smiling.politely

I never understand why people go for something generic and impersonal for something as close as a parent/child bond... or for that matter, getting cancer/whatever ribbons to symbolize someone...
What do your wife and son have as a common interest? Did he play some instrument in school that she's supportive of? If he enjoys painting or drawing, a tattoo of a paintbrush/palette or a few pencils with his name? Or if he's still too young for all of that, how about something based on his favorite toy... Tonka truck, a GI Joe, teddy bear, etc. etc. etc.
As for memorial ribbons, I get it... but why always only be reminded that Grandpa died from cancer, not that he absolutely loved fly fishing? Or Chicago sports teams? Or whatever he happened to enjoy most? Something I always try to suggest to someone getting a memorial, and they always just get the name/date/ribbon/cross... which is perfectly fine. But, is the same memorial that everyone gets. Get a tattoo of Grandpa's favorite lure WITH the cancer ribbon. At least balance the negativity and sad memories with positivity and good memories.
With design in mind, Google/Pinterest/etc. are highly, highly impersonal and breed only generic ideas that occasionally start from something great, but in the end never give you something that actually means anything. I have put that mother/daughter idea (or a slight variation thereof) on around 15 or 20 people, and I've only been tattooing just over 2 years. I can't remember a time I did something based on what their kid has actually done in their life...

I never understand why people go for something generic and impersonal for something as close as a parent/child bond... or for that matter, getting cancer/whatever ribbons to symbolize someone...
What do your wife and son have as a common interest? Did he play some instrument in school that she's supportive of? If he enjoys painting or drawing, a tattoo of a paintbrush/palette or a few pencils with his name? Or if he's still too young for all of that, how about something based on his favorite toy... Tonka truck, a GI Joe, teddy bear, etc. etc. etc.
As for memorial ribbons, I get it... but why always only be reminded that Grandpa died from cancer, not that he absolutely loved fly fishing? Or Chicago sports teams? Or whatever he happened to enjoy most? Something I always try to suggest to someone getting a memorial, and they always just get the name/date/ribbon/cross... which is perfectly fine. But, is the same memorial that everyone gets. Get a tattoo of Grandpa's favorite lure WITH the cancer ribbon. At least balance the negativity and sad memories with positivity and good memories.
With design in mind, Google/Pinterest/etc. are highly, highly impersonal and breed only generic ideas that occasionally start from something great, but in the end never give you something that actually means anything. I have put that mother/daughter idea (or a slight variation thereof) on around 15 or 20 people, and I've only been tattooing just over 2 years. I can't remember a time I did something based on what their kid has actually done in their life...

I never understand why people go for something generic and impersonal for something as close as a parent/child bond... or for that matter, getting cancer/whatever ribbons to symbolize someone...
What do your wife and son have as a common interest? Did he play some instrument in school that she's supportive of? If he enjoys painting or drawing, a tattoo of a paintbrush/palette or a few pencils with his name? Or if he's still too young for all of that, how about something based on his favorite toy... Tonka truck, a GI Joe, teddy bear, etc. etc. etc.
As for memorial ribbons, I get it... but why always only be reminded that Grandpa died from cancer, not that he absolutely loved fly fishing? Or Chicago sports teams? Or whatever he happened to enjoy most? Something I always try to suggest to someone getting a memorial, and they always just get the name/date/ribbon/cross... which is perfectly fine. But, is the same memorial that everyone gets. Get a tattoo of Grandpa's favorite lure WITH the cancer ribbon. At least balance the negativity and sad memories with positivity and good memories.
With design in mind, Google/Pinterest/etc. are highly, highly impersonal and breed only generic ideas that occasionally start from something great, but in the end never give you something that actually means anything. I have put that mother/daughter idea (or a slight variation thereof) on around 15 or 20 people, and I've only been tattooing just over 2 years. I can't remember a time I did something based on what their kid has actually done in their life...

