Can I ask a tattoo artist to copy?

Tattoo copying happens out of a lack of understanding of the ethics of the industry and creativity—both of which are unacceptable for people who call themselves tattoo artists. An aspiring or veteran artist should not under any circumstances copy another artist’s work, even if it is the client’s request.

Is it OK to show a tattoo artist another tattoo?

The biggest issue you need to contend with in using another artist’s work is copyright law. Artists who create their own work, even if they publish it online, own the rights to those images, so you could be violating copyright law in taking that design to use for your tattoo.

Is it rude to bring headphones to tattoo?

You need to be comfortable but so do they. Many tattoo artists will be happy for you to wear headphones when listening to music or watching a movie. In fact, most will insist that you do. It’s not seen as rude to wear headphones while getting a tattoo, as long as you communicate when needed.

Do tattoo artists use stencils or replicas?

Once an exact replica of the design is placed in the right place on the skin and the artist and client are ready for the needle. There are tattoo artists who don’t use stencils and are quite good at drawing designs directly onto the skin.

Why don’t tattoo artists work with other artists’ tattoos?

Most artists would rather not work with another artist’s tattoo. It adds constraints to their design potential and it forces them to either: (a) Vandalize an existing, nice tattoo or (b) Have their work seen alongside an existing ugly tattoo. Either way, this won’t be a portfolio piece and won’t get the best work from the artist.

How does a tattoo artist tracing work?

When a client selects the design they want tattooed, the artist will trace the image onto transfer paper (thin paper with an additional carbon sheet attached) or use a pen with stencil fluid on tracing paper.

What if I don’t like the direction of my Tattoo?

While it can be hard to use words to express what can happen artistically, try, and if you don’t like the direction of the art, that’s okay. As long as you’re respectful, you can meet your artist in the middle, and both of you can properly collaborate on your tattoo! DON’T: Demand tiny changes over and over.