I had an artist reply to my idea saying with his skills, he wouldn’t be able to execute the tattoo I wanted to my liking. I thought that was the nicest and honest thing a tattoo artist can do.
BlastOsaki indeed as a tattoo apprentice and if someone asked me for this super detailed piece I know I couldn’t execute that’s exactly how I would say it
i don’t understand why a lot of artists act like they’re so much better than like people who are new to getting tattoos/are getting their first tattoo/have “basic” tattoos like damn you weren’t born with all of your tattoos how are you rude to people who don’t have tattoos yet
There’s a guy that works in a shop near me that is like that. I went in one day with a vague idea of what I wanted with the hopes someone would either have time that day since it was early and middle of the day or at least make an appointment to help me complete the design idea.. he literally told me to find something on Pinterest and take it in. I left and refuse to go in if he’s working. I was really looking forward to having an original tattoo too 🙄. (I have 3 and they’re basic af 😂)
As someone who works in retail, the idea of being rude to a customer is horrifying 😂 I deal with rude customers, but holy hell I can never be rude back
When costumers are rude to me. I turn sassy in a nice way. Like when a costumer told me I gave him the wrong change. I did the math to show him and he was like god help this country. I was like yes please god help this wonderful country. That shut him up and walked out
I work for a small business, the owner tells me if I get a really rude argumentative customer that won't calm down to simply ask them to leave, and if they don't tell them to get the fuck out and refuse them service.
When I got my first tattoo, the artist thought I was a silly little girl because I look very young and have a baby face. They were all pretty hardcore tattoo-heads, and I knew they were great artists, but the way they spoke to me was totally unnecessary. It was as though they thought because I was a newbie, they thought I was somehow not entitled to having a tattoo. I was only getting a small quote on my inner wrist and they kept laughing at me when I initially asked how long it would take, because I was simply curious. They thought I was afraid of the pain (9 tattoos later, I can assure you - I'm not!). It made me feel kind of stupid. I'll never return there again. I think the artists in New York City are a lot nicer.
I had one tattoo artist who kept talking about and bashing his other clients while tattooing me. He was never rude to me personally but I couldn't believe he thought it was okay to bash his clients in front of someone he was tattooing. I understand there is "shop talk" but tattoo artist should keep that between themselves and not talk like the in front of clients.
One thing that I noticed was not mentioned in the video but I would personally consider, is that I wouldn't want a permanent mark on my skin that reminds me of the terrible time I've been through to have it done. I think the process of getting a tattoo is part of the deal and this is something worth considering, especially if it involves bullying or sexual harassment.
I definitely consider the emotional content of the experience, especially if it could be, or was, an offensive and hurtful one. I think it can taint it for a very long time (almost forever for me--OCD, sadly), and can ruin your memories of it. I've had bad experiences meeting people and at events, and it scotched any positive opinion I might have had for years. It can be so disgusted, it almost makes me physically ill. Say one racist, homophobic, or sexist thing in my hearing, and they're dead to me until they grow up. I suspect it would be the same for getting a tattoo. They're SO important to people, or they'd never get one. The emotional hit would follow them everywhere every time they looked at the art to the point where they might even get a cover-up, or laser-surgery to remove the offensive thing. I'm planning my second tattoo, and I hope I can find an artist who is professional enough to keep certain opinions to themselves. If they're racist/homophobic/sexist, etc, I personally don't care--it's just what they believe and they aren't me--but as soon as they let those views past their teeth, I'm out. If I see things like white power tattoos or swastikas--unless they're part of religious designs, like Buddhism, those are totally fine, since swastikas as a design have been in use for thousands of years before the Nazis fucked it up for our culture--I'll sneer and leave. Unfortunately I can be hypocritical about it and won't always be nice about it, despite saying I don't care what they believe. I can still forget myself and go for the "teaching moment". Damn my proselytizing. I'll also leave a review naming the artist and/or the shop: "Stay away--bigoted artist. Said, or showed, racist, anti-Muslim, homophobic, sexist, etc, views." even though I didn't get any work done by them.
Agreed. I recently went to Korea and had a tattoo by a poplular IG artist. He was rude and I felt very uncomfortable. The tattoo is not quite where I wanted it (I was afraid to speak up) and after 3 weeks the ink has faded in 1 section. I have no way to get it retouched since I live in the US nor would I go back to this person. Whenever I look at this tattoo I think of the unpleasant experience I had. I also had a 2nd tattoo in Korea by another artist and she was wonderful. Her design exceeded my expectations and the entire experience was wonderful.
My friend has roughly 8 large tattoos and I went with her to watch her get one, tattoo artist was lovely. However the other artist in the shop was free so watched as well. He then proceeded to tell my friend after she said she got her stomach tattooed a couple months before that in prisons they see that as a a invitation to rape. He then told her her finger tattoos meant she was a prostitute if she was in Mexico and even got a book about it out. The artist doing the tattoo told her just ignore him and that what he was talking about was decades ago and in another country. Then on Facebook we seen the tattoo artist who told her all this had written a post on Facebook saying he was sick of silly little girls with retail jobs getting tattoos without looking into the meaning of them and just getting them because they are cool. I was so angry, she works in a pretty decent job, not a retail job which why does that matter anyway, and didn't deserve to get told her tattoo placement was a invitation for rape.
RoZ DarmandraiL she went because our friend has three by him, but since this happened both of my friends have avoided the shop. A shame cause the guy who tattooed my friends was really talented and nice but the other artist has ruined that shop
maybe he was just sick of silly little girls getting the latest trend job stopper tattoos and assumed your friend was the same or maybe she was. there are many people out there getting tattoos to be trendy now and that sucks
If somebody is being rude to you, they must not desire your money or service. I have had one rude artist and it sucked and really hurt the experience. My biggest advice would be to ask for a tattoo consultation, so that you can meet them face to face and get to know their personality. It's a great way to learn if that is the right artist for you. Also, bringing a friend or family member with you might help to keep artists accountable for how they treat you.
Melissa Stephan same happened to me yesterday, went in at 5pm and the shop closed at 10pm he was an asshole the whole time, he drew up what I supposed to be getting but I did not like it, he also tried to get me to come back in the morning and do a deposit and I said no and walked out
The first guy I ever went to for a consultation was really rude/dismissive of my tattoo idea. I get that not everyone is going to love a particular design idea but he was very patronising and made me feel like an idiot. Fortunately I found someone who a friend had gone to who was the total opposite and made my first tattoo experience amazing.
