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Showing results for tags 'tattoo etiquette'.
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So on another forum I am on (non-tattoo), I came across "is this tattoo guy good" thread...well lets just say I am talking him out of a bad-bad decision.... ORIGINAL POST: -
I will not name names just yet but I got screwed out of my deposit by a traveling artist. At a very reputable shop I signed up for a tattoo by a know artist and things got screwed up. We were set on the date and I gave him a $100 deposit. A two weeks before my appointment he called and said he had to move my date up since he is traveling, I agreed to it and move my day off of work (not easy). The next week I was at the shop with while my other friend got tattooed and I was talking to one of the guys there and mentioned I was going to be back next week to get tattooed. He said that the guy does not work there anymore.... After calling the guy again he said oh yea guess I cant do it there but we could always go to (another reputable shop). That fell through as well and was offered to do it at a "private studio in Brooklyn"....no dice for me since I always scope out the shops before hand, as well as feeling jerked around quite a bit. He said he would refund my deposit since everything got messed up....two months later he still never refunded me and now "doesn't know who I am".... How the hell do I fix this? I personally think this is not my fault otherwise I would not ask for a refund (he was the one who mentioned it to begin with). Any thoughts?
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"Why did you get all those tattoos? What do they all mean?" That's a question I get a lot, and I honestly cannot think of an answer to save my life. I always get it from people who either have none or maybe one or two. "Because my dad got one in 1953 and it's one of the first things i can remember seeing from my childhood? I don't know?" It's hard to express to someone who will never know just what you have endured or are willing to endure to have something no one can ever take away from you.
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Maybe this is already been discussed, if so , sorry. I recently tried to work for a shop owned by someone that does not tattoo, I also considered going to work at another, same deal. Not having any experience in this venture and obviously not able to take the expriences of others to learn from, I had to learn on my own. I guess I never really got how important pride in a craft really is. These people that do not practice the craft have only the''all mighty dollar'' in mind, and it seems to me nothing else. I realized that only people involved in this business care about how,why and what goes down in a tattoo shop. I was insulted via Email, by a potential ''employer'' telling me that he was a ''business man with goals''. This in itself made me realize, this cannot work for me. His interests only lie in money. It also made me realize again what I want in and out of this biz. Only to grow as an artist, as a practitioner, and if I can make a living,great. life lessons are hard to learn , I think I just learned one. I'm interested in the expriences of others in this, because to me it seems impossible.
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Hello all, new to the forums here. I currently have six tats and I'm getting my first "large" piece starting in two weeks. The piece will cover the entire right side of my chest and down my right arm forming a half sleeve. I usually tip 25% when I get tattoed, but I'm wondering what's proper etiquette when getting a large piece that takes multiple sittings? Do I tip every sitting or when the tattoo is finished? Thanks for the advice. Kevin
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So as many of you know my wife was studying under a local tattoo artist. Actually, to be exact, she was travelling 100 miles round trip to tattoo people unsupervised, but I will get to that... A family friend has been tattooing for 20 years. Nice guy, easy to get along with, lots of awards, very busy studio,booked out a couple of months in advance. He seemed like the perfect person for her to learn with. She approached him and stated that she simply wanted to do the donkey work, cleaning toilets, making coffee, going to the store etc, that she was in no rush and for now simply wanted to spend as much time as possible getting to know the ins and outs of a tattoo shop. After seeing some of her art, he tells her that its pointless wasting here time cleaning, and that as soon as she has people to tattoo, he will teach her - stating that practice skins and pig skins are completely different from human skin and that the only way to learn is to start. At this point both myself and more importantly my wife are concerned, but we guess he knows what he is doing, we trust his experience and I suppose, speaking for myself, I allowed my love for my wife to influence my instinct... I wanted to believe she had some type of superhuman artistic tattoo ability and that she was going to be a natural. I wanted to encourage her. She spends a day watching him, and she is let loose on me, doing two tattoos on my leg. Both of which were "ok" but he spends no time watching or guiding her, stating that she will learn as she goes. So then he tells her that she should bring any customers she can find and he will offer her a split of the cash.Which again seems strange, but we guess he knows best. We bring along two friends, and the first tattoo is great. But the second one is not so good, she makes a simple mistake at the start, which she points out to him. He tells her "that she knows what she is doing and to fix it". She tries, it gets worse, he tries to fix it, it gets no better, he tells her to bandage the tattoo and charges the guy half price. When the customer leaves he states "what does he want for £40.00" Then he says that he sends clients out all the time with bad tattoos, but he does not have the time to fix all his mistakes. He then tells her that it was time she bought her own tattoo equipment and that she needed to tattoo faster because it was a business. Needless to say my wife spent the journey home and the rest of the day in tears because she messed up the guys tattoo, but also because she realised that she could not stay there and would have to give up her "apprenticeship". She called the guy the next day and said she would not be coming back, and he genuinely seemed shocked? She said she would clean toilets for a lifetime before picking up a tattoo machine, rather than mess up someone skin, but I know she is hurt and deflated. I think she did the right thing. Did she?
