regarding the standard protocol of tattoo artists...

IconBasser · #1 04-07-2008, 08:13 PM

In the many tattoo threads I've seen on here, most of you converse about custom tattoos that you wish to acquire (or already have acquired).

So I'm wondering, do most people who get tattoos get custom pieces done, or does the paradigm of getting a tattoo consist more along the lines of picking a pre-established design out of a book?

Especially with the onslaught of Miami Ink and similar shows, I think the basic public perception of getting a tattoo is that of walking in, telling the artist what you have in mind, and coming back in a week or so to get it permanently etched into your skin. Is this reality, or another example in the growing dichotomy between reality and gross media misrepresentation?

iamlowsound · #2 04-07-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IconBasser

In the many tattoo threads I've seen on here, most of you converse about custom tattoos that you wish to acquire (or already have acquired).

So I'm wondering, do most people who get tattoos get custom pieces done, or does the paradigm of getting a tattoo consist more along the lines of picking a pre-established design out of a book?

Especially with the onslaught of Miami Ink and similar shows, I think the basic public perception of getting a tattoo is that of walking in, telling the artist what you have in mind, and coming back in a week or so to get it permanently etched into your skin. Is this reality, or another example in the growing dichotomy between reality and gross media misrepresentation?

Many tattoo artists want to do custom work and only custom work, they make more money. It doesn't happen just like it does on Miami ink, but it is similar. You tell them what you want, they work with it ect. Usually takes longer than the few days that you see on TV. Most tattoo artists do a lot of "flash" because it is quick and easy money, only the really good ones do a lot of custom work.

lowsound

jady · #3 04-07-2008, 08:24 PM

When my ex got hers she looked through the shops books, found a design she liked (a butterfly) and then they looked through some wildlife guides he had and they customized it from there.

Deluge Of Sound · #4 04-07-2008, 08:34 PM

http://tsunamitattoo.com/page1.html

He's a local favorite of mine, check out his FAQ, he answers all your questions.

Plus he's smart and funny. Always big pluses.

2Loud4You · #5 04-07-2008, 08:34 PM

All my work is custom and always will be. I have no desire to have something I could see on someone else. The closest I have is a sacred heart for my parents which we customized to make mine. I think a lot of people have no imagination and just go pick flash off the wall. A good artist will at least embellish on the flash but some just slap it on the person and collect their money.

JNowiski · #6 04-07-2008, 08:49 PM

most people don't get actual custom stuff. yes, i don't consider modification of flash custom work in general. most people just get flash. plus it depends on the shop and artist, some guys do alot of custom stuff, especially guys that do portraits, most artists don't do portraits and obviously those would be custom. everyone here is pretty much right, just go in and give them an idea and a couple weeks, they draw it up and show you, if you like make an appointment (usually if you want custom work that means they're a pretty good artist and probably a little bit of a wait).

i know an artist or two that are considering putting a stop to drawing stuff up for customers just because alot of customers will hear the price and end up not getting it. people think this stuff is cheap. and they are dumb.

steve21 · #7 04-07-2008, 08:58 PM

My guy took some album art I liked, then modified the design and added in my own custom elements (changed what was in the center and instead of it being a maze the maze is being destroyed by beams of light from the eye in the center).

Pretty custom, I think. And I'd honestly have it no other way. I want my artist to visualize what I have in my head and make it look good on my body. I don't want to get something out of a book because I feel like another tattoo.

I'm very interested to see how he integrates (Or doesn't, I'll have to talk to him) my second idea with the first one he's done me.

bongomania · #8 04-07-2008, 09:04 PM

I used to be a tattoo artist, and I've known and worked with a fair number of others, and I'd say it boils down to:
What does the artist want to do in terms of how they market themselves?
What does the customer want done?
Can the customer articulate what they want? Do they even know? How much artistic or creative ability do they have?
Does the tattooist have the creative and technical ability to create completely new drawings?

It covers the gamut from one tattooist to the next and one customer to the next.

CamMcIntyre · #9 04-07-2008, 09:18 PM

Great posts-i'm also interested in learning about what the total process is like. Sometime in this coming year, i'd like to get at least one tattoo.

It's the same design that i've wanted since i was about 15 [i'm 21 now-22 in June]. Same design, same location-for nearly 7 years. I think it's about time to get it done. All i feel like i need to do is save up more than enough money.

Deluge-great link.

steve21 · #10 04-07-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamMcIntyre

Great posts-i'm also interested in learning about what the total process is like. Sometime in this coming year, i'd like to get at least one tattoo.

It's the same design that i've wanted since i was about 15 [i'm 21 now-22 in June]. Same design, same location-for nearly 7 years. I think it's about time to get it done. All i feel like i need to do is save up more than enough money.

Deluge-great link.

I was similar (had the design since I was 15) but got it when I was 18.

Depth_Charge · #11 04-08-2008, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IconBasser

In the many tattoo threads I've seen on here, most of you converse about custom tattoos that you wish to acquire (or already have acquired).