I was told when I first started getting tattooed all tattoo artists were assholes. And all the ones I met were definitely dicks. I moved across country however, and I had a much different experience. I started meeting a lot of nice artists. I don’t care how good an artist is. I will NO longer get tattooed by anyone who is a jerk to me in anyway. There’s no reason to put up with that. I totally agree with you. There is no reason to deal with it and we should all be taking a stand against it.
A former friend of mine is a tattoo artist. And when I got my first tattoo by him he was really nice, like friends are. The second one we split up in 2 sessions because he was too tired. I was a bit bummed out, because it was really a hassle to get him to book in an appointment, but i thought "yeah, well... if he's tired, we better do 2 sessions before he fucks it up" First session is over, i immediately asked him when we can finish it, but he simpy did not answer my question. I texted him a couple of times an asked for an appointment, still never got an answer, just lame excuses "sorry i'm really booked up right now etc" Also in that time span he began to talk crap about me, so in general he's probably not a decent human being. Luckily it was not an "unfinished" tattoo, so my tattoo artist now was happy to finish it for me and i'm really happy with the result and to have her as my tattoo artist :)
Laura Ju Wow happened to me too. I have had three sessions on my leg, I think, and then she stopped talking to me all of a sudden. Probably because I introduced her to one of my close friends, and when they broke up, she just wanted to avoid him... But then I heard from my boyfriend that she had told him me and my friend had sex. We never had, and never will. He just came to me to hang out when she was mean to him. This rumour she started led to my bf leaving me, me losing my home, and by losing my home, losing my pets, and I also had to quit school, because the only apartment I could get at the time was 2,5 hours away. Sucks to have this half finished thigh to remind me of her.
When I turned 18 and went to get my first Tattoo (I had drawn my own design it was really small) my first stop was a kind of a popular studio. (They have 12 Artist and work like a factory lol) i showed the guy my design and explained where I want it. He looked at me, had a really dirty grin and said "For a newbie like you I'm charging 300€". I know that every artist has his own prices but I couldnt imagine a really small Tattoo (like it was 2cm x 2cm) would cost so much and his Statement just rubbed me the wrong way. Luckly I found a small studio and with it a really nice team.
This might be an unpopular opinion but I hate the whole "upside down" concept, especially on arms. I've seen people get small things on their wrists that faces them and people rudely told them it looks stupid because it's "upside down". And when saying you got it for yourself and you would like to see it properly yourself, people reply that they know what their tattoos look like and they don't need to properly see it. I think that's incredibly stupid. It implies that it is normal to get tattoos for other people to look at and getting a tattoo for yourself is stupid. If you get a tattoo that is traditionally "right side up" or whatever, that's perfectly fine. But don't tell someone that it's upside down please. A tattoo artist should properly inform a client what is the norm and that it usually looks best the way it is typically done and to keep in mind that it might be best one way if you ever want to get a sleeve or whatever. But. Please. Stop. Harassing. People.
SmilyLily1996 I agree.. you can't and are not meant to please everyone with YOUR tattoo... my tattoos on my wrist face downward, and people still tell me it's upside down smh
getting a upside town tattoo so you can look at it is both narcissistic and stupid. unlike my motorbike you are not going to look at your tattoo everyday and admire it but everyone else will so yes its the owners choice but yes its also stupid
my wrist tattoos are done “upside down” I’d planned this specific tattoo out for over a decade and got it the way I wanted and needed it to be done. I have it facing toward me because as a self harmer having the lyrics written out on my wrist in a way I can read them easily has helped me tremendously with sobering up. I’m not completely harm free but it’s helped me a lot more than I even thought it’d do. My artist was amazing before during and after the session. He informed me that people will ask me what it says. Will tell me it’s “upside down” and could potentially be rude about the placement and such. It’s not stupid. It’s not wrong. It’s my body. It’s my tattoo. I’m not here to tattoo things so that others like my body. And yes. I do look at my tattoos everyday. Even if I didn’t having them facing the way my wrist tattoos do wouldn’t be stupid. Just because you wouldn’t tattoo yourself in the way I did with these two doesn’t make the tattoo stupid. Claiming that the way someone gets a tattoo done is stupid or makes the person dumb does the exact opposite of what you’re trying to do. It makes you look like a judgmental prick who dropped out of elementary school.
Ugh same I don't have any tattoos yet but the one I'm planning to get is meaningful to me and I'd like to be able to look at it properly when I do get it. I don't care if other people see it, it's going to be for me, as a reminder to be kind to myself. Fuck that "upside down" bullshit. It's right side up to the person who owns it.
My first tattoo experience was with a very rude and unprofessional artist. I got a small design on my foot and all he could talk about the whole time was really crude, sexually explicit things and always making weird comments about how beautiful my foot was. It was uncomfortable to say the least.
The Emmasculator Live and learn I guess! That made me really research the artist I chose to do my other pieces. Reviews and his portfolio, as well as testimony from people I know. Better safe than sorry. Haha.
mercedes Unfortunately, where I live there are pretty much no female tattoo artists. The guy I go to has an apprentice who is a woman but she is young and just starting so I wouldn't go to her yet for anything intricate. Most of the women in the shops here do more of the piercing side of things. Not entirely sure why. Lol
a bit off topic but somthing else that really annoys me about the reviews on fb and stuff is when i see an artist who mostly has 4 or 5 star reviews and then a large handful of 1 or 2 star reviews but with no text! like i want to know why you rate the artist 1 or 2 stars! its so unhelpful when people do this!
Its not a great tool to use. To determines someone worth on a point system from 1 to 5. Sure if you heard of a couple artist and you look them up and they have skewed ratings dig deeper dont assume Who they are based on a few comments. Like ppl have bad days or people have too high expectation. Look at their flash and their books and their galleries thats why they have them.
I rely on reviews for products and things like stylists etc. Around my hometown I'm looking for a tattoo artist that will be my first tattoo ever so I want it to be perfect of course. Anyway, I check out the Facebook reviews and seeing a shop owner respond to one star reviews so nastily is a really big turn off to me. I listen to what one stars have to say, but how the shop owner responds shows their character.