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So I am starting to hear that summer is a bad season to get tattooed. Other than the obvious downside (no swimming!) is it true that summer is generally busier? Any input from collectors/artists would be great.
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A recent thread from a customer's point of view got me to thinking------ as a tattooist, how do you treat visitors to your shop who are also tattooists. Have you been treated well or horribly when visiting other people's shops? I know that the poor treatment that ive received stopping in at a shop has shaped the way That I treat visitors. -
Hey I'm a total newbie when it comes to tattoos but I have an idea for one that I would love to make happen. No words, just the image with a black backdrop. Is this doable/possible? Let me know guys. I would want this on my back and though I am not certain on the exact size I would want it to cover most of the surface area.
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I have yet to get my first tattoo, but am looking to put one on my side. However, I have old stretch marks in the area (across my hips that go up in straight lines on my stomach). I don't want to chance tattooing across them, however I would assume it would be ok on the unaffected skin between them. Does anyone was have experience in this area?
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I got a strange call today. My appointment is in two days and my artist called me and asked me what I was getting again. He had no recollection of anything we talked about and apparently had lost all of my references. After he asked me if I was getting a custom tattoo or flash (i am getting the majority of my leg done) he hung up... Is it normal to be completely forgot about, especially on a relatively large custom piece? I am a bit nervous now since I feel he is completely unprepared for me to come in, and will have no idea until I show up. Should I be worried?
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Tattoo Life Gallery Fresh ideas for your tattoos They are charging for a gallery...did they even get artist permission...and if not...oh lord. all they did is set up a database to make it easier to access designs, artists, and style in a search engine style site. Probably took them a week to put together, WTF.
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"I quit!" how to stay friends when you leave a shop...
Lizzie posted a topic in Crazy Tattoo Stories
I haven't met many people who have success stories leaving their shops for others or to open up. Even when things are done in the shop owners benefit, and with the utmost respect it goes pear shaped too often. Any tips on how people here did it? I'd love for anyone to not go through the ex communication I have in the past. And why do we think this happens? Are we really that scared that we're going to lose our clientele to the new guy? Or is this just part and parcel of a linear career where one shop trumps the next until you're happy and settled? I would ask that any responses here obviously don't make any negative mention of former employers. This isn't what this post is about: moreso to help people "quit better" and more respectfully... -
Hey I was wondering what is the best way to contact an artist as a prospective client by phone, email or another way? I have attempted to get a hold of a few artists to see if they would be willing to take me on as a client in the future. So far I haven't gotten any replies. I am trying to save and figure out logistics involved like scheduling vacation, plane tickets etc. I guess I am looking for suggestions. I know some of the artists I have contacted are really busy. I figured that email would be a safe bet as I feel a little dumb calling and taking to someone about a future tattoo. I would like to get an idea if the artist is willing to work with me and the rate so I can start to get a ball park idea of hours and cost involved. Looking for opinions thanks.
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I'm gonna stir the pot here, and I want to be clear that this is all in an effort to understand, not confront or argue. I promise. smiling.politely posted a painting the other day and asked about pricing in his thread. The minute I saw it, I thought, "Uh oh.." But you learn a lot from year to year as you get older and while tossing up a panther head painting and asking about pricing in a forum full of curmudgeonly tattooers is not the best idea, I thought, "Shit.. I guess I won't mention my own sketchbook. Or messing around with watercolors." So, aside from trying to cash in on generally accepted tattoo designs, it comes back to this question of ownership. As far back as I can remember, I drew and I drew on myself. When I got older I bought tattoo magazines and drew designs out of there, sometimes for friends, none of whom actually got tattooed. I was definitely not a great artist. I have the utmost respect for those on here who are career tattooers. But I sit in my kitchen when I have the time, and draw. And yep, sometimes they're (poorly drawn) panthers and pharoahs horses and lady heads. Ms. Rad said something on ShannonShirley's blog: "i even draw flash in my sketchbook, but i wouldn't dare show anyone what i've created... tattooing is a whole different world, and i've come to the conclusion to not even try to understand it since i will always be an outsider" So we're all obviously outsiders. I guess the question is why we're not allowed to draw traditional designs. I draw other things, too, but I feel that tattoos have been such a part of me for so long, it's hard not to want to try drawing a panther head a new way, or get my roses down. (Damn, roses are tough..) And right now, I'm cringing just like I did when I read the post asking about pricing for the painting because I almost don't want to read the responses. I'm sure smiling.politely didn't mean to insult anyone. I hope I'm not insulting anyone. One of the great things about LST is us regular civilians get to learn. I still remember Alanna's post about going from watching tattoo tv shows to learning about Amund Dietzel and getting a Dietzel tattoo from Nick Colella (I think it was). So.. if no one is trying to take money out your mouths, and someone shows an interest in the art side of it, why assume the worst? All tattooers were the same regular folks before, drawn to art, enamored with tattoos, drawn to it all for whatever reason. And I think there's something to be said for defending your craft so vehemently. Tell me to fuck off and die if you want, but this probably won't stop me from continuing to draw. Because unless someone straight up copies, nobody owns "panther head" or "pair of swallows." If they did, nobody would have been tattooing them for the last hundred years. Hope I didn't offend anyone, just trying to understand.
