Tattoo Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts

You might feel overwhelmed walking into a tattoo shop for the first time, and even tattoo collectors sometimes worry if they’re doing it right. Tattoo etiquette isn’t written in stone; it is about being respectful to both your artist, who is about to permanently decorate your body, and the space they will be doing so in. The right to prepare, communicate and be considerate of your environment leads to one of the best tattoo experiences you can have.

This guide will walk you through the whole process, from booking to tipping after. Whether it’s your first tattoo or 50th, these do’s and don’ts can help you have a great relationship with your artist, avoid common mistakes, and leave with a tattoo you’re proud of each time.

Consultation Etiquette: Making a Great First Impression

The consultation phase marks the true start of your tattoo. Come prepared so your artist can see you appreciate their time, bringing 3-5 reference images that clearly illustrate the look, feel, and layout you're aiming for. Pinterest boards and saved Instagram posts are great ways to collect visuals for your consultation. Be as specific as you can on how big you'd like the piece to be, where you want it placed, and any elements you are 100% sure you want or don't want in it, but also leave some room for your artist's input. As we mentioned, tattoo artists are the best at visualizing how a design will work on your skin, and taking their advice will make your final tattoo that much better.

Never ask an artist to copy another artist's custom work line for line. It's very tacky in the tattoo community. Using images for reference is fine, but telling them you want that exact tattoo on your body is rude and disrespectful to both artists. If you love the style of a certain custom piece, tell the artist what you like about the tattoo so they can make it their own. Also, be very upfront about how much you're willing to spend. A good artist would rather make you a beautiful tattoo that you can afford than have an uncomfortable conversation about money.

Tipping Your Tattoo Artist: Standards and Expectations

Tipping is part of the industry culture, with 15 to 20 percent being the norm. If you get amazing tattoo results, are happy that the artist was accommodating with a tricky schedule, or are appreciative of their efforts during a particularly painful session, you can tip 20 to 25 percent. You may find that cash is preferred since it goes straight to them, but that doesn't mean you can't tip via credit card, as most studios have accepted that option in recent years.

If you cannot afford to tip much, at least leave something. It’s the thought that counts. And don’t leave a tip for a multi-session piece for the end. Always tip after every session because the artist has put in the same effort. If an artist is tattooing you for cheap or for free (say they are an apprentice) then it is also appropriate to tip. It is in fact more important in this situation as it demonstrates your respect for their developing craft.

What to Bring to Your Tattoo Appointment

Arrive at the appointment after you've eaten something substantial within the past couple of hours; a low-blood-sugar session leaves you lightheaded and more sensitive to the needle. If you expect the session to last more than a few hours, bring along a water bottle and a few healthy snacks, such as granola bars or pieces of fruit. Wear clothing that can be easily pulled aside or off when the artist starts the tattoo; you might want to wear a pair of shorts or loose pants for a leg tattoo, and for upper-body tattoos, it might be best to wear a button-down shirt or tank-top to make it easier for the artist and to avoid getting ink on your favorite clothes.

Make sure you have headphones, as well as a phone that’s fully charged, if you plan to stay for a while. A good playlist, podcast, or audiobook can help you relax, and will also give the you and the tattooist comfortable silence as conversation starts and ends. Don’t forget your ID, as most studios require it even if you look older. If you plan on having numbing cream, have it applied and wrapped before your arrival so it has time to activate. And be sure to bring whatever payment method you’d like to use and some cash for the tip.

How to Communicate with Your Tattoo Artist

The tattoo process is based on clear and respectful communication. If something bothers you in the stencil, say so. If an artist is any good at all, they'd rather you point something out at the design phase rather than the actual tattooing phase. The sooner and more precisely you can do so, the better for everyone. "The flower's a little big compared to the rest of the stem" is more useful than "Something doesn't look right to me".

Let the artist focus during the session; too much chatting breaks their concentration during detailed work. Chatty is okay during less intensive work, and a lot of artists will naturally be more talkative during outlines and quiet during detailed work. Please communicate your needs calmly and concisely. If the pain is getting intense, let them know, as they can adjust their hand technique, move to a more tolerable spot, or stop. Suffer in silence, then flinch or jerk to the surprise of an artist can lead to a much harder mistake to fix.

Cancellation, Rescheduling, and Studio Behaviour

Please give us 48 hours of notice if you need to reschedule or cancel. The artists block their time for you and say no to other clients. A cancellation on short notice costs our artists money. Most tattoo shops require a non-refundable deposit because people who cancel or no-show are such an issue. If something comes up with less than 48 hours, please contact the studio and let them know the truth. Tattoo artists generally understand if there is an emergency but are often frustrated by people who cancel or need to change their appointment too frequently.

When you're in the studio, respect the environment. Don't touch anything, lean against workstations or explore places you haven't been shown. Silence your phone. If you're bringing a moral support system, have them sit down and keep their mouths shut. It's good to have one person with you, but don't bring an entourage. And for the love of God, don't be drunk, drunk or high! It's inexcusable, it's rude, it alters your blood and you may experience more pain than usual; a decent artist will ask you to leave at that moment. Lastly, shower before your session and keep your area to be inked clean, and moisturised, in the days prior; your artist will be very pleased with you.