I got my first tattoo this summer & after speaking to peers they told me I was ripped off. My total was $250 but I only had hundred dollar bills. So I asked a change for a $50 so I can break down for a tip. My artist walks around the shop for other workers to give to him change of $50 but no one has spare money.... So I had to buy a $50 hoodie from the merch of the shop to even out to $300. I wanted to leave a Yelp review about that weird hassle, the tattoo is okay, artist was nice in the whole process. But how could a tattoo shop a cash based business have no change for $50? 😑
As far as rejecting designs go, I feel like if a tattoo artist just simply isn’t into the design, or passionate about it like you said, then it’s maybe good that they reject the design. Maybe it’s just me, but I would want my artist to be into the design and be passionate about the art they are making to put on my body. With my last tattoo the artist actually was a big fan of the movie it was from, so he was super into the idea I had and he took my references and made me a beautiful tattoo that was even more wonderful than the image I had in my mind. I think it helps if the artist is feeling the design.
Exactly! If they are excited about it they will do a better job, not on purpose maybe but it's the same for all of us. If we enjoy something we're often better at it. :) Doesn't mean that an artist can't make a great tattoo that they themselves don't love, but they can of course turn it down in that case.
Also if they’re passionate about it, there’s a chance they’ll make suggestions and things that you didn’t even think of! You could bounce ideas off each other and such, that just sounds like a much better environment
Not just you . :-) It's totally fine with me when an artist says they don't think they can do the work. It means they're honest and realistic about their ability. Artists are very individual in their styles and skills and one who is objective enough about those skills is one I'll have total respect for. I'll just ask if they can possibly recommend someone else whose style reflects my idea better, or I'll show them another idea I want that I think might better suit their art and see if they might like to take it on. I'm an artist myself, and I fully admit I have difficulties with many forms or techniques. I don't tattoo, though I've always wanted to learn, but I feel my lacks would get in the way of doing good work for folks (I'm actually considering getting a gun and ink to try on oranges and other similar surfaces, then doing a simple piece on myself, maybe some of the traditional designs form my tribe--I'm Cree). Maybe drawing up a possible design for someone who can then take it to a better artist than me to translate for them, thus having a base idea to work from, seems like a decent way to help visualize what the customer wants. That said, so many artists are hyper-critical of their own skills (like me. :-p) and might downplay what they can do unnecessarily. I'm certain that won't be the case with many tattooists who've been working for years. They have the confidence to at least consider taking on someone's piece, and will hopefully be non-egotistical about it enough to know when they're unable to accept the commission. :-)
This! Knowing that my artist is also excited to do the design I like makes me even more happy to get a new tattoo! That's also why I love getting wanna do's, because I know the artist doesn't just do the design because it's his job and he doesn't really care and that really calms me down and makes the whole experience so much better for me.
Thank you for making this video. I am a professional Tattoo Artist and I would be devastated if anyone who books me to do their new piece, thought I was rude to them. The whole process is important right from consultation right through to aftercare. I’m always sincerely honoured when I am chosen be it very small to very large pieces. On the flip side of this conversation, we are often bombarded with rude potential clients. But I feel it’s easier to close the conversation down rather than being unprofessional back. I’m deeply trained in retail and I still carry these points through in to my career now. I’d rather approach with a smile than with an argument. On the sexual harassment point - I couldn’t agree more. Noone’s body is there to be exploited! You are NOT paying for that to happen. Do not tolerate any artist who makes you uncomfortable. If they do anything further, report them. Do not let any artist make you remove clothing unnecessarily for a piece. Please know that there are those of us that do hold professionalism and will happily help guide you through the process.
Tattoo artists are really in a position of power once they started the tattoo. The person should stay cool because the rudeness can be put on your skin. That's why is so important to choose well your artist. It's not a service easily replaceable or correctable. You have to build trust in that artist, know their work, etc. Many famous artists are sensible and eccentric. Many famous tattoos artists may follow the rule. PS: your new glasses are beautiful and suits you very well!
Thankyou as I needed this video. I have thought about this certain tattoo for a long time and was really excited for it. I went in for a consultation and had viewed all of the artist Instagram for that studio. So I knew who I was receiving, but was in utter shock with how he treated me. He was verbally rude and mocking. I’m very soft spoken and passive so it’s hard for me to speak for myself in the moment. But going in to my tattoo tomorrow I will stand up for myself, give him no tip and give a bad review for that specific artist. The way he treated me as someone with cash was absolutely uncalled for. I still can’t believe what he did.
I totally agree with everything you said about turning clients down as an artist. I’m a seamstress and for now I sew every single thing people want me to make or alter. It 100% is my goal to only sew projects that inspire me or that I’m jazzed about. While that is the goal being unkind is never ok. You can reject an artistic idea politely ❤️ great video as always.
I also get asked constantly to copy other people’s designs but for cheaper. I always decline. Even if they wanted to pay me the same or more I wouldn’t do it. It’s that dressmakers design.
With each of my tattoos I remember the experience that goes along with them. Al of my artists were awesome and created an amazing experience. That's also part of the reason why I don't regret any of my tattoos
It is so irritating that there is so many videos talking about irritating clients but no one ever talks about irritating and rude tattoo artists I find that there's usually two groups of tattoo artists there's usually the down-to-earth really cool ones that are passionate about their work and just don't mess around with their time and money and then there are the rude arrogant ones that think you know nothing about Tattooing and the work that goes into it and will roll their eyes at every suggestion you make. They won't even try to make you feel comfortable or at ease with something that can often be very stressful.
I once went to a tattoo shop for a piercing and the tattoo artist was absolutely vile to everyone in the shop I couldn’t believe it he was being so sexist, I’ve never gone back and would never recommend him to anyone. I don’t think he’s actually there now
I sincerely appreciate this video. I'm yet to turn eighteen and it's nice to have this information under my belt for when I start putting art on my body.
Why do you not see many 30-40 yr olds with channels like these? Because they now regret all of that adolescent “art” wait till you are a full adult...you will thank me later
Claire Bear my dad is 50 & still getting amazing tattoos. if you have a negative opinion on tattoos why did you click this video? lol. you're only upsetting yourself
It's always better to speak up, iv never had a rude tattoo artist. But I did have a generally unprofessional one do a half sleeve on me in an 8 hour session. Just as we started he told me how tired he was and he was constantly yawning throughout the session and had to stop early. Needless to say it didn't turn out great and I didn't go back to him....
