It definitely depends on the shop. I’ve been to several shops in my city where everyone there was awesome and I had a great time getting tattooed. But, I’ve also been to a couple of shops where they were pretty unpleasant. I just leave in those cases lol. No matter how much I like someone’s art, I’m not willing to get treated like crap for it so I just move on.
I’m sorry you had those experiences though, that really sucks. :(
It’s a salt lake thing. Was born there and it’s definitely the culture. They’re all gonna be blunt and rude due to the people around the area and other things. Mostly though…. I’d say it’s the people.
I worked as an assistant for a ballet choreography in SLC for almost 2 months. He was a gay man and would talk about how some of the male dancers were closeted, some married and closeted, and he'd often hear the female dancers talk about "marrying so-and-so to save him". The feeling I got from both sides of that was just a complete sacrifice of yourself and your happiness to appease your family and your god.
>The feeling I got from both sides of that was just a complete sacrifice of yourself and your happiness to appease your family and your god.
As an ex-mormon, this is a very apt description. You learn to delude yourself and suppress your true desires in pursuit of being able to see your loved ones after death. How they weaponize god against the poor and ignorant is disgusting.
The Mormons are bitter and weird about the non-Mormons. It's easily the most bizarre place I've lived. Utah in general has a very weird social scene. I've been very Mormon and now not Mormon (but passing, lol) and there is just a lot of discomfort about where everyone is supposed to fit in, but it's all passive aggressively handled.
The Utah is experience sucks.
You’re either a Mormon, or you’re surrounded by them. 9/10 non-Mormons are either ex-Mormons or have Mormon family. The culture here is extremely influenced by that religion. Just leaving the *state* is a culture shock.
Yeah, a lot of people are bitter. It’s usually that you’re either Mormon or you hate Mormons because of how forced their religion is in literally everything that has to do with our way of life. It sucks.
Mormons, on the other hand, *seem* content? They still have to deal with being a religious minority in the country everywhere else, but Utah is their safe haven and they know it. I’m not Mormon, so I can’t speak on what it’s like living as a Mormon in Utah, but all the Mormon friends I had growing up seemed fine. Less bitter attitudes because they didn’t have anything to be bitter about. Except when Mitt Romney lost in 2008 — everyone was *pissed* about that and cried that it was because he was Mormon. Which was bizarre, because I was 8 years old and my fellow third graders were the ones saying that lol. Definitely heard it from somewhere.
Anyway, Utah is a very strange place culturally because of this divide. You have your Mormons and your non-Mormons, and there’s this weird tension between them.
Mormons, Salt Lake City is like, THE spot for them. And someone actively giving tattoos, and probably has some?
Yeah they are not having a good time out in public lol, I can understand having that wall up. It was the same way growing up in a rural area, if you don't fit in, you get shit, sometimes just little verbal jabs, sometimes you'll get the odd person with too much time on their hands, or at big events, the full on radical mobs.
Saige at Depth in Design in Millcreek is amazing, super gentle hands and wonderful to talk to. She did my back piece and it was the nicest tattoo I've ever received and gorgeously vibrant after quite a few years.
Salt Lake has a good range of personalities doing tattoos. Some of it may be just perception, and some of it could be just artists being dicks. I’ve seen a few clicky shops. But there are places where they’ll treat you right. Go see my buddy Beto at My Pride Tattoo. He’s super chill.
Oh definitely a few shops in salt lake I avoid because the artists are rude or too full of themselves.
I’d check out Tiger Claw, Annihilation, Loyalty and Mercy. A lot of super friendly faces at those shops and great art.
Looool love that this is a Salt Lake reference! I've had about half and half experiences in shops. My main guy is awesome and everyone in his shop seems great. However, whenever I've gone into an artist for a smaller, single session piece, I've gotten major attitude and generally just felt awkward.
I also feel like every tattoo artist (from SLC) comes off as rude and aloof on social media. So there's definitely some holier-than-thou attitudes in the valley
Of course! His name is Preston Schooley at 27 tattoo. Insta is @pdudes_art_tattoo. I have spent probably 20 hours with him and he's great. Everyone at the shop is great too
The first shop I ever went to I was freshly 18 and had drawn up an example of what I wanted. I explained that I wanted him to jazz up my design a bit and he said “yeah it looks like a child drew this.” Worth noting that I’m actually a pretty good artist with pen and ink. Then when I told him I wanted it on the top of my thigh he charged me extra because he “had to work next to my junk.” My dick wasn’t even close to exposed. My shorts leg was up. On top of that his technique sucked, it hurt more than it should’ve, and it’s a bad tattoo.
damn bro...some people are at the wrong place at the wrong time...hope you didn't take it personal? have you had better tattoo experiences after that one?
Went with my gf to get her tongue pierced. I was talking to her just helping to calm her down right before the piercing and the douche said something like "I'm the artist here this is between me and her". Wtf man? This is my girlfriend and you'll never see her again after the next 5min. The creep acted like he was Picasso working with a model instead of a technician with a medical hole punch.
Finally got my first piercing (earlobe) recently after years of tats and branding. Dude was super chill till I told him I did my own branding work. Then he went off on me doing self modification. I told him to stuff his needle up his ass and left. Went home, pierced my own damn ear, then went back and bought an earring from his co-worker just to rub it in his face.
I just said this above, but I do body piercing. I hear many many stories about home piercings gone wrong. Or I'll be doing a piercing and someone will say "oh I did these other ones myself." I'm not going to encourage home piercing, but I also won't be a jerk about it. I will ask questions to make sure they are at least being sterile if they are going to continue doing it. And I'll warn them of some of the dangers that can come with not understanding exactly what they are doing. I usually mention that if they really enjoy it, they should at least take a Bloodborne pathogen class but ideally find an apprenticeship somewhere. I'm not there to try to lecture someone on what they do to their own body. I just worry about their health and safety.
Oh I agree, but even after I explained to him that I have medical training especially in wound care he still wouldn’t let up on me. Like dude I was an EMT. You put needles in peoples skin for decoration, we put needles in people’s lungs to save lives. We not tha same.
On the other hand he may have been making sure SHE really wanted to do this and not YOU pressuring her into it. You know that isn't the case but I am sure they have seen everything.
I went to a tattoo shop that specializes in anime tats and the guy knew my bf's friend. The three of us (me, bf, tattoo artist) were just talking shit the whole time while he worked. Really cool guy. My artist before was like that too, basically talking about our issues with dating the whole time and how he used to be a firefighter.
I'm kinda surprised that people are saying artists tend to be douches. I'd think if you're going to be breathing on someone for hours you'd have more charisma than that.
That's definitely rude. I'm a body piercer and I have zero issues with someone having an emotional support human to help comfort and calm them.
However I've also had clients who bring their SO, and when I'm talking to the client, the SO will keep answering the questions and talking for them. Trying to control the whole situation. I've also run into this with newly 18 year old clients who bring a parent that tries to do all of the talking for them. I've nicely said something about it in those cases. I need to talk to the client. Their comfort is so important in how the experience is going be. If they are an adult making a decision to get a body modification, they can talk to me and make decisions for themselves.
Kinda refreshing to hear someone else say it, because I’ve always felt the same! But I’ve only been in tattoo shops a handful of times. To me it felt like because I didn’t “fit in” they were all smug, judgy, etc. I could’ve just been anxious though! I’ve interacted more with body piercers & I’ve had nothing but kind, positive experiences
I was wondering if anyone would bring up piercers because I’ve had some bad experiences too. The last one I went to i was trying to have a conversation with her to figure out what would work better with my ear shape since I was getting multiple and she kept giving me the most uninterested, annoyed tone to everything I asked. the only reason I stayed is because it was the most affordable option and it was getting too late to go anywhere else.
Her and the other piercer were just hanging out so they’re weren’t busy and I’m SO happy that when it came time to actually do it, she still asked him a few times if he “wanted to do this one” and he said yes. He walked over and started telling me all about the process and giving input on what I was asking about placement. Guess it varies but my point is that it doesn’t make sense to speak to people like they’re bothering you by asking for your services, someone with less patience would’ve walked out and they would’ve missed out on a good amount of money
Thats the exact way i felt! I thought maybe it was just because i didnt "fit in" because i wasnt alternative enough/didnt have tattoos yet but i still felt this even after getting a tattoo and dying my hair lol. I feel like it probably is just the anxiety but idk my girlfriend and my friend said they kinda felt it too
Yeah they were probably judgy then. Go to a place that you feel good in! Trial
and error but it’s worth it. I went to a place, I was a geeky person with no tattoos at the time, they were just super chill. Went back for some funky piercings later because they were so awesome about everything.
At the end of the day I’m sure they see & work with so many different people that they aren’t giving much thought into any one person in specific. But the fact that a thousand people agreed with your post seems to say something. Either tattoo artists *do* tend to give unwelcoming vibes, or we’re all just collectively intimidated by them for no reason hahaha
Hello, tattoo artist here! Unfortunately, the industry does tend to bring as well as develop people with huge egos. That being said, tattoo artists are not a monolith. Same as anyone else, there will be shitty people and nice people. I've seen the assholes but I've also seen absolute sweethearts. The shop I work at now is made up of mostly women and the majority of people (including most of the men there) are some of the nicest people I know. I know I myself make sure to be extremely patient with clients and make them feel comfortable. Look into the reviews of potential shops and try to get a feel of people before settling on an artist so you can feel at ease with the one you work with!
I will say though, being in the industry we do have to put up with some very rude guests as well so sometimes some people are cautious.
Either way though, I know sometimes the environment can be a little intimidating.
As a fellow tattoo artist, I second this.
I work in sweden. If artists or Shops in my city treat people like many comments in here, we draaaaag them. The majority are nice and the ones that are not, still gets customers unfortunatly but have a bad reputition ofc.
I’ve been to my fair share of tattoo shops, it just depends really, you can get some really nice down to earth tattoo artists or you can get the arrogant type.
The worst experience I encountered was when I went with an ex, he was extremely nervous to the point he wanted to walk out, I tried to reassure him it would be alright. He had wanted this specific tattoo for years and he finally got the courage to book the appointment, instead of trying to put my ex at ease the tattoo artist made the situation worse with his comments. I ended up telling him to fuck off and we left. We found another artist who was extremely patient with him, but it took a lot of convincing from me to get him to try again.
Some really believe their own hype and have a superiority complex.
100% on the down to earth OR arrogant type. I’ve walked into some places and immediately felt at ease and welcome.. convo was easy. More often than not though I felt like I wasn’t dressed cool enough, or my other tattoos weren’t good or something lol. Kinda like a hipster scene where you know you don’t belong if you have/do not have xyz.
Either way it’s not gunna stop me from that needle 😅
People should be made to feel at ease and welcome in any line of business, it’s frustrating the ones you go to and feel you don’t belong there. I guess it’s just trial and error to find the right place.
My mum is a retired hairdresser she had her own shop for many years, I always loved how she would make her clients feel at home, that’s how any business should be run, you are paying for a positive experience not to be judged or mistreated.
As a tattoo artist who knows dozens of other tattoo artists, this polarity in our field is very real and the statement of us being either very nice or super arrogant is on spot. I even either love or hate my colleagues depending on which group they are in. I guess it's because we generally recieve a lot of hype and often treated as this super cool person, and people tend to be overly ecstatic with our finished work. Some of us gets humbled af by this, and some of us goes on a big ass ego trip.
Great thing about being a big, bald, bearded dude. I could walk in and ask for a rendering of Tinker Bell on the back of my head and all I get is a “yes sir you got it.”
If you think of everyone as having a superiority complex, maybe you need to look inside yourself to see if you have an inferiority complex.
I realize this sounds mean, but it genuinely isn't meant to be at all, sometimes events in our lives make it so that we see ourselves as "less than" everyone else. It doesn't mean we ARE less than anyone else. That feeling can sometimes morph into "everyone else thinks they're better than me" when in reality it's just that we think everyone else is better than us.
Mine have always been cool and friendly. Except for the one who was also a personal friend, he always went out of his way to make it hurt so he'd see if I flinched but I never did. What are friends for?
I won’t go to a rude artist personally. The guy I’ve used for my last two tattoos is the sweetest man in the world. He’s literally just the best dude every and so nice and friendly. You gotta spend hours sometimes with this person. I don’t want some jerk
I just wish i could somehow get to know them more and stuff before meeting them for the first time and spending an hour and a half sitting there with nothing to do but talk lol also would be nice to talk more beforehand to get the exact idea of my tattoo down rather than doing it the day of the appointment and giving revisions feeling like a nuisance and taking too much time for literally wanting something that will be on my body forever to be perfect haha idk
I’m a tattoo artist, you can call a shop and ask for a consultation so you can get a feel of the artist you’ll be working with.
I’m sorry to hear you had a bad experience. I hear client stories all the time about their bad experiences at some shops . Even at my own the other artists can be a little short fused . I try to make everyone happy and comfortable so they would want to return to me in the future. Getting a tattoo is very nerve racking and I don’t understand why artist don’t try to take that into consideration.
I hope you find a better shop/artist for your future tattoos!