I never understand why people go for something generic and impersonal for something as close as a parent/child bond... or for that matter, getting cancer/whatever ribbons to symbolize someone...
What do your wife and son have as a common interest? Did he play some instrument in school that she's supportive of? If he enjoys painting or drawing, a tattoo of a paintbrush/palette or a few pencils with his name? Or if he's still too young for all of that, how about something based on his favorite toy... Tonka truck, a GI Joe, teddy bear, etc. etc. etc.
As for memorial ribbons, I get it... but why always only be reminded that Grandpa died from cancer, not that he absolutely loved fly fishing? Or Chicago sports teams? Or whatever he happened to enjoy most? Something I always try to suggest to someone getting a memorial, and they always just get the name/date/ribbon/cross... which is perfectly fine. But, is the same memorial that everyone gets. Get a tattoo of Grandpa's favorite lure WITH the cancer ribbon. At least balance the negativity and sad memories with positivity and good memories.
With design in mind, Google/Pinterest/etc. are highly, highly impersonal and breed only generic ideas that occasionally start from something great, but in the end never give you something that actually means anything. I have put that mother/daughter idea (or a slight variation thereof) on around 15 or 20 people, and I've only been tattooing just over 2 years. I can't remember a time I did something based on what their kid has actually done in their life...

I never understand why people go for something generic and impersonal for something as close as a parent/child bond... or for that matter, getting cancer/whatever ribbons to symbolize someone...
What do your wife and son have as a common interest? Did he play some instrument in school that she's supportive of? If he enjoys painting or drawing, a tattoo of a paintbrush/palette or a few pencils with his name? Or if he's still too young for all of that, how about something based on his favorite toy... Tonka truck, a GI Joe, teddy bear, etc. etc. etc.
As for memorial ribbons, I get it... but why always only be reminded that Grandpa died from cancer, not that he absolutely loved fly fishing? Or Chicago sports teams? Or whatever he happened to enjoy most? Something I always try to suggest to someone getting a memorial, and they always just get the name/date/ribbon/cross... which is perfectly fine. But, is the same memorial that everyone gets. Get a tattoo of Grandpa's favorite lure WITH the cancer ribbon. At least balance the negativity and sad memories with positivity and good memories.
With design in mind, Google/Pinterest/etc. are highly, highly impersonal and breed only generic ideas that occasionally start from something great, but in the end never give you something that actually means anything. I have put that mother/daughter idea (or a slight variation thereof) on around 15 or 20 people, and I've only been tattooing just over 2 years. I can't remember a time I did something based on what their kid has actually done in their life...

I never understand why people go for something generic and impersonal for something as close as a parent/child bond... or for that matter, getting cancer/whatever ribbons to symbolize someone...
What do your wife and son have as a common interest? Did he play some instrument in school that she's supportive of? If he enjoys painting or drawing, a tattoo of a paintbrush/palette or a few pencils with his name? Or if he's still too young for all of that, how about something based on his favorite toy... Tonka truck, a GI Joe, teddy bear, etc. etc. etc.
As for memorial ribbons, I get it... but why always only be reminded that Grandpa died from cancer, not that he absolutely loved fly fishing? Or Chicago sports teams? Or whatever he happened to enjoy most? Something I always try to suggest to someone getting a memorial, and they always just get the name/date/ribbon/cross... which is perfectly fine. But, is the same memorial that everyone gets. Get a tattoo of Grandpa's favorite lure WITH the cancer ribbon. At least balance the negativity and sad memories with positivity and good memories.
With design in mind, Google/Pinterest/etc. are highly, highly impersonal and breed only generic ideas that occasionally start from something great, but in the end never give you something that actually means anything. I have put that mother/daughter idea (or a slight variation thereof) on around 15 or 20 people, and I've only been tattooing just over 2 years. I can't remember a time I did something based on what their kid has actually done in their life...

I would prefer to quote the image from Zoolander I believe he posted...
And the watercolor tattoos don't make good tattoos either. Besides, tattoo flash is painted with watercolor, so a rose with an eagle and a banner reading DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR is a watercolor tattoo.

Most of them won't age well, and look better on paper or canvas than skin, hence the dislike from most people.

Forgot to add, clearly the best is Tat Zapper. Of course, meaning you work at Ye Olde Tat Zappery.