Saw an artist on RU-vid tattooing someone while vlogging. Guy pauses mid sentence and straight up burps loudly without covering his mouth , then continues his rant. Just what the fuck.
I‘m so glad you talked about this topic to spread some awareness. My first tattoo was done by a bad artist. Once I got my second tattoo I was surprised that getting tattooed can be so chill a comfortable! I‘m still a bit disappointed of myself that I didn’t left before he started tattooing but well I‘ve learned a life lesson and now I found a really great artist.
If I found out my tattoo artist is a terrible person, I would be happy to lose the depositum and walk away. I think that if I actually got the tattoo, I would constantly be reminded of the artist and feel really bad. Rather lose the money than having to waste even more money getting it removed
Me and my boyfriend went to a famous artist from ink master in vegas. Not only did they not tell us his rates, (He was $250 an hour, minimum $500) He agreed to do a small tattoo on each of us for the $500. We were both excited and agreed. The tattoos took maybe an hour each and we were at the shop for 5 hours. He spent most of the time on the phone, in the bathroom, talking to his coworkers and being rude to his apprentice. The worst part is I hate my tattoo. My regular artist at home is going to fix it for me soon but everytime I look at it I just remember that awful experience
I had an artist once who was the owner and the only one in the shop at the time, had friends come in and he left me to go chat with them and he was gone for 45 minutes. Also I had about a two-and-a-half-hour tattoo and I was there for over 8 hours. Unfortunately I had to go back to have the eyes redone and he started shading my entire tattoo again and I asked him what he was doing and he said he needed to reshade this and that. He ended up making my tat a black blob. And once again I was there for 8 hours just for an eye touch up. Of course I never went back.
I hope to be a tattoo artist in the future and dear god I hope no client ever considers me rude lol. I don't understand how basic costumer service skills could be so difficult for some tattoo artists, but I've had to deal with costumers in retail for years so maybe I just have a better understanding of how to behave and act in a professional manner. I'm glad you addressed what scenarios aren't considered rude, but a client might take the wrong way such as a tattoo artist having the ability and luxury to pick and choose tattoo designs they want to tattoo and turning down a client's idea. Great video!
When I was about to get my first tattoo, I was emailing my artist back and forth and they seemed very friendly, so I felt reassured that they wouldn't be rude. Then I met them for the tattoo consultation which was only about less than 10 minutes long. I told him what I wanted to get (a portrait of an animal that took up 2/3 of my forearm) and he said that I would have to put down a $100 dollar deposit for the design of the tattoo, but I only had $80 on my person so I gave that instead. We set up the date and I anxiously waited, then he decided to change the date because he suddenly decided to go to Disneyland with his kid on the original date of the tattoo. This became a huge problem for me because he changed the date to before I got paid. About a week later, the day of the tattoo, I asked him if I could see the design and he said "so I decided to go with this picture here, as your tattoo" and all I saw was one of the REFERENCE pictures of that animal. He didn't come up with a design in those TWO WEEKS, he stretched the hours of the tattoo, and he bailed the original date so he could go on vacation because he felt like it. And during our tattoo session, a few people walked in saying they had an appointment with him too! He has poor communication with his customers, he says he likes to be creative but I saw no creativity, his studio is dark and gloomy--no atmosphere at all, he has no commitment to his clients and just lacked the experience. When he was doing the tattoo, he said that he should add a gradient behind the animal because it'll "blend in more" so it won't "pop out" but that's what my intention was! I wanted a bold tattoo but all the gradient it did was take up an unnecessary amount of space on my arm (not going to him again, I'd rather drive two hours to a more experienced artist)
My worst experience was right after my niece was born. She was born w a brain tumor & I had been thinking of getting a piece for her but didn't know who I wanted to do it. For my boyfriend's birthday I took him to a local shop to get his only tattoo redone & while we were there I met an amazing artist who I really admired. While every one was in the shop & my boyfriend was there, he was very kind & attentive & said he would love to give me this tattoo for my niece so I booked the appt. The day of, no one was in the shop. Just him & I. Mind you, it took three days of me calling the shop bc he never gave me a time to come in, just the date. So I'm getting the tattoo & he refuses to let me reposition (I was miserable) & then went on to tell me I was annoying & that if my tattoo "looked like shit" when it was done that it was my fault. I was so embarrassed & I was young & naive. I tipped him $80 & never spoke to him again. I regret the tip.
My first artist left the country without a word halfway through my two thigh pieces. The shop never notified me either. I'd call that pretty rude. She's back in the country now but I have a lovely artist who finished my two thigh pieces and has designed the rest of my pieces. So it worked out for the best 😊
I'm so thankful for my tattoo artist. I've been going to the same person for 6 years now, and he's become a good friend. He has also become very, VERY popular in the recent years, and it's so difficult to make an appointment with him now. 😂
I think it goes for all professional artists that getting to the stage of being able to do what you want and being able to turn down paying customers; that is a huge privilege, not a right. There is no need to be rude to the people offering to pay you unless they are rude first.
Very true! But a customer does not have the right to be tattooed by someone who does not want to tattoo them, just cause they pay! So it’s a two way privilege street 😄
Actually, it is, successful artists while they owe their success to their fans, do not have to tattoo anyone they don't want to. To be tattooed by your dream artist is a privilege, to be so successful you can turn down potential customers is a privilege. Neither of these privileges give you the right to be an asshole though.
In most cases I would wait until the tattoo is done before saying anything. But like sometimes it's just as you said just get it done and don't come back. If someone was especially rude I wouldn't just do the review angle. I would also show my displeasure in the tip. I would give anywhere from no tip to the absolute minimum if I liked their work even if their attitude wasn't spectacular.
I was tattooed by a complete jerk when I was 18. It was my first tattoo & I had no clue how to research an artist, so I went as a walk-in to a local shop. The guy started off by insulting where I was getting my first tattoo (my foot) and made a back handed comment about the subject matter (quote)... I went for it anyway.... As the session went on, I was able to talk sh*t with this artist. He was an older artist that had been in the game for many years and spoke however he wanted. By the end of the session we were laughing and joking with one another and I truly believe he was using rudeness to weed out people that are not serious about getting a tattoo. I have had this tattoo for over 10 years now, it was well done, and it has one of my favorite tattoo memories attached to it. Also. to anyone that has ever had an artist that was rude/insulting to you, physically inappropriate with you, or purposefully messed-up a tattoo I am very sorry you had to go through that.
