Why Are Tattooers So Mean?
2021 ж. 3 Мау.
63 986 Рет қаралды
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Hey is there a way you can perhaps do a vid on tattoo after care like big ticket items like I know to not pick the scabs but like things like aquaphore vs tattoo goo dos donts shit like that
A big perk of using the same artist or shop for most of your work is developing a working relationship to the point where they welcome you back to the shop or tolerate more pricing questions knowing that you have and will pay for said work, without price shopping it. I have been fortunate enough to have artists who understand my financial limitations as a client and are willing to give me a price target to save up for. I've even been fortunate enough to have that session come in below that price, without sacrificing quality, which I am pleased to allot back to the tip
💯
I've done multiple sittings with the same artist, definitely a better experience. I'm not a fan of walking into a new shop and starting over with someone new. My artist is out of a private studio and is "by-referral only" its a whole lot better imo.
Got my first tattoo from an artist I want to keep going to for the same reason of building the work relationship and because I love the art. Having the same artist(s) is great
Factz. Been working w mine for two years. Did my sleeve & more to come fasho💯 it’s abt exploring and choosing the right one. Me personally I don’t like bein talked so idgaf 😂 as long as job is great, I appreciate silence
I'm working with an artist on a sleeve and I've enjoyed working with the same artist on a bigger project, such a better/different experience. The other artists say hi and chat with me when I come in now, don't think I'll be going anywhere else :)
I am fortunate, my tattoo artist is a cheerful, fun loving chap
Yeah same here. All the people in his shop are. Laid back people and they're always joking around with each other and the customers.
I had a lot of tattoos and I was looking for a new artist because I felt I needed a change. I wasn't window shopping and they saw I had tattoos. They just didn't like me for whatever reason and and many of them didn't have customers at the time I was taking to them. I'm respectful and polite. I am up to tattoo #54 and working on a bodysuit. So they lost my business because either they didn't want to work with me for whatever reason or I felt uncomfortable in their shops. Sometimes shops have bad vibes.
They might get grumpy if people regret there work
I think it's possible that they may thought that you wanted a cover up, some tattooers don't do those
I kind of feel they are already tired of so many tattoos they do.
I’ve wanted a few tattoos for some years now and haven’t made the effort because the shops do feel super intimidating, exactly as you describe. But hearing your rant and example stories is actually really helpful because I understand now what tattooers are experiencing, and I have a better idea of how to conduct myself so they would know I’m legit, and so that I don’t make it awkward. And actually, it’s kind of nice to know I’m not the only one who feels this way, I always just figured it was me not being cool enough, so to speak, lol. Thanks so much! I always enjoy your videos, and I extra appreciate this one, this may be the video that helps me get comfortable enough to make the leap on some thing I’ve wanted for so long now.
That's awesome!!! 😎
Don’t worry, you don’t gotta be cool. None of us are cool either lol
@@JamesWithee heyy James as what you mentioned here in your video i so agree with what you said i've seen it with my own eyes , my very good friend who is the boss / tattoo artist which i always go to to get my tattoos done at alot of weirdos ask & do crazy weird stuff , be4 i always think that tattoo artist are j*ckass & they are all rude but as time goes by now i finally understood why they are like that the way they are because other people ask / do stupid things that's why the tattoo artist treat everyone the same but now i don't blame them if i was them too i would too cause some people are only wasting the tattoo artist time .
I’ve gotten a few tattoos, and during each session, I’ve witnessed people coming in and asking super generic questions like “how much for a sleeve?” Or “how much for a tattoo this big?” Without giving any detail. And when someone gets asked the same thing 1000x their brain probably has a generic answer that has been repeated so many times that it sounds “rude.” I feel really lucky to have had social media when I started getting tattooed so researching etiquette and how to tell the artist what info they need was so much easier right off the bat.
