I always appreciate do/don't videos, I am an anxious person and the last thing I want to do is unknowingly or accidentally insult someone who is about to permanently alter my body.
I'm not particularly anxious, but my sister is an artist, and she referred me to my tattoo artist who is part of her network of artist folks, and I don't want to embarrass her or mess up her professional relationships by making a social gaffe.
same, my tattoo artist hasnt replied to me after my first tat. I feel dumb i think its because i didnt tip. but i never knew about that and the tat was a couple hundreds.
@@litaf5104 typical tip is usually 15%. I have a sleeve coming up in november, and all said and done after its complete, ill likely end up tipping around $650 . Just shows them you appreciate their work, and their time was worth it you know?
@@litaf5104 I always tip 20% for a tattoo on the total price after each session. It's like any service you get - hair, nails, restaurant, etc. It's a luxury and if you can afford something like that, then you can make sure to tip. Tattooing (anything that requires skill, time, knowledge, and labor) deserves a tip.
My favorite red flag actually happened yesterday. Young kid walked into our shop asking for a throat tattoo, none of us did it because he had no other tattoos & wanted his entire throat done for $100. His response was "I got a license to tattoo, give me your shit and I'll do it myself." I've never been that pissed lol. Not to mention he wasn't even 18
What a fucker. Just 10 mins ago some bum came into the shop and just sat down on the couch with a tall boy without saying anything. Can I help you? No, I’m just walking home. No you’re not, your sitting on my couch, and we’re closing right now. U gotta go. What the fuck u mean I gotta go?! I mean that you have to leave. Now. He looked at me like he wanted to kick my ass, then slowly got up and left. Thereeee ya go. That’s what leaving looks like. My exact words on his way out the door lmfao
I’d say my biggest weakness when getting tattooed is that I’m really shy so I don’t talk while I’m getting tatted. So it’s kind of boring but I do tip well and appreciate tattoo artists very much.
I wouldn't call that a weakness lol the two artists I've seen actually preferred silence during the session so they could focus :) so they might be appreciative!
met rude artist too. treating me like an attention seeking teenager just because my first tattoo started at my wrist to the middle of my arm. it's just where i wanted to start my sleeve and i always had ideas in my head of what it would look like one day. he literally made fun of me in front of other clients and artists for nothing
Got my first tattoos on my wrists as well, years later, looking back, I really love that, because it's a place, where they will never be in the way of anything bigger I'll get in the future.. ^^ Like my back piece.. 😊
If someone is calling in/doing a consultation on behalf of their partner it would strike me as them being super controlling. I think I would wanna stay out of that situation if I could avoid it. Great video as always.
That would strike me as the opposite imo. That would sound like to me the person that wants the tattoo is socially anxious and would rather have someone else do the talking. Thats what i did with my first tattoo, i had my girlfriend call in for me cause i have major social issues i gave her all the references ans what to say and the process went great.
What if you're just trying to setup a consultation/booking for your spouse as a surprise for their birthday?? Kinda hard to do when your thinking negative..
I actually set up a tattoo for my partner. It was an artist I knew, it was flash, and my partner has a lot of social anxiety. Now if it was custom, my partner would have had to suck it up and talk to the artist, but as it was just flash, all I did was set up the date. But yeah, autism exists, social anxiety exists, it's not just because someone isn't mature enough to handle the consultation themselves.
That’s exactly how I see it too. Controlling partner not allowing the other person to speak for themselves. If you’re not big enough to have a grown up conversation about something being permanently inked into your body than you’re not big enough to sit for an appointment. In my opinion. However when a wife comes with a husband and does most of the talking then I usually assume it’s because the man doesn’t want to talk to me without his wife getting mad 🤣🤣 but if a man comes in with his wife and doesn’t let her speak about HER tattoo I’ll flat out decline the tattoo until she can speak up 🫶🏻
My first consultation, the artist turned down my sleeve but for good reasoning/without making me feel foolish, and I'm thankful for his input. It would have been my first tattoo ever and I'm 24. He could tell I was kind of shot gunning the decision w the tattoo idea. I wish people realized sometimes not everything is personal but seriously for your own good especially when it comes from professionals even involving ink. I'll go back to him for my first smaller piece, and hopefully for more future pieces since he's already earned a some of my respect and trust lol
I'm always 100% honest with clients. If they're an asshole, I tell them that I wouldn't work with them because of their attitude. I'm never an asshole about it, but it creates a very open atmosphere for people that I end up working with
As a nurse who has worked through the pandemic I can relate to tattooers in the sense that people swear because they showed up you have to put up with their nasty piss Poor no home training attitudes. We are in service industries and have rights too.
Consult by proxy makes me think of bad couples tattoos and relationships destined to fail, almost like some bad open relationships where it's one partners idea
True we are all in our respective professions cuz we chose to be free. And all this shit is about is how we make business decisions after we’ve earned that freedom
Part time musician and I’ve seen a lot of this bullshit. I love tattoo artists because they have a no bullshit attitude that musicians, as performers often selling people on their charisma and stage presence, don’t often get to adopt
I always ask for a ballpark price and I bring more money then what I was told. The main thing I want to talk about is what I want to get done of course but I like having an idea how much to bring with me. All I can do is make a guess based on what I paid for the tattoos I had done by the same artist and that really isn’t a ton of help. I’m paranoid and I don’t want to embarrass myself by not bringing enough money with me. I don’t haggle or say I can get it done cheaper somewhere else (which doesn’t make sense for tattoos) anything like that. After talking about what I want to get done with an artist and we’re on the same page, then I ask how much. They tell me and I bring that much and more when I have the money together. I also tip my artist too so I bring a tip for them as well
I always bring extra money too. I would never want to embarrass myself or offend the artist with making an assumption on the price. I always ask for the price.😊
All you can do is guess based on what I’ve paid in the past. Which is an idea at least. I understand what he means about how you ask for the price. Like saying I can get it cheaper somewhere else. That’s rude. I had to ask one artist like 5 times how much the tattoo would be once. Like just give me a ballpark. How do you expect a client to just know? And this tattoo goes from the base of my wrist to almost my elbow. I know it won’t be cheap but I still need to know so I don’t look stupid not bringing enough
I do the same. Always seem to over budge but I always end up having to use tax returns or something to pay for it. Due to bills not able to gradually save.
I must say that I treat my tattooist like he and his staff are my family. I normally do 6 hr sessions and always bring coffee and treats for everyone. I'm that girl who does the happy dance for a week leading up to a new piece . When you find that artist he/she is always worth the wait and price. Mad respect and love for all you amazing artists out there.
I value my tattoo artist. He is the boss and not only do I trust his decisions, but I respect his work. Ideas, and opinions. Because of him, I love all my Tatts and will continue to get more. I have 11 of them and get compliments all the time on them. My artist is the best. Thanks for this video. Excellent information.
Well it’s kinda the problem for me my mom speaks 0 English and no artist that does her style speaks English, am I wrong for going to the consultation with her?
then clearly the comment doesn’t apply to you LOL. obviously it’s about people planning a whole tattoo for someone else that’s fully capable, not translating for someone
People haggle their tattoo prices... Crazy 😬.. I don't even ask my artist what I owe her until after its done because I trust her, I budget and make sure I can afford the tattoo when I go and anything she's ever told me has been fair because I genuinely love her work.
Same. I've stuck with the same dude for years now. Since the first tattoo, we don't even discuss price until the end of the session now. And, generally, I have to say that the price has always felt fair. And even if it didn't, I wouldn't haggle with the guy - last thing you want is for someone who is putting something permanent on you being less than happy (either now, or for the next piece).
My tattoo was $400 and I loved it so much I tipped $200. Tattoos are a luxury if you can’t afford it just be patient and get it later. There is no down side to waiting. Just flesh it out and save up like fuck
Love the video. On the first point one of my buddies is a severe introvert, in the past he had me help him in the consultation. I explained this to the artist and she was cool with it. But she did get that similar vibe you described. But funny enough during the consultation he progressively got more comfortable and by the end of it I was standing back. Great vid as always.
So glad I have a main artist. Got a couple from others, but will probably stay with my main guy for years. Once you develope a healthy bond with an artist you love it's pure gold.
I ended up going to an artist about a 4 hour drive from home. Originally was only going to get one from him but now he’s my main artist and I’m going to have him finish my sleeve before going to another.