I have two tattoos by two different artists. I have to say that, although I prefer the turnout of the second tattoo, I'm not sure I will return to that artist. My first tattoo was a dream come true, the artist offered me snacks, water, stress balls, and even let me pick the music because when I get a tattoo I have to talk or hum through the pain. I get that its a high standard to keep, but that treatment is similar to the treatment you would get in a nice spa or salon where, like a tattoo, you are putting your body in someone's hands. The second artist was just not suited for me in that he didn't want to talk to me (but he would talk to my boyfriend) and he put on some murder crime show while he was working. Watching a show about a pedo murderer isn't exactly the atmosphere I want when I'm getting a tattoo.
In my experience, it's not so much that they're rude, but pretentious and narcissistic. And so are a majority of people that have a lot of tattoos that I've been unfortunate enough to meet. I haven't met a single one of them that didn't have this "look at me, I'm so unique" attitude. ...no dude, you're not unique in the slightest. Literally millions of other people also have tattoos, Justin Bieber has tattoos. That says a lot about the decline of the culture, it has turn into a trendy fashion statement. It's dead and meaningless now. And now I'm stuck having a judgmental mind frame where I don't want to associate with anybody that has a lot of tattoos.
I had an artist tell me what after care product to use. I informed him that specific brand made me break out, and told him what I use instead. He then told me I would not use that “trash” on one of his tattoos. It rubbed me wrong for two reasons. 1.) it’s my body so I didn’t like someone else dictating it. And 2.) it was his artwork, but my tattoo. I paid for it, it was mine.
I've met rude tattoo artists before. I know some of them think they're hot shit because they've been doing it for 20 years. But if an artist makes me uncomfortable and intimidated I would leave and go get it done somewhere else.
I've had an artist tell me my design isn't really his style, but then recommend someone else who could do it for me, which is probably the kindest way to decline and I'm thankful for doing so because a) I no longer love the idea and b) I wouldn't have ended up with a tattoo that wasn't the best it could be, because I was asking a blackwork realism artist to do traditional (this is before I knew about tattoos leave me alone)
I guess its always best to look into the personality of the artist by asking around or by seeing how they interact with others, along with their art. Although it looks like some people were unfortunate and some of the artists only showed their 'true side' when its late. :( tough situation.
I'd much rather a tattoo artist turn down a design than do it when they don't have their heart in it - it's on you forever you want 100% of their mindspace and effort put into it
My first tattoo artist told me about his friend who also tattoos. That guy told girls that he thought were pretty to completely undress themselves (even if they just wanted an arm tattoo or a upperback tattoo) because otherwise he "wouldn't be able to reach it very well". It's really disgusting...
my experience wasnt really 'rude" more just creepy. i was FRESHLY 18 and my 1st tattoo ever and it was a half sleeve which was intimidating enough. long story short, the artist started talking to me and my (underage) friend about how he always has threesomes and how the people he did them with said it was the best sex of their lives and other just creepy shit. it was extremely uncomfortable but i said nothing because i was so intimidated.
Ew!! That's extremely inappropriate... -__- I will never understand why (OFTEN) men feel the need to talk about sexual things with people they don't know. It does not belong in professional settings...
Well,i don't know if you'll see my comment Kat,but i really was fucked up from my first tattoo artist.He done great job but as my first tattoo he did'nt explained me good enough how to care about it..I paid high price for that tatto,because it means so much for me and then when i came back scared about the result of my tattoo healing(it had few open bruises and my skin was really crying)he was like"oooh,i don't know how can i help you,you didn't what i said,sorry"but now i find a great guy who helped me to bring my lovely magic tattoo back to life..Thank you so much for doing these videos,you really help me answer questions to myself and get to know new things..I'm from Bulgaria and you are amazing,thank you so much!
No one should ever let an asshole put a tattoo on you. It is such an intimate process. You are putting your trust in someone to put some art on your body and giving them your skin. It needs to be respectful by the tattoo artist and the client. I have turned down the opportunities to be tattooed by some major artists because of their attitude.
while i was getting my first tattoo (which isn't the greatest design or whatever) as a teenager, the artist next to mine was immediately talking down about how he had done thousands of my design and they were so easy and everyone has one and what a joke it was. really didn't help my experience getting tattoos, even though subsequent sessions have been fine. i haven't gone back to that shop because he made me so uncomfortable, even though my own artist was perfectly kind.
The artist who did my first tattoo was very rude, I was maybe 5 minutes early to my appointment and he scoffed and told me “I was going to go get food but you’re already here” I got my little 20 minute tattoo and left, never going back.
I've had almost every piercer (I haven't gotten a tattoo yet) bash every other artist or shop they think of or I mention or that comes up in any way. I find that so incredibly unprofessional. I'm hoping to get my first tattoo this year (finally) but I dread so much facing that politics and drama and nastiness. 😞
I had explored this one location online near where I live. I went in for a meet and great and to bounce off idea with an artist... we met... he was smoking a blunt (personally I don't care) but he treated me that I was interrupting hos smoke sesh. I came in and said. Hey mane, I was the one on the phone. I like your work. Here is what I'm kind of thinking of..... he said... look at my book and walked off into the back to smoke his blunt I will never go there... I am trying to trust you to put a permanent mark on my body. I'm heavily tattooed. I know what I like. So it's a reputable shpp. But I now will never go there because of 1 artist. Maybe I'm a dick. But I was looking to trust this guy and I felt he kinda gave me the fuck you... I have had similar experiences. I don't like feeling judged because of my lack of appearances of tattoos. I am covers from my legs chest and back. Because of my profession I can't have showing tattoos. I didn't like the initial expression I was given.
Just came from a(nother) horrible Buzzfeed video about what tattoo artists are "really thinking about you", almost convinced me not to get one...You have me convinced otherwise :D Hope I can decide on something in time for my 18th birthday soon!
