Wondering, “Is it rude to switch tattoo artists?” and what annoys tattoo artists the most? Then, today’s article will be your lifesaver. We’ll answer some of the most asked questions regarding tattoo artists’ etiquette in our post.
Is It Rude To Switch Tattoo Artists?
It is not disrespectful and should not offend tattoo artists since they would like customers to be pleased with the results. Most of the time, tattoo parlors and artists will thoroughly assist customers in picking the tattooist who is most likely to suit customers’ demands.
If you have 2 artists in mind and can’t decide, try:
- Then, speak with each of them separately. This will allow you to have a clearer idea of who they are and who suits your needs better.
- Pony up each for a sketch.
- Ask if they’d like to work on this project together.
How Do I Tell My Tattoo Artist I Don’t Like It?
Try to be straightforward and open without being disrespectful. Tell the artist precisely what you feel wrong about the look.
If you don’t recognize exactly what’s bothering you, say you have a feeling things aren’t right but aren’t sure what it is about. The artist will probably ask or offer ideas of what it might be that annoys you.
Do Tattoo Artists Touch Up Another Artist’s Work?
Will another tattoo artist touch up my tattoo? Yes, but the original tattooist won’t be happy about that.
Letting another tattooist touch up another’s work might be offensive to some. Indeed, tattooists are artists, and they all have their egos, meaning they hate others “fixing” their original work.
Thus, it’s advisable to have your tattoo touched up by the original artist. They usually do touch-ups for free (if the tattoo is theirs). Before contacting others for touch-ups, ask yourself:
- Is the original artist available? Did he move, pass away, get injured, or stumbled into another field?
- Does the original tattooist not do touch-ups? It’s relatively rare, but it does exist.
- Is the tattooist now out of your budget? For instance, that artist now boasts more expertise, prizes, and a better reputation than he did when he created your tattoo… As a result, you can’t afford him anymore.
- Does that tattooist have an unprofessional attitude? Most professional tattooists get what it feels like to be in the hand of a rude tattoo artist. Thus, they won’t have any issue touching up your tattoo.
- Is it possible that the tattooist did a poor job and refuses to correct it? If that’s the case, he’d probably decline to perform a touch-up.
However, if the situation is inevitable, explain the reasons to your new artist.
9 Questions That Make Tattoo Artists Annoyed
As tattooists are human, yes. Want to know a few things that drive a tattoo artist crazy? We interviewed Palomino, an experienced tattooist, about what annoyed her the most as a tattoo artist.
1. Asking To Add More To A Design That’s Already Begun
It’s absolutely reasonable to request precisely what you want as the tattoo stays with you forever. However, don’t ask for additional details or a new design after the procedure has started.
“I usually charge my work hourly and the number of supplies I have to utilize,” Palomino explains. “It takes a lot longer and requires more supplies to add extra details to your design.”
Given that this applies to most tattooists, requesting additional details when the session has already started isn’t always a wise decision.
“If you think you need to add something to your design, consider returning for a touch-up after the tattoo has recovered,” Palomino advises. Usually, tattooists will gladly enhance or add to an existing design.
2. Asking To Get The Tattoo Right Then And There
There are a few tattoo parlors where you may come in and be inked straight away. But don’t expect a one-of-a-kind design to surface out of the ground straight now.
“It requires time to discuss with you on your tattoos, sketch it, and prepare [the] region for a tattoo,” explains Palomino. “None of these tasks can be hurried or hurriedly done.”
Alternatively, contact beforehand and schedule a meeting with a tattoo artist to discuss the idea. They may collaborate with you to design the ideal tattoo and arrange an appointment to complete it appropriately.
3. Copying A Customized Tattoo
Tattoo artists frequently possess collections consisting of one-of-a-kind creations they made for previous customers. However, it is disrespectful to request such specific designs.
“This is a massive no-no,” adds Palamino. “Alternative, tell the tattooist that you prefer a specific design, and they may make something special for you utilizing a similar idea; similar theme, different artwork.”
4. Talking Too Much About Price
Although it is OK to discuss the cost of your ink, artists may become irritated if their customers strive to barter for a lower rate or imply they intend to visit someplace cheaper.
This is not just disrespectful to the tattooist, but “many ‘cheap’ designs represent their price,” according to Palomino. So if you expect your artwork to be beautiful, it will most certainly cost a little extra.
But don’t allow the additional cash to put you off. When it comes to tats, you truly do receive what you pay for. In other words, higher money means better design and higher ink quality.
5. Distracting The Tattooist While They’re Working
Although this does not apply to everybody, a few tattooists attempt to avoid chatting too much while working to focus on the project entirely.
If you want to leave them alone to concentrate — or if you wouldn’t want to chat — “carry a novel, browse the news, or subscribe to Spotify to keep yourself busy,” Palomino suggests.
6. Not Sitting Still
Tattooing, of course, may feel unpleasant. And it’s normal to react. However, tattoo artists prefer that you sit as calmly as possible so that the artwork does not become ruined.
“Consider practicing deep inhaling, meditating, or listening to songs — anything you need to do to move your mind away from the unpleasant sensations,” Palomino advises. It is also acceptable to request rest throughout the sessions.
7. Asking Them To Draw Something For You
Some customers want tattoo artists to meet all of their creative fantasies without involvement. That, however, is not how the procedure goes.
“Have a concept of what you like in a design and where you like to place it and explain it,” Palomino advises. From that, it’ll be simpler for them to develop a design from scratch — utilizing your suggestions as a framework.
Professionals can even adapt your ideas and apply their own unique touches to them. Thus, if you need something really one-of-a-kind, tell them you like them to add some original flare. And besides, tattooing is a kind of teamwork. As a result, there are several unwritten rules to remember when having a tattoo.
However, this should not stop you from speaking up. Inform the tattooist if anything isn’t to your taste, isn’t working as intended, or makes you unpleasant. It’s always best to talk it out than be stuck with something you don’t want.
8. Hurry The Tattoo Session
Do not come in and urge your tattooist that you need them to complete everything in 60 mins because you get a party to come. That is not how it works. Setting your designer a deadline to complete the project is a disaster waiting to happen.
Tattooists would like to focus on the artwork rather than the deadline. Bigger tattoos, such as a whole arm or shoulder, can not be completed in one meeting. Instead, they must be done over numerous visits.
9. Disregard Aftercare Instructions
Nothing irritates a tattooist more than an absent-minded customer when detailing the step-by-step maintenance regimen for new works. And, those very same careless customers are subsequently the ones who return with an unattractive, deformed, and infected tattoo.
Wrapping Up
Is it rude to switch tattoo artists? No, there are much more things that piss off tattooists than that. Although many people misbelieve tattoo artists are rude, they aren’t. Just follow their etiquette, and you’ll be just fine.
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