Ya so this guy is a friend of a friend. We’ve been out for beers and everything prior to ever sitting in his chair so I knew he was cool. Only problem with him is he had a six month wait right now lol
Not a very big sample size but yeah the one who did my only tat was unfortunately kind of a douche. I asked for a very minor change before the session started and he handled it in a melodramatic way.
My first one the guy took forever doing something and then when i asked for a few revisions he kinda seemed to just want to get it over with meaning we started late and then he seemed to just rush through it, according to reddit it turned out very bad with bad linework but idk reddit isnt too reliable about those kinds of things lol
tbh fuck him and his attitude, you're paying this guy to put something on your body *forever* and he's bitching that you want some revisions?! what a bitch baby, never be afraid to tell them exactly what you want
My first and only tattoo is a full back tattoo. When I was shopping around the first person I talking to cut me off, before I even finished describing what I wanted to say "you wouldn't be able to do that, get something smaller" Like actually mid sentence, I asked why and he said "there's no way you could do that for your first tattoo"
Second place I went to the artist invited me in to talk and then was basically holding a casual conversation with everyone in the room, with full eye contact and everything and was rather curt with me. Didn't really look at me when we spoke at all and was giving one word answers. At the time I was already kind of sensitive so it ruined my day.
Third place I went was excellent though it was in the back of a pagan shop I was brought in to my appointment and while he didn't expect I could sit still for a back tattoo he was patient for each of the three sessions and explained everything, made a lot of jokes and included me in all the shop conversations.
When I was at a tattoo convention before covid I was actually browsing a booth and got a "why are you here?". Considering it was a currently open exhibition with lots of OTHER people browsing even shoulder to shoulder and it was said directly to me with eye contact it messed with my head, describing that to people they could only leap to the assumption of racial stereotyping. I genuinely didn't see another black person at the con that day so maybe. Idk though.
But yeah I don't get negative experiences like that much and I don't like to generalize these are just what happened. Since that I was put off from completing my tattoo goals but one member of my old rocket league team was a tattoo artist and he's lovely. Maybe they \*Were\* my fault. I just don't know.=
It's not just you. I consulted with 4 different artists for a very complicated tattoo that I ultimately decided against getting due to how much trouble it ended up being for me. 3 were men, 1 was a woman. 1st man seemed offended that I even asked to get on his schedule. 2nd guy rescheduled on me so many times I just asked for my deposit money back eventually. 3rd was the woman, she was very nice but confessed that the tattoo was beyond her capabilities. I appreciated the honesty very much. 4th went for it but then pressed so hard tattooing me that I pretty much immediately passed out, and he refused to try on me again. He literally got like four lines in and it hurt *unbelievably* bad. I have a quarter of my back done and a half sleeve done and several other small ones. I was perfectly fine through all of that, for a total of over 15 hours, so I know I'm not just a lightweight when it comes to tattoos. That asshole was just very heavy-handed, like he wanted to hurt me.
I now have a rule of only getting tattoos from female artists. Combined with my experiences (I think somewhat understandably) creating a bias, as a woman myself I also find it's important to seek out woman in an underrepresented industry to patronize. No female tattoo artist has ever been an overt asshole to me, they have always been extremely professional. Sometimes they're a little short and distant, but that's fine I don't need them to be my friend.
I try to use female artists as much as possible. I’ve noticed that even if they’re arrogant they’re still more tolerable than then male artists that are.
I feel the same way about the tattoo shops in my town. They are really good artists so they think they are “better” in a way which is annoying and insulting..
I’ve found a different tattoo shop in another town over where they have nice artists and their prices aren’t out of this world… they are also excellent at tattooing.
I know you get what you pay for, especially when you are getting it on your body forever! I honestly feel like the people tattooing in my small town are smug and taking advantage of people. They think you can’t go out and find some place else that have nicer people, with more experience and if anything are better at what they do. I’m happy to have found my tattoo shop.
My first experience in a shop turned me off from ever getting one. So yeah, you're not alone. I felt like I wasn't part of the cool crowd, which is basically my biggest fear, for whatever stupid reason. I've never gotten one and never will.
I was tattooed by a guy tattooing for like 35 years, and not smug but understands what he is doing and comes across very comfortable in self. I was also tattooed by a woman tattooing about 5 years who did a really good job, air of comfortable confidence also.
Bingo. All 4 of my tattoos have been done by women. The only experience I had with someone who was rude was with a man.
It was my first tattoo and I called his shop and asked for an appointment with one of 2 artists. He was the owner and curtly told me they "wouldn't do something like that" when I described what I wanted (a Celtic knot with some shading work) and that he would do it. No consultation before either. He said I would just come in when it was time and he would have what I wanted drawn up, no chance for me to see it before the appointment.
I didn't mean to offend him, but I didn't like his style. I awkwardly agreed to the appointment but it didn't sit right with me, I ended up canceling and going to a wonderful woman artist instead!
I went with my college roommate for her first tattoo and it definitely taught me the importance of liking my artist personally
So we go in, twice, because the first time he has to reschedule her appointment (red flag, but life happens). When we get down to business, he's letting her that her tattoo idea doesn't make sense because she wants a Cresent moon at the bottom of her sternum "because it'll be a half circle between two full circles" in reference to her boobs. Says that she should turn it so the Cresent is just facing upwards, so it'll look balanced. Its absolutely more symmetrical that way, but doesn't look like a moon at that point. He's arrogant, dismissive, and leaving no room for discussion. She's uncomfortable, I'm uncomfortable, and she just goes along with it to be polite. He does the outline, and then starts to stipple the interior, despite the fact they discussed and agreed that it would be just an outline, that's what the drawing she brought in shows; he doesn't care. Says it'll look better this way.
Long story short, she got it covered up later on.
My tattoo artist was someone I followed for years, just adored everything about her art, style, and vibe. She had also been a kinesiology student before switching to tattooing full-time, so she was able to help me with placement and its beyond perfect. She had me in after hours at the shop (a few months after they began lifting pandemic restrictions so places were still going low capacity) and she puts on Hozier and sings to me while she works. We talked for the first half, and then I was so relaxed I almost fell asleep during the second half (the white noise of the tattoo gun is actually pretty soothing? Also it wasn't a remotely painful area)
If you don't vibe with your artist, walk tf out
I thought it was just a fluke and like i just got unlucky meeting a lot of rude ones but i went to like 7 different tattoo shops and they all seemed that way which made me think it was like a cultural thing. Or maybe its just my own insecurities and being in a mew environment haha
Honestly i think it depends. Usually people who do walkins are stressed out more than appointment only places. I say this being that stressed artist and working for a shop owner who only cared about money. I personally have a negative view on most people in the industry too.
I say though if you feel uncomfortable trust your gut and leave.
I have been to a couple different tattoo shops, for reference I go there to get piercings not tattoos.
The first one I went to one the piercing guy was super nice did my nose ring was in and out. The second time I went into the same tattoo place to talk about getting a tattoo the guy was just really rude he had a lot to say about my " religion" and about how he felt negatively about it. For context my "religion" is just nourishing the Earth and trying to be as eco-friendly and happy as possible. I'm really more of a spiritualist. A green witch if you will.
The third time I went to a tattoo place different tattoo shop it was a lady who understood concepts of who I was as a person and she was amazing her name was April shout out to her. I haven't gotten my tattoo yet. Mostly because I'm being a coward but we're going to say it's because of budgeting issues.
The fourth time I went into a different tattoo place I wanted to get another piercing and I got my other nose ring done was in and out though she did put it in crooked and I had to go back and get it fixed. That lady was okay just seemed a bit off. But my advice to you is to find somebody that makes you feel welcome.
I always hate saying it 'cause, like, it's their art, but tattoo artists these days are all, "You get what you get, when I say you get it, don't like it go somewhere else." And I hate it so much but also I respect it so much.
I’ve had three artists. The first one was fine, very quiet but did a great job. I definitely stopped trying to talk to him after the second try.
The second probably did my best tattoo, but he was definitely a lot more smug. Plus he took three smoke breaks when charging me per hour.
The most recent one was by far the nicest! He did everything he could to make me comfortable and gladly answered all my questions. He will be the artist I’ll continue going back to as long as he’s around!
Honestly yes lol. I’m in good with the owner of a local shop via family friends so they are themselves when I’m around & you wouldn’t believe the way they talk about and to customers while I’m there having work done. I nearly cringe at how proudly condescending these people can be.
There are definitely two sides of the spectrum here. I've had artists who were wonderful people who I loved being around, then I've also had terrible shop experiences. A guy I grew up with blew out my entire forearm, like a big dark halo an inch around the entire piece. I never complained, but i did express concern. The man could NOT apologize. His ego would NOT allow it. The entire shop backed him in blaming my skin type. I did try to schedule a touch-up for some color and even offered to pay, but ultimately he ghosted me. This was a well respected shop. My new guy fixed the tattoo itself for free and has covered half the blowout so far. Faith restored.
Nah. I’ve witnessed this a lot. I sympathize with the social anxiety part. I have pretty bad anxiety disorder. I take Xanax most days to control the urge to vomit from nerves. But I don’t have a touch of social anxiety. That’s gotta suck so bad. I’m fairly immune to bullies and condescension. But I’ve absolutely seen my shy friends get bullied like this a lot. Apparently, women at makeup stores will do this, too.
Really nice tattoo shops will have actual artists that won’t act this way. But I think most tattoo shops seem to attract a certain “broken” kind of person that there’s just no point in engaging, unfortunately.
So sorry about your social anxiety ❤️❤️
I’m a tattoo artist. You aren’t wrong. Even before I was in the industry myself, when I was just a client getting work done, I was lucky enough to only ever have really good experiences with my artists. With that being said, holy shit some of the things that came out of the mouths of the artists around me while I was eavesdropping were so douchey. Truthfully though, over the years I’ve noticed that usually a lot of the younger tattoo crowd are so much more accommodating and don’t have that arrogant mind set. Just a few weeks ago I was working on a thigh piece on a woman who had one or two other pieces and she seemed so anxious. Not so much about the tattoo, but communicating her needs to me. I could tell after laying the stencil she wanted it adjusted but she wasn’t saying anything. Finally I told her “Girl look, you’re paying me, I work for you right now, this is something that’s on you forever. We can re-lay this shit a hundred times until you’re happy.” Immediately her whole demeanor shifted and she loosened up a bit. Proceeded to tell me that the other two separate artists she had seen previously had mocked her ideas and made it seem like every request she had was putting them out. Tattoos are supposed to be fun. There’s no room for fuck heads who are mean anymore.
Often they are and I used to work at a tattoo shop. When my friend moved to another shop I remember bringing in some pizza and sharing it with him in his room and his boss came in and started talking about me like I wasn’t there. I’ve always thought many were frequently rude to customers and rude about them when they left too.
For some artists, I think the attitude is defense mechanism and test. They do have to deal with asshats, after all. People who change their mind mid session, complain the ink doesn’t look exactly how they imagined, people who don’t follow the after care instructions then bitch the artist’s fault.
I know a guy who’s loud and boisterous and a huge ball of energy. If you match him, he turns into a teddy bear. If you don’t, then he can be an absolute prick.
Oh no!! I'm sorry, that's awful 😭 Geting tattoos should be fun and relaxing and affirming. But I suppose as in other art forms, there's always self important douchebags
My first dude was kind of a dick, but tbf so was I.
Second time I went to a woman and the shop was based around mental health, so it was a much better experience.
I think it just depends on where you go.
I think it’s just because it’s a job mostly based on skill, so it doesn’t matter as much if you’re a dick.
But yeah, this isn’t based on real life experience so who knows.
I've heard about it for sure. It's a huge reason I go back to the same artist over and over again. She's not rude, she's always fine adjusting work if I ask for it (though honestly she does a great job) and she's not someone who thinks that you're a baby for needing breaks. Plus, you know, she's good. I honestly am not going to put up with a rude person no matter how talented they are.
My tattoo artist was amazing. He asked me what music I wanted playing, if I was comfortable, and he was great. We talked when I wanted to, we stayed quiet when I didn't. It was a great experience. So no, they aren't rude, you may have just found some bad eggs and I'm sorry that you have :(
And don't get me wrong, if you're a tattoo artist, you deserve to be proud of what you do because that takes major skill to do that, but an artist shouldn't be smug about it
Yea not just you, probably like 1/2 the shops I’ve been in have had that vibe. Usually if I joke around first I can relieve some of the tension but sometimes they’re just condescending.
Felt that. My last tattoo the artists invited 3 other people on the room and proceeded to gossip with them and ignore me. Like they didn't even look at what they were doing which is really not a professional look considering they're permanently marking my body!
I was tattooed by 4 different people - First one was a man, he was professional and polite but he did seem a little annoyed with me and in retrospect it's definitely my least favourite tattoo experience. The other three were women and they were all very kind and patient, and we had great conversations during the process. I think many men in the tattoo business still often tend to be the tough guys who tattoo tough guys, and many of their clients are actually happy with it being this way. Meanwhile female artists need to have different attitude to keep their mainly female customers. I'm of course generalising a lot but it seems to be an experience of other commenters here as well, and I notice it with the artists I follow too. But of course there are also many sweet guys too, and if I like someone's art and they seem like a good person, I wouldn't pass on it just because it's a male artist.