I emailed a pretty well known artist a really thought out idea that was also quite personal as it was over some scars, we exchanged an email or two (with weeks inbetween their responses) and then they asked for my deposit before even offering me an appointment, I emailed back to ask when my appointment could be before I sent the money over and weeks later she replied to ask what conversation we had had that lead to her asking me for a deposit because she didn't have the emails, I wrote the conversation and she never replied. I just thought it was so rude to drag things out like that and ask me for money if she just wasnt interested.
I've heard so many stories of artists who can't communicate correctly, who answer emails REALLY slow and I mean it's the same for all businesses! ESPECIALLY when your customers rely on you. It's so strange.
Very interesting video! I have come in contact with a rude tattoo artist and it really turns me off and doesn’t make me happy to have their art work on my body sometimes.
My friend had a really rude artist. He tattood her in an area prone to fall outs without informing her (she had no clue). When she went back to politely explain her tattoo had suddenly faded during healing and ask what happened he basically told her to get lost amd refused to explain or do a touch up. She ended up going back to the shop and asking a different person about it who told her what had happened and offered to do some work that would hopefully last a little better. When I was getting my 1st tattoo I encountered a rude artist who basically disliked my ideas. Ok fair enough. However you don't get to speak to me like I know nothing and like I have shitty ideas for what to do with my own body. A simple 'sorry hun that's not my style' would have been just fine. Ended up finding a lovely girl (done 4 of mine so far) who explained what would and wouldn't work so well in my idea and helped me find something that I still loved and would wear better.
Great vid! I've been doing this 17 years now love my job and love my clients. I keep open arms to new customers but sometimes u get that one guy who been fucked with to much and u have to undo it. What I love more then how the tattoo came out is when u see the smile on his face after u did the impossible. Priceless! Por vida tattoo!
I'm too young (and wimpy tbh) to get tattoos, so maybe my thoughts don't count here, but personally, if I got a tattoo from a rude artist, I would hate the tattoo no matter how awesome it was. As an artist myself, I know how much a person is reflected in their art, and I feel like having a tattoo is like carrying a part of the artist with you. That would feel terrible if you don't like the artist. Just my thoughts.
Great video :) I think the difference is tattoo artists who appreciate clients who want to be tattooed by them and are humble about it, are happy to be doing something they love and sharing it with people vs tattoo artists who think that the client should be almost in awe of them, put themselves on a pedestal and are arrogant arseholes. Luckily I’ve met more of the former than the latter! Like you, I don’t like confrontation so I’m not sure how I’d react if a tattoo artist was rude to me; I just know I definitely wouldn’t go back to them.
As a tattoo artist thank you for some of the disclaimers (upside down tattoos, and not tattooing certain designs). Also thank you for speaking out against sexual harassment in our industry especially in light of recent events. Great video!
To the people who are tattoo artists or know a lot about the profession: what are some examples of things that someone who does not understand the job might find rude but isn’t? Is there anything outside of refusing to do a design that might strike an outsider as rude when it’s really not?
My artist is very quiet when he’s tattooing. He’s concentrating and trying to get the work done right. When people try to talk to him it’s probably pretty hard to communicate when he’s in the zone. He’s been called an asshole for it but in actuality he’s a really nice guy.
1. If they choose to listen to music or not talk. It's difficult to keep a conversation going when concentrating. Or even to talk while tattooing. I often have to stop doing anything to get it done. That might just be me idk. 2. Telling you something can't be done. I.e another person's tattoo or if it's too small and they don't want you to have a shitty tattoo. Some artists out there will let you get those SMALL tattoos knowing what will happen in a few years. Honestly I can't think of anything else at the moment.
When I got my first tattoo done I went to a studio with amazing artists and I was so excited. When I got there, those good artists didn't have time, so a guest artist (who didn't speak german and only a little bit of english, which made me even more nervous) said he'd do it. Me, being the socially anxious wreck I am, didn't say "No, I want person XY to do it, can we schedule an appointment?", I just went along with it because the design I brought with me was pretty simple so I thought it wouldn't matter. He told me to come back the next day and I did and for a second I thought about just leaving again. The studio was blasting super loud music which mostly consisted of drums and bass, and the guest artist seemed really annoyed. So whatever, I was super uncomfortable and like I said, it was my first tattoo. He started and although I didn't move, hell, I didn't even breathe most of the time, he would keep sighing and mumbling stuff to himself in italian and just made me feel super bad. When we were done another artist (who was super nice, thankfully) told me how to take care of my tattoo and the rude guest artist just said how much I have to pay, took the money and went outside to smoke. That was it. No "Bye", no "Hope you like it", nothing. I just left and never went back there. It was a horribl experience and it taught me how important it is to really be comfortable and how much difference it makes when you and your artist are on the same wave length.
Great video, couldn't agree more with all the points you made. One experience I had which wasn't so bad but I don't think I would go back to that artist.. I was getting a piece done and we were deciding on colour, I told him I wanted to do it in black & grey with some dash of colours but not too much since I mostly like my tattoos to be black and grey, and he flat out said "I will only do it black & grey or colour" so I asked him which colours he had in mind that way maybe we can come to an agreement and he mentioned too many colours so I wasn't thrilled about that. The way he responded made me feel like I had no choice in the matter, so I would rather go to an artist that will try to work together on ideas. His very talented in what he does and I'm sure his work would have turned out amazing regardless but based on that reason I wouldn't feel comfortable going back.
