Custom Tattoos | How to Talk Art with Your Tattoo Artist

Body artwork has gained immense traction in the past few decades. People from all walks of life are inclined towards body artwork.

There are numerous tattoo designs to choose from; however, some people opt for custom tattoos. Custom tattoo designs are an excellent way to showcase one’s unique side.

Getting a custom tattoo is a deeply personal experience. However, it is imperative to openly communicate your vision to your tattoo artist to achieve the desired result.

So, if you are wondering how to talk art with your tattoo artist to ensure your custom tattoo turns out exactly as you envision, read this post.

In this post, we are sharing the DO’s and DON’Ts to help you along the way. Let’s get started…

Let’s begin with DO’s…

DO’s of Talking Art with Your Tattoo Artist

Here are certain things that you should do when talking art with your tattoo artist. Take a look…

1. DO Your Research

As said earlier, getting a custom tattoo is a deeply personal experience. Therefore, it is crucial that you take time to do your research.

Spend time researching styles, designs, and artists. Look at the portfolios of different artists to find the right artist for your custom design tattoo.

Choose someone whose style aligns with your vision. In addition, you can collect reference images, sketches, or any visual aids that can help convey your ideas to the artist.

2. DO Have Clear Vision

Don’t just step into the parlor without a clear vision. Instead, articulate your concept clearly. Describe the theme, elements, and overall feel you want for your tattoo.

If the tattoo design is personal, make sure to explain its significance and the emotions you want it to evoke.

3. DO Focus on Specific Details

Anything connected to your custom tattoo design should be articulated to your tattoo artist. When we say specific details, it includes tattoo size, placement, color preferences, and so on.

These details can help your artist to etch exactly what you want. The more you communicate with your artist, the better off you’ll be.

Also See: New Tattoo Aftercare Guide: Do’s and Don’ts After Getting a Tattoo

4. DO Discuss Style and Technique

It is crucial to talk about the artistic style you prefer. There are numerous tattoo styles and patterns. Whatever you want to have, talk it out with your artist.

Whether it’s realism, neo-traditional, black and grey, watercolor, geometric, or something else, be clear about your preference.

If you have no clue about different techniques, then it’s advisable to discuss them with your artist. Also, discuss any concerns you have about the process, such as shading, line work, or color blending.

5. DO Trust the Artist’s Expertise and Ability

Trusting your artist’s expertise and abilities is crucial. There are so many tattooists out there with each offering unique designs.

If you’re getting a custom tattoo etched, then we believe you have found your artist only after proper research that perfectly matches your style, aesthetic, and conceptual ideas.

Hence, it is crucial to trust your artist and their abilities. Be open to their suggestions and modifications. Ask for their advice. They can offer valuable advice on what works best in terms of design, placement, and longevity.

6. DO Bring References of What You Want

It is recommended to bring or share the images, sketches, or any visual aids you want in your custom tattoo with your tattooist.

If you don’t find anything relevant, then try finding something online. You can also share images from other tattoo artists for the reference.

It will help you explain to your artist what sort of style or aesthetic you are looking for in your tattoo design.

7. DO Ask for a Preliminary Sketch

If you really want the best custom design tattoo, then it’s crucial to ask for a preliminary sketch or digital mock-up of your design.

By previewing a preliminary version of the tattoo, you can make necessary changes and offer valuable input to perfect the design before the actual inking process begins.

8. DO Budget in Advance

You may think that custom tattoos need to be redrawn again and again. But that’s not how it is. It is worth noting that every addition you get incorporated into your custom tattoo design, you’ll need to pay for it.

This is for the time that your tattooist will spend in incorporating these additions. Hence, it is crucial to budget properly for your custom design, potential redraws, and yeah don’t forget the tip!

