your favorite tattoo client
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Saturday December 13th, 2008 @ 9:46 AM
Filed under: Tattoos
This is a question for the tattoo artists and the people that love them. I want to write an article on the subject of how to treat your tattoo artist. A shop etiquette if you will. But not just the standard “don’t dicker prices” and “don’t come drunk” and “don’t forget to tip!” kind of stuff. I want to know the kinds of things that a tattoo artist loves about their client. What are the things that make a tattoo artist excited to work on the piece and put a little extra pizzazz into the work?
Not to say that a good artist doesn’t always give their best effort, but there must be some things that a client can do to really give some extra love to the artist, and thus see a reciprocation.
Anyone who feels like helping out…. post away.
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10 Responses to “your favorite tattoo client”
1. let them have most of the creative control. colors, shading… etc.
2. most artists like BIG pieces.
i can’t think of anymore right now but i’ll type out another comment if i can…
Clara on December 14th, 2008 at 8:44 amI’m going to make my artist (Jason G at Flaming Dragon in Tacoma, WA) some of his favorite cookies for my next session.
Mollie on December 15th, 2008 at 2:30 amyea. and my artists (http://www.starcrossestattoo.com) really appreciate it when I get them their fav drinks from 7-11.
Clara on December 15th, 2008 at 5:30 amI have given two of my artists gifts, but that was after the work was completed and they had already given their absolute 100%!! Personally, though, I think it should mostly be about mutual respect, like most things in life
Almaxaquotal on December 15th, 2008 at 9:06 amI figured lots of room for creative expression would be a big one. I can imagine an artist would get sick of doing all of the ‘paint by numbers’ tattoos.
Bringing in your artist’s favorite treats should always get you some extra love right!
Thanks for the good suggestions, keep them coming.
travis773 on December 15th, 2008 at 2:34 pmWhen I had more time to play around with cooking, I’d bounce my new baking recipes off of my piercer and the artists who work in the shop (some of whom tattoo me.) They’re honest, and it’s a good way to maintain good will. I also always recommend my artists to people seeking advice on a place to go. And most of all, I build a friendly working relationship with everyone at the shop, getting to know names and artist styles and being able to joke around and let them know who I am a bit as well.
Star on December 15th, 2008 at 5:05 pmGetting the opportunity to go crazy with an idea or drawing always pleases. Little presents are nice too, like, a client remembering my favourite drink from Timmies makes me happy, and I’ve had clients make me thank you cards(one lady did this awesome 3D one with koi fish jumping all over it), which I really appreciate, since it takes them time to do. It’s not really the monetary gifts that stick out, it’s when someone takes time to be thoughtful.
A. Smith on December 18th, 2008 at 1:24 pmI refer a lot of my friends to my artist when they’re interested in work and they usually wind up going in with me and loving him. So I’d say bringing in new clients is always a good thing.
Sometimes I’ll shoot him an email from time to time either asking for advice or just saying hi.
At the place I go to for jewelry, I get to know the names of the artists. I also make it a habit of stopping in every week, even if it’s just to look, or even if I don’t have any intention of buying anything. I like to let them know I have “brand loyalty” I guess. It seems to be working … they remember me. :]
Lauren on December 18th, 2008 at 1:56 pmTreat them with respect.. Respect their opinion they generally know what they are talking about.
Melissa on January 26th, 2009 at 1:58 amI get along with my tattoo artist sooo well, and for that i have an amazing piece of art on my back..
I also travel 300 kms to see my tattoo artist
I refer my friends!
My usual artist said last week that a lot of the people inked there were recommended by me, which he likes.
I listen, and take their advice
I work with them on designs, rather than just going for flash. Both my artists have preferred this as it inspires them a lot more. Some artists may not like this so much though.
My tattooist is vegan, so sometimes I’ll drop in some vegan recipies or something.
Also, when they come in for their specs next I’m going to try and get them 10% off.
kytten on October 5th, 2009 at 3:31 pmWay I see it, this person has given me a permanent piece of art, so why not be nice?
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