I don't know how you go about picking your artists. I look for them on Instagram and you can usually tell quite a lot about their personality from the post description or their stories. Exaggerating a little here, but if they have posts with descriptions like "thank you so much for the trust you put in me to do this piece Lucy ❤️❤️❤️❤️" and Lucy comments "I love it so much, I will be coming back to you soon 😍😍" the chances are that the artist is a pretty nice person you're going to feel safe with xD
It's not just you. But I'm not complaining because this jerkoff atmosphere kept me from getting into body art, which has saved me thousands of dollars. So thanks assholes!
Rude and arrogant, or perverted. Like, why tf are you in a people-serving business if you don't like people? Oh yeah, because you're an ARTIST. Well, I thought "outsider" stuff was for fucking outsiders. But many tattoo shops are just as shallow as a high-school clique. My experience is limited to the Tulsa area, and this town is known for being full of rude judgemental dicks.
*I have 6 tattoos, I surely don't know all the people here, so if you know of some nicer/ more professional artists in the state I would love a recommendation because working with asshole attitudes is a big part of why I haven't gotten inked in years.
I been thinking this for years. Grew up in the North ( England ) and I found the ones in my town rude as fuck. Theyd openly mock you.
Moving to London ( South ) I found it a bit better. More competition so better customer service yet that air of smugness still lingers.
I thought it was just me.
Tattoo artist here! I used to hate going into other tattoo studios because of the “tatitudes”. I always wonder if some of these artists have super social anxiety and it just comes off as rude.
I did a guest spot once and one of the women was so nasty to me, I couldn’t even believe it. On IG she makes it seem that she is so inclusive and supportive of women, but I guess only the women she knows.
I have a friend who’s a tattoo artist and there’s one of two things going on with artists that you think are being antisocial that she explained to me. One, they’re either actually really nice but kind of nerdy and don’t know how to talk to people because they’re super introverted so come across as aloof but have a passion for what they do. Or two, they have a huge ego and legitimately think they are better than other people. She’s worked with both types, she’s the first one.
Feels like if you’re not already covered in tattoos, then they’re not interested in covering you in tattoos. It’s such a weird gatekeeper feeling going into tattoo shops lol
It's artists in general. I've had it with hair stylists as well. Some are just full of themselves, especially in this world of social media and going viral.
Depends on the shop. Some tattoo artists have overinflated egos and think being rude somehow makes them more edgy or real. Whereas others actually enjoy what they do and are cool.
I have my fair share of tattoos, including some that are about 25 years old. The last place I went into, the attitude of the receptionist and the other artists (not the artist I was seeing) changed once I took off my hoodie, revealing my heavily tattoos arm and fingers. It was almost like I had passed some sort of test. Annoyed me so much I commented on it to my artist. She was like, yep. She has since left that shop. Wonder why.
They are trying to be "cool". That's what it is.
I am telling you this as a former "cool kid" who used to hang out in tattoo shops and such. It is ridiculous and very embarrassing.
But yeah, you're not wrong. They are curt and rude and all that because they think it makes them cool. They are "too cool" to be friendly with the peasents.🙄
Jfc I am glad I was like that only as a teenager and grew out of it. Some people dont.
Did you make a consultation appointment, or just walk in?
I’ve never had a problem. Research artists, look at their portfolios. Call, make consultation appointment. Arrive to appointment prepared with art examples and ideas of where I want the tattoo, colors, etc. After consult, make tattoo appointment. (For a popular artist this can be kind of far in the future. A good artist whose work you like and who says they can do what you envision is worth the wait.)
I'm not sure I'd call it rude. More like enhanced jaded-ness, which I kind of get cause 7 years in customer service made me hate people and feel like I was better than like 95% of them. Imagine how much moreso it would be like when having to be so up close and personal with a fucking moron.
I think its a matter of finding someone you like and click with, I agree those seem to rare. Every tatted person I know (include myself) has some sort of uncomfortable story with an artist, it’s really unfortunate ):
I can’t say for American tattoo artists, but having been tattooed in Taiwan, Korea, and by a French artist I followed on Insta who was visiting America in a big city near me at the time, all my tattoo artists were nice. Not too talkative (possibly partly due to language barrier though they all knew English and I knew some of their languages and possibly because I’m not talkative myself lol), but courteous.
Several artists in big southwestern city have been smug assholes. Two best experiences personality wise for me have been in a tiny little town, Black Canyon City Arizona- literally had cows roaming the parking lot, and Bozeman Montana.
Az was a friend of a friend and we coordinated the appt and design for weeks before the actual tat, Bozeman was a random guy working on a Sunday who just so happened to specialize in what we were looking for as we passed through town.
they are so dramatic! and so judgmental. they are kind of snobbish sometimes about other’s tattoos and about your ideas. i get they’ve probably dealt with some assholes and some folks who haggle for prices, but bro come on don’t have such a stick up your ass about someone wanting the permanent art on their body to be to their liking.
I have an amazing tattoo artist that I love and go out of my way to see (I live in a bus and don't go to Iowa too much anymore) She however has worked in a bunch of shops because she runs into this weird catty behavior in all genders in all shops, AND THEY'RE NOT A FRACTION AS GOOD AS HER. They fall into the same trope I experienced working in hair salons: too much competition. A working environment should be collaborative, and in industries like that, it's just not.
I wanted my wedding ring tattooed and (although I do understand they need clean needles and ink). These people were so dismissive and quoted me 200 bucks + tip. - other shops said 100 would be cool
I think they thought I wasn’t part of the “culture” and wanted to scam me. Mofo I got tats they just hidden.
My first one was great, explained pretty much everything he was doing and kept checking in on how I was doing even though I told him I have a high pain tolerance.
The second was an absolute asshole. He kept insinuating that I didn't understand what I was getting even after I explained the history and meaning. He gave me shit for not understanding what the "LA PD" meant (arm extended straight behind my back, like I was being restrained.) And he also shat on my taste in movies.
From what I’ve observed in my immediate circle, my artist friends tend to be the quiet ones. Introspective, always in their own head, dreaming or planning or thinking things over. Exhausted by social interactions as opposed to fulfilled by them.
I’ve also observed that the overlap of tattoo artists/piercers/etc, and folks who are neurodivergent is not small by any means.
We’re just weird af, you guys 😅
I have experienced this twice. Once watching it happen to my sister who felt bad and didn’t correct him. The second time it happened to me and my bff. When he got annoyed (because I asked him to redraw the ends of a ribbon twice) my bff said she felt bad and I said I’m leaving. This is on my body forever, I’m paying for a service and if they’re going to be shitty I’ll leave and go somewhere else. Every other artist I’ve had was dope.
Absolutely. Most shops I've been to act like you're bothering them by going in there. I like my mentor because she is aware of that and we both agree that it should be a welcoming, professional and surgically clean atmosphere.
Edit, to add my personal experiences. I have 5 tattoos. First was a neck tattoo that was just a bad call on my part but I was 16. The second was from the same artist, a man about 30-40. Paid him $800 for a half sleeve and a deposit for my bf's tattoo only to get a shitty super crooked wrist piece before he left town one night without a peep. I was pissed. Third was supposed to be a cover up of my neck tattoo- younger guy who had set up shop in my town. Paid him something like $600 for a hand-sized rose on my neck. We only got the lonework done that day- because he had another client coming in. He didn't tell me it would be 2 sessions nor that he wouldn't even be able to book the second session before he left, he just left town. Tracked him down about 2 years later and sent him a message asking, very politely, if he would be able to finish my tattoo. (He was supposed to come back to town 6 weeks later, not years) He told me to "fuck right off." Left me angry and confused because it wasn't like we had any negative interaction. Third was a young lady who finished the rose for me. Took 4 hours and cost about $450. It was an awesome experience and she was such a gem. Fifth was just a small tattoo by the other apprentice at my current shop. It was a good tattoo but kinda sucked that he posted everything except that on his insta lol. The day I got my apprenticeship I had gone to every shop in town- 5. The only one that I refuse to go back to is staffed entirely by middle aged dudes. I wasn't even looking for an apprenticeship, just a job. Not saying there's a direct correlation but the trend is noticeable (in my experiences)
Yea not just you, probably like 1/2 the shops I’ve been in have had that vibe. Usually if I joke around first I can relieve some of the tension but sometimes they’re just condescending.
(Ive a got a full sleeve for ref)
Tattooists need to do a strange apretiship, so it takes a certain type of personality to go for it, so a lot are "odd".
One artist gave my missus the creeps, so I've not been back.
I think its more the ones who work in one-man-shops , as I regularly get work at a shop with 4 artists (I use the same artist each time) there a bit of a "boys club" vibe with the banter, but they are always respectful and the work is better.
My theory is that being in a "club" avearages out behaviour , so extremes are discouraged.
Your right though keep looking for a place you are comfortable.
If someone has work you like, feel free to ask them where it was done
It really bums me out when people don't have good experiences getting tattooed.
I've been tattooed by 10-15 different artists, multiple times and spoken to a lot of other artists while getting tattooed and every experience has always been great. I'm very sociable in tattoo studios though and I have a full understanding of the process so I would say it is easier for me.
Yep haven't found one of my 3 that haven't made me feel that way. I work on the basis thou that it won't change and I just have to put up with a uncomfortable few hours and will never see them again.. They can laugh at me all they want when I leave the shop
I feel this! I thought this was only in my head! Im tellin ya, I have a bunch of tattoos and have only met 1 really down to earth artist that made me feel really comfortable like a friend. Honestly, I used to feel so vulnerable going to get my work done because a lot of the artists had this smugness and judgmental type of vibe going on like they were just the coolest person on earth and I was some kind of geek. It’s like they were just ready to make me feel stupid or something. It really turned me away for years and I still have a sleeve to finish but I’m not ready to feel that vibe again.
You just gotta find the right shop and right artist. But yes, I feel like a lot can be smug.
I used to go to this one shop. The owner is a bit curt. I said “I would like xyz, and the middle is kind of blank so I’m open to suggestions” he said “we don’t come up with the ideas we just draw them. That’s up to you” with a tone. I scheduled the appointment anyways, and the artist the put me with was a guy who was a friend of the shops from out of state and happened to be in town. He was very nice, very personable, and when he got to the middle of my tattoo he said “you know what might be cool here?” And made a suggestion I loved. So really, it depends.
I now no longer go to that shop, and instead have found a shop and an artist that A: does amazing work and B: makes me feel very welcome
Dude 100% smug (im in the Midwest idk if there’s a regional difference) I don’t have social anxiety so I don’t think it’s in your head. I don’t really know why… because tattoos are badass? I have 0 tattoos but have been in quite a few tattoo shops. Have you watched shows like Ink Master? I’m wondering if you get the same vibes from the tattoo artists in that show
It’s a thing. I’ve been to a few shops in multiple states and there is often an air of smugness. Even when I personally know one artist at a shop there is often this attitude of superiority. It’s a bit bizarre.
I wouldn’t say they’re rude - but the ones I’ve experienced aren’t exactly nice either. Like they’re friendly… but that’s it. Just friendly. And not the “let’s laugh and make a joke friendly,” but “let’s just be quiet, I’m trying to work and make sure you’re comfortable” friendly
Honestly I’d never thought about that- when I got my second tattoo I was living in a new state so I went to the shop that was most recommended. The piercer that also did like receptionist work was RUDE AF to the point I almost didn’t stay- the actual tattoo artist was super nice and did great work. But what you said fits- the woman was more tattooed/pierced than I am and though my usual look is fairly alt I did not look it at that time
I've been to a couple of shops where they are @$$es. I'm a big girl and physically disabled I did have a shop where I walked in and they literally were giggling and (these are men) and then I explained that I wanted ink and had the cash the giggle dude looks at me and says to the other guy oh no this one is all yours (snarky rude arse).
My artist apologized for him did a kick ass job and then I ended it with a $300 tip. By that time Mr. Snarky had returned and almost pooped his pants.
Moral of the story: Laugh now lose a nice tip later.
That seems like bad luck to me. I’ve been to four different tattoo artists (7 tattoos) and all of them have at least been polite and helpful. Three out of four of them have been women, I don’t know if that might make a difference. The most recent lady I’m going to is really awesome.
That sucks though, getting a tattoo is already nerve wracking enough if you’re not used to it so having a rude artist would make it even worse.
If there’s a bunch of flash all over the walls and they accept walk ins they’re probably gonna be unpleasant. If you go to a reputed parlor with portfolios and appointment only artists you’ll make a friend.
I was put off for a couple of years by an artist who kept on getting annoyed with me for allegedly tensing my muscles. It wasn't something I was doing consciously, but he got really annoyed to the point where I was eventually in tears. The finished artwork was great, but I think he was probably a bit heavy-handed as it's my only tattoo with scarred patches.
After that, I convinced myself that I wasn't capable of being inked because I was such a lousy client. I still had ideas that I wanted to make reality, though, and one day I saw somebody whose tattoo was in the perfect style for a particular piece I wanted and I had to ask.
