TATTOO SHOP ETIQUETTE
Don’t come wasted to your session. Making lifelong executive decisions shouldn’t be made while under the influence of anything. I would hate to give someone a tattoo they might regret the morning after. But aside from that, there’s nothing more annoying than tattooing someone who’s completely hammered. When you’re drunk, it’s harder for you to sit still, making my job harder, and adversely affecting the quality of the tattoo. Plus, drunk people are known to get loud and crazy, and just because you want to party doesn’t mean you should do it in our tattoo shop (or anyone else’s).
Be on time. Most tattooers worth getting work from are going to be booked. With that in mind, if you show up to your appointment late, this affects your artist’s schedule for the rest of the day. I know that s*** happens and that you can’t control the traffic, but punctuality is always appreciated. Worst case scenario, if you are running late, it’s always a good idea to call and let your artist know.
Don’t bargain. “Good tattoos aren’t cheap, and cheap tattoos aren’t good.” — Sailor Jerry. When it comes to your tattoo, the old saying “You get what you pay for” says it all. Price should not be a deciding factor. Would you bargain with your doctor or your plastic surgeon? Sure, you can go the cheaper route and risk getting a lopsided boob job — but if you ask me, that risk isn't worth the gamble! It’s not like buying a stylish pair of shoes or a leather bag. Tattooing is a permanent body modification, and a tattoo shop is not a swap meet. It is offensive to an artist when people try and bargain the price of a given quote. Trying to talk down the price only translates to, “I don’t think you are good enough to pay that much,” to your artist.
Don’t bring children with you. Although tattooers are skilled multitaskers, you shouldn’t count on them being able to do your tattoo and babysit your kids at the same time. And you shouldn’t assume that you’ll be able to get a tattoo while you’re keeping a watchful eye on your children. Depending on county regulations, most shops don’t allow minors into a shop, and for good reason. When you think about it, some kids are the same height as our trash cans. And those trash cans are filled with materials considered to be biohazardous. I know that if it were my kids, the last place I’d want them playing hide-and-seek would be an environment with that kind of stuff around. If tattoo shops were rated like the movies, I’d say most would be somewhere between R and NC-17! There is cussing involved, and discussion of adult-oriented subject matter that may not be appropriate for young ones. This is a one-size-fits-all rule and includes babies, toddlers, tweens, and teens. (Yes, even your especially polite and quiet kid.)
Eat something before your appointment. Before you get tattooed, make sure you’ve had a meal or a snack. Clients who arrive hungry may get dizzy or even faint. It’s more common than you think, so even if it’s a candy bar, eat something.
Dress the part. Make sure to wear clothing that allows easy access to the area on your body you plan on getting tattooed. Focusing on your tattoo in oder for it to be perfect is hard enough without some strap or some complicated shirt getting in the way. Don't wear your favorite articles of clothing. We are using ink that will not come out of your clothing. And we will not pay for your dry-cleaning or clothes replacement.
Take a shower. This one is self-explanatory. If you are getting a foot tattoo—please wash your feet and wear clean socks and non-stinky shoes to your appointment.
Don’t be a tattoo adviser — and don’t bring one with you, either. We don't like when a client brings along a buddy who is more sure about the tattoo than the guy who is getting it. If you’re not 100 percent sure about what you should get, you should wait until you are. If anybody ever asks you to be their "tattoo adviser", remember this advice. It doesn’t matter if you like the placement or the design. It isn’t your body. Clients, we will happily and patiently work with you to find the perfect fit for your piece.
Don’t bring an entourage. Bringing one friend for moral support (not to be a tattoo adviser) is totally cool. But I promise you, even though it may sound like a good idea to invite all of your first, second, and third cousins, it isn’t. There may not be enough seating, so some of your homies will be forced to stand for hours and will most likely find themselves getting in the way a lot. Besides, it’s not that fun for them to stare at a wall for the hours the tattoo may take. And it can be distracting for your tattooer. So leave your friends at home and surprise them later with your brand-new piece of portable art.
Don’t talk on your cell phone. No one wants to hear you tell your mother what you ate today, the fight you’re having with your cheating girlfriend, or the debate between you and your lawyer about whatever business deal you’re trying to close. Don’t be the “inconsiderate cell phone guy.” Please!
Don’t get a tattoo if you’re pregnant. Being tattooed raises stress levels and affects your immune system. If you’re pregnant, these are two things your doctor will tell you to avoid during those nine months. Any good tattooer will refuse to tattoo a pregnant woman.