12 Ways to Prevent Your Tattoo Artist From Killing You.

 I used to wonder why tattoo artist always had an attitude. In my mind I was like

"Dude. You draw on people for a living, its not that serious, get happy!"

I'm actually scared to approach artists at conventions most of the time because there is a large group that are arrogant and can't be bothered dealing with the public. I used to think they just thought they were better than me. In some cases this is true but as I myself have come into the tattoo profession I've come to notice certain habits and patterns that are irritating as fuck and the more and more people you deal with the more you actually dread them and imagine painful things happening to them.

So I've come up with a survival plan for you tattoo loving customers. Artists feel free to chime in and add...



1) Do Not Haggle.
     A tattoo shop is not a flee market, auction, or garage sale. Most shops have a stone cold minimum, deal with it. You are paying for ART to be put on your skin FOREVER. Is that really something you want to go cheap on? Sure there may be some sketchy artist out there that will do your grandma's portrait for $100 but now you're messing with quality and your health and safety. There are some things you can bargain with, a process of needles going into your skin by human hand... not so much. Pay the price or thank the artist politely and leave and go SAVE UP THE MONEY FOR A GOOD TATTOO.


2) Do Not Ask Vague Questions Like "How much are your tattoos?"
    Every tattoo is different and unique. A tattoo can vary in price depending on size, detail, color, placement, ect. A rose of the same size could cost $100 if its black and grey to $400 is you want it realistic with water droplets and the whole show. Know what you want and ask for a ballpark figure on the piece your thinking. Ask a stupid question, get a stupid response. I promise.

3) It is not a tattoo "gun", it is a tattoo "machine"
  Though some artist probably would love it if their machines shot bullets, even rubber ones, they sadly do not. If you walk in calling it a machine you will sound more well informed and get more respect from your artist. (until you piss them off wanting "tiny name on my wrist".. we'll get to that later)

4) Tip. Your. Damn. Artist.
  They just sat there for hours creating beautiful art, custom to your requests, and listened to you talk about your entire life and problems and kids and relationships. For god sakes, tip them. They are preforming a service just like a bartender, waitress, hair dresser, ect (and you better be tipping these people too!) It really shows gratitude and after they pay their half to shop management or booth rent, that little extra is really nice.

5) Leave the kids at home.
 Most shops have signs right on them saying "No Children" but apparently not everyone can read or think they are some kind of exception. In a shop people have a lot of body parts exposed, there is a lot of "grown-up" talk going on, and its just not a good environment for kids, nor should it be. We are not babysitters, we are tattoo artist. Not to mention there are a lot of blood borne pathogens flying around and cleaning supplies and sharp things that are not safe for children to be around. On top of all of this, while we are concentrating on making you're skin beautiful it becomes rather hard when there is a child running, screaming, demanding, bored, whining, ect... get a sitter, call grandma, leave them at a kennel, I don't care..

6) Yes it Hurts. Man Up.
  I actually have that exact phrase written on my drawers in my station. It hurts. Every body part that is going to be touched by tattoo needles is going to hurt, so don't bother asking. Yes, its going to suck. Get over it. And once we start, it's go time. A little whimper or groan is understandable but save the drama and crying and 28 breaks for someone with the time. We understand they hurt but you paid for it, you're getting it. We don't need a floor show.

7) Go big or Go Home.
   Ok. I understand people have jobs and can't all have sleeves and chest pieces and back pieces. Maybe its not you're style, I totally understand. But don't come in with some big, epic, image and ask for it to get shrunk down to a quarter. It'll look like shit. Over time tattoos do bleed out slightly and if you have lettering to small its going to look like... crap. I know this personally, I have writing on the side of my foot that looks like a doily now. So either let the piece be the size it needs to be to look right or get something else. We're not trying to screw you out of money, we're making sure we send you out with work that actually looks good, it'll make us look good.

8) Get Creative.
  Enough with the name tattoos. Seriously. I know an artist that flat out doesn't do names what so ever. He believes it's more meaningful to get something that symbolizes the person than just some lame script. Not to mention half those names are lovers that your just going to have to get covered up. If you REALLY must have a name, try incorporating it with something meaningful. My mother was really into animals so when she passed instead of getting "mom" written in script I got paw prints running across my foot.. and lettering you can't read anymore... see how that whole lettering thing isn't always a good idea? Get Creative.


9) Commit.
   No you don't have to date you're artist. But if they started it, they should finish it. Unless they die, or get arrested (it happens), or leave the area, don't bounce around from artist to artist for a better deal. Most artists won't step on another one's work anyway. Also if you make an appointment, GO
TO IT. You just blocked out time that artist could be making money to work on you. Not just the actually tattoo time but drawing time as well. Go to you're appointment. The deposit helps but it doesn't make up for all the time lost when you bail.

10) Get Fresssssshhhhh...
   Wash. Your. Ass. Yes, that's right. Take a shower, put on some deo, brush your teeth, you know the drill. We are working very closely with you body and its just common decency to clean yourself up a bit before you come in. I'm not saying get your hair did and get a mani-pedi. If your getting a foot tattoo, don't go right after the gym. Hose off.

11) No ID? Sucks for you.
  I don't care if you look like Santa Clause. We know MOST people are over 18 that come in. We believe you. However the Health Dept. comes in and checks for paperwork and EVERYONE most have their ID scanned or its lights out for the shop. We are not trying to be assholes we just want to keep our jobs. Get your ID. Leave the attitude. This leads to the final tip...



12)NO UNDERAGERS.
 The general rule of shops is 18 and up. Some states allow 17 year olds to be tattooed with written parental consent. Some. Mine doesn't. If you're 14, 15, 16, I don't care what you're parents say, it's not going to happen. Don't rush to grow up, trust me, your time will come.





I love most of my clients. I love their stories and we have a good time. I wouldn't dare get the crap they want on me but it's their body and they love it. However for every 1 awesome client I get there are at least 5 idiots. Don't be that guy.

Wear Sunscreen!

-Casey