This became really deep really quick. I like how honest you are about the tattoo artist's perspective
I’ve been in shops where the tattoo artists are rude and brush people off really fast but def didn’t get that vibe from James shop! He answered all my questions and spoke very kindly to me. My attitude going in there was just like “ I need to respect this man’s time and trust HIS process.” You do amazing work James, can’t wait to get my piece from you!! 🤘🏼
Thanks! I’m glad that you had a good feeling about us. I’ll cya in a couple of weeks :)
I feel judged when I walk into a shop covered up, the vibe completely changes when they notice how much work I have done. I really appreciate the down to earth artists
I'm a doctor, I serve people who racially profile me, are sexist, are being disrespectful ALL the time. I have had plenty of family members lay their hands on me when I have to announce to them that pawpaw is going to lose his leg because he didn't want to stop smoking and take his diabetes medication during the two years we begged him to. I'm a woman who has been groped, I hear highly sexual remarks every single shift at the hospital, there is not ONE day where I'm not being treated like a prostitute by someone. I go cry in my office, wash my face and put a smile on it for the next patient because NOTHING somebody ELSE did, warrants to be taken out on you or your loved ones. Yes you have a hard job, so are 90% of us. People don't respect my skills either, don't respect the 13 years of uni and specialization I had to go through, the sweat, the tears and the financial debts I'm in because I chose this career and chose to serve the least privileged people in this fcked up society. To me, unless you are grieving the death of somebody (and in this case don't come to work, stay at home) there is not ONE excuse that is valid and justifies being a dick to anybody, paying customer or simple tattoo shopper, they all deserve the same decorum, sorry for being so blunt . I have to travel 4 hours by plane to get to my home country to get tattooed because tattoo artists in my area act like divinities on earth, or act like I'm annoying them by simply having the audacity to come in or call, when I bring food and a smile every time I pass an artist's door step, even if it is just to ASK a question. I have had artists bitch about me coming with my own "design" .. Well yes, I doubt that any of you speak Amazigh (indigenous North African language), so I highly doubt that I can give you the names and my tribe history I want to have tattooed into my skin, and you can magically translate it. If we come prepared it's not good because we stifle your creativity, if we come not prepared we are making you lose your precious time..
Damn girl you okay? Seems like u needed to say that outloud. If i was u i would focus on the positive, you have an amazing career and you made it till here, and still have strength to be nice to the people u interact with so well done for that and don't demoralize yourself for this outside shit
@@fortunatosamuel2520 agree 🙌🏽
Totally agree. You don’t have to have “customer service training” to suck it up buttercup and be cordial. 😆 Ask anyone in the service/food industries! I appreciate the explanation but this video seemed kinda whiny. But I guess that’s the whole point. 😋
Nice story, you should be a fiction writer.
@@fortunatosamuel2520 You are such a sweetheart, thank you so so much for taking the time to write such a positive comment to a stranger on the internet, it says a lot about your character. I'm absolutely doing fine, I'm proud of the little difference I make in this world even if it's minuscule I still facilitate the life of my fellow humans and it's enough for me to be extremely happy and content. I adore my job, I adore the people I serve, the "problematic" ones, the "unproblematic" ones, I love them all. I'm such a privileged person to be in this position ,to have a job I love and that suffice to give me a comfortable life, and everyday I wake up I thank God for my luck. I was so passionate in my fist comment because the author of this video has no Idea of the luck he has to be blessed to have such a talent and be able to earn a living with it and be as comfortable as he is financially speaking. I've heard only sophomoric excuses in this video, he gives himself the right to be a bitch to people because he is having a "hard" day? I'll show him what a hard day is, because homeboy lost any perspective. This video encompasses such first world problems, I find his entitlement gross and displaced, especially in those times when even the average westerner is struggling because of Covid. Didn't he watch the news to see that even American people are being in a precarious position to be able to have 3 meals everyday? 80% of the rest of the world has to fight everyday to find something to eat and maintain life into themselves, privileged people are so much in their bubble that they forget that there is a whole world out there who has to witness their family die because of lack of food, lack of shelter and lack of security. This guy's kitchen is more spacious and more beautiful than my whole 1 bedroom flat, and would be heaven for again 80% of the world struggling out there. He needed a good dose of reality, hence why I wrote my message. I wasn't complaining at all, I was giving him a reality check. But thank you a million times for giving such good energy and such kindness to someone you don't know, it's people like you who make this world beautiful and maintain it's humanity. Kuddos to those who raised you, they gifted to this world such a beautiful man. You take care of your wonderful self, stay healthy happy and loved.
Man you always post shit that I tell clients all the time, or that I think and haven’t put into words. Well put!
