It makes sense that when getting tattooed you’ve chosen that particular artist because you love their work and want something in their style. Maybe you’ve followed them on Instagram for a while, loved all their posts, read interviews and checked healed work. You know that they produce great tattoos, their work is solid and, from what you can tell, they’re a nice person. So what’s the problem, why do you feel uneasy when looking at the tattoo design?
We’ve probably all had that moment when you see the design of your new tattoo for the first time and that not-quite-sure, something-isn’t-right feeling arises? Or maybe you’re being shown your finished tattoo in the mirror before it’s wrapped up? Perhaps before the tattoo you’re tired from travelling or getting tattooed by someone you’ve never met flares your anxiety, on the other hand after a session you’re sore and groggy, your tattoo brain has definitely set in and all you can think about is getting some food and getting home. Sound familiar?
Does how comfortable you feel with the tattoo about to be etched on you, or the one just completed, all come down to timing? Should you see the design at the start of your appointment, the night before, a week before? When exactly should you see the tattoo design to make sure that it’s what you want and what the artist is happy to create?
I know many artists may hold back because they fear you won’t show up for your appointment and may even take the design to another artist. While they may not email you the design, there are usually opportunities to visit the studio and see your new piece in person, just ask your tattooer. However, if you’re like me and regularly get tattooed hours away from home, this isn’t always easy.
There’s also the thought amongst tattoo artists that a client may try to micro-manage the whole tattoo process. They could worry that after they have translated your ideas into a workable tattoo that will stand the test of time, you’ll see the sketch and make way too many additions and changes that will render the design now unworkable and unsuitable as a tattoo. It may be hard to hear when a tattooist tells you that your ideas may not work, but really a good artist will have the experience and know-how to give you the best tattoo they can. It may be best to trust their judgement even if this means seeing your design at your tattoo appointment. I’ve found that more than often not the artist has drawn a few examples and sizes so we can play around with placement, or they’re happy to make a couple of small changes if needed.
If you see the design a few days in advance, could you overthink the whole thing? Rather than have time to sit and settle with the tattoo, instead you pick it apart and completely change your mind. No longer are you excited but a little frantic, not even sure that the tattoo will become part of you like so many have done before. This is where seeing the tattoo the night before or at your appointment can be helpful. It’s that balance between exciting and nerve-wracking, surely that feeling is why a lot of us get tattooed?
You’ll also find that the tattoo changes and comes to life as it’s being tattooed, it’s unlikely that you can tell exactly what it will look like from the drawing. Especially if you’ve chosen to add colour and the sketch is in black and grey. For someone who gets a little anxious I’m often telling the artist to choose the colours, do what you like, so my tattoos can be a real surprise! And this is usually a positive thing. I say this because I trust them, I trust that my past self chose them for this tattoo. It will be amazing, I just have to hold space for the tattoo magic to happen.
Surely the more tattoos you have the less it matters, right? Just slap it on, fill that gap. Does this attitude change if you have less or more tattoos? I can only talk from my experience as a heavily tattooed woman, by now, with the amount of tattoos I have they almost blend into one, each new one, as it heals becomes no more significant than the rest. So really does it matter when I see the design, because my skin is a welcoming home anyway.
Thank you to everyone who answered my Instagram stories around this question, your thoughts and voices have helped to mould this piece.
Rosalie Hurr
As a tattoo artist of 12 years, I appreciate your answer. I own a tattoo shop in the small town of abilene kansas and I sit with each of my customers for as long as it takes, before they get tattooed, to get their peice exactly like they want it if not more than what they could have dreamt it to be. I book them for 4 hours at the least and don’t charge for the draw time. Some times they only get the line work to start because I spent so much time with them doing the drawing but I feel like it’s worth their and my time to do so. They will end up with exactly what they wanted and I will end up with a nice new piece to add to my portfolio. I believe that all artists should do it this way because it’s the most rewarding. My advice.. never go to an artist that is worried about how much of his time is worth the money, but how much of his time he’s willing to spend on making you something that you love and get to keep forever. You will always make it worth it to him or her with a nice tip or recommending 5 friends or just by showing you appreciation for the tattoo and the artist. Sure, I enjoy the money, who doesn’t? But the above is the best reward for me.
Thankyou again, I loved reading this.
Brandon Saltkill of BlacKollar Tattoo
Where are you based? This sounds perfect! I’m always so anxious about seeing the design and always end up offending the artist when I make changes:/
I’m sorry it took me so long to see this. I’m in Abilene kansas at BlacKollar Tattoo.
I have a large tattoo from my wrist to elbow that my artist sent me at 10 pm the night before when my appointment was at 10am. 12 hours overnight is how much time I had for my first large tattoo.
And what did I end up with? A tattoo that I want to get removed and redone because I had no tim to process whether I liked it. I understand that artists reserve the right to protect their art and also don’t want people flip flopping and not showing up, but they also have to remember that were giving them our bodies as a canvas. Along with hundreds up to thousands of dollars.
I would much rather have seen the work, let her keep the deposit for the art (which was around $200) and I would have moved onto another artist had I had the time to decide if it was what I wanted.
If you’re going to be a picky person you should not be getting a tattoo. The point of going to a specific artist for work is because you love their style and trust their process. If you do not feel that way or that you can trust them completely with handling the design you have in mind, it is not a good idea to get a tattoo then. The artist was gracious to send it the night before, most of them don’t. Even then, it is now on you because you did not communicate with the artist effectively to tell them you were not happy with it.
I have always waited at least 6 months between the design I have in my mind, have sketched out and discussed with my wonderful tattooist. If I’m still happy with the idea, I commit needle to skin. this comes after 3 terrible tattoos from when I was 19.
This was incredibly helpful thank you!
Unacceptable if they only reveal the design on the day of appointment imo.
each tattoo is different,just because they have a portfolio and customer liked their style doesn’t mean they will be happy with their own piece.
remember it’s your body and once done you’ll have it for the rest of your life.and you are paying for it.
I expect to see the design at least 48 hours before the appointment.