I have crippling social anxiety along with other mental illness and disabilities. It's like my brain shuts down completely when speaking to strangers and I'll just agree with whatever the other person says when in reality I do not agree and am just desperately trying to act "normal" and floundering. So, I like to have my mother help me communicate so my dumb brain won't screw things up. I think having to talk on my own would be more likely to get me a tattoo I don't like then having my parent do most of the speaking on my behalf, so not every situation is the same. I do understand you're uncomfortable in that situation and that's completely valid and reasonable. just means you and that specific client don't mesh. It's another disadvantage that dependent people have to swallow. I am 20 years old and hearing you say that mentally or socially disabled people aren't true mature adults because they need extra help communicating is very disheartening, it's like saying someone who can't get inside a tattoo shop without someone else pushing their wheelchair is too immature to get a tattoo. Some people have more hurdles in life than others, be it mental or physical.
U actually make a lot of sense. Doesn’t change anything as far as my reality / policy goes but yeah I see your point of view and can empathize in a conceptual way. I bet you’re an infp personality type. And if that’s true, then the good news is that your crippling anxiety will lessen as you get older. “Mature” means different things for different psychological archetypes. As you mature, you’ll get better at real world, action oriented shit. And as I mature, I’ll get better at feeling empathy and doing the moral thing.
@@JamesWithee As a psychology major, I cannot agree with this message of personality types, as there is no empirical basic for this concept & therefore I cannot support it.. But having done some research & works on social anxiety, I know it is treatable & that it can get better over time with training & exposure..
You should go see a therapist or work on your mental weirdness rather than getting a tattoo… That’s not the tattoo artist‘s problem that you have a crippling social anxiety lol lock yourself in a closet then. 🙄
@@j.s27 Wow thanks. I do see a therapist and I am working on it. but its not an easy thing to do unfortunately. I have no desire to get a tattoo at the moment but if I did I'd just have to find an artist comfortable with my mother helping talk. I'm not trying to force anyone to accommodate me and my issues, that's not fair. I don't think locking myself in a closet would be very helpful but thanks for the advice.
I'm 20 and my Dad sits in with me on my consultation and Appointments because I have Generalized Epilepsy. Surprisingly my Artist actually requested that he comes with me to watch just incase something happened like a Seizure during the Tattoo. But I do handle all the talking with my Artist so I agree with that part but sometimes a young Adult might bring someone in like I do for their own safety if they have a health condition like I myself have. It's not always a sign of Immaturity.
I do ask for quotes, but I don’t use the comparison with other artists because each artist has a unique style. I usually ask if the person is still around (so aside from guest artists from abroad) so I can save up. ^_^
Yea it’s true what ur saying . Prices have gone up for really good award winning artist and the waiting lists are crazy, I had to pay 50% deposit just for appointment. I’m in San Jose so everything is just way more expensive out here . I got a realism quarter sleeve on inside of forearm .. ran me 2750$ for a 10hour tatto
Ok. Price folks. Save up at a minimum a few hundred and then when you go to your consultation schedule your appointment for a time when you’re going to have the rest of the money saved up. Put your deposit down because you’re serious about getting it. I’m a single mom and get tattoos. I’m not made of money like the next person. I save up some and then I go for the consultation. I put my deposit down and the artist and I discuss a timeframe that will work with us (myself and the artist). I plan and save for it no more than a few weeks. If you’re going big save big because it’s gonna cost you. Also stop asking for a set price. Ask about how much you think that might run me. The artist can give you an estimate of time and their hourly. That is only an estimate. It depends on a number of factors #1 being how you sit for the piece. If you’re not able to handle it or know you don’t sit well…expect to pay more as it will take longer. But it’s an estimate not a promise or a quote. You can end up paying more or less…depends. Also, make sure you have money to tip. My first tattoo I was prepared to pay big because it’s a big piece and we planned for an 8 hour minimum. I was able to sit well and she was able to get it done in 4 hours! Come prepared, be respectful, and happy tattooing
Ugh. It is about impossible to get in with a decent artist right now. I have gotten several tattoos since covid and it was basically because a pandemic reminds you life is short and tomorrow is not guaranteed. If you want something, get it, do it. Stop waiting for it. There is rarely a perfect time for anything.
I walk in the shop, we chat for 30 minutes about our kids, family this and that. Then I sit down in that chair and quietly stare at a blank white wall for 4-5 hours. After the session we chat again for 30 minutes. We're both absolutely 100% in the zone when we're inking.
I honestly like your videos I have nieces who are getting to the age of being able to get tattoos and I share your videos with them so they know how to approach tattoo artist and are more prepared when the time comes to actually get there tattoos started
So one time I went in for a tattoo and I was waiting for my artist. This lady came barging into the tattoo shop, marched up to the desk and was like "y'all do tattoos?" 🤣 They were like "yes... You have the right place..." And then she grabs a random portfolio and slaps her hand down on it and says "I want this one" 🤣 and the artists at the desk were like "uhm. Well that's someone's memorial piece and you can't just get the same exact thing as someone..." And then she left. That was it. 🤣 It was only my second time ever being in a shop and I was BAFFLED.
Hey James what do you feel about quiet clients I’m an introvert and find it hard to spark conversation while getting tattooed is it cool just to chill and listen to music ?
Just a friendly reminder that some people (like myself) with disabilities such as autism, mutism, tourettes, or any thing really, may need help from their carer or caregiver to help them with making their appointment. Yes we are grown people but some of us have disabilities and need a little extra help initially. I'm just lucky I don't all my own tattoos because I know its likely I'd face discrimination going to another shop
Honestly it just depends on the individual as far as I’m concerned. I have clients with Tourette’s, consulted with plenty of people who are deaf, and have tattooed a lot of people with poor communication skills. Disabilities aren’t a problem as they are being managed well by the person who has them. Some people with Tourette’s can tell when a tick is coming and warn me while I’m tattooing them. Some can’t and might not be good candidates for certain types of tattoos. That’s all stuff u should bring up during the consultation. There are a lot of different degrees to autism as u prolly know. Some autistic people are chill asf, some of them eat their own poop and hit people. I know this from personal relationships of mine. The poop eating kind aren’t going to get tattooed. Odds are if u can afford a tattoo with your own money, then you’re going to be highly functioning enough to have a good experience. I wouldn’t worry about being discriminated against for these things. I’ve never seen it happen.
@@JamesWithee I see what you're saying and I agree it is dependant on the individual but sometimes people may need that extra help, and I not only as an apprentice and a disabled person I honestly wouldn't have a problem if someone needed a little extra help in consultation. Also please don't take this as snappy but functiining labels are actually very outdated, and we really don't like when people refer to autism having degrees when in reality, we (autisitc people) are all equally as autisitc but have some different struggles, "high functionging" really isn't a thing, as I was diagnosed and have severe struggles and am unable to speak half the time, can't work a normal job if any at all, have tics and seizures, I am not high functioning 😂. This isn't to rant or anything or get mad I just thinks it's helpful information for future reference 😊
@@daizyschaos757 Sorry, I’m not very good with political correctness or being tactful with verbiage when it comes to that sort of stuff. But ya I see your point and and am glad that u found tattooing as a potential career. One great thing about this job is that we can be ourselves. Thanks for sharing your perspective, and for doing so in a way that I understand. Everything you said makes sense to me
@@daizyschaos757 oh and btw I should clarify that when I said “chill asf” I mean like u can’t even tell some people are autistic. But the poop eating dude was was severe to the point he couldn’t talk or bath himself even as a grown man. He was confused and violent all the time. He was my best friends older brother and in and out of institutions his whole life. Definitely more of a struggle for him than others I’ve met. When I was talking about degrees of autism that’s kind of what I was trying to say. I don’t know how else to describe the difference between him and someone that functions normally in society
Great content, James! For me those clients that can’t make decisions and keep change their ideias over and over are a red flag for me. They often give us hard time to figure out what they want to get done and more often they want us to design pieces til they like it, and that’s a wast time for all of us
Yeah, I can’t stand them either. If they change their idea and it is way ahead of time, and it’s actually a cooler idea than what they wanted to get before, then I am OK with that. But if they change it on the same day, or if they change it to something that I don’t want to do, then I let them know that they can either get the original idea or I keep their deposit and they don’t get tattooed. It’s in my deposit agreement.
I have like 30 tattoos (idk bc multiple pieces kind of go together) I've been getting tattooed since I was 17 I'm pushing 40 now and out of the 3 artists I have worked with (depending on the style of the tattoo sometimes means you need a different artist for that job) I have always looked at getting a tattoo done is a partnership. You and your artist have to make choices together so you need to respect that that is the only person who you will be displaying their artwork for life. Why on earth someone would start on a bad foot with someone who is putting a lifelong peice on you makes me feel like no one was taught common sense. Respect the person who is about to spend hrs, weeks months on your body you carry their work forever. Their pricing is not negotiable and you should respect their level of expertise.
Is there a way to respectfully share how much a client can afford? I don’t ever try to short any artist and I always try to tip 20 to 25% on top of the cost without seeming to concerned about the price. I also want to make sure as a client that I can afford the work even if I have to use tax refunds. I’m just trying to learn as much as I can. Not trying to seem like one of these clients trying to rip anyone off.