Haha thx dude I’m trying to help everyone understand our viewpoints. Hopefully I’m not fucking up by speaking collectively for tattooers. I know we’re all different
@@JamesWithee Nah I think you cover all the bases pretty well man
LOVE THIS!!! I have a degree in shit-talking and intimidation from the U.S. Army!😆 But people with PTSD and Social Anxiety aren't likely to deal with the stress involved in an interaction with someone being on the offense or downright rude very well. These types of people need a caring and helpful attitude or they will run away.(NOT to be read as snowflakes. That's what you described. 😂) I feel like this is a very real problem in the industry because THESE are the people with stories to tell AND they are more likely to get a tattoo then almost ANYONE! I always talk to a client and try to learn about who they are as a person before I even ask about what they want tattooed. This helps me to come up with something more personal to them and they also usually don't have a problem paying what I'm asking. I wear headphones so I don't get distracted by them so that I can do my best work. They show it off and tell people how great it was and the ball is FINALLY rolling for me! I LOVE this business but customer satisfaction can't happen if they don't get a tattoo! 😂 Patience is a virtue and breathing exercises DO help! LOL!
I spent a good 5 hours talking with you when getting my first session done and i wouldn't say you came off mean or impatient. You were direct but you were knowledgeable and respectful. Most importantly to me you were down to talk about whatever, some artists just dont like talking while tattooing and thats cool thats their choice but it's not the vibe for me. I appreciated that you're real and didn't tell me what i wanted to hear, you spoke your mind without a filter. I was respectful to you and being new admitted my ignorance on the topic when asking questions rather than acting like i knew shit from reading random info on the internet. You returned that respect and explained everything i had questions about well. People be sensitive as a motherfucker these days, they get used to reading bullshit on the internet then act like they know shit and start shitting on strangers on social media and arent held responsible for their own ignorance. Then they meet someone who actually knows their shit in person do the same shit to them then get all hurt when they get checked for it and i can see where in an industry where you deal with that many people for extended periods of time your tolerance for bullshit will wear thin and thats understandable. Do your thing man, fuck the noise.
Fuck ya bro I appreciate u leaving this comment here. My clients are the shit lol
This dude is very knowledgeable. I’m not an artist, but I am heavily tattooed. Even I get annoyed if I’m getting a tattoo and a bunch of newbies walk in and start squawking. Especially when they start asking my artist dumb questions. Keep up the good work James!
Hahaha fr man. All they want to get is a lil ass tattoo lmaooo
squawking lmaoo
I love how short artists can get with people walking in asking dumb questions. The funniest time was when I was getting half of my right sleeve done. I had waited a year and a half for the appointment. This is in a private studio and some lady walks in the door and says excuse me, can I come in for a tattoo? We both had headphones on and she had to say it multiple times before we even heard her, it looked like she was just standing in the door staring. He took his headphones off and just tells her, "No, get out." And goes straight back to tattooing. The horrified look on this lady's face was priceless hahaha.
Weren’t you a newbie once? How are they supposed to get tattooed if everyone’s an asshole in the shop?
Tattoo artists are what happens when nerds get a bit of power.
A receptionist can field the type of clients that doesn't fit the type of work an artist doesn't want to do.
I’ve always wondered this. More than any other group I’ve ever interacted with, more than the professional bodybuilders even, tattooists have a HUGE number of grumpy people and people with a “cool guy” attitude. So strange.
Dude that scenario you described with the family had me dying! I could totally see this happening! 😂😂😂. I think sometimes big groups are not realizing how much noise they are making and how obnoxious they come off.
I understand where you're coming from and most of your points are totally valid. However, looking from the other side, as a potential customer, I'm also prospecting suitable tattoo artists if I have a certain project in my mind. At 9:40 you say if I wouldn't give you the vibe I'll be having the tattoo with you and you're looking for "a way out" you're essentially shooting yourself in the foot. If I'm looking for an artist and his art suits my goal but the artist is "dissing" me in less than a minute because I didn't say the right things within that first minute (30 sec) I'm sure as hell won't be much motivated to say "ok, I'm gonna spend thousands and thousands of dollars on this guy for my full sleeve". I'll be out looking for someone who does have some patience to listen.
true
Agreed! It’s like shopping for a car. I may come in and ask a lot of questions and may not even make a purchase that day. But if the sales person is patience and nice, I will come back to him when I’m ready.
