How much??
It all begins with an idea.
Ever wondered how your tattoo artists come up with those €€€ numbers?
I can tell you some insights. AND by the way, what works for me, will not work for all. Soooo:
Starting Price & Rates (time is money)
Experience/Branding/Skill
Material costs/Tattoo Size
All of the above and more will influence the price of your tattoo. Best way to know what to expect - ask.
It generally takes about the same list of materials to make a tattoo of whatever size, but the quantity of those materials differs. Starting price includes those materials, rent & taxes, time and skill of the artist, the name they made for themselves, their style and how good their work is.
Tattoos are a luxury, and are permanent - so pick your artists based on their work, not price.
*Although according to girl math tattoos are free*
You are more likely to spend double the amount of money on getting a cover-up instead of going to the artist you first picked and then changed to the cheaper option. And while it is not that serious because tattoos are just art, it is also pretty serious as not everyone knows about proper hygiene rules, settings of machines and real skin nuances. The risk of getting scars and infections instead of art are high - especially because in Finland there are no regulations regarding buying tattoo equipment and some self proclaimed ‘beginner artists’ see it as a quick way to make easy money.
Lost in Translation?
It all begins with an idea.
STYLE.
I have been in a position where I either turned a client down or made a tattoo that wasn’t really ‘me’. The tattoo world has a crazy amount of new styles, artists and experimental things going on. When looking for new ink - look at what resonates with you from the work that an artist already made.
A fine line artist won’t black out your hand. A realism artist won’t make a traditional rose or snake tattoo. An abstract artist won’t give you all the same details as the reference photo you showed them. Having an open mind is very important. The artists are expected to know how details, size and placement will affect the look and longevity of your new ink, trust them :)
You are just as much in charge of how your tattoo will look like - be as specific as possible about the details and leave space for creativity to the artist.
What if…
It all begins with an idea.
What if you don’t like your tattoo?
Well… that’s a bummer. Actually, never happened to me - don’t know what to tell you. Was it your 1st pick artist or not?
What if you disagree with the artist?
As long as you aren’t having a heated argument - asking for adjustments on design, price and else is totally ok.
What if the price is not what you agreed on?
That’s just rude, unless it’s cheaper than you agreed on :) You can always tell the artist your budget if you have one, if it still doesn’t work - that’s not your artist.
What if you feel uncomfortable?
Trust is key, communication is key, being comfortable with your tattoo artist is also key! If you don’t feel good or confident about something -let them know. You don’t have to tell your life story to the artist just like the artist doesn’t have to ask you about your deepest fears. If you have a vibe going on - amazing, if you’d rather leave - you are free to!
What if healing isn’t going well?
Scarring, uneven colouring, wonky lines, blowouts - those are often signs of little experience tattooing on real skin. However, it also happens to veterans of tattooing. BTW your skin and the area that is being tattooed affect the process a lot!
- Some of those can be fixed by a touch up, some well, might be saved with a cover up…
In case of INFECTION - contact a doctor right away. And don’t worry - you’ll know it if it’s happening,
These things can affect the healing process:
Allergic reaction to ink/stencil sprays/second skin glue. Razor irritation. Swelling (is normal and should go down within few hours but if not - message your artist and/or contact a doctor). Numbing creams can affect the way skin absorbs ink which may also affect the final look (it is better to make a few sessions rather than break the skin and be in pain one too many hours).
For any questions about healing and after care - ask the artist. You should have clear instructions like no sauna & swimming for 2 weeks, when and with what to moisturise your tattoo, etc.
Especially important for 1st timers.
By the way… I offer touch ups for free (that statement is valid for 6 months after getting the tattoo done). It’s a mix: 50% on me for quality & 50% on you looking after the tatt. ;)