With the Consult by Proxy - I would also be weary that whomever is doing the talking is going to be directing you as well. It gives me strong order dinner for your date vibes
Toxic AF. Dude/ol girl be like…she/he gone get it because that’s what I want. I like how you will not participate in someone’s abuse of their partner. Thank you.
Depends on circumstances. If my hubby is driving by or sees the artist before me, I can see him doing a soft inquiry. But the artist should definitely speak to me before we schedule.
You’re the artist. That person is going to be walking around with your artwork on them so you definitely get to set some rules. With tattoos you get what you pay for. If you want a good, popular artist, you’re going to pay. If you get a discount price from a guy that can take you next week, why? Why is he cheap and not booked. Probably cause he sucks. I have a regular artist now and she’s awesome. Runs an all female shop.
I'm so glad I don't think I've had any of these flags as a client lol. The artist always brought up prices first as a natural part of the consultation (or even until after a walk in session). I let them decide if they want to do a long session or multiple short ones for a big piece, and really appreciate their creative input on the piece and placement 😄
I'm kind-of client #3? I tell my tattoo artist that I have savings put away just for tattooing whenever I want, I trust her and I'm not concerned about the price. I want her to do her very best and feel comfortable that she will be paid well for it. I'm an artist myself and I understand the need to pay good money for good art. I NEVER try to 'sneak in' before others when she's booked solid -- I get on the end of her list as soon as I can and I'm totally cool with that. Ultimately, I just want her to feel comfortable that she is going to get paid what she's worth.
Can you do a video on whether if it’s ok or what level of tattoo artist would do a design the client themselves design. I’m an artist and want a tattoo I’ve designed myself copy and pasted basically onto me by a tattoo artist. I have some that I don’t mind having their creative twist too, but some not so much. I feel like it’s hard to go around and ask for from high quality tattoo artists. I’m not trying to get it done cheaper cuz it’s my design, and sometimes I can be persuaded so I’m not entirely a stickler. But I don’t want to get stuck with only a newbie tattoo artist that only does copy and paste but quality is bad or not entirely developed yet. Idk if it’s doable, but what is your take. Would you take a client with an already designed idea?
I hear all this. I have to say though, when it comes to scheduling, the Tattoo industry seems like a mess. I am in Austin, Texas and I have reached out to multiple Studios and artists directly ( the one's that don't say " no DMs",etc) and I still haven't got anything set up after a month of looking. I understand I might be waiting until next year, I get it. There is a waitlist. I just want to get something in the books. Lots of artists don't respond, studio's take over a week to get back, and when they do it takes several follow ups. Faces In the Dark in Kyle here, I must have sent 10 emails to them and they keep asking me for the same pictures and concepts that I have given them twice already, and haven't managed to get their guy to review the pictures despite him telling me to DM him after we had a consult on the phone. Like, Jesus Christ. Is this indicative of the entire industry? it's such a shit show. Right now the demand exceeds the supply, so it appears they don't care because there are so many bookings, but it won't be that way forever. There will come a point when there is a lot more artists and the demand is down. It's not a good idea for the client to suck ass ( as stated in the video), or the studio or artist to show a lack of effort it understanding for people trying to book either. Just make it an efficient, respectable experience. I will be paying 2500 a session plus a 20% tip, at least make it feel like I don't have to beg to get things done. Right now it seems to make more sense that I just fly to Eastern Europe for a tattoo because they have insanely good artists and the price is a fraction, even when you factor in flights. Im honestly getting annoyed by the fact it feels like I have to kiss everyone's ass, pay an extortionate rate, and I am still getting nowhere.
Is it what it is u gotta either deal with it or figure out an alternative like u said. I think it’s unlikely you’ll be able to find what you’re expecting by shopping around though, tbh
@@JamesWithee They are all similar type artists, similar styles and specialties. Taken me a long time to find the handful of guys that I want. If I have to wait 6 months then fine I get it, just lets get something organized now, or just flat out reject me, you know?
That’s why I always say that if you want a dope tattoo then be willing to pay a reasonable price, most artist are annoyed by the “why is so expensive” lol
I don’t question the price. I just like a ballpark idea because the shop I go to only takes cash. I think that’s common for tattoo shops anyways. I just don’t want to be embarrassed and not bring enough money. After talking to the artist what I like done, I ask how much. Because a tattoo price isn’t something the average person would know. It’s different from artist to artist and a bunch of other factors. So I ask for the price if my artist hasn’t said yet. Normally I have money saved up to my best guess at what it might be anyways. Then I’ll book a time that’ll give me more time to save if I need to
@@bennu547 yeah I feel you on that one but what I’m referring is the fact that the artist tells you a price and the client tries to bargain or just saying that someone does it for less, like the guy from the video said
Yet another informative and entertaining video. Thanks! As an aside, it's a shame when people don't use common sense or consideration (these are euphemisms for words that are more fun) - and have the entitled expectation that others should treat them several levels higher than their behavior warrants. Edit: Your use of "grown ass" man/woman/adult made me smile, as it's something I find myself saying and thinking a lot.
I understand where your coming from and everything most definitely. But as someone who has a disability “treacher Collin syndrome” where my speaking isn’t great without me having to take my phone out and tell them what I wanted. Usually it’s better for my partner or anyone that I use to just tell them what I wanted quickly. And then I’ll just type and add into what I wanted I’m pretty grateful that the shop I gone to for couple of years always been helpful since been working on my sleeves. But I don’t think most people are not mature adults some aren’t but most are believe me it’s annoying having to take out something just to write it down for them.
My tattooers like having me as a client. I've had them want to book me right away for more tattoos. I guess I'm doing well and have a good relationship with my artists.
The proxy thing could be that there extremely shy ,mute ,have issues expressing their selves with people and don't want to be rude and loose you as an artist and or just have no vocabulary to explain it best but I agree with you I don't like the proxy thing either.
The problem with that is, if they‘re so shy they can’t even write a fucking email, then it‘s almost impossible to create a good workflow with them in the studio. For example placement of the tattoo - when these people can‘t say directly what they like/don‘t like, it feels like you‘re convincing them to do something they feel uncomfortable with. No tattooer wants that to happen
Every red flag explained can be applied to most business owners. I'm a professional photographer and sometimes you just want to hear that other business owners deal with this too. My favorite part was where you said you can't go to another artist and get a tattoo from me cheaper! I recently had a potential client try to gaslight me about photography industry standards regarding the deliverables, she thought I was inexperienced, which I have no idea how she thought that, you can tell from my website, I'm highly experienced. She said something like, well generally I receive all the headshots and I was thinking, because you go to amateur photographers who are most likely mediocre at best because they don't know how to use an off camera flash. I didn't say that though, but I did say in my reply, giving you all the images from a shoot is not industry standard.
Hey James, great insight yet again. Any chance we‘ll get a little tour about your tattoos anytime soon? Your sleeves are looking quiet juicy, I’d be curious to know.
My wife is now a tattoo artist herself. But before, when we were young, I would always let her do the talking. I just trust her ideas and her taste better than my own. Also she knows me very well, so she knows what I like and what I don’t like. I don’t see anything wrong with that as long as the person getting tattooed is present and listening to the whole conversation so they know exactly what’s going on. Also tattoo artists will get upset when people try to bargain. Sure, you should know your value. But don’t act like 90% of artists won’t be like “I’ll ask 2200 but sure I’d do it for 2000”. It doesn’t really apply to more famous artists who can afford to refuse clients left and right, but that’s not the case most of the time.
I think that pay to cut the line thing is not that bad and I do similar things in other situations just to cut through the shit getting what you want faster. That doesnt meant I'm flaunting the money at them or being disrespecting of others but I think it's a fast cause and effective communication Edit: what do you guys think about this? I'm curious to know some of your opinions on this
Oh no... I called a shop the other day to begin the process of getting friendship tattoos and I called on my friends behalf as well.... we were gonna both go in-person but the heat was 115° and we didn't want to go out. Luckily we are dead set on this idea and both want two seperate artists to do the pieces.
My thing with tattoo prices. If I only have a certain amount and the tattoo I want cost way more. I just ask if we can chop it up into sessions. My chest has been 4 $500 sessions and I do need a little more work done on it. But there was no way I could have come in with $2000 and did it all at once.
Then you should safe up until you can. Starting out a tattoo you can‘t afford in the moment is just dumb. I won‘t go in an apple store and ask for the latest iPhone with 500 bucks in my wallet. If I don‘t wanna save up I might just have to settle for an older version or get a device from a different company.