When I met my current artist for the first time I had a vague idea what I wanted and he'd been referred to me by a friend and I wasn't at ALL sure we were gonna be a good fit so I offered upfront to pay him for a consultation (so I could have his undivided attention). He said didn't normally charge for consults. I just said let me pay for thirty minutes of your time and if it doesn't pan out you haven't wasted the time and if it does you can keep it as a deposit. Our communication was on point, we totally vibed with each other, and I've been going to him every since. I get both sides totally. I've worked in the service industry where time is money but also as a potential client I want to be treated with respect and I certainly don't want to deal with someone being dismissive towards me either.
I think its important to let the artist know from the get go what your intent is. Get to the point right away, "Im looking to get sleeve, Im interested in black and grey, do you mind if I look at your work?"
I think that's when I will e-mail the artist instead of walking in to have an in-depth discussion. I can elaborate more and send the artist some picture ideas to see if he's interested. The artist can read the e-mail and look at the pictures in his free time. This way, it doesn't feel so rush. As he said, a lot of times, the artist may be in the middle of tattooing or dealing with other businesses. Just because he has a free minute to greet you, doesn't mean he has the time to have a full-on discussion. Also, with e-mail, you can copy and paste then send it to multiple artists you like, save you some time to shop around too. Just my thoughts.
“One person might say I’m an amazing person with a beautiful soul, another might say I’m a cold hearted asshole. Believe them both, I act accordingly” - Tattooer
I am getting my first tattoo today, and it was hard to get an appointment. I made sure to follow their requests on their social media sites, so I didn't annoy them, and they still spoke to me with such disrespect. Watching your video helped me understand a little. I hope today goes well. I believe they should be respectful. Anyone can justify being a dick, it doesn't mean you have to be. The shop I am getting my tattoo at presents itself on social media as a really positive atmosphere, but already it's not. Watching your video yesterday helped me understand that no matter what shop I go to, they will treat me like shit. It's unfortunate because I wouldn'tr ever treat them disrespectfully.
Thanks James, as a naturally shy person I've always been scared away from getting a tattoo because this aura tattooist have in their shops. Now you've explained this I'm feeling more relaxed about it all. :)
I love how he used Macy’s as an example of random joints having shitty customers, I work there rn and I gave up on the customer service voice a week in. Customers everywhere are gonna be absolutely stupid and tedious, so I 100% understand why artists are gonna have a more hardened mentality
Same goes with working in the food industry.
This explains so much of my initial genuinely wanting a tattoo while autistic experience! Thank you James.
Thanks for covering this man, this covered my first experience with a tattoo artist down to the T. I think this is a video every newcomer needs to watch.
Excellent video, James. I have a different perspective to share. I sought out a shop and artist online after a lot of research. The entire process was easy and efficient. My first visit to the shop was for the 1st consultation with my artist. Having an appointment provided an excellent customer service experience. When I arrived for the 1st of what turned out to be 5 sessions, I waited about 10 minutes in the lobby for the artist to get set up. I saw a couple of people come in and ask stupid questions, and the dynamic of the receptionists changed completely. It became clear over the time that the front desk staff managed the shop like a well oiled rotary machine. My advice to anyone thinking about their 1st tattoo is to educate yourself before showing up at a shop. Content like this has helped me in my journey. Your videos are great. I started collecting tattoos during travels instead of buying cheap trinkets. I'll check out Dark Horse when I get to Arizona!
I love these talking videos because I can binge them while working,I like all the tattoo videos also but that’s more when I’m around the house.your doing a killer job! Appreciate you
As a women walking in to a tattoo shop your attitude to me is just as important. And i do think tattooists forget you are in a customer facing role.So if someone comes in asking questions or is nervous dont be so quick to brush them off. You are always told to research your artists and do your homework but thats hard to do if the artist is very abrupt and wont show you their portfolio.
Love the honesty. Having the context and explanation behind it, is definitely understandable.
Well said man! This is exactly why, when I initially started getting tatted, I tried finding one specific artist to regularly ink me. I can actually see it from both sides. Yeah...can you imagine the reaction I received, stepping into a shop for the 1st time and asking for a barb wire tattoo (totally just dated myself lol). Extra cred, for bringing up the "lack of proper customer service training". That point alone, should sum up the the topic. Needless to say, 20+ year's and 40+ tatts later, I don't have to deal with that. Thanks again
Such a legit and comprehensive explanation! Thanks and I will remember for future interactions!