So I'm wondering, do most people who get tattoos get custom pieces done, or does the paradigm of getting a tattoo consist more along the lines of picking a pre-established design out of a book?

Traditionally it was taboo to ask a tattoo artist to change his designs and was often met with disdain, but for the most part those days are long gone.

Both my sister and one of my best friends are heavily tattooed, and both regularly choose a design from the wall and have something very similar to the main design. They also both enjoy the sensation of being tattooed as much as wearing the artwork.

Me on the other hand has only got the outline and half the shading of my first tattoo done in October of last year. It took me 6 years to think up what I wanted and about a year of tweaking the idea to the point I was ready to get an artist to draw it up. She nailed it in every aspect!!

I personally believe for the pain I go through, coupled with the fact it's on there for life, I'd like to get something original, and give the artist some license to do what they think is best as well.

bassman1185 · #12 04-08-2008, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JNowiski

i know an artist or two that are considering putting a stop to drawing stuff up for customers just because alot of customers will hear the price and end up not getting it. people think this stuff is cheap. and they are dumb.

The guy I go to only does custom work, but he requires a deposit for the drawing, so that he can weed out people who don't know what they are getting themselves into or who aren't serious about it.

2Loud4You · #13 04-08-2008, 08:44 AM

While this should be common sense a lot of people still don't grasp the concept of "you get what you pay for". They walk in with $50 or $100 and expect something elaborate. I've seen it so many times, when they're told how much it will cost for what they want they're completely shocked. Save up and get a proper piece. It'll cost ya but as long as the artist is good, it'll be worth it. I've got a couple thousand worth of ink on me with plans for more. My backpiece alone will be a couple thousand.

IconBasser · #14 04-08-2008, 03:33 PM

so... if I wanted matching half-sleeves of waves breaking on my arms, I should expect.. what, maybe 1-2 grand?

2Loud4You · #15 04-08-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IconBasser

so... if I wanted matching half-sleeves of waves breaking on my arms, I should expect.. what, maybe 1-2 grand?

Two grand might be a bit much but 1g easy. My flame 1/2 sleeve was a hook up and I paid $400 for it with a $50 tip. You'll just need to talk to some artists with your idea and see what they say.

JNowiski · #16 04-08-2008, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassman1185

The guy I go to only does custom work, but he requires a deposit for the drawing, so that he can weed out people who don't know what they are getting themselves into or who aren't serious about it.

yeah, the guys i know thought about that, but the location they're at the majority of people won't do that, especially if they can't ever get it back if they don't like it. the owner has a main shop right off post that is one of the oldest and most popular shops in town, the ones i'm talking about work at the secondary shop basically, and its not in as great a location. but i think they're gonna end up doing that eventually.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Loud4You

Two grand might be a bit much but 1g easy. My flame 1/2 sleeve was a hook up and I paid $400 for it with a $50 tip. You'll just need to talk to some artists with your idea and see what they say.

i've gotten lucky with mine too. i've been lucky enough to have some good friends that are piercers and tattoo artists, but i even got lucky in Vegas at Vince Neil Ink, shop minimum there was $100, guess how much i paid for a traditional gypsie woman that Dano drew up???

$100 (and the rest of the cash in my wallet for tip for hooking me up, which was only like $47, which i had a little more for the guy)

but yeah, for a grand or so you should get some real nice work.

Deluge Of Sound · #17 04-08-2008, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamMcIntyre

Deluge-great link.

Yeah, he's a stand up guy, and funny as hell.

bassman1185 · #18 04-09-2008, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IconBasser

so... if I wanted matching half-sleeves of waves breaking on my arms, I should expect.. what, maybe 1-2 grand?

It depends on how detailed you want it. Most tattoo artists will charge somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 an hour. I have a 1/4 sleeve that is very detailed that took about 9 hours. Remember to tip well and build a relationship with the artist, and he will probably cut you a pretty decent break over time. I think that I paid less than $600 for mine, and that's with really good tips.

casualmadness · #19 04-09-2008, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IconBasser

so... if I wanted matching half-sleeves of waves breaking on my arms, I should expect.. what, maybe 1-2 grand?

Like many others are saying, don't be afraid to tip. And no, a handshake is not a tip.

For my bigger pieces (pieces that take 6-8 hours) I tip at least $100. I know some people who tip a lot less than that and some who tip more. But once you show your artist that you're a good tipper and you have a good attitude, they typically will take care of you.

BassJedi · #20 04-09-2008, 07:33 AM

IMO, tattooing is an art. Just like music is an art. To me it is the difference of hiring Victor Wooten or Flea to play a bass line for you. They are both AWESOME, but also very different and interpret things differently. Go to a few different tatoo artists, give them your ideas, and then check back with them and see who interpreted your idea, or vision, the best. Also, do as much research as you can on possible artist candidates. And before asking questions to the artist, do a little research yourself on the actual process. That way you will know what questions to ask and will better understand some of what a potential artist may ask or tell you.