tattoo artist question

are all tattoo artists such flakes? or am i expecting too much?

as i continue to think about getting my first tattoo, i thought i would start to see which artist would be a good fit for me.

i reached out to two artists. they both brushed me off. i thought they would be eager for the work and the money and would want to help me and/or answer questions.

i felt like i was bothering them.

is this what dealing with good, tempermental artists is like?

Re: tattoo artist question

No they aren't. I'm sure you received a lot of recommendations so just book an appointment with one. You'll see the experience is better after you put down a deposit.

Re: tattoo artist question

That question is like saying "are all car salesman's lairs?"

You get the good and bad in every position! I agree with the PP that you will find someone a bit more helpful once they know you are serious.

Re: tattoo artist question

i think tattoo artists deal with so many people coming in wanting unoriginal, boring (to them) tattoos that they really only get excited when they see something different or challenging.

So what may seem really unique or different to you, is probably something they've seen many times before.. so the attitude you experience is probably a bit of a result of that. (not saying your idea is not original, i don't even know what you're getting..)

Don't give up though.. you'll find someone who responds to what you're looking to do and who goes the extra step to give you advice.

In the end, you're going to be paying someone to give you a permanent mark on your body, so you want to feel comfortable that they're going to do a good job, and not just go through the motions

Message edited 5/2/2010 5:56:34 PM.

Re: tattoo artist question

Re: tattoo artist question

Posted by Otherme

i think tattoo artists deal with so many people coming in wanting unoriginal, boring (to them) tattoos that they really only get excited when they see something different or challenging.

So what may seem really unique or different to you, is probably something they've seen many times before.. so the attitude you experience is probably a bit of a result of that. (not saying your idea is not original, i don't even know what you're getting..)

Don't give up though.. you'll find someone who responds to what you're looking to do and who goes the extra step to give you advice.

In the end, you're going to be paying someone to give you a permanent mark on your body, so you want to feel comfortable that they're going to do a good job, and not just go through the motions

Re: tattoo artist question

tatt artist are like any artist they get bored, frustrated. They usually give the flower/butterfly/tribal stuff to interns and newbies who can do it and need the experience.

Best bet is to walk into a shop when its not busy (m-th before 8PM) and say what you want and who would be best to work with.

Re: tattoo artist question

I agree with the PP's - also many "good" artists have waiting lists and only do large pieces. When you go to have it done & you sit in there you will see how many people come in and say "can you do this right now" or "how much is this?". I think the artists look at it as if you're serious you don't care if you have to wait & you don't really care what it costs (within reason).

I usually email an artists with my idea or a picture and ask them if they would be interested in doing it. I have had MUCH better luck with email than anything else. Also, if you’re emailing it means they have a website and you can see their work, which is also a plus!

Re: tattoo artist question

ok.

i'm viewing this from a different perspective now. goes to show you how much experience i have in this arena

i'll make an appointment and take it from there. i never thought so much work would go into this process. but i guess it's a good thing... gives me time to make sure that what i want is worth the work.

Re: tattoo artist question

all the pp had great points.

my 2 cents:
(& ive managed/apprenticed at a shop for almost 3 years now)
-don't call or e-mail the shop to discuss your tattoo, call to make a consultation.
-make sure to ask to see the artists portfolios
-bring any possible reference you may have

manyyyyyy tattoo artists ARE indeed flaky. its common, unfortunately.

just set up a time to go chat and see if you get a positive vibe. getting a tattoo is an intimate experience, you want to be comfortable

good luck.