I appreciate your perspective on this! I don't have a tattoo yet but planning to get one. Doing my own research beforehand has been a huge help so far.
I've been to a bunch of different shops before I found the guy I ended up sticking with (plus I really want to see if the studio is clean and professional enough so I don't get some sort of weird infection). Most of my interactions have been fine. I found that places that have a receptionist are the best because they can tell you when the artist has time so you can just sit and wait for a break or whatever - if they see that they have someone chilling there waiting for them without expecting to be seen immediately really helps with the attitude. What I really dislike is when they make up shit instead of telling you that they don't want you as a client. I went to this guy whose works I loved on instagram, waited for him, talked to him and showed him the two monsters I would wanted - just two reference pics, everything else would have been his design. Full colour sleeve too, so it's not like I was asking for something small and cheap. The guy started pulling faces and then had the nerve to explain to me that he can't do that because "my arms are too thin" - I took that as my cue to say "okay, thanks for your time, bye" and walked out because that's bullshit and my artist managed to work with it just fine, he was just a little limited with the space when it came to wraparounds. Like... man, "I won't do that tattoo because I don't like the idea/am booked full/whatever" is a perfectly good answer, no need to make stupid shit up. I'm already intimidated and polite, there's really no need. I've told the story to the guys at my current studio and they were like "oh yeah he probably just didn't want to do it, it's not like we only tattoo buff/fat people". (In case I sound pissed off - that's not how I talk to tattoo artists, I'm just mad because I love my sleeve and his dumbass comments about being too thin almost made me give up on the idea because hey, if a professional says it's impossible, it must be impossible, right?)
I was worried about my thinness in relation to my forearm sleeve as well but no matter size artists should and will scale down the design or maybe do some adjustments with each element but nonetheless u can get what u want regardless of size. I found a really friendly female artist who I reckon I’m gonna click with well .. discussing the sleeve this week and if she has to make adjustments or change some things in the design I’m cool coz she’s the expert ! ( as long as it’s nature themed ) I’m glad u found a better artist
I was a little nervous about my first tattoo and I walked into a shop like this. It did not help my nerves but I went through with it anyways like a boss. The shop is now closed down probably because of their attitudes.
dude ur videos are freakin great. all the points you make so so valid i really appreciate how u went kinda in depth into how a lot of tattoo artists tend to be kinda more of the outcast of society and that we weren’t the popular kids in school. i appreciate how u explain these things. and also the stories you explained of the non tattooed people coming in and making a circus out of the shop. thats so for real,, ur great dude keep it up! i enjoy everything u say!
I noticed this about the bigger shops. Thank you for covering this.
James, great video as always! I got my first tattoo in January and thanks to watching your videos on how to set up a tattoo appointment, etc., I think I was less annoying to the tattooer (considering I'm a noob in this world)... I also took the healing process and everything much more seriously because you are educating us on all this shit. Well, thank you for all your content, cheers from Barcelona!
Well 17 and got my first tattoo back in April and I ain’t find anyone of the artist grumpy at all they just kept it real with me and they gave me some really good life advice and I still thank the guy today for talking me out of a hand tattoo
Thanks! Really needed to hear this. Appreciate it!
I have felt weird walking into a couple tattoo shops. It’s a weird uncomfortable vibe. I even witnessed a chick that wanted an Infiniti symbol get talked out of it by the tattoo artist because “he does so many of those.” She got a flower instead. This place I went to over the weekend made me feel welcomed and were super friendly. I was very straight forward with them and I got to talk to the artist and tell him what I want. I have a 6-8 hour appointment in couple weeks I can’t wait. Love the videos.
Im not new to tattoos but everytime my appointments are coming up I binge videos like these😂 this dude is awesome
Thanks for sharing. I have experienced from tattoo artists some of what you mentioned in your video. I've watched some of your other videos and I love the way you present information very 🙂. I've been guiltily of doing at least one thing you've mentioned, completely unaware of how it was coming across. B/c of your video, I'll be able to see the situation through the eyes of the tattoo artist moving forward and try to avoid certain behaviors so that my next tattoo will be a good experience for both me and the artist.
Great topic. Thankfully the first shop I walked into, I was first greeted nicely. Afterwards, I experienced different types of attitudes from different people who worked there. Nowadays, I only go to the private studios that my artists have. :)
Yup, I love your videos. Very relatable and insightful. I love making a connection with my artist and building a relationship.
