Getting a tattoo is more than just a creative impulse—it’s a collaboration with a skilled professional. Tattoo artists are not merely individuals with machines in their hands; they are trained practitioners of design, anatomy, and sterilization procedures, often with years of technical and artistic training under their belt.
For clients, knowing what not to say during a consultation or tattoo session can be just as important as knowing what they want. Tattooing is a professional service that deserves respect, and undermining that relationship—intentionally or not—can lead to awkward moments or even a subpar tattoo experience.
Here are ten things you should never say to your tattoo artist, and why avoiding these missteps will help you build mutual respect and walk away with better ink.
1. “Can You Give Me a Discount?”
While it’s understandable to consider cost, negotiating price with your tattoo artist is not only frowned upon—it can be insulting. A tattoo’s price reflects more than just the time spent; it includes years of training, expensive tools and pigments, and the overhead of maintaining a safe, sterile environment.
Tattooing is both a service and a form of bespoke artwork. If the price isn’t within your current budget, it’s more respectful to save up than to attempt to haggle. Remember: cheap tattoos aren't good, and good tattoos aren't cheap.
2. “Can You Copy This Tattoo Exactly?”
Asking your artist to replicate someone else’s custom tattoo design isn’t a compliment—it’s art theft. Original tattoo designs are considered intellectual property, and duplicating them violates artistic ethics.
If you like a design, use it as a reference or inspiration. A professional artist will appreciate the opportunity to reinterpret it through their own style, creating something unique and personal to you. This approach honors the original artist while also respecting your tattooer’s integrity.
3. “Can’t You Just Make It Work?”
Sometimes, a client will bring in an idea or placement that simply isn’t practical. Maybe the design is too intricate for the location, or the area of skin won’t hold detail well over time. When an artist raises concerns, they’re not being difficult—they’re protecting the quality and longevity of your tattoo.
Dismissive phrases like “just make it work” ignore the technical expertise of the artist. Instead, be open to adjustments. Trust that your tattooer wants your ink to look as good in ten years as it does the day it's completed.
4. “Can You Make It Much Bigger/Smaller?”
Scaling a design isn’t always as simple as clicking and dragging in Photoshop. Shrinking a detailed tattoo can make fine lines blur or fade as the skin ages. Enlarging a minimalistic design may leave it looking unbalanced or underwhelming on a larger surface.
Your artist considers factors like body curvature, skin movement, and visual balance when recommending a size. Rather than insisting on a different scale, discuss your vision openly and allow the artist to guide the best technical and aesthetic approach.
5. “This Will Just Take 5 Minutes, Right?”
There’s no such thing as a “quick” tattoo if it’s done properly. Even simple designs involve setup, stencil placement, machine prep, and sanitation protocols. Time also depends on skin type, pain tolerance, and the complexity of the linework.
Rushing the artist or downplaying the time required is both disrespectful and unrealistic. Patience equals quality.
6. “I Want It Exactly Like This, No Changes.”
While it’s great to have a clear vision, rigidity can hinder collaboration. Artists work best when allowed to adapt designs based on placement, skin texture, and artistic flow. Being overly inflexible might lead to a tattoo that doesn’t sit right on the body.
Trust your artist’s eye. They’re not trying to change your idea—they’re trying to optimize it for your anatomy and long-term satisfaction.
7. “I’ve Been Tattooed Before, I Know What I’m Doing.”
Even if you’re a seasoned collector, every artist and studio has their own protocols. Acting like a know-it-all can come off as dismissive and can interfere with studio procedures.
Show confidence, yes—but also humility. Respect the studio’s process, and remember that every artist brings a unique approach to their craft.
8. “I Might Just Get This Removed Anyway.”
This kind of statement can be deeply demotivating. Tattoo artists take pride in creating meaningful, lasting work. Joking about removal before the ink is even applied sends the message that their time and effort don’t matter.
Commit to your decision, or wait until you're sure. Artists pour a part of themselves into every piece—they deserve your full intention in return.
9. “My Friend Said You Should Do It This Way.”
Outside opinions are fine during the planning stage, but once you're in the studio, defer to your artist. Friends may mean well, but unless they’re professional tattooers, their input can lead to confusion or poor decisions.
Trust the expert in front of you. They know your skin, the tools, and the long-term results better than your buddy does.
10. “I Want a Tattoo, But I Don’t Really Know What.”
Artists are not mind-readers, and tattoo studios aren’t design brainstorming sessions. While some artists enjoy creative freedom, it’s crucial to come in with at least a theme, concept, or visual reference.
Be prepared to collaborate. Bring ideas, be open to suggestions, and treat the design process as a partnership—not a one-sided creative dump.
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