I've heard that a lot of tattoo artists really dislike doing pieces that are black and grey with a hints of color because they come across as unfinished. That might be why he was so blunt about it. Regardless he should have said it a little nicer and explained why he would only do black and grey or color pieces and not an in between piece. D:
I've never heard that before but I agree he could have explained why and maybe we could have come up with something together. I have a few tattoo pieces already that are mostly black and grey with some colours and I absolutely love the way they are and don't look unfinished at all, but it's all personal taste/preference. Thanks for the input :)
Many years ago I walked into a reputable shop in my area and showed them a design of a traditional tattoo with a ukulele and some roses. The tattoo artist proceeded to make fun of me (“do you play the ukulele cuz your not good enough to play guitar”, “do you know any other songs besides ‘over the rainbow’”) so I snapped back “do you not want to do the Tattoo because it’s not an issue I can leave” then he called out “ hey who wants to do this gay ass ukulele Tattoo?!” I walked out immediately after that lol 😂
Thank you so much for clarifying that tattoos should be right side up on the body. The sheer amount of wrist tattoos I see that are upside down makes me cringe. Don't people understand that if they were to ever get a sleeve there is no way they could incorporate an upside down design on a right side up tattoo sleeve. You're basically screwing yourself out of adding to that design in the future. Also some symbols have completely different meanings once they're placed upside down and you might not even realize it. A cross for example can go from being a very Christian religious-based tattoo, to being distinctly anti-christian if placed upside down on a wrist. Not trying to say crosses or inverted crosses are bad tattoos. But you have to understand that inverting certain symbols can change the meaning and it's a client's role, as well as the tattoo artist's job to be aware of it. Absolutely these tattoos should be declined by artists who don't like the aesthetic. It's NOT rude to refuse incorrect placement/ positioning
Just so you know, upside down crosses are not "anti-christian". Upside down crosses were used to crucify people after Jesus' crucifixion because they weren't worthy to die in the same way as Jesus. (Also not even religious, but that's the origin of the upside down cross)
Kate Lanier I know that, BUT it's not the meaning most people interpret. Just like how the Buddhist swastika is often misinterpreted as a Nazi swastika. The image of ANY swastika is often recognized as a Nazi symbol nowadays. Same for the inverted cross. If you have to give a Sunday school lesson in order to clarify your tattoo isn't anti Christian, it's not a "readable" tattoo, which is my point.
I have a heart on my wrist which faces upright when I raise my hand. To begin with the artist placed it the other way up but I explained to place it the other way around as it is a suicide attempt survival tattoo and I want the heart facing towards me to remind myself my heart is still beating and I should be grateful for it
Incorrect placement if the tattoo artist tells you that it won’t look well on this part of the body, okay, but because you choose to do it upside down, I don’t get what is wrong ! It makes you cringe ? It’s not your choice, and people know what they’re doing and what they want, why do you judge a person just because YOU don’t like this placement ? I have tattoos projects that I’ve been thinking for years and one is including an upside down tattoo on my wrist, so what ? I know what I’m doing and this tattoo is for me, not other people. If this position is important to ME, I don’t get why someone would refuse the meaning that I PERSONALLY put in this tattoo. So yeah, this is rude telling people make you cringe because of this. It’s not your body, why do you fucking care ?
Lots of people who get the upside down tattoos usually don't plan on getting sleeves. Not everyone wants to cover huge areas of their skin and tattoos only belong to the person who's skin they're in so if they want them different and more personal then that's their choice.
I had a tattoo artist tell me I shouldn't "get a depressing tattoo for some guy" because I wanted a graveyard scene I had drawn displayed in a victorian style framing on my thigh and my boyfriend looks a bit "metal" as he has been discribed as before. I left the shop and went to my boyfriends tattoo artist who helped me find an artist who could do the gothic style I am going for.
A tattoo represents change within a humans life, a documented journey I want to be a plesent guide to help them along their journey. Enjoying the process works both ways
My favorite part about tattooing is that unlike working in retail, the customer is NOT always right and I have the right and privilege to stick up for myself if someone tries being nasty to me in some way. And if someone wants a design I don’t feel comfortable doing or don’t want to do, I recommend to someone who will be willing to put their heart into that particular design that they want. 💚
My first tattoo was done by a very unprofessional artist who made a lot of crude remarks and towards the end of the tattoo, asked if he could kiss me. It was very wierd and creeped me out quite bad. Didn't help that I was 18 and he was somewhere in his 40s. Every tattoo I've had done since then has been done by an amazing artist in my hometown who is not only creative as hell and professional to boot, but just the sweetest man on the planet. He's much older too, but I've never seen him be rude or nasty to any client. Been getting inked by him for over 10 years now, and I'm starting to think I might never get a tattoo by another artist again. He's that good and kind. I thank God for bringing such a talent into my life each time I go to him for a new tattoo, cause honestly, the first artist really gave me a horrendous experience and i was scared to get another tattoo for a while.
I wish I saw this before last weekend when I got my first tattoo by an apprentice. I had mixed feelings about my experience. He was okay..kinda in a bad mood from previous client. My tattoo came out great but he disregarded what I asked for. I showed him a tattoo off Pinterest but he just printed his own off of google. I also got charged $140 and he was an apprentice. Then I realize the moon phase wasn't how waxing and waning from left to right like a cycle but rather, just the individual moon phases. I won't go to him again lol but I'm not upset, the whole process took 20 minutes but I was there for 1.5 hours and most of the time he took looking up google images 🙄 he also neglected to talk to me about after care of tattoo
My worst experience, was going to get a tattoo by an artist who drank a full bottle of beer before he did my tattoo. It was very small, and the tattoo came out perfect, but I felt so uncomfortable after that, he didn’t even speak to me during the tattoo. I wish after he had drank it I said “I’m sorry but I have changed my mind” and walked out. Never again!
It's kind of kismet I guess but I was stuck watching your tattoo videos and I've been thinking about a certain tattoo for over five years now, just not quite sure how to portray it. Now watching this video it all finally clicked, and I know exactly how to illustrate it. Thanks for the completely unrelated, inadvertent inspiration!
thank you for this! i have anxiety and have been stressing so much over rude tattoo artists as i plan my first tattoo. my first problem is that i'm getting the tattoo to cover self-harm scars. long healed, completely flat and soft, they're just lighter than the surrounding skin but i'm nervous about opening up about it with someone and sitting with them for hours as they tattoo me. mainly because of pity. i also have absolutely no friends or family who have ever had a tattoo. i'm the odd one out with blue hair and five piercings. so like, no recommendations on artists or anything. binging your videos now.