@@thatboyunfazed99 maybe you misunderstood. It’s not my last $500. But being able to budget $500 per month is more reasonable. Kind of how people purchase houses without having the entire amount at once. Now if I couldn’t afford a 1 hr session tattoo then obviously I’d wait till I could. Comparing a multi session tattoo to an iPhone is idiotic
@@RaquelliBee ya but phone companies have a different type of budget and business model. The average artist won‘t have the luxury of waiting months to get payed, most struggle to make a living from the get go
Thanks for the video! So for #1 thats a good point..Im assuming this doesn't applies to teens and their parents? Like the parent is there just making sure the teen gets an approved tattoo? Do the parents have a say? My niece is in high school (15) and swears so many kids in her school have tattoos and is asking for one for her 16th bday. Do many professional artists tattoo teens? I'm assuming because so many kids have them.
@@justpassingby3409 I’m mostly asking out of curiosity (I used to want a tattoo for a long time but haven’t had the itch in a while). I once went with a friend who was getting a tattoo and they carried over $1000 since they paid in cash. Made me wonder if giving a quote is normal or not.
You sound stupid its tattooing what do you expect you work for the client not yourself its your job get use to it for the ones that are assholes them maybe tattooing at a shop isnt your deal
The money issue pisses me off. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for a ball park figure for the piece you're after. Fortunately in Australia most artists see it as normal to offer a quote (always with the caveat that it is just an estimate). Also, I'm grateful that tattoo shops in Australia don't get tipped (we don't have tipping culture because we charge appropriately for our services in the first place) and they also accept payment by credit card on the day rather than demanding you carry a large wad of cash with you.
The only one i disagree with is the short sessions or 3 month gaps between sessions. Some people can't take the pain and find only short sessions manageable. The 3 month gap thing can depend on the clients other responsibilities or for me example travel, i fly out to my artist so 3 months is kind of our minimum gap. Granted we do 2 day sessions in a row when I'm there 😅😂 but I do understand your point and completely agree with the others good info for people 👌
the consultation by proxy is something really interesting ive never thought of before. idk...a husband inquiring for their wife makes me feel like its him who wants her to get tattooed. weird sense of power/control that rubs me the wrong way. ive heard horror stories of young women being forced to get matching tattoos with their abusive boyfriends and shit. not cool...that shit is for life.
I’ll never understand telling someone that they can get a tattoo done cheaper somewhere else. When you get a tattoo you are literally buying a piece of artwork from an artist. Each artist has their own style and it’s 100% unique to them. Complete disrespect for your job and your artwork.
So as someone with extremely bad phone anxiety that has hindered my life in far worse ways than not being able to get a tattoo. This hurts my heart a little bit. Haha
Write yourself scripts to read from whenever you need to start a phone call-whether it’s for job inquiries, consultations for appointments, etc. Eventually you’ll get to the point where you don’t need the script anymore.
Exactly what I thought, some people have severe anxiety and really need their partner or someone else to help them through initial one on one consultations/conversations.
Hello, I’m quiet and not very good at getting ppl to like me on the spot and I worry I won’t be some immediate connection or interest in wanting to tattoo me. Do you know what I mean 😂 do artist care if there’s not a connection to the person ??
* Red Flags 🚩 Mentioned in This Video: 1. Indirect Communication: When the person receiving the tattoo avoids direct consultations, relying on a proxy (spouse, partner, or third party) to communicate with the artist instead. 2. Price-Driven Concerns: Clients who focus primarily on cost, including haggling for a lower rate, attempting to match other artists’ prices, requesting numerous changes to fit their budget, or insisting on shorter or widely spaced sessions to make the tattoo more affordable. 3. Arrogant Behavior: Clients who flaunt money to push their agenda, such as offering to pay extra to skip the line for an earlier session or being overly demanding with the artist. 4. Disrespectful Attitude: Treating the artist as an employee or subordinate, which may include talking down to them, displaying impoliteness, or trying to supervise the artist’s process during the consultation or session.
This is so spot on! The other thing I hate, probably the most, is when clients try to micromanage the artwork and not let you do your thing (that they came to you for) or try to get you to tattoo someone else's work or copy their style. Just go to that artist then!!
i think tattoos becoming more common is also a lot of my generation the younger generation rebelling. i noticed a lot of us who love art will get it put on our bodies to end the stigma... cuz listen.. we turn down jobs left and right. we're interviewing the jobs now - not the other way around
Hey man hope you respond to this but I get your point on the proxy thing but my mom wants a tattoo but doesn’t know any English at all do you think it’s rude to the artist to make her appointment for her and go with her to the consultation?
Just had a 3,5h tattoo on my ribs. If I get another big(ger) tattoo I will definitely spread the appointments. Not because of the money but because of the pain 😅! That last 30min was hell
Oh man. I feel this. I run my own online sales business and these same scenarios happen there too. They don't realize we want their money, we don't NEED their money Especially at our own detriment.
i agree with u a lot. think ur cool asf you just say what u think and how you feel. i think this is way better than those artist who say yes to everyrhing and everyone, because the artist also spend their time with you. and it has to be enjoyable for them aswell so gg just say what u think and fk those who dont understand
Tattooing is a completely situation than ordering food from a restaurant or fast food, someone shouldn’t tell the artist what the other person wants as if they’re ordering food for them. It just doesn’t sound like it would work out the way they want.
Pause pause pause less than 3 minutes in and i agree so much with his statement of the customer isn’t always right coming from a cook customers or in this case clients are wrong all the fuckin time
Another red flag that wasn’t mentioned; if the person walking in has no idea what personal hygiene is. chances are the tattoo won’t be kept properly during the healing process and they will be calling or coming back complaining about how it didn’t heal properly and plus I don’t want to tattoo someone who smells awful
I’ve never understood why artist get irritated by people price shopping. I (speaking in a general sense) as a paying customer have a right to get as much information as I possibly can. I feel like this is great because it doesn’t waste anyone’s time. I understand that some customers don’t handle that situation correctly, but a lot of artist get rude when you only ask for a price.
2. If i want a pegusis on my shoulder blades and you tell me your price estimate i can and will only decide whether or not i can afford it at that time or wait until i have the money to pay for it.
The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/jameswithee09211
Very interesting
What do you think about client give you freedom to do want you want
Great video James! Can you please do a video talking about hand tattoos in the future? Thank you, Aaron
Hmm so I shouldn’t get a lion with a rose as my first tattoo got it.
I like u bro 🤣✊🍿 u are DOPE
I always appreciate do/don't videos, I am an anxious person and the last thing I want to do is unknowingly or accidentally insult someone who is about to permanently alter my body.
I'm not particularly anxious, but my sister is an artist, and she referred me to my tattoo artist who is part of her network of artist folks, and I don't want to embarrass her or mess up her professional relationships by making a social gaffe.
same, my tattoo artist hasnt replied to me after my first tat. I feel dumb i think its because i didnt tip. but i never knew about that and the tat was a couple hundreds.
@@litaf5104 typical tip is usually 15%. I have a sleeve coming up in november, and all said and done after its complete, ill likely end up tipping around $650 . Just shows them you appreciate their work, and their time was worth it you know?
@@litaf5104 I always tip 20% for a tattoo on the total price after each session. It's like any service you get - hair, nails, restaurant, etc. It's a luxury and if you can afford something like that, then you can make sure to tip. Tattooing (anything that requires skill, time, knowledge, and labor) deserves a tip.
Facts
My favorite red flag actually happened yesterday. Young kid walked into our shop asking for a throat tattoo, none of us did it because he had no other tattoos & wanted his entire throat done for $100. His response was "I got a license to tattoo, give me your shit and I'll do it myself." I've never been that pissed lol. Not to mention he wasn't even 18
What a fucker. Just 10 mins ago some bum came into the shop and just sat down on the couch with a tall boy without saying anything. Can I help you? No, I’m just walking home. No you’re not, your sitting on my couch, and we’re closing right now. U gotta go. What the fuck u mean I gotta go?! I mean that you have to leave. Now. He looked at me like he wanted to kick my ass, then slowly got up and left. Thereeee ya go. That’s what leaving looks like. My exact words on his way out the door lmfao
@@JamesWithee shit like this keeps things interesting I suppose 😂
@@Mittsthebear true lol we always got mad war stories in the bank
GOOD CALL ON THAT 1 😡 YOUNGSTERS THESE DAYZ HAVE NO RESPECT N TRY TO GET TOUGH WIT WOMEN
U will eventually see that kid again with the worst ever throat tattoo 😂
I’d say my biggest weakness when getting tattooed is that I’m really shy so I don’t talk while I’m getting tatted. So it’s kind of boring but I do tip well and appreciate tattoo artists very much.
