What Tattoo Artists Wish Clients Knew Before Booking

1.⁠ ⁠Great tattoos take time (and patience)

Rushing the process almost always compromises the result. Good tattoos involve:

• Concept development

• Placement testing

• Line, shading, and healing considerations

If an artist suggests waiting, refining, or splitting sessions - t’s about quality, not inconvenience.

2.⁠ ⁠Pinterest is an inspiration, not a blueprint.

Bringing references is great. Expecting an exact copy isn’t.

Artists want to:

• Adapt designs to your body

• Avoid copying someone else’s work

• Create something original that ages well

The best tattoos are collaborations, not photocopies.

3.⁠ ⁠Your body matters as much as the design

Skin tone, texture, scars, stretch marks, and placement all affect the final result.

What looks great on a forearm online may not work the same on a rib, ankle, or finger.

Trust artists when they suggest:

• Size changes

• Slight repositioning

• Line weight adjustments

These decisions are about longevity.

4.⁠ ⁠Cheap tattoos are rarely good tattoos

A low price often means:

• Rushed work

• Inexperienced artists

• Poor materials or hygiene

• Higher chances of blowouts or fading

You’re not just paying for ink - you’re paying for experience, safety, and years of practice.

5.⁠ ⁠Deposits protect both of us

Deposits:

• Secure your time slot

• Compensate for prep work

• Reduce last-minute cancellations

Artists schedule their lives around appointments. A no-show isn’t just rude - it’s lost income.

6.⁠ ⁠Pain tolerance varies wildly

No artist is impressed by “I don’t feel pain” bravado.

What helps:

• Sleeping well

• Eating beforehand

• Staying hydrated

• Being honest if you need breaks

Toughing it out silently can lead to movement and mistakes.

7.⁠ ⁠Aftercare matters more than people think

A beautifully done tattoo can be ruined by poor aftercare.

Artists wish clients knew:

• Healing is a shared responsibility

• Sun, scratching, and over-moisturising cause damage

• Touch-ups are often needed - and normal

Your tattoo’s future depends on how you treat it after you leave the studio, keeping your tattoo clean and applying your aftercare cream.

8.⁠ ⁠Design changes on the day are normal

Seeing a stencil on your body can change your perspective - and that’s okay.

Good artists expect:

• Minor tweaks

• Placement adjustments

• Last-minute refinements

Thank you