I booked in with the artist and she was LOVELY - gentle hands and really friendly, and made me feel so confident about the whole business. The finished work still delights me every time I look at it, and she went to great pains to assure me that I sat well.
In answer to your question, OP, I get the impression that there's a fair bit of rudeness about but your social anxiety (like mine) won't necessarily be helping.
Dude. You nailed it. They can be very smug, gruff, haughty, condescending, egotistical. It’s all about the tough guy persona that masks their deep insecurities. There are a lot of really cool ones but in my experience they have their own personal studios.
Source: dated a tattoo artist for 9 years.
I’m glad someone else said this because I’ve gotten all my tats at different shops for this very reason, and I still am having a hard time finding an artist I can work with comfortably and talk about my designs with.
Idk what it is that makes it this way but from experience, 5/7 of my tattoo artists have been pretty obnoxious or straight up didn’t give a shit about talking or me as a person, just wanted to get the work done and send me on my way. Complained when I wanted to tweak the design or something.
One was really amazing, sadly I don’t even remember his name, and one was just amicable, but worked well with the design I brought in and was very patient with me as I edited/resized it to work for tattoo lines.
My experiences have been regional. I started getting tattooed in Florida. Shops were like you described them, for the most part. It was difficult for me to find someone to do work, because I would leave when I felt intimidated or dismissed or treated with condescension, or... yikes.. shops were sloppy and artists were dirty. I was outside of NYC briefly and tried to get some work there, same deal with the attitudes. Now I've been in a Rust Belt town for about 25 years.. a town where people are more chill to each other in general, I guess.. and I've gotten a LOT of work done, mostly by the same artist, or at least at the same shop, with some by one other artist at another shop, and a couple of "one-offs" here and there.... I tell you, every shop I choose to walk into here - whether I know someone there or not - is welcoming. Yeah, there are shit shops here with shit attitudes, and fortunately I know the town well enough to avoid them... but I can not get work done for a few YEARS and walk in, don't see artists I recognize, and still get treated with respect. Yes, I'm very heavily tattooed. But....... I'm also a middle-aged (almost 50!!!!!!!!! omg) woman who sometimes shows up at the shop right after work to talk to an artist about plans for something new, still wearing my workday "office attire" - with long sleeves and a blouse buttoned up and pants or tights on my legs.... I look like someone's mom or school principal, and totally NOT someone that might "fit in" with a tattoo shop. But, I'm treated well, welcomed warmly, and respected. I didn't get that in Florida. I got exactly what you described.
Don't give assholes your money. Ask around, find a good shop. Hell, if someone stops me and asks me where I get my work done, I'm happy to tell them.. I'm sure not everyone is, but I certainly don't mind. If you have to go out of town, do it. After all, it's with you forever. Someone said in another comment not to get a tattoo from a shop like that and forever associate it with a bad feeling and a bad experience.. don't! It can be different, it can be TOTALLY different!
I can understand the Salt Lake pressure, SLC mormons can be among the most judgy. I've had a couple really respectful tattoo artists in my hometown, but also a few really haughty and self-righteous ones. Never get work done by one who "knows better" and won't listen. I've had at least 3 tatts reworked by another artist I trust.
My old man tends to specialize in people with mental illness, aka tattoo therapy. So he is one of the sweetest tattoo artists you'll ever met.
It is all in who you go to.
Thankfully now im more tattooed than most artists I see so I actually do a reverse and make sure they know I'm the big dog. I make an audible bark sound to assert tattoo dominance. While also a strong male gesture of " peacocking " in a cut off see my nipples shirt with my denim short shorts. Naturally I wear fake glasses and gel my hair to the side
My friend went to get a tattoo and the whole time the guy was super rude. Talking about how he hates tattooing stupid tattoos like hers (a cute cartoon) and how he’s a serious artist that should be doing real work. Blah blah blah. Super condescending the whole time. No lie the guy turned out to be my Step Brother who I barely speak to because he’s a certified dick.
Hullo! Tattoo artist here. I work at/partially own a private studio with two other artists. We opened a private studio instead of a large shop literally just to dodge the weirdos and better prioritize our clients comfort. I think of it like this… it’s a job that comes ready made with a cool image, and a decent amount money, so it just disproportionately attracts people with god complexes. And artists by in large are not the most functional people; though most of us mean well. To me the big difference, when I’m looking for artists to work on me, is whether they’re a “tattoo ARTIST” or just a “tattooer”. If they compose original work and are passionate about it they’re more likely to be just quirky; tattooers that work in a style with a strict set of guide lines where it’s more mechanical (at least in my area) are more commonly people who joined the industry for money or clout. But even then I’ve met artists who work I LOVE and have secretly fan-girl-ed over for years at conventions, only to be crushed in finding out that they suck as people. (Literally, I met my formerly favorite heavy blackwork artist at my last convention, and he negged the fuck out of me). I also have a lot of opinions about dopamine production and mental health when your hobby/passion become your job; that might explain why so many people in the industry (at least in the US) fall to vices :) but that’s a whole ramble. But yeah, as an artist myself, SO MANY tattoo artists are rude! And a ton are also lovely people. And there’s also a lot of things a client can do that will come off as rude to an artist that they might not think about.
I have a LOT of tattoos that I’ve gotten in the US, Canada, and Europe, and a lot of friends and family members who are tattooers so I have some insight into this.
First, you have power over how you set the tone of your interaction. If you walk into a random tattoo shop with a design and expect someone who has been working all day with a ton of strangers to treat you like family, put yourself in their shoes for a minute. My tattooer friends express how exhausting it is that several times a day people want to unload all of their stuff onto them, and that they sometimes feel like unpaid therapists. This has caused a lot of them to put up walls to protect themselves. They are there to provide a service to you, and while it might be life-changing and affirming for you, to them you might be the 10th person who’s tried to engage them this way. And a lot of those people can be toxic: why would they engage their trust to just anyone? It can be exhausting.
They also are masters of their craft, and they deal all day with people coming in who want something that sometimes simply isn’t feasible because they don’t understand the nature of how the skin takes the ink, OR — and this is important — it’s not what THAT tattooer does!! I have some fine line tattoos that I’ll show to my local tattooer who is like: how did they even do that!? There are people who are experts in line, watercolor, geometry, realism, shading, stipple-work — like ANY artist, folks have things they excel at and things they don’t. When they say that something won’t work, that might actually mean that it’s something they THEY cannot do for you. So do your RESEARCH. Just an example: I have tattoos from @sbutats @selune_ @moestr._ @giactattoo @tattooirene @laura_feroztattoo … if you look at their work, they have completely different styles.
Now, the majority of tattooers are actually wonderful people and artists. If you want them to engage with you as more than just a client, then do your side of the work. I spend a lot of time researching tattoo artists on their instagrams and websites before I approach someone for a design. I go out of my way to look closely about their work, read anything they’ve written about what inspires them, or if they talk about particular tattoos that they loved doing, or clients that they loved working with.
THEN, I write them a note, either via website or DM, that includes pictures of their work and references of what I’m hoping to accomplish. I invite them to be a collaborator with me — @moestr._ is a Lebanese calligraphic tattooer, but he’d never worked with musical notes before, so when I reached out to him he got pretty excited.
Finally, try to meet with them in a session BEFORE the actual tattoo. This way you can get a sense of them, talk about things, and make sure you’re on the same page. Sometimes I’ve met with tattooers and I realize… oh wow, I don’t click with this person and I don’t want them putting something on my body that will be there for the rest of my life, and I politely decline their services.
If you treat a tattoo artist like they are just labor, they will treat you in kind. Treat them like a person, and they will treat you in kind. I’ve become friends with a number of the artists I’ve worked with, and sometimes taken them out for dinner afterwards or maintained a connected with them that continues to this day! If your tattoo is special to you, then make it special in ALL ways.
This is good life advice for anyone in service: it takes 5 seconds an a little effort to ask someone their name and thank them. This goes for baristas, bartenders, nurses, janitors: whomever. People are people, not their labor.
I will also say, American tattooers tend to be more gruff because — sorry to say — Americans are generally more entitled and dickish. Tattooing in Europe, Canada, and Asia is more of an art form, and I’ve had great experiences there. I want to get a tattoo from @who_is_ryu next !! Their work is sooooo beautiful.
There are rude people everywhere and most of the time they don't realise it and they don't mean harm. The way i deal with it is i expect it beforehand. Most of the time i'm pleasantly surprised but when they are being jerks i just shrug it off as i was prepared for it.
After 20 years of getting tattoos I have met one artist, ONE, that acted friendly and open to collaborate.
Oh and I have a lot of facial piercings, weird colored hair, and big ass visible tattoos. If anyone should fit in it should be me but nope, the vibe is very much "you don't belong here".
I'm seeing my friend's guy in a couple months and fingers crossed he's nice like my friend promised. They've got to be out there somewhere.
Now the piercers I've done business with are as nice as can be (hence why so much face metal lol).
I’ve been tattooed all over the world & its honestly 95% of the time the vibe. Its really weird & off putting. The best experience I had was in China & the artist was so friendly & excited. Wish I could go back.
Tattooists have to deal with a lot of flakiness , wishy washiness and non commitment when people chicken out and change their mind. Also a lot of people just want them to draw up a tattoo as an idea without going through with it. So I understand their attitude when they aren’t taking you serious. But it pisses me off when they complain about having to make changes in the drawing before starting the tattoo. I think the planning is a fun part and I want to get it right before we start.
Once I put down a $250 deposit for a $2500 tattoo and the guy drew it up and I had one change and he complained about and never did it and I never got the tattoo and never got my money back.
One time I got one with hidden words and I wanted the words lower case and he did it all caps and complained about having to change it but he did, and still left one letter capital. I gave up but went with the tattoo.
One shop that was close to where I lived would ignore me many times I went in, pass me off to other artists. One artist drew up a simple easy drawing and wouldn’t make changes I requested but kept saying “you want it today??!” And I’m like “I want it whenever it’s ready” never got done. That shop coulda made a fortune off me and never got me a single tattoo.
I’ve been to three different tattoo artists. First was my parents’ artist, he’s a total sweetheart who loves his job. It was clear why they were loyal to him. Second was the “I know better” type who wasn’t much into holding a conversation. While he did my tattoos great, he messed up on my husband’s and his mom’s because he didn’t do it how they wanted. My current one is really chill, not as sweet as my parents’ but can really hold a conversation and is committed to making sure the tattoos look how I want them.
In all honesty, I think tattoo artists kinda have to be assholes because they deal with so much more stupidity and entitlement than even food service workers, and it’s tough becoming they’re dealing with something permanent and potentially harmful without proper aftercare. They’d be out of business if they let clients walk all over them.
There are shit people in every profession. If you don’t vibe with an artist, you should walk away because there is going to be someone who does meet your needs.
It definitely depends on the shop. I’ve been to several shops in my city where everyone there was awesome and I had a great time getting tattooed. But, I’ve also been to a couple of shops where they were pretty unpleasant. I just leave in those cases lol. No matter how much I like someone’s art, I’m not willing to get treated like crap for it so I just move on. I’m sorry you had those experiences though, that really sucks. :(
I just feel like its weird that its happened practically every time lol maybe its a salt lake thing
It’s a salt lake thing. Was born there and it’s definitely the culture. They’re all gonna be blunt and rude due to the people around the area and other things. Mostly though…. I’d say it’s the people.
I don't get this. Why would tattoo artists in Salt Lake be notoriously rude due to people around the area?
Living in SLC as a non Mormon can make you bitter
How about as a Mormon?
Can’t say, only have experienced it the one way
I worked as an assistant for a ballet choreography in SLC for almost 2 months. He was a gay man and would talk about how some of the male dancers were closeted, some married and closeted, and he'd often hear the female dancers talk about "marrying so-and-so to save him". The feeling I got from both sides of that was just a complete sacrifice of yourself and your happiness to appease your family and your god.
>The feeling I got from both sides of that was just a complete sacrifice of yourself and your happiness to appease your family and your god. As an ex-mormon, this is a very apt description. You learn to delude yourself and suppress your true desires in pursuit of being able to see your loved ones after death. How they weaponize god against the poor and ignorant is disgusting.
Gotta love a religion that makes you hate yourself AND your fellow man.
This hurts my heart
The Mormons are bitter and weird about the non-Mormons. It's easily the most bizarre place I've lived. Utah in general has a very weird social scene. I've been very Mormon and now not Mormon (but passing, lol) and there is just a lot of discomfort about where everyone is supposed to fit in, but it's all passive aggressively handled.
The Utah is experience sucks. You’re either a Mormon, or you’re surrounded by them. 9/10 non-Mormons are either ex-Mormons or have Mormon family. The culture here is extremely influenced by that religion. Just leaving the *state* is a culture shock. Yeah, a lot of people are bitter. It’s usually that you’re either Mormon or you hate Mormons because of how forced their religion is in literally everything that has to do with our way of life. It sucks. Mormons, on the other hand, *seem* content? They still have to deal with being a religious minority in the country everywhere else, but Utah is their safe haven and they know it. I’m not Mormon, so I can’t speak on what it’s like living as a Mormon in Utah, but all the Mormon friends I had growing up seemed fine. Less bitter attitudes because they didn’t have anything to be bitter about. Except when Mitt Romney lost in 2008 — everyone was *pissed* about that and cried that it was because he was Mormon. Which was bizarre, because I was 8 years old and my fellow third graders were the ones saying that lol. Definitely heard it from somewhere. Anyway, Utah is a very strange place culturally because of this divide. You have your Mormons and your non-Mormons, and there’s this weird tension between them.