I wouldn't call that a weakness lol the two artists I've seen actually preferred silence during the session so they could focus :) so they might be appreciative!
when i move onto people, im ONLY accepting people that dont talk 😂
met rude artist too. treating me like an attention seeking teenager just because my first tattoo started at my wrist to the middle of my arm. it's just where i wanted to start my sleeve and i always had ideas in my head of what it would look like one day. he literally made fun of me in front of other clients and artists for nothing
Got my first tattoos on my wrists as well, years later, looking back, I really love that, because it's a place, where they will never be in the way of anything bigger I'll get in the future.. ^^ Like my back piece.. 😊
If someone is calling in/doing a consultation on behalf of their partner it would strike me as them being super controlling. I think I would wanna stay out of that situation if I could avoid it. Great video as always.
That would strike me as the opposite imo. That would sound like to me the person that wants the tattoo is socially anxious and would rather have someone else do the talking. Thats what i did with my first tattoo, i had my girlfriend call in for me cause i have major social issues i gave her all the references ans what to say and the process went great.
What if you're just trying to setup a consultation/booking for your spouse as a surprise for their birthday?? Kinda hard to do when your thinking negative..
I actually set up a tattoo for my partner. It was an artist I knew, it was flash, and my partner has a lot of social anxiety. Now if it was custom, my partner would have had to suck it up and talk to the artist, but as it was just flash, all I did was set up the date. But yeah, autism exists, social anxiety exists, it's not just because someone isn't mature enough to handle the consultation themselves.
That’s exactly how I see it too. Controlling partner not allowing the other person to speak for themselves. If you’re not big enough to have a grown up conversation about something being permanently inked into your body than you’re not big enough to sit for an appointment. In my opinion. However when a wife comes with a husband and does most of the talking then I usually assume it’s because the man doesn’t want to talk to me without his wife getting mad 🤣🤣 but if a man comes in with his wife and doesn’t let her speak about HER tattoo I’ll flat out decline the tattoo until she can speak up 🫶🏻
My first consultation, the artist turned down my sleeve but for good reasoning/without making me feel foolish, and I'm thankful for his input. It would have been my first tattoo ever and I'm 24. He could tell I was kind of shot gunning the decision w the tattoo idea. I wish people realized sometimes not everything is personal but seriously for your own good especially when it comes from professionals even involving ink. I'll go back to him for my first smaller piece, and hopefully for more future pieces since he's already earned a some of my respect and trust lol
Sounds like a knowledgeable tattooist! It's good that he gave you the advice without making you feel foolish or dumb.
That's probably the most mature thing I've read all day. I'm secretly happy I didn't get some of the dumb ideas I had in my 20s. Secretly
I'm always 100% honest with clients. If they're an asshole, I tell them that I wouldn't work with them because of their attitude. I'm never an asshole about it, but it creates a very open atmosphere for people that I end up working with
As a nurse who has worked through the pandemic I can relate to tattooers in the sense that people swear because they showed up you have to put up with their nasty piss Poor no home training attitudes. We are in service industries and have rights too.
Consult by proxy makes me think of bad couples tattoos and relationships destined to fail, almost like some bad open relationships where it's one partners idea
@Devil's Advocate or just social anxiety or anxiety in general
It’s not only tattoo artists. It applies to all artists. I am a photographer and agree to all you have said.
True we are all in our respective professions cuz we chose to be free. And all this shit is about is how we make business decisions after we’ve earned that freedom
Part time musician and I’ve seen a lot of this bullshit. I love tattoo artists because they have a no bullshit attitude that musicians, as performers often selling people on their charisma and stage presence, don’t often get to adopt
I always ask for a ballpark price and I bring more money then what I was told. The main thing I want to talk about is what I want to get done of course but I like having an idea how much to bring with me. All I can do is make a guess based on what I paid for the tattoos I had done by the same artist and that really isn’t a ton of help. I’m paranoid and I don’t want to embarrass myself by not bringing enough money with me. I don’t haggle or say I can get it done cheaper somewhere else (which doesn’t make sense for tattoos) anything like that. After talking about what I want to get done with an artist and we’re on the same page, then I ask how much. They tell me and I bring that much and more when I have the money together. I also tip my artist too so I bring a tip for them as well
I always bring extra money too. I would never want to embarrass myself or offend the artist with making an assumption on the price. I always ask for the price.😊
All you can do is guess based on what I’ve paid in the past. Which is an idea at least. I understand what he means about how you ask for the price. Like saying I can get it cheaper somewhere else. That’s rude. I had to ask one artist like 5 times how much the tattoo would be once. Like just give me a ballpark. How do you expect a client to just know? And this tattoo goes from the base of my wrist to almost my elbow. I know it won’t be cheap but I still need to know so I don’t look stupid not bringing enough
was supposed to sit for just 4 hours to finish up loose ends on the second session of a recent piece... turned to almost 9 hours lol
I do the same. Always seem to over budge but I always end up having to use tax returns or something to pay for it. Due to bills not able to gradually save.
I appreciate how honest and thorough your videos are! A very integrous business man.
I must say that I treat my tattooist like he and his staff are my family. I normally do 6 hr sessions and always bring coffee and treats for everyone. I'm that girl who does the happy dance for a week leading up to a new piece . When you find that artist he/she is always worth the wait and price. Mad respect and love for all you amazing artists out there.
God. I love your videos. I value the information, but your humor is so dry and sarcastic - it totally cracks me up!!!!
I value my tattoo artist. He is the boss and not only do I trust his decisions, but I respect his work. Ideas, and opinions. Because of him, I love all my Tatts and will continue to get more. I have 11 of them and get compliments all the time on them. My artist is the best. Thanks for this video. Excellent information.
That’s so bizarre to me that people will try to consult an artist for a piece that isn’t even for them. Ive never even thought about that
Well it’s kinda the problem for me my mom speaks 0 English and no artist that does her style speaks English, am I wrong for going to the consultation with her?
@@hectorsoto8805 With her no, but for her, there could be a mix up in the conversations
@@therestingmitchface6241 no we’re both gonna go just gonna be there to translate as nobody in that shop speaks Spanish as I was told
then clearly the comment doesn’t apply to you LOL. obviously it’s about people planning a whole tattoo for someone else that’s fully capable, not translating for someone
People haggle their tattoo prices... Crazy 😬.. I don't even ask my artist what I owe her until after its done because I trust her, I budget and make sure I can afford the tattoo when I go and anything she's ever told me has been fair because I genuinely love her work.
Same. I've stuck with the same dude for years now. Since the first tattoo, we don't even discuss price until the end of the session now. And, generally, I have to say that the price has always felt fair. And even if it didn't, I wouldn't haggle with the guy - last thing you want is for someone who is putting something permanent on you being less than happy (either now, or for the next piece).
Wow , so in the US tattoers are divas.
My tattoo was $400 and I loved it so much I tipped $200. Tattoos are a luxury if you can’t afford it just be patient and get it later. There is no down side to waiting. Just flesh it out and save up like fuck
@@Wolfie-og4yj in what way? cause they cant be bothered with people haggling when they know what their art is worth?
@@Wolfie-og4yj nah they just have self respect their work
Love the video. On the first point one of my buddies is a severe introvert, in the past he had me help him in the consultation. I explained this to the artist and she was cool with it. But she did get that similar vibe you described. But funny enough during the consultation he progressively got more comfortable and by the end of it I was standing back. Great vid as always.
So glad I have a main artist. Got a couple from others, but will probably stay with my main guy for years. Once you develope a healthy bond with an artist you love it's pure gold.
Same here!!!!
I ended up going to an artist about a 4 hour drive from home. Originally was only going to get one from him but now he’s my main artist and I’m going to have him finish my sleeve before going to another.
I got my first (3 ) tattoos today and I am so proud of myself. 💯 💯 so happy and so worth it. No pain at all😊😅
I imagine some single needle stuff. Lol 3 is a lot for a day if not a big piece
I have crippling social anxiety along with other mental illness and disabilities. It's like my brain shuts down completely when speaking to strangers and I'll just agree with whatever the other person says when in reality I do not agree and am just desperately trying to act "normal" and floundering. So, I like to have my mother help me communicate so my dumb brain won't screw things up. I think having to talk on my own would be more likely to get me a tattoo I don't like then having my parent do most of the speaking on my behalf, so not every situation is the same. I do understand you're uncomfortable in that situation and that's completely valid and reasonable. just means you and that specific client don't mesh.
It's another disadvantage that dependent people have to swallow. I am 20 years old and hearing you say that mentally or socially disabled people aren't true mature adults because they need extra help communicating is very disheartening, it's like saying someone who can't get inside a tattoo shop without someone else pushing their wheelchair is too immature to get a tattoo. Some people have more hurdles in life than others, be it mental or physical.
