You can should show your tattoo artist a pic of a tattoo design from your phone or you can print it out. They'll accept both bc they've to know what design of tattoo you want. For example. When I was getting my 1st tattoo, I show my tattoo artist a pic of a name Angela (which is real name) tattooed in script.
Also, remember that good artists won't copy another artist's design so don't ask. Don't send them a picture of another artist's work and say “I want this tattoo”. Don't be surprised if the artist does not want to tattoo in a style that is not their own. Do share reference images for the subject matter you like.
Lighting is key. In fact, it's the most important part of tattoo photography. That's because the skin is reflective, especially when it's just been tattooed and it's shiny with fresh ink. So, to get the best photos of a fresh tattoo, you'll want to avoid glare and high reflections with your lighting.
Normally, tattoo studios will take your references and create their own interpretation of a design so as not to copy other artists' work. However, if you do want to replicate a piece of art or illustration, you'll need to gain permission from the original artist.
Some people think mimicking is the greatest form of flattery but putting it bluntly, it's disrespectful to the original tattoo owner, original tattoo artist and the artist you ask to copy it. In fact, it's one of the most despised requests tattoo artists get.
The majority of reputable tattoo artists will not copy another tattoo and will be offended if you ask them to. They are artists in their own right and are able to produce stunning designs of their own. By copying another tattoo, it's not only seen as rude, but it could be violating copyright laws.
If at any point you hate the design, don't hesitate to tell your artist. You might have to reschedule the appointment, but they should be able to work with you to find a balance that you both love. To avoid this situation, make sure to be clear about the design's direction from the start.
“For people who don't know what design to get, they should start by finding an artist whose style they love and ask to see their books of work for ideas,” she told us. “Artists usually have sketchbooks with lots of designs they've drawn up that they would love to tattoo on prospective clients.”
Portrait tattoos, as they're called, aren't a new design idea at all, but they're very popular among ink-lovers.
StickerYou allows you to customize your temporary tattoos using any design, color, message, picture and more, so you can make what matters to you stick.
Most tattoo artists will be able to scan handwritten text and replicate it exactly on the skin.
Plus, many artists offer free touch-ups after the tattoo is completed. (Just make sure to tip your artist, even for a complementary touch-up session!)
You Can Find a Studio Willing to Touch Up Another's Work (where applicable) You should not be punished for not living in the same locale as the tattooist who completed the original work. You may have received a tattoo in another destination while on vacation or you (or the artist) may simply have moved.
Whether someone chooses the artist or the design first is totally up to them. While some might already know what they want tattooed and can be flexible with the artist doing it, others might be dead set on a specific artist and more open to the artists' input when it comes to the design and placement.
All tattoo artists have different skills, specialities or preferences—which means that not every tattooer is down to do a micro tattoo. Name tattoos, specifically the name of a significant other, are a big taboo in the tattoo industry. Many artists will deny name tattoos and in most cases, it's for your own good!
Ink naturally spreads in the body over time, so a tattoo that's too small will likely blur together as the skin ages. Your artist should suggest the best size for the integrity of the tattoo.
Just as you would tip your waiter or hairdresser, it is polite to tip your tattoo artist for their time and skill. Of course, the amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you. A general guideline is to tip between 15-20% of the total cost of your tattoo.
“Some tip less, and some are very generous." For instance, you might wonder how much to tip for a $500 tattoo. In this case, tipping anywhere from $75 to $125 would be appropriate. If you're getting smaller art done or maybe a touch-up for $100, tipping anywhere from $15 to $25 fits the bill.
Contact the original artist
Before you even think of entering a tattoo parlour, this is the No. 1 thing you should do. Find the person who created your must-have design, and ask for permission.
Keep in mind: Of the people we talked to (the majority being teenagers to twentysomethings), a whopping 78 percent regret at least one of their tattoos. And 19 percent of participants with two tattoos regret both. Planning ahead is the best way you can make sure you don't suffer from tattoo regret.
“If a tattoo has been copied line for line, that's really disheartening, but there's nothing wrong with being inspired. People can show the design to their local tattooist, and either track down the original artist or redraw the concept to make it unique.”