Communicating with your Tattoo Artist
March 25, 2013
Communication is key when it comes to getting a tattoo. You have to be comfortable enough with the tattoo artist to be able to communicate effectively, and to make sure your voice and desires are clearly understood. The last thing you want is for it to be anything less than perfect. The same goes for your tattooist, because chances are, they wouldn’t want to be associated with a poor job or the poor PR that will come with it.
Even if you are the shy type, if you want a tattoo you have to be able to go over all the important aspects of the process. You will have to discuss price, design, and even issues of a personal matter when it comes to the healing of your body afterwards.
Tattoos are an art form, and while tattooists are usually heavily skilled professionals, there is a great deal of artistic difference from one to the next. When discussing your design ideas, make sure to provide them with visual references, and be specific. Do your research in advance and spend some time looking at their portfolio before your schedule your tattoo to make sure they’re a good match.
If you have a problem sitting for long periods at a time (in pain, especially) mention this to the artist; they may be willing to schedule your work to be done in pieces. Sometimes, the artist wants to get the work done straight through so they can work in other appointments or get out of the shop to party. It’s important to understand if your artist is willing to break it up into shorter sessions.
Remember; when communicating, being direct is not a bad thing!