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So I know the thread Cable Invasion was started around the rumors of a new tattoo TV show in New York and since it has kind of been announced that it is true I thought I would start a thread for discussion. Below is one of the few things in the press about this new show for those interested. I have heard things in other arenas from various people but don't want to be the one to bring it to the surface, however, if those who are on this tattoo forum want to share what they know have at it. There are/is some tattooers on this forum that will be on it and I think the tattoos that come from these individuals will continue to be impressive. From my understanding one of the big beefs with this show are the misconceptions around tattooing, tattooers, and tattoo shops that are portrayed to potential tattoo customers. Some of this has been discussed in the Good Tattoo Customer Behavior thread and elsewhere on our tattoo forum. One of my favorite quotes which if anyone knows anything about the previous tattoo shows on TLC and elsewhere comes from Tim Hendricks in that thread who has been on the show(s). It seems to have fallen through the cracks as no one commented on it so here it is again if you missed it, .With that have at it.... -Your thoughts? -Have you been tattooed on any of these tattoo shows? What was you experience? Note: this could get interesting as many don't know about the tattooers shown on the show and those behind the scenes..... -Have you tattooed on these shows? What was your experience? -Do you watch these tattoo TV shows? Favorite and/or least favorite parts? -and whatever else you feel like weighing in on -If you could do your own tattoo tv show/ docu-series how would you do it? Here is one of the few press articles out there on the new NY Ink show by the New York Post:
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Just wondering how you tattoo artist view your customers? i have always noticed a "im too cool attitude" by every artist that ive been tattooed by, I get the feeling that a customer is just a john or trick if you will, kinda like a prostitute views there clients, ya know with a complete lack of respect for there customers and just wanting to get your money. It seams like all the "artists" that ive encountered sees me as a drawing board with a pocket book, usually the artist is talking to another artist the whole time he is tattooing me and if i participate in the conversation at all I either get ignored or looked at funny and responded to in a curt manor, is this the normal attitude in this industry? (Take this for instance - i made a apointment with a artist earlier in the week for saturday 12:30, i showed up at 1230 sharp, and the helper said oh hes gunna do a tat really quik than get to me, ok i said", if it wasnt for wanting to get tattooed by this man for years, i would have just left right on the spot, but i stayed and about 45mins go by and the helper is going around asking the tattooers if they wanted some coffee or something to eat because she was going out to the coffee shop, I was thinking boy i hope she asks me if i want a cup of coffee, i sure am thirsty, but she just walked right past me like i wasnt there. 30 more min goes by and she gets back and everyone takes a coffee/ lunch break, the artist takes a break and about 20 more mins go by, by than its been two hours ive been waiting and im pretty thirsty, so i ask the helper if there is a coffee shop near by? she says - "oh hes ready to tattoo you know". Im not out to bargin hunt some rinky dink skull or sumething, I dropped 300 on the piece and didnt have any requests or stupid placement of the tat, so i know im not difficult in any way. I am very happy with the tattoo and i even tipped the artist, because i like the piece he did, he was also a nice guy to talk to, and he didnt have the cool guy tude most have. I would get tattooed again by him maybe just not at that shop, i guess he works at other shops so.) Its funny how many times I have felt disrespected in one way or another while at a tattoo shop when i really think back on the experiences ive had in the past. Im almost to the point that id rather get a shitty tattoo but a good experience rather than the other way around, either that or just smack the motherfucker right in his mouth right when i feel disrespected by the "cool guy tude" For the record I am a very easy going guy, i dont judge peolpe, I dont think im better than anyone, and I am willing to talk to anyone no matter how different they are, but i get the feeling alot of tattooers dont think that way? its like they are in this cool guy society and regular people just are not cool enough to respect, almost like a form of racism against non tattooers? If I could get your guys take on how you see customers and the way you think they should be treated please do tell? -
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I did a lot of shopping for an artists work I like. We spent about 10 minutes discussing the design I am interested in. The design isnt crazy. But I am curious to see how he is going to lay out the nebula I am looking for. I am NOT an artist. I picked this guy because I love his work. I made my appointments in April. My first appointment is June 6th. My question is...is it appropriate to stop into the shop and discuss my design with him again before my first appointment? I thought I could swing by when he has a bit of downtime and bring in a small gift or something (like a decent bottle of tequila or something). I guess I dont want him to forget what we discussed...on the other hand...I dont want to be "that guy". I dont want to be a pain in the ass. Thanks.
