How do I know if my tattoo artist did a good job?

Good tattoo artists love to answer questions and provide comfort to their clients, from what kind of machines they use to what kind of ink they use to how long they've been at it and what they have a preference for doing. The look and presentation of the shop itself speaks volumes about the artists in the shop.


How do I know if my tattoo artist went deep enough?

They should look solid and crisp. Slightly raised. If they look a bit scratchy or uneven then go over them again. If there is more than a tiny amount of blood then you have gone too deep.

What should you not say to a tattoo artist?

Here are some things you should never say in a tattoo shop:
  • I Let My Dog Sleep In My Bed With Me. ...
  • How Much For A Sleeve? ...
  • Can You Draw Something, And If I Like It, I Book An Appointment? ...
  • I Am Just 17, But My Parents Approve. ...
  • Can You Hurry Up, Please? ...
  • I Had A Few Beers To Man Up.


When should I hear back from a tattoo artist?

You should expect for a delayed response.

Reviewing booking requests and responding to emails is a time-consuming process, so you shouldn't expect to hear back from the artist right away. Sometimes, it could take weeks or even a month or two for artists to get back to you about scheduling a tattoo appointment.

Is it common for tattoo artists to mess up?

It's a process prone to error and artists do sometimes make mistakes when tattooing their clients. Although this sounds scary, it's important to understand that these mistakes are rarely critical, unfixable errors—most blunders can be corrected easily and will ultimately go unnoticed.


5 SMART Questions To ask Your Tattoo Artist BEFORE Your Appointment



How common is tattoo regret?

Here's What You Should Know. It's not unusual for a person to change their mind after getting a tattoo. In fact, one survey says 75 percent of their 600 respondents admitted to regretting at least one of their tattoos.

How common is it to regret a tattoo?

Keep in mind: Of the people we talked to (the majority being teenagers to twentysomethings), a whopping 78 percent regret at least one of their tattoos. And 19 percent of participants with two tattoos regret both. Planning ahead is the best way you can make sure you don't suffer from tattoo regret.

How do you know if you're gonna regret a tattoo?

​6 Signs You're Going to Regret That New Tattoo
  1. It's On Your Bicep. ...
  2. It's Something Tribal. ...
  3. You're Between the Ages of 18 and 21. ...
  4. You Got It on a Whim. ...
  5. Your Tattoo Idea Is “Just Something You Like” ...
  6. You Live in Nevada, Illinois, or Arizona. ...
  7. One More Factor to Consider.


How much should I tip my tattoo artist?

“A suggested percentage of 20% to 25% for personal services is an accepted standard, especially in these post-COVID times.” Cornolo puts the range between 15% to 20%, but says that it really varies. “Some tip less, and some are very generous."

How much do you tip your tattoo artist per session?

How much do you tip a tattoo artist per hour? You generally tip tattoo artists 20% - 30% for the price of the service you're paying for. So a $100 tattoo would include a $20 - $30 tip at the end of the session.

What annoys tattoo artists?

21 Things That Secretly Annoy Tattoo Artists
  • When you complain about the estimated price of your tattoo: ...
  • And when you try to bargain for a cheaper price: ...
  • When you ask your tattoo artist to copy another tattoo artist's work: ...
  • When you try to convince your tattoo artist you're 18 even though you're clearly underage:


Do tattooists like quiet clients?

Tattooing requires intense concentration. Some artists love to gab while tattooing but others prefer to be quiet. Let the artist take the lead or ask them what they prefer. Do bring a book to read or movie to watch provided you can do it without moving.

What can ruin tattoos?

7 Things That Can Ruin Your New Tattoo
  • Bad art from a bad artist. ...
  • Keeping your fresh tattoo covered too long. ...
  • Tattoo Infections. ...
  • Sleeping with a fresh tattoo. ...
  • Cleaning and excess water exposure. ...
  • Picking or scratching itchy or peeling skin. ...
  • Excessive sun exposure. ...
  • Getting older and aging skin.


How do you test what getting a tattoo feels like?

Some people describe the pain as a pricking sensation. Others say it feels like bee stings or being scratched. A thin needle is piercing your skin, so you can expect at least a little pricking sensation. As the needle moves closer to the bone, it may feel like a painful vibration.


What does a poorly healing tattoo look like?

It's normal for your tattoo to be red and maybe even slightly puffy in the days after you get it done. If the redness persists, it may be an early sign that something is wrong. Oozing liquid. If fluid (especially green or yellowish in color) is oozing from your tattoo after a week, see your doctor.

Do tattoo lines get thicker as they heal?

Those gorgeous, sharp designs you see on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok are fresh fine line designs that will look different one day — but different doesn't always mean bad. “Your tattoo will get a bit lighter or slightly thicker depending on how your body heals it,” Kim says.

What is a good tip for a $500 tattoo?

The average percent of tips to a tattoo artist is 15-20%. So, for a $500 tattoo, you can tip $75-100.


What is a good tip for $125 tattoo?

The general consensus in the tattoo community is that 20 percent is the typical amount to tip — just like at a restaurant or a hair salon.

How much do you tip a 400 dollar tattoo artist?

However, the average tattoo tip in the U.S. is at least 15-20 percent. “A tip is a tip—we appreciate anything,” says Clifton. “But you can always follow the Golden Rule of tipping 20 percent of whatever your tattoo price was if you're not sure.”

What does a tattoo rejection look like?

Rash or bumps. Flaking. Scaly appearance. Purple or red nodules around the tattoo.


Why are tattoos so addictive?

The endorphins your body releases during tattooing can make you feel good and cause a euphoric feeling. This feeling may linger for a little while, and it's not unusual to want to experience it again.

Can your body reject a tattoo later?

When it's likely to appear: A reaction can occur at any time between getting a tattoo and 3 weeks later. The allergic reaction is usually caused by a black dye. Many people have an allergic reaction to black dye that contains a chemical called PPD.

What's the best age to get a tattoo?

The safest bet is to wait until you're 18 to start getting inked, but if you just can't wait, there are many ways to still get one with parental consent. Regulations are for your safety and well-being, as well as that of the tattoo artist and the shop.


What to do when you instantly regret a tattoo?

There are things you can do to cope.
  1. Laser Tattoo Removal. The most common solution for those suffering from tattoo regret is complete tattoo removal. ...
  2. Bond with Others. If you suffer from tattoo regret, you aren't alone. ...
  3. Tattoo Cover Ups. Covering a tattoo with another is a difficult process.


Is it rude to cancel a tattoo?

DON'T cancel or reschedule last minute.

Your tattoo artist may have spent time drawing and preparing for your appointment and has also likely turned away other clients because their time was reserved for you. Please be respectful and show your commitment to getting tattooed by showing up for your appointment.