For people who actually tattoo, I notice the terms alternating between different styles of tattooing. The more rendered, over the top styles seem to go with artist more, while the traditional/craftsmen minded guys seem to opt for tattooer. Clients almost across the board use tattoo artist, or occasionally tattooist. Some variations seem to occur based on era in which someone came from, as well. Similar to shops or tattooers now using the term "professional tattooing" to differentiate from scratchers/fly-by-night kind of guys, tattoo artist did seem to be a way to try to separate from those who aren't serious.
Personally, I call myself and use the term tattooer. I find I work best thinking of what I do on skin as all craft, with art being on paper or canvas, and ending with my final line drawing for a stencil. However, like a potter, or someone who works in a bronze foundry casting people's sculptures, I understand there is an artistic component to the craft.

For people who actually tattoo, I notice the terms alternating between different styles of tattooing. The more rendered, over the top styles seem to go with artist more, while the traditional/craftsmen minded guys seem to opt for tattooer. Clients almost across the board use tattoo artist, or occasionally tattooist. Some variations seem to occur based on era in which someone came from, as well. Similar to shops or tattooers now using the term "professional tattooing" to differentiate from scratchers/fly-by-night kind of guys, tattoo artist did seem to be a way to try to separate from those who aren't serious.
Personally, I call myself and use the term tattooer. I find I work best thinking of what I do on skin as all craft, with art being on paper or canvas, and ending with my final line drawing for a stencil. However, like a potter, or someone who works in a bronze foundry casting people's sculptures, I understand there is an artistic component to the craft.

If a tattooer charges $X per hour, he usually takes home $Y after paying a Z% shop cut. It's simple algebra, I'm sure you can extrapolate from there.

For people who actually tattoo, I notice the terms alternating between different styles of tattooing. The more rendered, over the top styles seem to go with artist more, while the traditional/craftsmen minded guys seem to opt for tattooer. Clients almost across the board use tattoo artist, or occasionally tattooist. Some variations seem to occur based on era in which someone came from, as well. Similar to shops or tattooers now using the term "professional tattooing" to differentiate from scratchers/fly-by-night kind of guys, tattoo artist did seem to be a way to try to separate from those who aren't serious.
Personally, I call myself and use the term tattooer. I find I work best thinking of what I do on skin as all craft, with art being on paper or canvas, and ending with my final line drawing for a stencil. However, like a potter, or someone who works in a bronze foundry casting people's sculptures, I understand there is an artistic component to the craft.

For people who actually tattoo, I notice the terms alternating between different styles of tattooing. The more rendered, over the top styles seem to go with artist more, while the traditional/craftsmen minded guys seem to opt for tattooer. Clients almost across the board use tattoo artist, or occasionally tattooist. Some variations seem to occur based on era in which someone came from, as well. Similar to shops or tattooers now using the term "professional tattooing" to differentiate from scratchers/fly-by-night kind of guys, tattoo artist did seem to be a way to try to separate from those who aren't serious.
Personally, I call myself and use the term tattooer. I find I work best thinking of what I do on skin as all craft, with art being on paper or canvas, and ending with my final line drawing for a stencil. However, like a potter, or someone who works in a bronze foundry casting people's sculptures, I understand there is an artistic component to the craft.

For people who actually tattoo, I notice the terms alternating between different styles of tattooing. The more rendered, over the top styles seem to go with artist more, while the traditional/craftsmen minded guys seem to opt for tattooer. Clients almost across the board use tattoo artist, or occasionally tattooist. Some variations seem to occur based on era in which someone came from, as well. Similar to shops or tattooers now using the term "professional tattooing" to differentiate from scratchers/fly-by-night kind of guys, tattoo artist did seem to be a way to try to separate from those who aren't serious.
Personally, I call myself and use the term tattooer. I find I work best thinking of what I do on skin as all craft, with art being on paper or canvas, and ending with my final line drawing for a stencil. However, like a potter, or someone who works in a bronze foundry casting people's sculptures, I understand there is an artistic component to the craft.

For people who actually tattoo, I notice the terms alternating between different styles of tattooing. The more rendered, over the top styles seem to go with artist more, while the traditional/craftsmen minded guys seem to opt for tattooer. Clients almost across the board use tattoo artist, or occasionally tattooist. Some variations seem to occur based on era in which someone came from, as well. Similar to shops or tattooers now using the term "professional tattooing" to differentiate from scratchers/fly-by-night kind of guys, tattoo artist did seem to be a way to try to separate from those who aren't serious.
Personally, I call myself and use the term tattooer. I find I work best thinking of what I do on skin as all craft, with art being on paper or canvas, and ending with my final line drawing for a stencil. However, like a potter, or someone who works in a bronze foundry casting people's sculptures, I understand there is an artistic component to the craft.