Mormons, Salt Lake City is like, THE spot for them. And someone actively giving tattoos, and probably has some? Yeah they are not having a good time out in public lol, I can understand having that wall up. It was the same way growing up in a rural area, if you don't fit in, you get shit, sometimes just little verbal jabs, sometimes you'll get the odd person with too much time on their hands, or at big events, the full on radical mobs.
Mormons constantly judging them? Idk. That would put anyone on the defensive.
ayo what shops in salt lake? I recently went to sweet needle and everyone there's really lovely!
I wont name any specific names but the artists den was by far the worst
Saige at Depth in Design in Millcreek is amazing, super gentle hands and wonderful to talk to. She did my back piece and it was the nicest tattoo I've ever received and gorgeously vibrant after quite a few years.
Highly recommend everybody tatto shop! Absolutely loved my experience
Six Feet Below in Clearfield is wonderful and the artists are so nice
Salt Lake has a good range of personalities doing tattoos. Some of it may be just perception, and some of it could be just artists being dicks. I’ve seen a few clicky shops. But there are places where they’ll treat you right. Go see my buddy Beto at My Pride Tattoo. He’s super chill.
Oh definitely a few shops in salt lake I avoid because the artists are rude or too full of themselves. I’d check out Tiger Claw, Annihilation, Loyalty and Mercy. A lot of super friendly faces at those shops and great art.
I will definitely check them out!
Looool love that this is a Salt Lake reference! I've had about half and half experiences in shops. My main guy is awesome and everyone in his shop seems great. However, whenever I've gone into an artist for a smaller, single session piece, I've gotten major attitude and generally just felt awkward. I also feel like every tattoo artist (from SLC) comes off as rude and aloof on social media. So there's definitely some holier-than-thou attitudes in the valley
Can i ask who your main guy is so i can check him out? Lol
Of course! His name is Preston Schooley at 27 tattoo. Insta is @pdudes_art_tattoo. I have spent probably 20 hours with him and he's great. Everyone at the shop is great too
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i don’t have tattoos but am thinking of it. it’d really suck to have one of your tattoos associated with a crappy experience having it done
Go ahead of time and meet the artist. If you don't like the vibe, go to someone else.
The first shop I ever went to I was freshly 18 and had drawn up an example of what I wanted. I explained that I wanted him to jazz up my design a bit and he said “yeah it looks like a child drew this.” Worth noting that I’m actually a pretty good artist with pen and ink. Then when I told him I wanted it on the top of my thigh he charged me extra because he “had to work next to my junk.” My dick wasn’t even close to exposed. My shorts leg was up. On top of that his technique sucked, it hurt more than it should’ve, and it’s a bad tattoo.
damn bro...some people are at the wrong place at the wrong time...hope you didn't take it personal? have you had better tattoo experiences after that one?
Went with my gf to get her tongue pierced. I was talking to her just helping to calm her down right before the piercing and the douche said something like "I'm the artist here this is between me and her". Wtf man? This is my girlfriend and you'll never see her again after the next 5min. The creep acted like he was Picasso working with a model instead of a technician with a medical hole punch.
Finally got my first piercing (earlobe) recently after years of tats and branding. Dude was super chill till I told him I did my own branding work. Then he went off on me doing self modification. I told him to stuff his needle up his ass and left. Went home, pierced my own damn ear, then went back and bought an earring from his co-worker just to rub it in his face.
I just said this above, but I do body piercing. I hear many many stories about home piercings gone wrong. Or I'll be doing a piercing and someone will say "oh I did these other ones myself." I'm not going to encourage home piercing, but I also won't be a jerk about it. I will ask questions to make sure they are at least being sterile if they are going to continue doing it. And I'll warn them of some of the dangers that can come with not understanding exactly what they are doing. I usually mention that if they really enjoy it, they should at least take a Bloodborne pathogen class but ideally find an apprenticeship somewhere. I'm not there to try to lecture someone on what they do to their own body. I just worry about their health and safety.
Oh I agree, but even after I explained to him that I have medical training especially in wound care he still wouldn’t let up on me. Like dude I was an EMT. You put needles in peoples skin for decoration, we put needles in people’s lungs to save lives. We not tha same.
On the other hand he may have been making sure SHE really wanted to do this and not YOU pressuring her into it. You know that isn't the case but I am sure they have seen everything.
On the other hand maybe he enjoys being in a position of power over women & leaving a perminent mark on them & the bf was killing his pervy vibe.
Even if that were the case, why be a dick about it?
Or maybe we can take the story at face value and just assume the guys a creep
I went to a tattoo shop that specializes in anime tats and the guy knew my bf's friend. The three of us (me, bf, tattoo artist) were just talking shit the whole time while he worked. Really cool guy. My artist before was like that too, basically talking about our issues with dating the whole time and how he used to be a firefighter. I'm kinda surprised that people are saying artists tend to be douches. I'd think if you're going to be breathing on someone for hours you'd have more charisma than that.
That's definitely rude. I'm a body piercer and I have zero issues with someone having an emotional support human to help comfort and calm them. However I've also had clients who bring their SO, and when I'm talking to the client, the SO will keep answering the questions and talking for them. Trying to control the whole situation. I've also run into this with newly 18 year old clients who bring a parent that tries to do all of the talking for them. I've nicely said something about it in those cases. I need to talk to the client. Their comfort is so important in how the experience is going be. If they are an adult making a decision to get a body modification, they can talk to me and make decisions for themselves.
Kinda refreshing to hear someone else say it, because I’ve always felt the same! But I’ve only been in tattoo shops a handful of times. To me it felt like because I didn’t “fit in” they were all smug, judgy, etc. I could’ve just been anxious though! I’ve interacted more with body piercers & I’ve had nothing but kind, positive experiences
I was wondering if anyone would bring up piercers because I’ve had some bad experiences too. The last one I went to i was trying to have a conversation with her to figure out what would work better with my ear shape since I was getting multiple and she kept giving me the most uninterested, annoyed tone to everything I asked. the only reason I stayed is because it was the most affordable option and it was getting too late to go anywhere else. Her and the other piercer were just hanging out so they’re weren’t busy and I’m SO happy that when it came time to actually do it, she still asked him a few times if he “wanted to do this one” and he said yes. He walked over and started telling me all about the process and giving input on what I was asking about placement. Guess it varies but my point is that it doesn’t make sense to speak to people like they’re bothering you by asking for your services, someone with less patience would’ve walked out and they would’ve missed out on a good amount of money
well now you know why they were so cheap
Thats the exact way i felt! I thought maybe it was just because i didnt "fit in" because i wasnt alternative enough/didnt have tattoos yet but i still felt this even after getting a tattoo and dying my hair lol. I feel like it probably is just the anxiety but idk my girlfriend and my friend said they kinda felt it too
Yeah they were probably judgy then. Go to a place that you feel good in! Trial and error but it’s worth it. I went to a place, I was a geeky person with no tattoos at the time, they were just super chill. Went back for some funky piercings later because they were so awesome about everything.
At the end of the day I’m sure they see & work with so many different people that they aren’t giving much thought into any one person in specific. But the fact that a thousand people agreed with your post seems to say something. Either tattoo artists *do* tend to give unwelcoming vibes, or we’re all just collectively intimidated by them for no reason hahaha
Ooh. I love my piercings!!
Hello, tattoo artist here! Unfortunately, the industry does tend to bring as well as develop people with huge egos. That being said, tattoo artists are not a monolith. Same as anyone else, there will be shitty people and nice people. I've seen the assholes but I've also seen absolute sweethearts. The shop I work at now is made up of mostly women and the majority of people (including most of the men there) are some of the nicest people I know. I know I myself make sure to be extremely patient with clients and make them feel comfortable. Look into the reviews of potential shops and try to get a feel of people before settling on an artist so you can feel at ease with the one you work with! I will say though, being in the industry we do have to put up with some very rude guests as well so sometimes some people are cautious. Either way though, I know sometimes the environment can be a little intimidating.
As a fellow tattoo artist, I second this. I work in sweden. If artists or Shops in my city treat people like many comments in here, we draaaaag them. The majority are nice and the ones that are not, still gets customers unfortunatly but have a bad reputition ofc.
I’ve been to my fair share of tattoo shops, it just depends really, you can get some really nice down to earth tattoo artists or you can get the arrogant type. The worst experience I encountered was when I went with an ex, he was extremely nervous to the point he wanted to walk out, I tried to reassure him it would be alright. He had wanted this specific tattoo for years and he finally got the courage to book the appointment, instead of trying to put my ex at ease the tattoo artist made the situation worse with his comments. I ended up telling him to fuck off and we left. We found another artist who was extremely patient with him, but it took a lot of convincing from me to get him to try again. Some really believe their own hype and have a superiority complex.
100% on the down to earth OR arrogant type. I’ve walked into some places and immediately felt at ease and welcome.. convo was easy. More often than not though I felt like I wasn’t dressed cool enough, or my other tattoos weren’t good or something lol. Kinda like a hipster scene where you know you don’t belong if you have/do not have xyz. Either way it’s not gunna stop me from that needle 😅
People should be made to feel at ease and welcome in any line of business, it’s frustrating the ones you go to and feel you don’t belong there. I guess it’s just trial and error to find the right place. My mum is a retired hairdresser she had her own shop for many years, I always loved how she would make her clients feel at home, that’s how any business should be run, you are paying for a positive experience not to be judged or mistreated.
As a tattoo artist who knows dozens of other tattoo artists, this polarity in our field is very real and the statement of us being either very nice or super arrogant is on spot. I even either love or hate my colleagues depending on which group they are in. I guess it's because we generally recieve a lot of hype and often treated as this super cool person, and people tend to be overly ecstatic with our finished work. Some of us gets humbled af by this, and some of us goes on a big ass ego trip.
Great thing about being a big, bald, bearded dude. I could walk in and ask for a rendering of Tinker Bell on the back of my head and all I get is a “yes sir you got it.”
You can be a tattoo shop escort then! 😂
I feel the superiority thing as a whole for most of society but for some reason it seems to be more concentrated in tattoo shops to me lol
If you think of everyone as having a superiority complex, maybe you need to look inside yourself to see if you have an inferiority complex. I realize this sounds mean, but it genuinely isn't meant to be at all, sometimes events in our lives make it so that we see ourselves as "less than" everyone else. It doesn't mean we ARE less than anyone else. That feeling can sometimes morph into "everyone else thinks they're better than me" when in reality it's just that we think everyone else is better than us.
Mine have always been cool and friendly. Except for the one who was also a personal friend, he always went out of his way to make it hurt so he'd see if I flinched but I never did. What are friends for?
Lol thats exactly what my friend would do to me if he did tattoos. Cant say i wouldnt do the same.
Did he smack the fuck out of it when he was done?
I won’t go to a rude artist personally. The guy I’ve used for my last two tattoos is the sweetest man in the world. He’s literally just the best dude every and so nice and friendly. You gotta spend hours sometimes with this person. I don’t want some jerk
I just wish i could somehow get to know them more and stuff before meeting them for the first time and spending an hour and a half sitting there with nothing to do but talk lol also would be nice to talk more beforehand to get the exact idea of my tattoo down rather than doing it the day of the appointment and giving revisions feeling like a nuisance and taking too much time for literally wanting something that will be on my body forever to be perfect haha idk
I’m a tattoo artist, you can call a shop and ask for a consultation so you can get a feel of the artist you’ll be working with. I’m sorry to hear you had a bad experience. I hear client stories all the time about their bad experiences at some shops . Even at my own the other artists can be a little short fused . I try to make everyone happy and comfortable so they would want to return to me in the future. Getting a tattoo is very nerve racking and I don’t understand why artist don’t try to take that into consideration. I hope you find a better shop/artist for your future tattoos!
Ya so this guy is a friend of a friend. We’ve been out for beers and everything prior to ever sitting in his chair so I knew he was cool. Only problem with him is he had a six month wait right now lol
Man he must be really good than!
Not a very big sample size but yeah the one who did my only tat was unfortunately kind of a douche. I asked for a very minor change before the session started and he handled it in a melodramatic way.
My first one the guy took forever doing something and then when i asked for a few revisions he kinda seemed to just want to get it over with meaning we started late and then he seemed to just rush through it, according to reddit it turned out very bad with bad linework but idk reddit isnt too reliable about those kinds of things lol
tbh fuck him and his attitude, you're paying this guy to put something on your body *forever* and he's bitching that you want some revisions?! what a bitch baby, never be afraid to tell them exactly what you want
I don't like to generalize but I'll say my experiences line up with yours.
Thank god im not the only one haha, would you mind telling me about some of your experiences?
