How to Get a Tattoo

From start to finish! Here's my best advice for planning your next tattoo.

Take time to gather your ideas

This is the most important part! Do your research and don't forget to save all your screenshots (tip: try to include artist names so you can find them again in the future!) I know lots of clients who keep an ongoing note of their tattoo ideas and potential artists.

What styles do you like? Decide if you're looking for black ink or colour, fine-line or bold, line-work or realistic. There's so many amazing artists with varying styles - so take your time to figure out what really speaks to you!

Sometimes this step can be skipped if you're super flexible on design! Lots of artists are happy to work with clients who give them free rein (with some guidance of course!) or sometimes will offer flash (pre-drawn) designs. This works really well if you're someone who's not quite sure what they want, and if you've already found a perfect artist for you.

Research Artists

If you haven't already, take some time to find artists that resonate with your style!

Review your screenshots and dig deep into their work! Find what you like/don't like and compare. Find out where they are, what their studio is like - and don't forget to figure out what they're like as well! You'll have to spend a bit of time together so it's nice to make sure it's a good fit. Take your time, this is a big decision.

Think about placement

Consider things like size, spacing, and negative space. Take the time to measure the dimensions in inches so you can include this in your request. These are all important in developing an estimate for how long your tattoo will take for a proper quote.

When and where?

Decide if you're willing to travel or looking for someone local. Will you need hotel/accommodations? Will you have to take time off work? Delay a vacation?

All of these things are important to consider when developing a budget that considers all the potential costs involved.

Find out how your artists schedule works

Review your artists website, Instagram, or email for more information. Some will accept appointments year round and some will open and close their schedule so things don't get too hectic.

Personally I don't take any requests via Instagram DM's as it hard to keep track of. My calendar opens a few times a year and I book a few months at a time.

Patience is key

Who like waiting? Nobody.

But these things take time and we only have so many hands. Some artists take appointments a few weeks in advance, some a few years. Please be patient and don't try to skip to the front of the line. It's no problem at all to email to ask - shoot your shot my friend. But please don't harass your artists when they've clearly expressed their boundaries or limitations.

Know that they may not share your vision

If they don't think they can do a good job on your tattoo, believe them. Sometimes your desired artist is not the right fit for your ideas. It's always great if you're feeling flexible and listen to advice from the artist, but sometimes it's better to find someone else to do your tattoo.

Most common reasons why tattoo requests are rejected:

Your ideas don't fit with the artist's style
They have a high volume of requests and don't have time available
Too many ideas being incorporated into one piece - sometimes simplicity can result in a more cohesive flow
Crossing artists boundaries or general rudeness
It's something they've done a lot of already and need a little break
It's not something they feel comfortable tattooing - this can range from a tattoo that is inappropriate to something as simple as not feeling capable of doing a good job

Note: No one should ever be turned away from a tattoo based on their skin tone or size. It's not ok, and there is always a way to adjust to fit everyones individual needs.

you're booked? Congrats! What's next?

At this point you'll have to pay a deposit. Tattoo artists request a percentage of the tattoo upfront to secure a spot. Generally appointments aren't booked until the deposit is in place so don't forget this step!

Personally, I send over an email with an estimate of cost/time, policies, and any other important information. My clients are then redirected to complete their booking and pay a deposit. It's important to note that deposits are non-refundable, so you should ensure you're feeling ready to go with your tattoo!

Find out what they recommend for pre-tattoo and post-tattoo care, check out my First Tattoo Survival Guide and Tattoo Aftercare 101 blog for my best practices!