on this for a second: You walk into a very fancy restaurant where the chef has created a menu based on what he loves to cook. He has worked tirelessly for years perfecting each dish, making sure each spice hits specific areas of the palate. After making your reservation, your food is brought to you with gusto; only for you to say “I don’t like that, do you have chicken tenders?”. Ridiculous, right?

Believe it or not, tattoo artists have spent years on their craft too, and not just drawing. Setting needle depth, how skin reacts, what lines work where, and what is going to flow correctly on the body are only a small fraction of their expertise. They do this work day in and day out. I’d say that they have a better grasp on what is going to look good, Becky, than you or your mother do.

I guess what I’m saying is go in to your appointment with an open mind. Look through the artist’s portfolio, experience their work, and if it’s for you; make that appointment. When you do, though, trust their judgement and be flexible. Yes, it’s going on your body. But maybe you shouldn’t be a complete dick to the person getting ready to shove needles into you repeatedly for an hour or more.

Trust the process. Listen to your artist. Tip well, allegedly it makes it hurt less.

Don’t be a douche.

xoxo

-Jake