Tattoo Etiquette
What should I know before Deciding to get a tattoo?
As a client, there are very few options out there for educating you on proper etiquette as well as your own rights when going into a tattoo shop, parlor, gallery or studio. Below, we try to list out some of the most important facts regarding your knowledge as a tattoo client.
Do your research! Tattoos are permanent, so picking an artist should be the biggest step. Check out their artwork - Instagram, facebook and website (many artists have their own sites) and make sure their artwork fits the imagery you are looking to have executed on your skin.
There are hundreds, thousands of talented artists out there. Neo-traditional, Realism, Abstract, New School (Skool to some), Traditional, Illustrative and more - you are not likely to find your ideal artist in one evening.
Plan your tattoo. Don't expect to get it the first moment you have the idea. Think at length where you want it, what style you'd like and again, look for an artist whose work resonates with you.
Tattoos are expensive and take time! This is especially the case in anything large. Some artists charge hourly rates, some an overall session or daily rate regardless of how long you sit. Plus the style of your tattoo and the artist will dictate cost - faster does not always mean better, slower does not always mean more expensive.
Tattoos are permanent. Shocking, but oddly something that bears repeating. It is permanent! Despite laser removal, the affects of aging, sun and time, they are still permanent. When doing something that will be with you forever, taking a little time to make sure you are getting what you want is very important.
Tattoos are not performed by computers, which means they are not perfect. Humans are performing the craft which means some level of human error. Further your skin, extra-curricular activities and aftercare (performed by you!) wall factor into the actual outcome of the tattoo. If you have taken care in choosing your artist, then that aspect of concern will be gone.
You get what you give. If you treat the artists you contact respectfully, they will treat you the same in return. The more you can educate yourself in what/how/when to contact artists and communicate with them, the better this will be!
Worth the wait. Despite the excitement of wanting a tattoo, rushing into getting it with the first available artist is not always the wisest decision. Usually, artists of skill and good reputation are booked out a decent amount of time. Rushing your tattoo runs the very high risk of regretting your decision. If you like the artist's work, it is again, worth the wait.
Patience is greatly appreciated by artists. Wanting to get in the same day you decide you want a tattoo, especially something big or detailed, is not probable. Most artists of any skill (including those at Coven Tattoo) prefer to have time to think, design and complete the artwork for you, the client. This takes time, despite that many seem to believe artists are 'gifted' or 'talented'. This does not come easy - tattoos require time, skill, training and effort to make!
What to Know before your Appointment
Tattoos take time and are not comfortable. They also require the focus of the artist and the client both, to prevent movement, excessive distractions and timely completion of the tattoo. Due to this, we ask that the following be observed:
Dress accordingly for your tattoo based on the placement you are desiring. You are welcome to bring a change of clothes as well. Focus on being comfortable for any period of time, especially while being prone.
Do bathe prior to your appointment, especially if you have a physically demanding job, work out, etc. This is as much for your own comfort as well as the artists’.
Do not bring more than one person with you to your tattoo appointment. They can distract, interrupt or get in the way of the tattoo artist and you.
Children are welcome, but must stay out of the tattooing area and must not touch the table their parent is on, or get in the way of the artist. This usually means very young children (5 and under) are not the best companions for an appointment.
NOTE: This does not mean children are not welcome, but if they cannot be self-entertained, you will be asked not to bring them to future appointments.While being tattooed you must be very still, as unexpected or constant movement can disrupt or prolong the tattoo session. The biggest culprit is your phone, do not constantly reach for it, or play with it.
We strongly encourage silencing your phone during your appointment!Be mindful when reaching for drinks and snacks during the tattoo. Make sure to let your artist know if you wish to reach for something so as not to move while the needle is on the skin. Please be aware any movement can affect the artist's ability to execute a quality tattoo!
Tattoos hurt and we understand and sympathize, but screaming or yelling only stresses the artist and makes their job harder. Reading a book, listening to music, doing breathing exercises and many other things help mitigate the discomfort.
Plan for a food break during your tattoo if it is a longer session. Eating refuels you and aids in the tattooing process. Do bring snacks and drinks to aid in maintaining your well-being and comfort.
You may also bring a blanket or a pillow if you would like for your own comfort, though Coven Tattoo provides pillows for artist and client use.