12 Pet Peeves of Tattoo Artists

Tattoo artists are service professionals who would gladly do your tattoo to your bidding. They will collaborate with you for the best design, give you the best tattoo experience, guide you on aftercare care, and even touch up your tattoo if necessary. However, you can just as easily annoy and be on the bad graces of a Brisbane tattoo artist if you’re not careful, or don’t know how things are done. Here are the top pet peeves of tattoo artists to avoid.

Walk in Clients, Asking for to be Tattooed, NOW

Getting a tattoo is a process that requires a lot of planning and preparation for both the client and the artist. Do not try to simply walk into a tattoo shop, waving a drawing, and expecting an artist to get down and ink you. The best you can get is an artist sitting down with you for a consultation. And don’t be surprised if you get shooed away and mocked for your ignorance.  

Haggling the Price

Please, give due credit to the artists. These people create art, painstakingly train on their craft, and takes every design into heart. They are marking you for life with their art. It is not right to haggle tattoo price. The most experienced and skilled artists are also the ones who demand higher prices. Hey, you want art on your body, you pay for it.

Copy Designs 100%

It is plainly unethical to ask your artist to copy another artist’s design 100%. Writers call it plagiarism, we call it forgery, copying, stealing, theft, and despicable. Any reputable Brisbane tattoo artist will readily decline to ink you if you insist on a copied design. If you really like the design, discuss with the artist how you can modify and customise it and make it your own.

Avoid Names, Especially your SO

This is not really a pet peeve, but an unsolicited advice. You are not the first one who thought about marking yourself with your partner’s name. A lot have, and did get their sweetheart’s name seared on their arms, back, thigh, and everywhere else. A lot of them have also come back – either to cover up the name or to get rid of it.

Let the Artist Decide on your Design

You want a tattoo, but don’t have any tattoo idea in mind? Why even? Tattoos are significant markings you will carry for the rest of your life. Do not ask the artist to decide or pick the tattoo for you. It’s either they refuse to have anything to do with you or pick a design you will forever regret. Either way, you lose.

Hurry the Tat Session

Do not sit down and tell your artist to finish in an hour because you have a soiree to attend. It doesn’t work that way. Giving your artist a deadline to finish the design is asking for a disaster. Artists want to concentrate on the design, not on finishing on time. Also, larger pieces like a full sleeve or back aren’t completed over one session. They require several sessions to complete.

Disregard Aftercare Instructions

Nothing is more annoying to tattoo artists discussing the step-by-step aftercare procedure for new tattoos than an inattentive client. And then these same negligent clients are the ones who come back with an ugly, distorted, and infected tat. We cannot emphasise enough on the importance of caring for your tattoo. We know how it is done, take the time to listen and learn, it’s for your own good.

Squeamish and Unable to Tolerate Pain

There will be pain, needles, and blood. If you are squeamish about these things, let your artist know beforehand. He or she can help you prepare for the session, and also be prepared for you. Pain is part and parcel of getting inked. Be ready for it. An occasional gasp, moan, or a groan is perfectly acceptable. You can ask for a break if things get too intolerable. But please, avoid screaming, twitching too much, or crying.

Do not bring a Squad

It is best if you come alone. A friend or two is okay. More than that will be a nuisance – to the artist trying to concentrate on your tat, and to the other clients in the shop who are trying to absorb their tattoo experience. The tattoo station is not designed to accommodate onlookers, and too many people in the room could be disastrous. And please do not bring children!

Show up Drunk or High

Tattoo artists definitely hate it when a client shows up drunk or high on something. Nobody likes dealing with drunks. Drinking alcohol or taking certain meds are to be avoided when getting a tattoo as they contribute to the thinning of the blood. You will want to minimise bleeding during a tattoo session.

Smelly Bodies

Smelly bodies are hideous! Please do not let your artist suffer through the session smelly unwashed body parts. Take a bath, brush your teeth, and skip the perfume or cologne. Some scents are intolerable to other people. Just skip for today.

Chatting, Chatting

Not all Brisbane tattoo artists enjoy chatting while working. While some would engage you in a friendly chitchat, many prefer to just concentrate on their work than entertain the client with friendly, social, or any kind of banter. Be prepared to entertain yourself – bring a friend, or listen to music.