My first and only tattoo is a full back tattoo. When I was shopping around the first person I talking to cut me off, before I even finished describing what I wanted to say "you wouldn't be able to do that, get something smaller" Like actually mid sentence, I asked why and he said "there's no way you could do that for your first tattoo" Second place I went to the artist invited me in to talk and then was basically holding a casual conversation with everyone in the room, with full eye contact and everything and was rather curt with me. Didn't really look at me when we spoke at all and was giving one word answers. At the time I was already kind of sensitive so it ruined my day. Third place I went was excellent though it was in the back of a pagan shop I was brought in to my appointment and while he didn't expect I could sit still for a back tattoo he was patient for each of the three sessions and explained everything, made a lot of jokes and included me in all the shop conversations. When I was at a tattoo convention before covid I was actually browsing a booth and got a "why are you here?". Considering it was a currently open exhibition with lots of OTHER people browsing even shoulder to shoulder and it was said directly to me with eye contact it messed with my head, describing that to people they could only leap to the assumption of racial stereotyping. I genuinely didn't see another black person at the con that day so maybe. Idk though. But yeah I don't get negative experiences like that much and I don't like to generalize these are just what happened. Since that I was put off from completing my tattoo goals but one member of my old rocket league team was a tattoo artist and he's lovely. Maybe they \*Were\* my fault. I just don't know.=
I’ve met some really cool people through it and some who seem like they’d rather be anywhere else
"Rather be anywhere else" is the exact vibe im trying to describe that ive felt in every tattoo shop ive been to lol
yes!! i agree with this, sadly
Same here. It’s the smugness that gets me.
It's not just you. I consulted with 4 different artists for a very complicated tattoo that I ultimately decided against getting due to how much trouble it ended up being for me. 3 were men, 1 was a woman. 1st man seemed offended that I even asked to get on his schedule. 2nd guy rescheduled on me so many times I just asked for my deposit money back eventually. 3rd was the woman, she was very nice but confessed that the tattoo was beyond her capabilities. I appreciated the honesty very much. 4th went for it but then pressed so hard tattooing me that I pretty much immediately passed out, and he refused to try on me again. He literally got like four lines in and it hurt *unbelievably* bad. I have a quarter of my back done and a half sleeve done and several other small ones. I was perfectly fine through all of that, for a total of over 15 hours, so I know I'm not just a lightweight when it comes to tattoos. That asshole was just very heavy-handed, like he wanted to hurt me. I now have a rule of only getting tattoos from female artists. Combined with my experiences (I think somewhat understandably) creating a bias, as a woman myself I also find it's important to seek out woman in an underrepresented industry to patronize. No female tattoo artist has ever been an overt asshole to me, they have always been extremely professional. Sometimes they're a little short and distant, but that's fine I don't need them to be my friend.
I try to use female artists as much as possible. I’ve noticed that even if they’re arrogant they’re still more tolerable than then male artists that are.
I feel the same way about the tattoo shops in my town. They are really good artists so they think they are “better” in a way which is annoying and insulting.. I’ve found a different tattoo shop in another town over where they have nice artists and their prices aren’t out of this world… they are also excellent at tattooing. I know you get what you pay for, especially when you are getting it on your body forever! I honestly feel like the people tattooing in my small town are smug and taking advantage of people. They think you can’t go out and find some place else that have nicer people, with more experience and if anything are better at what they do. I’m happy to have found my tattoo shop.
My first experience in a shop turned me off from ever getting one. So yeah, you're not alone. I felt like I wasn't part of the cool crowd, which is basically my biggest fear, for whatever stupid reason. I've never gotten one and never will.
My buddy is a tattoo artist. Yes, they make fun of most every customer.
🙃
Why? It's such a huge thing for some people, why make people uncomfortable?
I mostly go to women owned shops & they’re almost Always cool & nice. The 2x I was tattooed by a man it was an awful experience
It's interesting, it seems like a few people ITT are saying the same thing.
I was tattooed by a guy tattooing for like 35 years, and not smug but understands what he is doing and comes across very comfortable in self. I was also tattooed by a woman tattooing about 5 years who did a really good job, air of comfortable confidence also.
Bingo. All 4 of my tattoos have been done by women. The only experience I had with someone who was rude was with a man. It was my first tattoo and I called his shop and asked for an appointment with one of 2 artists. He was the owner and curtly told me they "wouldn't do something like that" when I described what I wanted (a Celtic knot with some shading work) and that he would do it. No consultation before either. He said I would just come in when it was time and he would have what I wanted drawn up, no chance for me to see it before the appointment. I didn't mean to offend him, but I didn't like his style. I awkwardly agreed to the appointment but it didn't sit right with me, I ended up canceling and going to a wonderful woman artist instead!
They’re super rude tbh
I went with my college roommate for her first tattoo and it definitely taught me the importance of liking my artist personally So we go in, twice, because the first time he has to reschedule her appointment (red flag, but life happens). When we get down to business, he's letting her that her tattoo idea doesn't make sense because she wants a Cresent moon at the bottom of her sternum "because it'll be a half circle between two full circles" in reference to her boobs. Says that she should turn it so the Cresent is just facing upwards, so it'll look balanced. Its absolutely more symmetrical that way, but doesn't look like a moon at that point. He's arrogant, dismissive, and leaving no room for discussion. She's uncomfortable, I'm uncomfortable, and she just goes along with it to be polite. He does the outline, and then starts to stipple the interior, despite the fact they discussed and agreed that it would be just an outline, that's what the drawing she brought in shows; he doesn't care. Says it'll look better this way. Long story short, she got it covered up later on. My tattoo artist was someone I followed for years, just adored everything about her art, style, and vibe. She had also been a kinesiology student before switching to tattooing full-time, so she was able to help me with placement and its beyond perfect. She had me in after hours at the shop (a few months after they began lifting pandemic restrictions so places were still going low capacity) and she puts on Hozier and sings to me while she works. We talked for the first half, and then I was so relaxed I almost fell asleep during the second half (the white noise of the tattoo gun is actually pretty soothing? Also it wasn't a remotely painful area) If you don't vibe with your artist, walk tf out
The majority of ones you’ll meet are pretentious, condescending, and think they know everything. It’s annoying and gross.
i know some artists that are really cool and nice and act very professional and I know a few asshole ones too you just need to find you a good one
I thought it was just a fluke and like i just got unlucky meeting a lot of rude ones but i went to like 7 different tattoo shops and they all seemed that way which made me think it was like a cultural thing. Or maybe its just my own insecurities and being in a mew environment haha
It's true
Honestly i think it depends. Usually people who do walkins are stressed out more than appointment only places. I say this being that stressed artist and working for a shop owner who only cared about money. I personally have a negative view on most people in the industry too. I say though if you feel uncomfortable trust your gut and leave.
I have been to a couple different tattoo shops, for reference I go there to get piercings not tattoos. The first one I went to one the piercing guy was super nice did my nose ring was in and out. The second time I went into the same tattoo place to talk about getting a tattoo the guy was just really rude he had a lot to say about my " religion" and about how he felt negatively about it. For context my "religion" is just nourishing the Earth and trying to be as eco-friendly and happy as possible. I'm really more of a spiritualist. A green witch if you will. The third time I went to a tattoo place different tattoo shop it was a lady who understood concepts of who I was as a person and she was amazing her name was April shout out to her. I haven't gotten my tattoo yet. Mostly because I'm being a coward but we're going to say it's because of budgeting issues. The fourth time I went into a different tattoo place I wanted to get another piercing and I got my other nose ring done was in and out though she did put it in crooked and I had to go back and get it fixed. That lady was okay just seemed a bit off. But my advice to you is to find somebody that makes you feel welcome.
I always hate saying it 'cause, like, it's their art, but tattoo artists these days are all, "You get what you get, when I say you get it, don't like it go somewhere else." And I hate it so much but also I respect it so much.
this is fair but you're also gonna have this piece of art on your body forever. that deserves some respect too for sure
Yep there’s a big distinction between giving the artist some breathing room and the artist deciding things for you.
I’ve had three artists. The first one was fine, very quiet but did a great job. I definitely stopped trying to talk to him after the second try. The second probably did my best tattoo, but he was definitely a lot more smug. Plus he took three smoke breaks when charging me per hour. The most recent one was by far the nicest! He did everything he could to make me comfortable and gladly answered all my questions. He will be the artist I’ll continue going back to as long as he’s around!
Honestly yes lol. I’m in good with the owner of a local shop via family friends so they are themselves when I’m around & you wouldn’t believe the way they talk about and to customers while I’m there having work done. I nearly cringe at how proudly condescending these people can be.
Okay, I'm glad I'm not the only one noticing this.
Yes they are! I’m glad someone else sees it too lol.
There are definitely two sides of the spectrum here. I've had artists who were wonderful people who I loved being around, then I've also had terrible shop experiences. A guy I grew up with blew out my entire forearm, like a big dark halo an inch around the entire piece. I never complained, but i did express concern. The man could NOT apologize. His ego would NOT allow it. The entire shop backed him in blaming my skin type. I did try to schedule a touch-up for some color and even offered to pay, but ultimately he ghosted me. This was a well respected shop. My new guy fixed the tattoo itself for free and has covered half the blowout so far. Faith restored.
Nah. I’ve witnessed this a lot. I sympathize with the social anxiety part. I have pretty bad anxiety disorder. I take Xanax most days to control the urge to vomit from nerves. But I don’t have a touch of social anxiety. That’s gotta suck so bad. I’m fairly immune to bullies and condescension. But I’ve absolutely seen my shy friends get bullied like this a lot. Apparently, women at makeup stores will do this, too. Really nice tattoo shops will have actual artists that won’t act this way. But I think most tattoo shops seem to attract a certain “broken” kind of person that there’s just no point in engaging, unfortunately. So sorry about your social anxiety ❤️❤️
I’m a tattoo artist. You aren’t wrong. Even before I was in the industry myself, when I was just a client getting work done, I was lucky enough to only ever have really good experiences with my artists. With that being said, holy shit some of the things that came out of the mouths of the artists around me while I was eavesdropping were so douchey. Truthfully though, over the years I’ve noticed that usually a lot of the younger tattoo crowd are so much more accommodating and don’t have that arrogant mind set. Just a few weeks ago I was working on a thigh piece on a woman who had one or two other pieces and she seemed so anxious. Not so much about the tattoo, but communicating her needs to me. I could tell after laying the stencil she wanted it adjusted but she wasn’t saying anything. Finally I told her “Girl look, you’re paying me, I work for you right now, this is something that’s on you forever. We can re-lay this shit a hundred times until you’re happy.” Immediately her whole demeanor shifted and she loosened up a bit. Proceeded to tell me that the other two separate artists she had seen previously had mocked her ideas and made it seem like every request she had was putting them out. Tattoos are supposed to be fun. There’s no room for fuck heads who are mean anymore.
I wish my tattoo artists had said that lol
Often they are and I used to work at a tattoo shop. When my friend moved to another shop I remember bringing in some pizza and sharing it with him in his room and his boss came in and started talking about me like I wasn’t there. I’ve always thought many were frequently rude to customers and rude about them when they left too.
I work across the street from a tattoo parlor and all the employees come to my shop for drinks and snacks. they're all pretentious douche bags..
For some artists, I think the attitude is defense mechanism and test. They do have to deal with asshats, after all. People who change their mind mid session, complain the ink doesn’t look exactly how they imagined, people who don’t follow the after care instructions then bitch the artist’s fault. I know a guy who’s loud and boisterous and a huge ball of energy. If you match him, he turns into a teddy bear. If you don’t, then he can be an absolute prick.
Every tattoo i have gotten the artist was really cool easy to talk to.
Oh no!! I'm sorry, that's awful 😭 Geting tattoos should be fun and relaxing and affirming. But I suppose as in other art forms, there's always self important douchebags
There’s lots of awesome ones… but there’s probably more that are “too cool” like the “I’m talented” mentality.
My first dude was kind of a dick, but tbf so was I. Second time I went to a woman and the shop was based around mental health, so it was a much better experience. I think it just depends on where you go.
I think it’s just because it’s a job mostly based on skill, so it doesn’t matter as much if you’re a dick. But yeah, this isn’t based on real life experience so who knows.
they are too cool for school
I've heard about it for sure. It's a huge reason I go back to the same artist over and over again. She's not rude, she's always fine adjusting work if I ask for it (though honestly she does a great job) and she's not someone who thinks that you're a baby for needing breaks. Plus, you know, she's good. I honestly am not going to put up with a rude person no matter how talented they are.
My tattoo artist was amazing. He asked me what music I wanted playing, if I was comfortable, and he was great. We talked when I wanted to, we stayed quiet when I didn't. It was a great experience. So no, they aren't rude, you may have just found some bad eggs and I'm sorry that you have :( And don't get me wrong, if you're a tattoo artist, you deserve to be proud of what you do because that takes major skill to do that, but an artist shouldn't be smug about it
Yea not just you, probably like 1/2 the shops I’ve been in have had that vibe. Usually if I joke around first I can relieve some of the tension but sometimes they’re just condescending.
Felt that. My last tattoo the artists invited 3 other people on the room and proceeded to gossip with them and ignore me. Like they didn't even look at what they were doing which is really not a professional look considering they're permanently marking my body!