Yes! This topic is really something to talk about and you've made a great video about it! Unfortunately, I have a lot of experience with rude tattoo artists. Actually, I had three different ones being rude to me. Number one was a guy who did my thigh tattoo. It was only the two of us in the place and I didn't feel bad about it because I thought I can trust him, since he tattooed people for 10+ years. Everything was fine until the tattoo was almost finished, but then he started talking about how pretty I am and to stroke my thighs. I told him that I only came for the tattoo but I still had to wait until he kinda finished it... It still needed some more work but when he asked me about the next session I just told him that I'm not coming back. And now I need to find someone who will finish it properly. Next one was not THAT rude, but still... I talked to him in Facebook about a bigger project, which he seemed to be happy about and wrote me to give him a few days and he'll do a design for me. I waited for 2 months and I only asked him twice about it because I didn't want to make him feel bad or anything. He didn't reply. But since we live in the same town, it happened that I talked with someone who also knows him and she told me that the artist thinks that my idea is impossible to tattoo and I am definitely crazy for wanting it... Nice. And the third one is my favourite: an artist asking me if I can afford the tattoo I want, since he doesn't want to work on a design without getting paid because people like me always have problems with paying (I am 19 and living on my own, that's why he was concerned). I didn't even try to explain that I only talk with the artist if I have the money for the tattoo. Sorry for the long comment, haha.
I didn't realize there was a specific way tattoos had to face... I have been thinking about getting a tattoo (the only one I ever want) and it would be just for me, so I was planning on having it face me so I can see it and look at it. I want to put it on my forearm, so it would end up being visible to everyone, but if it's truly for me, shouldn't I have it to where I can see it how it's supposed to be seen? This is a genuine question/concern.
This is how most people reason when getting a tattoo “only for themselves” so I understand. But it will be upside down. Just ‘cause all my tattoos are “right side up” does not mean they are not only for me. I really really recommend you getting it the right way but in the end it’s your decision. :)
Cassie B don't compromise your tattoo position just because of what others consider "right" or "wrong". If you want an upside down tattoo and that's what feels right for you, go for it. Find a tattoo artist who will do it and don't mind others opinions, your tattoo if your you!
Thank you both for replying so soon! I have been thinking about it and honestly, the design that I want would fit much better on my arm if it were placed "right side up" because it would follow the natural curvature and shape of it. Not only that, but it would be a lot easier on the artist to put it on me, which is also something I was worried about. :) In the end, I will love my tattoo regardless of its positioning. Thank you for your help! And Katrin, thank you for your videos! They have been a huge help in solidifying my decision to get a tattoo. :)
Thank you so much for this video, it helped me a lot after I had a really bad experience with an artist today. He was really rude to a family member I brought with me, after he initially had told me it would be fine to bring her. He didn't even say hello before starting his rant. There where some other things which bothered me too (he didn't want to use bright colors which I asked for in my emails, and so on) and so I told him I couldn't do it and went home (3.5 hours driving by bus). He now has blocked me on social media and I'm expecting him to post the drawing he did for me as a wannado and tattoo on someone else. I mean, I understand he doesn't want to waste his time but he still got my deposit so I would really appreciate him not to do it. Anyways, I think it was the right choice to walk away.
I've dealt with some who act like their shit don't stink and they know they can get money no matter how they act. I have to have a good connection on top of a skilled professional in order to have an enjoyable experience. It helps the time go by and distract me from the pain. Communication is huge too. Usually the same ones I've had be rude have had poor communication- on appointments (day/time), pricing, etc. Its very frustrating to show up at the agreed upon time, after travelling for hours, and still have to wait hours for them to show up and set up. We have one local guy who constantly shit talks other local shops/artists on local forums, and told a friend, when asked about doing a tattoo, he replied "i don't do dumb tattoos"
The tattoo artist that did my second one had a way to big of an ego for the art he puts out. My tattoo looks awesome, but working with him was a bummer
It's very risky when they overestimate their skills!! Can result in really shitty tattoos... Good artists know their strengths AND their weaknesses! Glad your turned out well though! :)
I feel like kindness and rudeness can go both ways. If you're a rude customer, expect a rude artist. If you're a genuine and kind person, your artist should be genuine and kind to you.
My issue is I've had artists mock me or make fun of me while the tattoo was being done, and generally im nervous enough because a lot of my tattoos are under-the-collar so I'm shirtless during the process. it doesnt do a lot to help me feel secure or comfortable with the artists. i've never had the same artist twice because i cant find someone who makes me feel welcome while im under the needle instead of like someone whos wasting their time
I thought I wanted my ufo upside down but I’m so glad i let the artist place it the right way lol. It looks way better that way and will be more cohesive with the cow I’m adding to it.
I just wanted to make a small change, and when I asked “Can I get this a little smaller?” he said “are you fuckin’ shittin’ me?” I just wanted to make a small heart smaller. I was polite. But i’m getting sick of tattoo artists with the disrespectful attitude, especially when I am very polite and make them laugh.
My first tattoo is on my foot, it's a mandla/dot work style sun and moon. I knew better than to move during the session so I have no idea how it came out so awful when that style was his "specialty". The sun looked like a RABBIT and the moon looks like it has tentacles coming out of it because of the design of the sun rays. I wait 2 months or so for it to completely heal then we schedule an appointment to touch it up. The day off the appointment HE doesn't show up and HE doesn't answer any of my calls or text. I reach out to the friend that recommended me to him and she saids, "Oh yeah he does that sometimes." WHAT?? Thankfully I told another shop and artist my story and only then did they agree to touch it up for me. The rays are diffrent shapes and my moon still has tentacles (couldn't be fixed but it's still not an awful tattoo trust me) but you only notice it when I point it out. A lot of tattoo artist where I live know of him too, way to give a bad rep.
I've only had one experience with a rude tattoo artist in my time. Some lame fuck of a dude named Hippo. He did two tattoos on me, and while they're not bad quality - the experience of getting them SUCKED and I was sooooo glad to hear he left the place I go to and has since been replaced by a handful of way nicer artists who do better work. Generally the arists I've been to are friendly, conversational, and understanding. He was none of those things. He put headphones on, said nothing to me the entire session, and kept stopping every 15-20min because he NEEDED a smoke break. Like, are you fucking kidding me right now? Needless to say - he only got like a $5 tip each time.
Laura TheHockeyFan I can understand the headphones and not talking thing. Some artists just need to focus, and I'd rather them do what they need to to get it done perfectly. As for the smoke breaks, the only time he should have taken one was if you needed a break so he just takes one at the same time.
Shop talk was distasteful and bashful, not to mention I also got bullied for asking for a break or drinking too much water during the session.. I just was not feeling the energy vibes, nor did I recieve courteous customer service and I do not feel the need to go back. This was after the third visit, where true colors were shown. Prior to this visit, I left a good review through Google. Should I go in and delete it ?