Got a kick out of this video pretty spot on 😂 thanks for all the knowledge on tattooing as well most of its held pretty close to the chest so cheers for all the help
i love hearing the artists standpoint, and you have a real intelligent and understandable demeanor, def deserves my sub:)
THANK YOU! Following and sharing. This is PERFECT advice. Sharing on my Facebook now!
Thank you for your genuine and honest explanation. Your second point really hit accord with me because my first interaction with a tattoo artist felt negative and have held off on tattoos because of that dismissive conversation. I set up a time to consult with her and when I walked in she was tattooing a walk-in client. Our conversation seemed rushed and she seemed annoyed and distracted to get back to the client. To me, I felt brushed off. Your second point allowed me to see it better from her perspective about running her own business, her time was precious, and I was probably asking stupid tattoo virgin questions, wasting her time. I definitely am more educated now and see how I can make the process as easy for my artist to help influence a positive time for both parties.
You said it exactly how I feel as a tattooist. I couldn't of said it any better!
At the end of 2020 I found an awesome artist. She opened her open shop and is super nice.
Just started watching your videos recently, and I love how unapologetic you are! Loveee your videos😁
Ive shared this video so many times. As an artist of 18+ years its good to have a video that perfectly explains this
Great video! I kind of figured that out but it really makes it difficult to trust . My first tattoo , a rose on my collar bone about 2”, the artist was not that social he did a okay tattoo but not what I wanted. I wanted water droplets he said no, I showed reference pics that was rose with leaves and he did not add any leaves. Now no one wants to re work my rose and I don’t want to laser it. So from that experience I am super careful when getting tattoos. I want a hand and a thigh tattoo now. Some tattoo artist from the emails don’t sound interested, could be what you mentioned, but I am afraid to get another “ ok tattoo” with only option is laser if I don’t like it. I am not a difficult client, once get to the studio I ask very little questions. As long as the drawing is what I want, I don’t ask anymore questions. Till this day I don’t know why my tattoo can’t be re worked, as a client if an artist could tell me why I would most likely be more inclined to consider them for one of my future projects. Just given a perspective as a client on how these “ dry email conversations” can make clients like feel. Always great content!
Really good video! I feel like some clients have to watch this to understand why we are the way we are as tattooers
Loving the sleeve progress James ! Great video!
Just stumbled on this, and your channel overall, as I’m still doing some research on finding an artist for a first piece. Love the insight, and perspective you provide to not only new clients, but veterans alike. It’s funny you mentioned the Harry Potter thing as I’m looking to get a rad sorting hat piece done. Haha Cheers, and thanks for the solid information and content.
I think you brought up very helpful points. Thanks for letting me know the other side of the experience. You gave me a lot to consider.
Watching this made me happy I have a good relationship or understanding with my tattoo artists 😂
You pretty much nailed I’ve been tattooing for 11yrs now and yup you nailed it
Great video👍🏻👍🏻🤣.....you described 1000s of us perfectly 👍🏻
poetically put and honest. Definitely a constantly evolving field and hard to maintain efficacy and customer experience, but thats also what makes researching where you invest and who you invest in so important. I truly feel across the board the average consumer is borderline a complete scumbag, me formally included. Most people can care less it seems about what they are buying. They want it fast, cheap, perfect while being completely unreasonable in most cases. love these videos by the way thanks for putting in the time, these videos are honestly what people need to see more of to access their understandings of what it means to go get a tattoo. Thanks you James from a private shop in moncton canada :)
This was super helpful. Thank you!
I’m definitely a tattoo artist at heart. This commentary was gold.
Very insightful. Thanks for the vid. Got a consult next week for my 3/4 sleeve.
Thanks for speaking the truth!
I loved this! I always try to be a good customer. Iv never been told that I'm a bad customer, iv only gone two different places for my three tattoo's . And now I only go to one place because I like the work they do and they haven't turned me away when I need a tattoo or needed help with one.
Really great points!