U actually make a lot of sense. Doesn’t change anything as far as my reality / policy goes but yeah I see your point of view and can empathize in a conceptual way. I bet you’re an infp personality type. And if that’s true, then the good news is that your crippling anxiety will lessen as you get older. “Mature” means different things for different psychological archetypes. As you mature, you’ll get better at real world, action oriented shit. And as I mature, I’ll get better at feeling empathy and doing the moral thing.
@@JamesWithee As a psychology major, I cannot agree with this message of personality types, as there is no empirical basic for this concept & therefore I cannot support it.. But having done some research & works on social anxiety, I know it is treatable & that it can get better over time with training & exposure..
Twitter user spotted
You should go see a therapist or work on your mental weirdness rather than getting a tattoo… That’s not the tattoo artist‘s problem that you have a crippling social anxiety lol lock yourself in a closet then. 🙄
@@j.s27 Wow thanks. I do see a therapist and I am working on it. but its not an easy thing to do unfortunately. I have no desire to get a tattoo at the moment but if I did I'd just have to find an artist comfortable with my mother helping talk. I'm not trying to force anyone to accommodate me and my issues, that's not fair. I don't think locking myself in a closet would be very helpful but thanks for the advice.
I'm 20 and my Dad sits in with me on my consultation and Appointments because I have Generalized Epilepsy. Surprisingly my Artist actually requested that he comes with me to watch just incase something happened like a Seizure during the Tattoo. But I do handle all the talking with my Artist so I agree with that part but sometimes a young Adult might bring someone in like I do for their own safety if they have a health condition like I myself have. It's not always a sign of Immaturity.
I do ask for quotes, but I don’t use the comparison with other artists because each artist has a unique style. I usually ask if the person is still around (so aside from guest artists from abroad) so I can save up. ^_^
Honestly don't know why people have a problem being turned down, you guys are an artist when it comes down to it
Yea it’s true what ur saying . Prices have gone up for really good award winning artist and the waiting lists are crazy, I had to pay 50% deposit just for appointment. I’m in San Jose so everything is just way more expensive out here . I got a realism quarter sleeve on inside of forearm .. ran me 2750$ for a 10hour tatto
Ok. Price folks. Save up at a minimum a few hundred and then when you go to your consultation schedule your appointment for a time when you’re going to have the rest of the money saved up. Put your deposit down because you’re serious about getting it. I’m a single mom and get tattoos. I’m not made of money like the next person. I save up some and then I go for the consultation. I put my deposit down and the artist and I discuss a timeframe that will work with us (myself and the artist). I plan and save for it no more than a few weeks. If you’re going big save big because it’s gonna cost you. Also stop asking for a set price. Ask about how much you think that might run me. The artist can give you an estimate of time and their hourly. That is only an estimate. It depends on a number of factors #1 being how you sit for the piece. If you’re not able to handle it or know you don’t sit well…expect to pay more as it will take longer. But it’s an estimate not a promise or a quote. You can end up paying more or less…depends. Also, make sure you have money to tip.
My first tattoo I was prepared to pay big because it’s a big piece and we planned for an 8 hour minimum. I was able to sit well and she was able to get it done in 4 hours! Come prepared, be respectful, and happy tattooing
Boom.
Ugh. It is about impossible to get in with a decent artist right now. I have gotten several tattoos since covid and it was basically because a pandemic reminds you life is short and tomorrow is not guaranteed. If you want something, get it, do it. Stop waiting for it. There is rarely a perfect time for anything.
Tha goat back w another banger
I walk in the shop, we chat for 30 minutes about our kids, family this and that. Then I sit down in that chair and quietly stare at a blank white wall for 4-5 hours. After the session we chat again for 30 minutes. We're both absolutely 100% in the zone when we're inking.
When he brought up not asking about the price my heart sunk into my stomach but then he explained it as more of a haggling problem.
I honestly like your videos I have nieces who are getting to the age of being able to get tattoos and I share your videos with them so they know how to approach tattoo artist and are more prepared when the time comes to actually get there tattoos started
Love you videos, James. So helpful and I love that you talk bluntly and give it straight.
So one time I went in for a tattoo and I was waiting for my artist. This lady came barging into the tattoo shop, marched up to the desk and was like "y'all do tattoos?" 🤣 They were like "yes... You have the right place..."
And then she grabs a random portfolio and slaps her hand down on it and says "I want this one" 🤣 and the artists at the desk were like "uhm. Well that's someone's memorial piece and you can't just get the same exact thing as someone..." And then she left. That was it. 🤣 It was only my second time ever being in a shop and I was BAFFLED.
Hey James what do you feel about quiet clients I’m an introvert and find it hard to spark conversation while getting tattooed is it cool just to chill and listen to music ?
Just a friendly reminder that some people (like myself) with disabilities such as autism, mutism, tourettes, or any thing really, may need help from their carer or caregiver to help them with making their appointment. Yes we are grown people but some of us have disabilities and need a little extra help initially. I'm just lucky I don't all my own tattoos because I know its likely I'd face discrimination going to another shop
Honestly it just depends on the individual as far as I’m concerned. I have clients with Tourette’s, consulted with plenty of people who are deaf, and have tattooed a lot of people with poor communication skills. Disabilities aren’t a problem as they are being managed well by the person who has them. Some people with Tourette’s can tell when a tick is coming and warn me while I’m tattooing them. Some can’t and might not be good candidates for certain types of tattoos. That’s all stuff u should bring up during the consultation. There are a lot of different degrees to autism as u prolly know. Some autistic people are chill asf, some of them eat their own poop and hit people. I know this from personal relationships of mine. The poop eating kind aren’t going to get tattooed. Odds are if u can afford a tattoo with your own money, then you’re going to be highly functioning enough to have a good experience. I wouldn’t worry about being discriminated against for these things. I’ve never seen it happen.
@@JamesWithee I see what you're saying and I agree it is dependant on the individual but sometimes people may need that extra help, and I not only as an apprentice and a disabled person I honestly wouldn't have a problem if someone needed a little extra help in consultation. Also please don't take this as snappy but functiining labels are actually very outdated, and we really don't like when people refer to autism having degrees when in reality, we (autisitc people) are all equally as autisitc but have some different struggles, "high functionging" really isn't a thing, as I was diagnosed and have severe struggles and am unable to speak half the time, can't work a normal job if any at all, have tics and seizures, I am not high functioning 😂. This isn't to rant or anything or get mad I just thinks it's helpful information for future reference 😊
@@daizyschaos757 Sorry, I’m not very good with political correctness or being tactful with verbiage when it comes to that sort of stuff. But ya I see your point and and am glad that u found tattooing as a potential career. One great thing about this job is that we can be ourselves. Thanks for sharing your perspective, and for doing so in a way that I understand. Everything you said makes sense to me
@@daizyschaos757 oh and btw I should clarify that when I said “chill asf” I mean like u can’t even tell some people are autistic. But the poop eating dude was was severe to the point he couldn’t talk or bath himself even as a grown man. He was confused and violent all the time. He was my best friends older brother and in and out of institutions his whole life. Definitely more of a struggle for him than others I’ve met. When I was talking about degrees of autism that’s kind of what I was trying to say. I don’t know how else to describe the difference between him and someone that functions normally in society
thanks so much for saying this ♡
I just made it through my first year of tattooing, and i absolutely take it like an ihop server from other clients lmao
Congrats on one year that’s the hardest one 💪
Great content, James! For me those clients that can’t make decisions and keep change their ideias over and over are a red flag for me. They often give us hard time to figure out what they want to get done and more often they want us to design pieces til they like it, and that’s a wast time for all of us
Yeah, I can’t stand them either. If they change their idea and it is way ahead of time, and it’s actually a cooler idea than what they wanted to get before, then I am OK with that. But if they change it on the same day, or if they change it to something that I don’t want to do, then I let them know that they can either get the original idea or I keep their deposit and they don’t get tattooed. It’s in my deposit agreement.
I have like 30 tattoos (idk bc multiple pieces kind of go together) I've been getting tattooed since I was 17 I'm pushing 40 now and out of the 3 artists I have worked with (depending on the style of the tattoo sometimes means you need a different artist for that job) I have always looked at getting a tattoo done is a partnership. You and your artist have to make choices together so you need to respect that that is the only person who you will be displaying their artwork for life. Why on earth someone would start on a bad foot with someone who is putting a lifelong peice on you makes me feel like no one was taught common sense. Respect the person who is about to spend hrs, weeks months on your body you carry their work forever. Their pricing is not negotiable and you should respect their level of expertise.