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There seems to be a recurring topic on LST around "tattoo etiquette" that has come up over and over again from tattoo customers to tattooers to tattoo shops to tattoo designs to tattoo websites and the list goes on and on for various ways tattoos play a role in society today. So I though it could be an insightful and helpful platform to start a tattoo etiquette specific thread. For those who want to see other threads and blogs on this tattoo forum and ezine where this theme comes up type it into the search bar and you will find some good stuff LSTers have contributed. Its a theme that I don't think can be discussed enough. The purpose of this is to provide a quick list type thread for people to read and learn about how to best "support" or be a part of tattooing. It comes from an old phrase "Intention VS. Outcome". I think many peoples intentions are good and not hurtful, however, the outcome often times is not what is meant. Multiple perspectives are going to arise regardless and there will never be everyone happy and/or supportive but if a foundation is created or rather discussed then maybe it can provide a more accurate perspective on how to be a positive person in the world of tattooing and maybe life as a whole. This could be from a first and/or only time customer to a long time tattooer or tattoo customer to how the "press" and companies interact with the world/craft of tattooing. When I first started this thread I was going to create a list of questions but now feel it best to just let everyone have at it how you interpret and act on the above or other stuff. Thanks and we look forward to hearing everyones ideas and ways they support tattooing with I dare say the word integrity........
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Hey everyone, I've been thinking about difficult areas of the body to tattoo and wonder if anyone had any advice? I think the throat is one of the hardest as the head and shoulders make it difficult to reach and it's hard to stretch. Does anyone have any tricks or tips to share about tattooing the throat?
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Something I've been mulling over for years, and after watching that interview with Bryan Burk ,kinda solidified it, but how important is it for you to know exactly where your supplies come from. Really trying to gauge this as how much effort is worth it to be honest with ourselves about who we get needles,ink, grips, even something as simple as grommets from? I know on a personal level who I've bought machines from, and I pretty much only use pigment I've made, someone I work with has made, or Waverly , whom is run by a amn I call a good friend( and Bill's stuff is the best, I've been in his 'lab' and it's top- notch). But I've stopped making needles these past two-three years. Spent a couple bucks and ordered them directly from the factory in China that makes EVERYBODIES needles..Simple things like that. I can buy a 24$ "Eikon style" power supply, but do I ( We?) really want to support that, and in a sense, "cheapen" what we do? Should we all stop being so lazy, and try and rekindle that DIY spirit that tattooings all about? Also, if anyone wants to offer up venues to recommend where someone can buy supplies made for tattooers, by tattooers..that would be appreciated. -
A friend of mine wants to bring her daughter in to get tattooed for the first time but she has Vitiligo. Is tattooing someone with this condition possible? Has anyone had experience with this in the past? How would the condition affect the tattoo?
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http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7509401Funny as hell..
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There's all kinds of stuff on here about the worst tattoos you've seen and pain in the ass clients, but what about the ones you love? For those of you who watched Nick Colella's interview, you'll remember him talking about a client who got his first tattoo with Nick. After that they've attended each others weddings and become close. It made me feel really good, because we so often forget about the awesome people we meet in the wake of the psycho drunk assholes that affect our day so much more strongly. So let's chat about some of the awesome people who you look forward to seeing in your tattoo shops. Ps this post is also partially inspired by an awesome repeat customer of mine named Alanna who posts on LST regularly and has taken a truly responsible interest in good tattooing and traveling to indulge her new hobby. She also brings us cookies and is also always an uplifting presence in the shop. We need to celebrate radical dudes like her who got into tattooing post tv show, but have a pre-tv show reverence for the trade.
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OK I am not asking anyone to design a tattoo before I get flamed. I have had a great offer from 4 tattoo artists I work with regarding my sleeve. The plan so far is for the 4 of them to get together with a big old sheet of paper and drawing supplies plus me and my blank arm. What happens next is kind of competative drawing with each artist doing a piece and biding for space. I am hoping that by the end of the night or the end of the booze at least we will have a pile of super cool pictures and a stencil for my arm. Tattooing of the outline is a job for the next day and each artist will then complete there designs over a few months. Firstly does this sound as good an idea to you guys as it does to me? Secondly I must have missed an important pitfall somewhere what is it? Lastly I have a list of must have elements for a hotrod sleve but I would welcome your ideas so I dont forget any classics.