I definitely think it's an American culture thing in terms of attitude. In the UK the artists are super friendly and so kind. It helps that drugs are never an issue and that they won't tattoo you if you are drunk. It's also illegal to bring alcohol and children under 18 into a tattoo studio. I have been tattooed by over 10 different artists and all of them have treated me with the upmost respect. I've never walked into a studio and felt like I've been a 'problem'. Thanks for sharing your perspectives anyway James it's always interesting to hear❤️
100% agree! Just got my first tattoo last week! The shop had strict policies and paperwork I had to sign before I could even be seated - which i didn't mind at all because i was serious about getting my design. Some shops definitely do still have a weird/bad vibe, but once the artist sees that you're not just there to get the cheapest price possible they lighten up and become a bit more friendly.
Absolutely agree. I did my med school and training in London and even the busiest tattoo parlor had someone cool and humble you could talk to and even exchange a super cool conversation with. Whether you were getting a sleeve or a simple date on your arm, you were treated with the same decorum and the same joie de vivre. And God knows how many drunks there are at 3 in the afternoon in North London, or kids who come to annoy the shop owner, still doesn't change how cool they are to their clients. I've seen a big burly man comfort and hug a girl who was getting her ears pierced when I was waiting for him to get my nipple piercing. She was freaking out a little and this guy spent the next 30 minutes reassuring her, explaining to her the after care, etc. Just for a 30 quid piercing. I gave him double the price of my piercing as a tip, because I was so touched by his attitude and respect. Old dude in this video is making sure people won't ever come to his shop with that entitled attitude and first world problems
In Germany they are exactly like described in the video
there are so many artists in uk that do insanely good work, I am jealous .
Looks like I’m moving to the uk bc way to many of the shops here (tattoo and piercing) are pretentious and gatekeep services. I’m so sick of it. I’m always super respectful and knowledgeable, having done my research and I still get treated like shit no matter where I go.
Ngl I wish I could use my normal RBF and act with a bit of a rougher attitude with customers. I work retail and get lost in those “endless conversations” and “dumb questions” every day I’ve never had an artist act rude to me in my memory. They were quiet and not chit-chatty, but as introvert I get it. Especially when someone does long pieces, the last thing they want to do is talk a lot with people
I appreciate your approach to these videos. Thanks for your work and hello from Canada. People tend to romanticize other peoples' jobs and think other peoples' jobs are all wonderful. I was chatting with the person who does piercings for me and she said that she 'sees it all' so when I walk in, just treat people well, show up on time, trust her opinions as the professional she is and don't quibble about price then I get the impression that I'm already on the 'good list'.
Definitely agree 100 percent ive been in it for almost 20 years and he's absolutely right
Awesome video man. Everything you said is spot on 👌
Preach brother.
You are an angel. Thanks man
This is so true. First guy I went to wasn't interested at all, which was weird because I was going for a half sleeve. I paid my deposit, but I couldn't shake the feeling of trusting this guy who didn't even want to spend 5 minutes discussing the tattoo with me. I went with another artist, who was a little more interested but not very talkative. After I got the tattoo done, he became very cheerful and talkative. I was super happy as well and it was a great moment.
Love the vids man I’m getting my first tat on the 18th I can’t wait
Hell ya good luck!
@@JamesWithee thanks
good lock bro
got my first a week ago today, good luck my dude 👍
@@kyler8753 thanks man I have 7 days
Cool video man! I'm going in for my first consultation tomorrow 👍
As a new tattoo artist, you are fucking spot on !! Especially when people complain about the price ughh.
THIS GUY HERE SPEAKS THE TRUTH!!
Thank you for this video! I want to get a tattoo but didn’t know if the experience is like getting a piercing! Now I know what to expect.
dude you're hilarious lol much love
The lady that did my sleeve was the nicest person I’ve ever met. Definitely going back in the future when I’m doing my right arm.
Yo you explained that “non-tattooed” people so perfectly lmao
That specific ass example was too good bro new to the channel lovin da content bruddah 🤙🏽🙏🏽
Thank you. You nailed it man. God you nailed it. Especially the part about the uninitiated clients.
Damn bro you did the whole gamut... Everything you said is straight facts!!