Is there a way to respectfully share how much a client can afford? I don’t ever try to short any artist and I always try to tip 20 to 25% on top of the cost without seeming to concerned about the price. I also want to make sure as a client that I can afford the work even if I have to use tax refunds. I’m just trying to learn as much as I can. Not trying to seem like one of these clients trying to rip anyone off.
With the Consult by Proxy - I would also be weary that whomever is doing the talking is going to be directing you as well. It gives me strong order dinner for your date vibes
Absolutely. Toxic red flags for sure lol
Toxic AF. Dude/ol girl be like…she/he gone get it because that’s what I want. I like how you will not participate in someone’s abuse of their partner. Thank you.
Depends on circumstances. If my hubby is driving by or sees the artist before me, I can see him doing a soft inquiry. But the artist should definitely speak to me before we schedule.
You’re the artist. That person is going to be walking around with your artwork on them so you definitely get to set some rules. With tattoos you get what you pay for. If you want a good, popular artist, you’re going to pay. If you get a discount price from a guy that can take you next week, why? Why is he cheap and not booked. Probably cause he sucks. I have a regular artist now and she’s awesome. Runs an all female shop.
I never argue price wit my artist and I tip him everytime
I’ve been tattooing for 20 years now, and I think this video is the best thing ever on UA-cam ❤
Some people might need help with socializing due to disability, if that consideration didn't cross anyones mind
I'm so glad I don't think I've had any of these flags as a client lol. The artist always brought up prices first as a natural part of the consultation (or even until after a walk in session). I let them decide if they want to do a long session or multiple short ones for a big piece, and really appreciate their creative input on the piece and placement 😄
I'm kind-of client #3? I tell my tattoo artist that I have savings put away just for tattooing whenever I want, I trust her and I'm not concerned about the price. I want her to do her very best and feel comfortable that she will be paid well for it. I'm an artist myself and I understand the need to pay good money for good art. I NEVER try to 'sneak in' before others when she's booked solid -- I get on the end of her list as soon as I can and I'm totally cool with that. Ultimately, I just want her to feel comfortable that she is going to get paid what she's worth.
James is the realist!! Real AF!
Can you do a video on whether if it’s ok or what level of tattoo artist would do a design the client themselves design. I’m an artist and want a tattoo I’ve designed myself copy and pasted basically onto me by a tattoo artist. I have some that I don’t mind having their creative twist too, but some not so much. I feel like it’s hard to go around and ask for from high quality tattoo artists. I’m not trying to get it done cheaper cuz it’s my design, and sometimes I can be persuaded so I’m not entirely a stickler. But I don’t want to get stuck with only a newbie tattoo artist that only does copy and paste but quality is bad or not entirely developed yet. Idk if it’s doable, but what is your take. Would you take a client with an already designed idea?
I hear all this. I have to say though, when it comes to scheduling, the Tattoo industry seems like a mess. I am in Austin, Texas and I have reached out to multiple Studios and artists directly ( the one's that don't say " no DMs",etc) and I still haven't got anything set up after a month of looking. I understand I might be waiting until next year, I get it. There is a waitlist. I just want to get something in the books. Lots of artists don't respond, studio's take over a week to get back, and when they do it takes several follow ups. Faces In the Dark in Kyle here, I must have sent 10 emails to them and they keep asking me for the same pictures and concepts that I have given them twice already, and haven't managed to get their guy to review the pictures despite him telling me to DM him after we had a consult on the phone. Like, Jesus Christ. Is this indicative of the entire industry? it's such a shit show.
Right now the demand exceeds the supply, so it appears they don't care because there are so many bookings, but it won't be that way forever. There will come a point when there is a lot more artists and the demand is down. It's not a good idea for the client to suck ass ( as stated in the video), or the studio or artist to show a lack of effort it understanding for people trying to book either. Just make it an efficient, respectable experience. I will be paying 2500 a session plus a 20% tip, at least make it feel like I don't have to beg to get things done. Right now it seems to make more sense that I just fly to Eastern Europe for a tattoo because they have insanely good artists and the price is a fraction, even when you factor in flights. Im honestly getting annoyed by the fact it feels like I have to kiss everyone's ass, pay an extortionate rate, and I am still getting nowhere.
Is it what it is u gotta either deal with it or figure out an alternative like u said. I think it’s unlikely you’ll be able to find what you’re expecting by shopping around though, tbh
@@JamesWithee They are all similar type artists, similar styles and specialties. Taken me a long time to find the handful of guys that I want. If I have to wait 6 months then fine I get it, just lets get something organized now, or just flat out reject me, you know?
Some sage advice. Thanks for the video, your channel is super informative!
That’s why I always say that if you want a dope tattoo then be willing to pay a reasonable price, most artist are annoyed by the “why is so expensive” lol
I don’t question the price. I just like a ballpark idea because the shop I go to only takes cash. I think that’s common for tattoo shops anyways. I just don’t want to be embarrassed and not bring enough money. After talking to the artist what I like done, I ask how much. Because a tattoo price isn’t something the average person would know. It’s different from artist to artist and a bunch of other factors. So I ask for the price if my artist hasn’t said yet. Normally I have money saved up to my best guess at what it might be anyways. Then I’ll book a time that’ll give me more time to save if I need to
@@bennu547 yeah I feel you on that one but what I’m referring is the fact that the artist tells you a price and the client tries to bargain or just saying that someone does it for less, like the guy from the video said
This video was well put together and thought out. Definitely gives me food for thought regarding taking clients later on down the road!
Yet another informative and entertaining video. Thanks!
As an aside, it's a shame when people don't use common sense or consideration (these are euphemisms for words that are more fun) - and have the entitled expectation that others should treat them several levels higher than their behavior warrants.
Edit: Your use of "grown ass" man/woman/adult made me smile, as it's something I find myself saying and thinking a lot.
I understand where your coming from and everything most definitely. But as someone who has a disability “treacher Collin syndrome” where my speaking isn’t great without me having to take my phone out and tell them what I wanted. Usually it’s better for my partner or anyone that I use to just tell them what I wanted quickly. And then I’ll just type and add into what I wanted I’m pretty grateful that the shop I gone to for couple of years always been helpful since been working on my sleeves. But I don’t think most people are not mature adults some aren’t but most are believe me it’s annoying having to take out something just to write it down for them.
My tattooers like having me as a client. I've had them want to book me right away for more tattoos. I guess I'm doing well and have a good relationship with my artists.
I’m a PUM artist and I appreciate you sharing your experience with us new tattoo artist. THANK YOU :-)
00:00 I n t r o d u c t I o n
03:41 substance begins
The proxy thing could be that there extremely shy ,mute ,have issues expressing their selves with people and don't want to be rude and loose you as an artist and or just have no vocabulary to explain it best but I agree with you I don't like the proxy thing either.
The problem with that is, if they‘re so shy they can’t even write a fucking email, then it‘s almost impossible to create a good workflow with them in the studio. For example placement of the tattoo - when these people can‘t say directly what they like/don‘t like, it feels like you‘re convincing them to do something they feel uncomfortable with. No tattooer wants that to happen
Would you take a client that is looking to cover scar areas with tattoos ?
As an apprentice I appreciate these kinds of videos! Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Dude spent 4 minutes talking about what the video was about to be about when the title said it for him. Red flag!
Real talk. I appreciate your insight.
5 Red Flags:
1. No money
2. Saying I'll pay you later
3. Has torette syndrome.. to much movement
4. Is bad body odor or bad breath.
5. Drunk
Every red flag explained can be applied to most business owners. I'm a professional photographer and sometimes you just want to hear that other business owners deal with this too. My favorite part was where you said you can't go to another artist and get a tattoo from me cheaper! I recently had a potential client try to gaslight me about photography industry standards regarding the deliverables, she thought I was inexperienced, which I have no idea how she thought that, you can tell from my website, I'm highly experienced. She said something like, well generally I receive all the headshots and I was thinking, because you go to amateur photographers who are most likely mediocre at best because they don't know how to use an off camera flash. I didn't say that though, but I did say in my reply, giving you all the images from a shoot is not industry standard.
what percentage do you feel is appropriate to tip? i think i tip well but i would like to know what artists expect and will be satisfied with.
I read 20% of your ink iif it’s $80.00 round it out to $100 n be happy with the artwork
Hey James, great insight yet again. Any chance we‘ll get a little tour about your tattoos anytime soon? Your sleeves are looking quiet juicy, I’d be curious to know.
My wife is now a tattoo artist herself. But before, when we were young, I would always let her do the talking. I just trust her ideas and her taste better than my own. Also she knows me very well, so she knows what I like and what I don’t like. I don’t see anything wrong with that as long as the person getting tattooed is present and listening to the whole conversation so they know exactly what’s going on.