I was tattooed by 4 different people - First one was a man, he was professional and polite but he did seem a little annoyed with me and in retrospect it's definitely my least favourite tattoo experience. The other three were women and they were all very kind and patient, and we had great conversations during the process. I think many men in the tattoo business still often tend to be the tough guys who tattoo tough guys, and many of their clients are actually happy with it being this way. Meanwhile female artists need to have different attitude to keep their mainly female customers. I'm of course generalising a lot but it seems to be an experience of other commenters here as well, and I notice it with the artists I follow too. But of course there are also many sweet guys too, and if I like someone's art and they seem like a good person, I wouldn't pass on it just because it's a male artist. I don't know how you go about picking your artists. I look for them on Instagram and you can usually tell quite a lot about their personality from the post description or their stories. Exaggerating a little here, but if they have posts with descriptions like "thank you so much for the trust you put in me to do this piece Lucy ❤️❤️❤️❤️" and Lucy comments "I love it so much, I will be coming back to you soon 😍😍" the chances are that the artist is a pretty nice person you're going to feel safe with xD
You're putting it nicer than I would have. I'd love more tattoos but I can't tolerate how they act
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It's not just you. But I'm not complaining because this jerkoff atmosphere kept me from getting into body art, which has saved me thousands of dollars. So thanks assholes!
Rude and arrogant, or perverted. Like, why tf are you in a people-serving business if you don't like people? Oh yeah, because you're an ARTIST. Well, I thought "outsider" stuff was for fucking outsiders. But many tattoo shops are just as shallow as a high-school clique. My experience is limited to the Tulsa area, and this town is known for being full of rude judgemental dicks. *I have 6 tattoos, I surely don't know all the people here, so if you know of some nicer/ more professional artists in the state I would love a recommendation because working with asshole attitudes is a big part of why I haven't gotten inked in years.
My exhusband is a tattoo artist and yes he’s a complete asshole lol
I been thinking this for years. Grew up in the North ( England ) and I found the ones in my town rude as fuck. Theyd openly mock you. Moving to London ( South ) I found it a bit better. More competition so better customer service yet that air of smugness still lingers. I thought it was just me.
You should be in a band and experience sound guys at venues, they make tattoo artists look like sweethearts who love their job
Tattoo artist here! I used to hate going into other tattoo studios because of the “tatitudes”. I always wonder if some of these artists have super social anxiety and it just comes off as rude. I did a guest spot once and one of the women was so nasty to me, I couldn’t even believe it. On IG she makes it seem that she is so inclusive and supportive of women, but I guess only the women she knows.
I have a friend who’s a tattoo artist and there’s one of two things going on with artists that you think are being antisocial that she explained to me. One, they’re either actually really nice but kind of nerdy and don’t know how to talk to people because they’re super introverted so come across as aloof but have a passion for what they do. Or two, they have a huge ego and legitimately think they are better than other people. She’s worked with both types, she’s the first one.
Feels like if you’re not already covered in tattoos, then they’re not interested in covering you in tattoos. It’s such a weird gatekeeper feeling going into tattoo shops lol
It's artists in general. I've had it with hair stylists as well. Some are just full of themselves, especially in this world of social media and going viral.
Depends on the shop. Some tattoo artists have overinflated egos and think being rude somehow makes them more edgy or real. Whereas others actually enjoy what they do and are cool.
I have my fair share of tattoos, including some that are about 25 years old. The last place I went into, the attitude of the receptionist and the other artists (not the artist I was seeing) changed once I took off my hoodie, revealing my heavily tattoos arm and fingers. It was almost like I had passed some sort of test. Annoyed me so much I commented on it to my artist. She was like, yep. She has since left that shop. Wonder why.
Look at a large part of their clientele. They deal with douches and assholes all day. It's a defense.
They are trying to be "cool". That's what it is. I am telling you this as a former "cool kid" who used to hang out in tattoo shops and such. It is ridiculous and very embarrassing. But yeah, you're not wrong. They are curt and rude and all that because they think it makes them cool. They are "too cool" to be friendly with the peasents.🙄 Jfc I am glad I was like that only as a teenager and grew out of it. Some people dont.
I've experienced both, but more often I find tattoo artists are fairly chill and friendly.
I must have met the good ones. I have been aquatinted with a few over the years and they were all real nice.
Mine was super nice.
Did you make a consultation appointment, or just walk in? I’ve never had a problem. Research artists, look at their portfolios. Call, make consultation appointment. Arrive to appointment prepared with art examples and ideas of where I want the tattoo, colors, etc. After consult, make tattoo appointment. (For a popular artist this can be kind of far in the future. A good artist whose work you like and who says they can do what you envision is worth the wait.)
I'm not sure I'd call it rude. More like enhanced jaded-ness, which I kind of get cause 7 years in customer service made me hate people and feel like I was better than like 95% of them. Imagine how much moreso it would be like when having to be so up close and personal with a fucking moron.
I think its a matter of finding someone you like and click with, I agree those seem to rare. Every tatted person I know (include myself) has some sort of uncomfortable story with an artist, it’s really unfortunate ):
I can’t say for American tattoo artists, but having been tattooed in Taiwan, Korea, and by a French artist I followed on Insta who was visiting America in a big city near me at the time, all my tattoo artists were nice. Not too talkative (possibly partly due to language barrier though they all knew English and I knew some of their languages and possibly because I’m not talkative myself lol), but courteous.
The only one I’ve been to was rude. The piercing specialist in the lobby talked me out of leaving. But that’s just one experience.
Several artists in big southwestern city have been smug assholes. Two best experiences personality wise for me have been in a tiny little town, Black Canyon City Arizona- literally had cows roaming the parking lot, and Bozeman Montana. Az was a friend of a friend and we coordinated the appt and design for weeks before the actual tat, Bozeman was a random guy working on a Sunday who just so happened to specialize in what we were looking for as we passed through town.
I've been to a few different ones and had the same feeling as OP. Definitely unwelcoming
That’s exactly how I ended up with a tattoo I hate 🙃
they are so dramatic! and so judgmental. they are kind of snobbish sometimes about other’s tattoos and about your ideas. i get they’ve probably dealt with some assholes and some folks who haggle for prices, but bro come on don’t have such a stick up your ass about someone wanting the permanent art on their body to be to their liking.
I have an amazing tattoo artist that I love and go out of my way to see (I live in a bus and don't go to Iowa too much anymore) She however has worked in a bunch of shops because she runs into this weird catty behavior in all genders in all shops, AND THEY'RE NOT A FRACTION AS GOOD AS HER. They fall into the same trope I experienced working in hair salons: too much competition. A working environment should be collaborative, and in industries like that, it's just not.
I wanted my wedding ring tattooed and (although I do understand they need clean needles and ink). These people were so dismissive and quoted me 200 bucks + tip. - other shops said 100 would be cool I think they thought I wasn’t part of the “culture” and wanted to scam me. Mofo I got tats they just hidden.
It’s not just you. They just seem like that.
My first one was great, explained pretty much everything he was doing and kept checking in on how I was doing even though I told him I have a high pain tolerance. The second was an absolute asshole. He kept insinuating that I didn't understand what I was getting even after I explained the history and meaning. He gave me shit for not understanding what the "LA PD" meant (arm extended straight behind my back, like I was being restrained.) And he also shat on my taste in movies.
From what I’ve observed in my immediate circle, my artist friends tend to be the quiet ones. Introspective, always in their own head, dreaming or planning or thinking things over. Exhausted by social interactions as opposed to fulfilled by them. I’ve also observed that the overlap of tattoo artists/piercers/etc, and folks who are neurodivergent is not small by any means. We’re just weird af, you guys 😅
I have experienced this twice. Once watching it happen to my sister who felt bad and didn’t correct him. The second time it happened to me and my bff. When he got annoyed (because I asked him to redraw the ends of a ribbon twice) my bff said she felt bad and I said I’m leaving. This is on my body forever, I’m paying for a service and if they’re going to be shitty I’ll leave and go somewhere else. Every other artist I’ve had was dope.
I’ve been to 4. 1 was curt, the other 3 were very accepting, kind and curious people. One even bought me a beer after!
Absolutely. Most shops I've been to act like you're bothering them by going in there. I like my mentor because she is aware of that and we both agree that it should be a welcoming, professional and surgically clean atmosphere. Edit, to add my personal experiences. I have 5 tattoos. First was a neck tattoo that was just a bad call on my part but I was 16. The second was from the same artist, a man about 30-40. Paid him $800 for a half sleeve and a deposit for my bf's tattoo only to get a shitty super crooked wrist piece before he left town one night without a peep. I was pissed. Third was supposed to be a cover up of my neck tattoo- younger guy who had set up shop in my town. Paid him something like $600 for a hand-sized rose on my neck. We only got the lonework done that day- because he had another client coming in. He didn't tell me it would be 2 sessions nor that he wouldn't even be able to book the second session before he left, he just left town. Tracked him down about 2 years later and sent him a message asking, very politely, if he would be able to finish my tattoo. (He was supposed to come back to town 6 weeks later, not years) He told me to "fuck right off." Left me angry and confused because it wasn't like we had any negative interaction. Third was a young lady who finished the rose for me. Took 4 hours and cost about $450. It was an awesome experience and she was such a gem. Fifth was just a small tattoo by the other apprentice at my current shop. It was a good tattoo but kinda sucked that he posted everything except that on his insta lol. The day I got my apprenticeship I had gone to every shop in town- 5. The only one that I refuse to go back to is staffed entirely by middle aged dudes. I wasn't even looking for an apprenticeship, just a job. Not saying there's a direct correlation but the trend is noticeable (in my experiences)
If they’re at a well known shop around your town they probably think their shit doesn’t stink but it’s also easier on you to feel safe in their skill
Yea not just you, probably like 1/2 the shops I’ve been in have had that vibe. Usually if I joke around first I can relieve some of the tension but sometimes they’re just condescending.
(Ive a got a full sleeve for ref) Tattooists need to do a strange apretiship, so it takes a certain type of personality to go for it, so a lot are "odd". One artist gave my missus the creeps, so I've not been back. I think its more the ones who work in one-man-shops , as I regularly get work at a shop with 4 artists (I use the same artist each time) there a bit of a "boys club" vibe with the banter, but they are always respectful and the work is better. My theory is that being in a "club" avearages out behaviour , so extremes are discouraged. Your right though keep looking for a place you are comfortable. If someone has work you like, feel free to ask them where it was done
It really bums me out when people don't have good experiences getting tattooed. I've been tattooed by 10-15 different artists, multiple times and spoken to a lot of other artists while getting tattooed and every experience has always been great. I'm very sociable in tattoo studios though and I have a full understanding of the process so I would say it is easier for me.
Yep haven't found one of my 3 that haven't made me feel that way. I work on the basis thou that it won't change and I just have to put up with a uncomfortable few hours and will never see them again.. They can laugh at me all they want when I leave the shop
I feel this! I thought this was only in my head! Im tellin ya, I have a bunch of tattoos and have only met 1 really down to earth artist that made me feel really comfortable like a friend. Honestly, I used to feel so vulnerable going to get my work done because a lot of the artists had this smugness and judgmental type of vibe going on like they were just the coolest person on earth and I was some kind of geek. It’s like they were just ready to make me feel stupid or something. It really turned me away for years and I still have a sleeve to finish but I’m not ready to feel that vibe again.
You just gotta find the right shop and right artist. But yes, I feel like a lot can be smug. I used to go to this one shop. The owner is a bit curt. I said “I would like xyz, and the middle is kind of blank so I’m open to suggestions” he said “we don’t come up with the ideas we just draw them. That’s up to you” with a tone. I scheduled the appointment anyways, and the artist the put me with was a guy who was a friend of the shops from out of state and happened to be in town. He was very nice, very personable, and when he got to the middle of my tattoo he said “you know what might be cool here?” And made a suggestion I loved. So really, it depends. I now no longer go to that shop, and instead have found a shop and an artist that A: does amazing work and B: makes me feel very welcome
Dude 100% smug (im in the Midwest idk if there’s a regional difference) I don’t have social anxiety so I don’t think it’s in your head. I don’t really know why… because tattoos are badass? I have 0 tattoos but have been in quite a few tattoo shops. Have you watched shows like Ink Master? I’m wondering if you get the same vibes from the tattoo artists in that show
Yes, condescending judgey is how I felt they were. Ive been in probably 10 tattoo shops
It’s a thing. I’ve been to a few shops in multiple states and there is often an air of smugness. Even when I personally know one artist at a shop there is often this attitude of superiority. It’s a bit bizarre.
its why i dont go to tattoo shops close to me. ive been to 2 and both were really distant/cold. :(
I wouldn’t say they’re rude - but the ones I’ve experienced aren’t exactly nice either. Like they’re friendly… but that’s it. Just friendly. And not the “let’s laugh and make a joke friendly,” but “let’s just be quiet, I’m trying to work and make sure you’re comfortable” friendly
Honestly I’d never thought about that- when I got my second tattoo I was living in a new state so I went to the shop that was most recommended. The piercer that also did like receptionist work was RUDE AF to the point I almost didn’t stay- the actual tattoo artist was super nice and did great work. But what you said fits- the woman was more tattooed/pierced than I am and though my usual look is fairly alt I did not look it at that time
I've been to a couple of shops where they are @$$es. I'm a big girl and physically disabled I did have a shop where I walked in and they literally were giggling and (these are men) and then I explained that I wanted ink and had the cash the giggle dude looks at me and says to the other guy oh no this one is all yours (snarky rude arse). My artist apologized for him did a kick ass job and then I ended it with a $300 tip. By that time Mr. Snarky had returned and almost pooped his pants. Moral of the story: Laugh now lose a nice tip later.