For people who actually tattoo, I notice the terms alternating between different styles of tattooing. The more rendered, over the top styles seem to go with artist more, while the traditional/craftsmen minded guys seem to opt for tattooer. Clients almost across the board use tattoo artist, or occasionally tattooist. Some variations seem to occur based on era in which someone came from, as well. Similar to shops or tattooers now using the term "professional tattooing" to differentiate from scratchers/fly-by-night kind of guys, tattoo artist did seem to be a way to try to separate from those who aren't serious.
Personally, I call myself and use the term tattooer. I find I work best thinking of what I do on skin as all craft, with art being on paper or canvas, and ending with my final line drawing for a stencil. However, like a potter, or someone who works in a bronze foundry casting people's sculptures, I understand there is an artistic component to the craft.

I think he means "...on this site: where art is more important than personal meaning." But, he isn't well informed on sentence structure.
As for it not being a slam on the site... I think his idea of trying to hide insults is akin to Ricky Bobby's use of the phrase "with all due respect."

I think he means "...on this site: where art is more important than personal meaning." But, he isn't well informed on sentence structure.
As for it not being a slam on the site... I think his idea of trying to hide insults is akin to Ricky Bobby's use of the phrase "with all due respect."

If a tattooer charges $X per hour, he usually takes home $Y after paying a Z% shop cut. It's simple algebra, I'm sure you can extrapolate from there.

That's for that tattoo artist to know, and for no one else other than maybe their employer to find out. One of the very first rules of this forum is not discussing money as far as how much people charge for a tattoo... this question is by far rude and out of bounds. If some random person at Burger King asked for a copy of your tax return, would you take kindly to it? Honestly, if I were a mod, I would lock/delete this thread as soon as seeing it, and let you know how thin of ice you'd be treading on for asking this question.
And to give a slight hint as to an answer, not as much as they charge you up front. No matter what they take home per hour (which is nowhere close to what you're charged), they also have to buy their own equipment (which isn't cheap, if it's good), provide transportation if they travel a lot, pay for any insurance they may have (health, car, etc.), etc. etc. etc. You don't get rich as a tattooer... Hardly any even get to be well off. Just varying levels of comfort, if you're fortunate.

Tons of people do want to know. And you know what? IT'S NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS EITHER. I have close friends that I've known literally my entire life that I don't tell things like this. I also don't tell them why my machines run differently than one another, or what makes one type of pigment different from another, or anything else that's a part of my trade that is none of their business.
Drop the question, learn to know that some things aren't your business, and move on to the next topic. I'm sure it'll be enlightening and full of great contributions.
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And to quit being obtuse and give you an answer, the average tattooer charges between $50 and $500 an hour. After paying a shop cut of between 1% and 99%, they usually take home between $15.78 and $3,000,000,000,000 a year, before taxes.

If a tattooer charges $X per hour, he usually takes home $Y after paying a Z% shop cut. It's simple algebra, I'm sure you can extrapolate from there.

That's for that tattoo artist to know, and for no one else other than maybe their employer to find out. One of the very first rules of this forum is not discussing money as far as how much people charge for a tattoo... this question is by far rude and out of bounds. If some random person at Burger King asked for a copy of your tax return, would you take kindly to it? Honestly, if I were a mod, I would lock/delete this thread as soon as seeing it, and let you know how thin of ice you'd be treading on for asking this question.
And to give a slight hint as to an answer, not as much as they charge you up front. No matter what they take home per hour (which is nowhere close to what you're charged), they also have to buy their own equipment (which isn't cheap, if it's good), provide transportation if they travel a lot, pay for any insurance they may have (health, car, etc.), etc. etc. etc. You don't get rich as a tattooer... Hardly any even get to be well off. Just varying levels of comfort, if you're fortunate.

If a tattooer charges $X per hour, he usually takes home $Y after paying a Z% shop cut. It's simple algebra, I'm sure you can extrapolate from there.