Also tattoo artists will get upset when people try to bargain. Sure, you should know your value. But don’t act like 90% of artists won’t be like “I’ll ask 2200 but sure I’d do it for 2000”. It doesn’t really apply to more famous artists who can afford to refuse clients left and right, but that’s not the case most of the time.
I think that pay to cut the line thing is not that bad and I do similar things in other situations just to cut through the shit getting what you want faster. That doesnt meant I'm flaunting the money at them or being disrespecting of others but I think it's a fast cause and effective communication
Edit: what do you guys think about this? I'm curious to know some of your opinions on this
thanks for the video! i have Very bad anxiety and it’s helpful that i know what to ask and what not to ask so i don’t sound stupid
You should do a video of red flags of a tattoo artist
Oh no... I called a shop the other day to begin the process of getting friendship tattoos and I called on my friends behalf as well.... we were gonna both go in-person but the heat was 115° and we didn't want to go out. Luckily we are dead set on this idea and both want two seperate artists to do the pieces.
My thing with tattoo prices. If I only have a certain amount and the tattoo I want cost way more. I just ask if we can chop it up into sessions. My chest has been 4 $500 sessions and I do need a little more work done on it. But there was no way I could have come in with $2000 and did it all at once.
Then you should safe up until you can. Starting out a tattoo you can‘t afford in the moment is just dumb. I won‘t go in an apple store and ask for the latest iPhone with 500 bucks in my wallet. If I don‘t wanna save up I might just have to settle for an older version or get a device from a different company.
@@thatboyunfazed99 maybe you misunderstood. It’s not my last $500. But being able to budget $500 per month is more reasonable. Kind of how people purchase houses without having the entire amount at once. Now if I couldn’t afford a 1 hr session tattoo then obviously I’d wait till I could. Comparing a multi session tattoo to an iPhone is idiotic
@@thatboyunfazed99 most phone carriers have payment plans for their phones....
@@vthomlinson aight you do it your way then, most artists will probably shy away from that. If you find one who won‘t good for you
@@RaquelliBee ya but phone companies have a different type of budget and business model. The average artist won‘t have the luxury of waiting months to get payed, most struggle to make a living from the get go
17:04 I’ve always wondered if being muscular and lean made the experience hurt more.
Thanks for the video! So for #1 thats a good point..Im assuming this doesn't applies to teens and their parents? Like the parent is there just making sure the teen gets an approved tattoo? Do the parents have a say? My niece is in high school (15) and swears so many kids in her school have tattoos and is asking for one for her 16th bday. Do many professional artists tattoo teens? I'm assuming because so many kids have them.
Why did he stopped making videos?
I really can't stand the "how much for that?" client who shows you a picture of a random ass tattoo on the internet lol
I don’t have any tattoos, so I’m curious how people are supposed to know how much to pay (at least generally) before an appointment?
@@CamilaSaurus just say that you want to get tattooed and you’re open to any price range because you appreciate the tattoo artist’s work
@@justpassingby3409 I’m mostly asking out of curiosity (I used to want a tattoo for a long time but haven’t had the itch in a while). I once went with a friend who was getting a tattoo and they carried over $1000 since they paid in cash. Made me wonder if giving a quote is normal or not.
You sound stupid its tattooing what do you expect you work for the client not yourself its your job get use to it for the ones that are assholes them maybe tattooing at a shop isnt your deal
The money issue pisses me off. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for a ball park figure for the piece you're after. Fortunately in Australia most artists see it as normal to offer a quote (always with the caveat that it is just an estimate). Also, I'm grateful that tattoo shops in Australia don't get tipped (we don't have tipping culture because we charge appropriately for our services in the first place) and they also accept payment by credit card on the day rather than demanding you carry a large wad of cash with you.
The only one i disagree with is the short sessions or 3 month gaps between sessions. Some people can't take the pain and find only short sessions manageable. The 3 month gap thing can depend on the clients other responsibilities or for me example travel, i fly out to my artist so 3 months is kind of our minimum gap. Granted we do 2 day sessions in a row when I'm there 😅😂 but I do understand your point and completely agree with the others good info for people 👌
the consultation by proxy is something really interesting ive never thought of before. idk...a husband inquiring for their wife makes me feel like its him who wants her to get tattooed. weird sense of power/control that rubs me the wrong way. ive heard horror stories of young women being forced to get matching tattoos with their abusive boyfriends and shit. not cool...that shit is for life.
I’ll never understand telling someone that they can get a tattoo done cheaper somewhere else. When you get a tattoo you are literally buying a piece of artwork from an artist. Each artist has their own style and it’s 100% unique to them. Complete disrespect for your job and your artwork.
So as someone with extremely bad phone anxiety that has hindered my life in far worse ways than not being able to get a tattoo. This hurts my heart a little bit. Haha
Write yourself scripts to read from whenever you need to start a phone call-whether it’s for job inquiries, consultations for appointments, etc. Eventually you’ll get to the point where you don’t need the script anymore.
Exactly what I thought, some people have severe anxiety and really need their partner or someone else to help them through initial one on one consultations/conversations.
Hello, I’m quiet and not very good at getting ppl to like me on the spot and I worry I won’t be some immediate connection or interest in wanting to tattoo me. Do you know what I mean 😂 do artist care if there’s not a connection to the person ??
* Red Flags 🚩 Mentioned in This Video:
1. Indirect Communication: When the person receiving the tattoo avoids direct consultations, relying on a proxy (spouse, partner, or third party) to communicate with the artist instead.
2. Price-Driven Concerns: Clients who focus primarily on cost, including haggling for a lower rate, attempting to match other artists’ prices, requesting numerous changes to fit their budget, or insisting on shorter or widely spaced sessions to make the tattoo more affordable.
3. Arrogant Behavior: Clients who flaunt money to push their agenda, such as offering to pay extra to skip the line for an earlier session or being overly demanding with the artist.
4. Disrespectful Attitude: Treating the artist as an employee or subordinate, which may include talking down to them, displaying impoliteness, or trying to supervise the artist’s process during the consultation or session.
This is so spot on! The other thing I hate, probably the most, is when clients try to micromanage the artwork and not let you do your thing (that they came to you for) or try to get you to tattoo someone else's work or copy their style. Just go to that artist then!!
Can you use numbing cream or spray?
Yep, controlling men try and talk about what their possession aka girlfriend is getting or wants. So ridiculous to watch.
i think tattoos becoming more common is also a lot of my generation the younger generation rebelling. i noticed a lot of us who love art will get it put on our bodies to end the stigma... cuz listen.. we turn down jobs left and right. we're interviewing the jobs now - not the other way around
I used to say yes to everyone. Definitely learned my lesson
Just wondering, what if you get a client that has a few options and wants your opinion on what would work/look best and in what placement?
Hey man hope you respond to this but I get your point on the proxy thing but my mom wants a tattoo but doesn’t know any English at all do you think it’s rude to the artist to make her appointment for her and go with her to the consultation?
No that’s not rude at all that’s totally normal if she don’t speak English
@@JamesWithee thanks man
I appreciate this 💯🙏🏾
Just had a 3,5h tattoo on my ribs. If I get another big(ger) tattoo I will definitely spread the appointments. Not because of the money but because of the pain 😅!
That last 30min was hell
Oh man. I feel this. I run my own online sales business and these same scenarios happen there too. They don't realize we want their money, we don't NEED their money
Especially at our own detriment.
i agree with u a lot. think ur cool asf you just say what u think and how you feel. i think this is way better than those artist who say yes to everyrhing and everyone, because the artist also spend their time with you. and it has to be enjoyable for them aswell so gg just say what u think and fk those who dont understand
Tattooing is a completely situation than ordering food from a restaurant or fast food, someone shouldn’t tell the artist what the other person wants as if they’re ordering food for them. It just doesn’t sound like it would work out the way they want.
So stoked getting my first tattoo on November 12th. A half sleeve as well.
Pause pause pause less than 3 minutes in and i agree so much with his statement of the customer isn’t always right coming from a cook customers or in this case clients are wrong all the fuckin time
Another red flag that wasn’t mentioned; if the person walking in has no idea what personal hygiene is. chances are the tattoo won’t be kept properly during the healing process and they will be calling or coming back complaining about how it didn’t heal properly and plus I don’t want to tattoo someone who smells awful
Good advice for other fields of work other than tattooing
I’ve never understood why artist get irritated by people price shopping.
I (speaking in a general sense) as a paying customer have a right to get as much information as I possibly can. I feel like this is great because it doesn’t waste anyone’s time. I understand that some customers don’t handle that situation correctly, but a lot of artist get rude when you only ask for a price.
They just mad that you are a smart customer
2. If i want a pegusis on my shoulder blades and you tell me your price estimate i can and will only decide whether or not i can afford it at that time or wait until i have the money to pay for it.