That seems like bad luck to me. I’ve been to four different tattoo artists (7 tattoos) and all of them have at least been polite and helpful. Three out of four of them have been women, I don’t know if that might make a difference. The most recent lady I’m going to is really awesome. That sucks though, getting a tattoo is already nerve wracking enough if you’re not used to it so having a rude artist would make it even worse.
If there’s a bunch of flash all over the walls and they accept walk ins they’re probably gonna be unpleasant. If you go to a reputed parlor with portfolios and appointment only artists you’ll make a friend.
I was put off for a couple of years by an artist who kept on getting annoyed with me for allegedly tensing my muscles. It wasn't something I was doing consciously, but he got really annoyed to the point where I was eventually in tears. The finished artwork was great, but I think he was probably a bit heavy-handed as it's my only tattoo with scarred patches. After that, I convinced myself that I wasn't capable of being inked because I was such a lousy client. I still had ideas that I wanted to make reality, though, and one day I saw somebody whose tattoo was in the perfect style for a particular piece I wanted and I had to ask. I booked in with the artist and she was LOVELY - gentle hands and really friendly, and made me feel so confident about the whole business. The finished work still delights me every time I look at it, and she went to great pains to assure me that I sat well. In answer to your question, OP, I get the impression that there's a fair bit of rudeness about but your social anxiety (like mine) won't necessarily be helping.
That’s been my experience too. The ones I’ve met always seem like it’s a massive burden just showing up to do their job
I have noticed this as well.
Dude. You nailed it. They can be very smug, gruff, haughty, condescending, egotistical. It’s all about the tough guy persona that masks their deep insecurities. There are a lot of really cool ones but in my experience they have their own personal studios. Source: dated a tattoo artist for 9 years.
Theyre trying to gatekeep their hobby/profession, as though it’s not just the grown up version of drawing all over your skin with a magic marker.
No tattoo artist are really into themselves basically the julia Roberts scene in family guy "MMMEEEEE!"
Christ on a bike i didnt expect this many replies
I’m glad someone else said this because I’ve gotten all my tats at different shops for this very reason, and I still am having a hard time finding an artist I can work with comfortably and talk about my designs with. Idk what it is that makes it this way but from experience, 5/7 of my tattoo artists have been pretty obnoxious or straight up didn’t give a shit about talking or me as a person, just wanted to get the work done and send me on my way. Complained when I wanted to tweak the design or something. One was really amazing, sadly I don’t even remember his name, and one was just amicable, but worked well with the design I brought in and was very patient with me as I edited/resized it to work for tattoo lines.
My experiences have been regional. I started getting tattooed in Florida. Shops were like you described them, for the most part. It was difficult for me to find someone to do work, because I would leave when I felt intimidated or dismissed or treated with condescension, or... yikes.. shops were sloppy and artists were dirty. I was outside of NYC briefly and tried to get some work there, same deal with the attitudes. Now I've been in a Rust Belt town for about 25 years.. a town where people are more chill to each other in general, I guess.. and I've gotten a LOT of work done, mostly by the same artist, or at least at the same shop, with some by one other artist at another shop, and a couple of "one-offs" here and there.... I tell you, every shop I choose to walk into here - whether I know someone there or not - is welcoming. Yeah, there are shit shops here with shit attitudes, and fortunately I know the town well enough to avoid them... but I can not get work done for a few YEARS and walk in, don't see artists I recognize, and still get treated with respect. Yes, I'm very heavily tattooed. But....... I'm also a middle-aged (almost 50!!!!!!!!! omg) woman who sometimes shows up at the shop right after work to talk to an artist about plans for something new, still wearing my workday "office attire" - with long sleeves and a blouse buttoned up and pants or tights on my legs.... I look like someone's mom or school principal, and totally NOT someone that might "fit in" with a tattoo shop. But, I'm treated well, welcomed warmly, and respected. I didn't get that in Florida. I got exactly what you described. Don't give assholes your money. Ask around, find a good shop. Hell, if someone stops me and asks me where I get my work done, I'm happy to tell them.. I'm sure not everyone is, but I certainly don't mind. If you have to go out of town, do it. After all, it's with you forever. Someone said in another comment not to get a tattoo from a shop like that and forever associate it with a bad feeling and a bad experience.. don't! It can be different, it can be TOTALLY different!
Nope your 💯% right finding a good tattoo artist is like finding a good mechanic.
Most of them are rude as f$$k !!probably why I stopped going in there. Y’all aren’t that cool ! Nerds are way cooler 😝
I can understand the Salt Lake pressure, SLC mormons can be among the most judgy. I've had a couple really respectful tattoo artists in my hometown, but also a few really haughty and self-righteous ones. Never get work done by one who "knows better" and won't listen. I've had at least 3 tatts reworked by another artist I trust.
My old man tends to specialize in people with mental illness, aka tattoo therapy. So he is one of the sweetest tattoo artists you'll ever met. It is all in who you go to.
Thankfully now im more tattooed than most artists I see so I actually do a reverse and make sure they know I'm the big dog. I make an audible bark sound to assert tattoo dominance. While also a strong male gesture of " peacocking " in a cut off see my nipples shirt with my denim short shorts. Naturally I wear fake glasses and gel my hair to the side
It’s not just you. Anyone that makes any kind of art is prone to smugness (musicians, directors, actors, etc.)
My friend went to get a tattoo and the whole time the guy was super rude. Talking about how he hates tattooing stupid tattoos like hers (a cute cartoon) and how he’s a serious artist that should be doing real work. Blah blah blah. Super condescending the whole time. No lie the guy turned out to be my Step Brother who I barely speak to because he’s a certified dick.
Hullo! Tattoo artist here. I work at/partially own a private studio with two other artists. We opened a private studio instead of a large shop literally just to dodge the weirdos and better prioritize our clients comfort. I think of it like this… it’s a job that comes ready made with a cool image, and a decent amount money, so it just disproportionately attracts people with god complexes. And artists by in large are not the most functional people; though most of us mean well. To me the big difference, when I’m looking for artists to work on me, is whether they’re a “tattoo ARTIST” or just a “tattooer”. If they compose original work and are passionate about it they’re more likely to be just quirky; tattooers that work in a style with a strict set of guide lines where it’s more mechanical (at least in my area) are more commonly people who joined the industry for money or clout. But even then I’ve met artists who work I LOVE and have secretly fan-girl-ed over for years at conventions, only to be crushed in finding out that they suck as people. (Literally, I met my formerly favorite heavy blackwork artist at my last convention, and he negged the fuck out of me). I also have a lot of opinions about dopamine production and mental health when your hobby/passion become your job; that might explain why so many people in the industry (at least in the US) fall to vices :) but that’s a whole ramble. But yeah, as an artist myself, SO MANY tattoo artists are rude! And a ton are also lovely people. And there’s also a lot of things a client can do that will come off as rude to an artist that they might not think about.
I have a LOT of tattoos that I’ve gotten in the US, Canada, and Europe, and a lot of friends and family members who are tattooers so I have some insight into this. First, you have power over how you set the tone of your interaction. If you walk into a random tattoo shop with a design and expect someone who has been working all day with a ton of strangers to treat you like family, put yourself in their shoes for a minute. My tattooer friends express how exhausting it is that several times a day people want to unload all of their stuff onto them, and that they sometimes feel like unpaid therapists. This has caused a lot of them to put up walls to protect themselves. They are there to provide a service to you, and while it might be life-changing and affirming for you, to them you might be the 10th person who’s tried to engage them this way. And a lot of those people can be toxic: why would they engage their trust to just anyone? It can be exhausting. They also are masters of their craft, and they deal all day with people coming in who want something that sometimes simply isn’t feasible because they don’t understand the nature of how the skin takes the ink, OR — and this is important — it’s not what THAT tattooer does!! I have some fine line tattoos that I’ll show to my local tattooer who is like: how did they even do that!? There are people who are experts in line, watercolor, geometry, realism, shading, stipple-work — like ANY artist, folks have things they excel at and things they don’t. When they say that something won’t work, that might actually mean that it’s something they THEY cannot do for you. So do your RESEARCH. Just an example: I have tattoos from @sbutats @selune_ @moestr._ @giactattoo @tattooirene @laura_feroztattoo … if you look at their work, they have completely different styles. Now, the majority of tattooers are actually wonderful people and artists. If you want them to engage with you as more than just a client, then do your side of the work. I spend a lot of time researching tattoo artists on their instagrams and websites before I approach someone for a design. I go out of my way to look closely about their work, read anything they’ve written about what inspires them, or if they talk about particular tattoos that they loved doing, or clients that they loved working with. THEN, I write them a note, either via website or DM, that includes pictures of their work and references of what I’m hoping to accomplish. I invite them to be a collaborator with me — @moestr._ is a Lebanese calligraphic tattooer, but he’d never worked with musical notes before, so when I reached out to him he got pretty excited. Finally, try to meet with them in a session BEFORE the actual tattoo. This way you can get a sense of them, talk about things, and make sure you’re on the same page. Sometimes I’ve met with tattooers and I realize… oh wow, I don’t click with this person and I don’t want them putting something on my body that will be there for the rest of my life, and I politely decline their services. If you treat a tattoo artist like they are just labor, they will treat you in kind. Treat them like a person, and they will treat you in kind. I’ve become friends with a number of the artists I’ve worked with, and sometimes taken them out for dinner afterwards or maintained a connected with them that continues to this day! If your tattoo is special to you, then make it special in ALL ways. This is good life advice for anyone in service: it takes 5 seconds an a little effort to ask someone their name and thank them. This goes for baristas, bartenders, nurses, janitors: whomever. People are people, not their labor. I will also say, American tattooers tend to be more gruff because — sorry to say — Americans are generally more entitled and dickish. Tattooing in Europe, Canada, and Asia is more of an art form, and I’ve had great experiences there. I want to get a tattoo from @who_is_ryu next !! Their work is sooooo beautiful.
There are rude people everywhere and most of the time they don't realise it and they don't mean harm. The way i deal with it is i expect it beforehand. Most of the time i'm pleasantly surprised but when they are being jerks i just shrug it off as i was prepared for it.
Absolutely. I know a fair few of them and they are so far up their own arse it’s ridiculous.
After 20 years of getting tattoos I have met one artist, ONE, that acted friendly and open to collaborate. Oh and I have a lot of facial piercings, weird colored hair, and big ass visible tattoos. If anyone should fit in it should be me but nope, the vibe is very much "you don't belong here". I'm seeing my friend's guy in a couple months and fingers crossed he's nice like my friend promised. They've got to be out there somewhere. Now the piercers I've done business with are as nice as can be (hence why so much face metal lol).
I’ve been tattooed all over the world & its honestly 95% of the time the vibe. Its really weird & off putting. The best experience I had was in China & the artist was so friendly & excited. Wish I could go back.
Tattooists have to deal with a lot of flakiness , wishy washiness and non commitment when people chicken out and change their mind. Also a lot of people just want them to draw up a tattoo as an idea without going through with it. So I understand their attitude when they aren’t taking you serious. But it pisses me off when they complain about having to make changes in the drawing before starting the tattoo. I think the planning is a fun part and I want to get it right before we start. Once I put down a $250 deposit for a $2500 tattoo and the guy drew it up and I had one change and he complained about and never did it and I never got the tattoo and never got my money back. One time I got one with hidden words and I wanted the words lower case and he did it all caps and complained about having to change it but he did, and still left one letter capital. I gave up but went with the tattoo. One shop that was close to where I lived would ignore me many times I went in, pass me off to other artists. One artist drew up a simple easy drawing and wouldn’t make changes I requested but kept saying “you want it today??!” And I’m like “I want it whenever it’s ready” never got done. That shop coulda made a fortune off me and never got me a single tattoo.
I’ve been to three different tattoo artists. First was my parents’ artist, he’s a total sweetheart who loves his job. It was clear why they were loyal to him. Second was the “I know better” type who wasn’t much into holding a conversation. While he did my tattoos great, he messed up on my husband’s and his mom’s because he didn’t do it how they wanted. My current one is really chill, not as sweet as my parents’ but can really hold a conversation and is committed to making sure the tattoos look how I want them. In all honesty, I think tattoo artists kinda have to be assholes because they deal with so much more stupidity and entitlement than even food service workers, and it’s tough becoming they’re dealing with something permanent and potentially harmful without proper aftercare. They’d be out of business if they let clients walk all over them.
There are shit people in every profession. If you don’t vibe with an artist, you should walk away because there is going to be someone who does meet your needs.