Ty for your informative videos. I think my next tattoo needs to be from you, especially because I'm not far from you.
this was so spot on and so fucking amusing. Thank you, made my day
I had a funny experience in Vegas. I was getting a tattoo and had made an appt with the artist for later in the day. He and I sort of hit it off and were having a good chat, kind of a big gruff guy that ended up sort of opening up. We were getting close to finishing, but he asked me if he could just "work on me" for a bit more and he added some more details without changing the price. He said the client he had this morning came in to get his first tattoo, was a bit obnoxious, and was back for his 2nd (same day!) And he wasn't ready to bring him back yet LOL! So by being chill, I got a bigger and more detailed tattoo than I had been quoted. I tipped him well and he ended up giving me a hug. 💛 I never expected it and would never expect it, but goes to show being respectful is a good practice
Spot on bro , spot on 💪🙏
Thank you for this
Just got my first tatoo last Friday! I tried to be as mellow and non annoying as possible. My artist was reserved, but warmed up when I asked him a couple questions about his life. Overall it was a good experience. BTW as a Christian girl, I do not understand why we always get either scripture, a cross, a fish, or an infinity sign😦 I mean the bible is a thick book with a bunch of epic inspiring stories, yet somehow this doesn't translate to our tatoos. Get more creative people!!!
Nice! Glad to hear it went well. And you are so right about Christianity themed tattoos. So many good references for realistic art, like historical statues, paintings, etc, and that’s just one style. Endless possibilities, but ppl tend to go with the basic stuff for some reason
Probably because it's "safe"
Let’s start a trend of Biblically correct Angels and such there’s some crazy stuff in those books I am not sure if there only in the old Testament though if anyone knows please correct me 😊
@Candace Jordan what tattoo did you get
Facts bro. It’s hard to not be cold and protect your own energy
Your experiences with the public as a tattoo artist are very similar to those of 911 dispatchers 😆
After tattooing for 19 years… I’d say this pretty well hits the nail on the head
I find this so interesting because I've never personally met a rude or mean tattoo artist irl. I've been to four shops. Once as a walk-in, the others were through appointment. Just went to a consultation yesterday. It was in a private studio and the moment he opened the door for me we started chatting about various things like we were already friends. The shitty weather, instruments we play, art museums, tv shows, etc. All while he drew out the design in front of me. Last time I got tattooed the artists in the studio were randomly coming over to watch and chat. Plan out their ski trip with the artist tattooing me. I don't think anyone is lying about meeting kinda rude (but not necessarily mean) artists. I just find it interesting the wildly different experiences people have. Maybe I got lucky. Which is great, a rude artist probably would've scared me off. Cause vibes are super important to me.
my first tattoo was a sleeve that extends onto my chest. when I walked in asking for a massive piece as a first tattoo, i was met with dismissive attitudes lol however i did all my research ahead of time about tattooing and what its all about. I could do full day sits, sat like a rock, never had friends come in. I ended up becoming good friends with all the staff and artists, one day when they were short staffed, they asked me to work the counter and my artist did my chest piece for free. its pretty much a medical procedure, you wouldn't bring your friends in and pull that annoying shit at the dentist, it has no place in a tattoo shop.
So charge a fee for a consultation cos there are people that generally don't know and are also quick tempered from disrespect. Its not an excuse I get not being interested in the whole life story which u can mention but they don't need to be rude.
I only have two tattoos. My second one is a half sleeve that I basically had to email audition for. I’d followed the artist for awhile and always knew I wanted a piece of her art. It was nice to have the initial conversation through email from the comfort of my couch lol.
My collection of tattoos isn’t very extensive, but I still feel very lucky that all of my experiences getting tattooed thus far have been super positive! ❣️ I feel like one other reason why some artists come off as rude is because many artists are their own boss/own their own studio and they don’t have a manager breathing down their necks policing their tone. They can leave a bad review, sure- but if I didn’t have to worry about being fired I’d probably say what I was actually feeling more often too.
I appreciate this video. I think more people need to know what goes on in the mind of the tattooer. I will say this, on several occasions I followed the exact rules for contacting specific artists, and have gone in shops. I would have way more tattoos if they at least tried with me. I mean barely even eye contact. Some of the kurtness felt very demeaning. I know how to speak concisely. I also will go as far as making sure I arrived on days that I knew few clients would be there. I research everything before I dive in. I'm friends with mostly artists(including tattooers) so im not some normy, dumb, dumb that's behaving obnoxiously. I hate to say it, but I honestly think some tattoo artists just dont want their work on certain bodies or to be attached to certain people. I have had people that looked very different from me(or people with more social media following) tell me their interactions with the saaame person/shop were wayy different from mine and I make sure to be respectful af when I want to work with someone. Im probably wrong, and I hope I am. I just feel in a lot of cases you cant win for losing if they dont think you look "cool" enough