So, these are the DO’s that you need to keep in mind when talking art with your tattoo artist. Let’s now take a look at the DON’Ts for the seamless process. Here we go…

DON’Ts of Talking Art with Your Tattoo Artist

Here are the DON’Ts that you will have to keep in mind when talking to your tattoo artist regarding your custom tattoo design. Take a look…

1. DON’T Be In A Hurry to Collaborate

We all know that the tattoo industry is vast and is swamped with numerous tattoo artists. When it comes to getting a custom tattoo design, collaborating with the right artist is crucial. Hence, it is advisable that you don’t make the choice of your artist in a hurry.

Yes, it is vital to pick a tattoo artist after thorough research. Evaluate their work, visit their online portfolio, and, if possible, try to speak to their past clients. Choosing the right artist will result in a unique design that stands out!

2. DON’T Ignore Practical Aspects

Don’t ever miss to discuss the practical aspects of your custom design tattoo. These aspects include tattoo’s size and placement.

Make sure the design perfectly matches the body part where it will be tattooed. Take into account the various perspectives and how they may appear as your body evolves.

3. DON’T Opt for A Copied Design

If you are planning to get a custom tattoo design, then surely asking your tattooist to etch someone else’s work in your skin is not wise.

Custom tattoos are bespoke tattoos. They are the best way to showcase your unique personality and qualities. Having a copied design won’t solve your purpose at all.

Hence, believe in your artist and let their personal artistic abilities shine. Also, trust the suggestions and the options that they offer. They’ll be able to help you with modifications that work best depending on placement, color, size, etc.

4. DON’T Demand Changes Over and Over

We always emphasize one thing, and that is – BE SURE WHAT YOU WANT on your skin. Wondering why? This will save you and your artist a lot of time and, in some cases, arguments as well.

Yes, nobody wants someone pestering them for making changes again and again. Often, people who opt for a custom design demand tiny changes over and over.

It’s important to consider that there may be financial costs involved, as well as the need to navigate artistic temperament.

Yes, they might overreact to minor details or alterations. Dealing with all of this can be incredibly overwhelming for your artist. Clearly, no one desires to be bothered repeatedly.

5. DON’T Take All Their Suggestions

You don’t have to incorporate all your tattooist’s suggestions into your tattoo design.

And even if you do, make sure to ask how these changes will reflect in your design. Ask them why want to make these changes to understand their perspective better.

6. DON’T Make Choices in Haste

It is worth noting that tattoos are permanent designs. And getting rid of a permanent tattoo design is not a breeze.

This simply implies that you have to be very careful when choosing a custom tattoo for your skin. Any decision made in haste can lead to disappointment and regret.

This is why thinking about your piece and doing enough research in advance is crucial to having a delightful tattoo design.

All in all, the idea is to get your tattoo only when you know what exactly you want and when you’re ready for one.

7. DON’T Miss to Communicate Any Concerns

If you have any concerns regarding your customized tattoo design, then it’s advisable to communicate them.

More often than not, people miss to talk about their concerns and just follow their artists blindly.

Well, this is not the right approach at all. Remember that good communication is essential. It ensures that both you and the artist are on the same page and comfortable throughout the process.

8. DON’T Lose Patience

Tattooing is a time taking process, especially if you want a large-size custom tattoo design with too many details. It is worth noting that large and detailed tattoo designs take time to complete.

In some cases, you may have to get your design in sessions. If that’s the case, then be informed that you will have to dedicate time to get the best design.

Some people start to get fed up after some time of their tattoo design process, which can have a negative impact on their overall experience. Additionally, tattoo artists find it irritating. So, be patient!

The Bottom Line

So, these are the DO’s and DON’Ts that you need to keep in mind when talking to your tattoo artist. Remember that effective communication with your tattoo artist is the only way to bring your custom tattoo idea to life.

By clearly expressing your vision, being open to collaboration, and showing respect for the artist’s expertise, you can guarantee a positive and fulfilling tattoo experience. So, follow these DOs and DON’Ts when talking about art with your tattoo artist.

Happy Tattooing… 😊 😊

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