I want to delve deeper into a topic that deserves more attention: my personal relationship with tattooing. I want to clarify from the outset that I do not claim to speak for all tattoo artists. While we may share common values and experiences, I recognize that opinions on this subject can vary widely.
Before I embarked on my journey as a tattoo artist, I vividly remember the intimidation I felt when stepping into a tattoo shop as a client. The mere thought of approaching an artist to inquire about a design would fill me with anxiety. It could take weeks for me to gather the courage to walk through those doors. To me, tattoo artists embodied an aura of ultimate coolness, and I feared they would ridicule my tattoo ideas. Back then, the internet was just beginning to emerge as a resource for tattoo designs and information. I was captivated by Japanese-style tattoos, yet my concern for cultural symbolism held me back. I hesitated to ask about getting a koi fish or a Hannya mask, unsure if it was appropriate for a white Western woman like myself to wear such pieces. In hindsight, it seems a bit ridiculous to have felt that way, doesn't it?
As a tattoo artist today, my goal is to ensure that no one feels intimidated by me or that they are bothering me with their questions. A significant part of my career is dedicated to helping clients achieve the tattoos they envision. If I ever come across as annoyed or dismissive when approached for a design, then I truly am in the wrong line of work. I recognize that the perception of tattoo artists being irritated can stem from observing conversations in the shop. Sometimes, we can be overly bold and casual when discussing the artwork brought to us, even in front of other clients. This behavior might unintentionally convey an air of condescension. I strive to be mindful of how I interact with both my colleagues and clients, but it’s easy to get swept up in the moment. At the end of the day, we are grateful for our careers and passionate about what we do. Tattooing is an incredibly challenging profession, and I believe that anyone in this field approaches their craft with dedication and respect. If they don’t they usually don’t last long or ever grow in the field.
When you inquire
-When reaching out to a tattoo artist about your design, it can feel as though you need to craft a formal essay. I assure you that this is not the expectation! Several years ago, while juggling the demands of being a new mom and a busy tattoo artist, I had to streamline my schedule and limit the number of clients I could take on. In response, I created this website to help clarify the types of tattoos I wanted to focus on—essentially, what I felt I was best equipped to create. Initially, I received long and elaborate requests from clients, often filled with personal stories and poetic expressions that could impress even an English professor. While I genuinely appreciate hearing about someone's inspiration and the meanings behind their tattoos, I want to emphasize that it’s not necessary for me to know all the details. What I really need are the physical aspects of your design. This clarity helps me better understand your vision and ensures that we can work together effectively to bring your tattoo to life.
I want to understand what style of tattooing resonates with you. Feel free to share inspirational pictures or simply tell me the name of the style if it belongs to a specific genre. Additionally, knowing your size expectations is crucial; it helps me determine whether your design can be executed in the dimensions you desire. It's important to acknowledge that the internet has often misled people about the reality of tattoos and how they age over time. I've seen some remarkable miniature portrait work and micro tattoos that showcase incredible detail. While these pieces are undeniably impressive, I believe they may not be archival tattoos. I have no judgment for those who choose this style, but I personally refrain from creating them due to concerns about their longevity. All tattoos will inevitably lose some sharpness as time passes. The rate at which this occurs varies from person to person, depending on individual skin types and overall health. This is a natural part of the tattooing process, and understanding it can help set realistic expectations for your ink.
Communication Breakdown
Social media is flooded with humorous videos depicting tattoo artists parodying the inquiries they often receive from customers. One popular format features an artist sitting at the front desk, with the caption, “If DMs were real people.” In these skits, a customer walks into the shop and casually asks, “Hey, how much is a tattoo?” The artist responds, “Well, it depends on the details of the design, where you want it placed on your body, and how big you’d like it to be.” Meanwhile, the customer is already walking out the door without saying another word. This shift in communication reflects the new reality we face today, starkly different from ten to fifteen years ago. Back then, my email conversations with clients would typically reach a resolution, leaving no questions unanswered or discussions open-ended. Now, it seems that many inquiries often linger without closure, which can be frustrating. I find myself questioning whether I should delete the inquiry or hold onto it, uncertain if the client will return with more questions or if I should simply move on. This ambiguity appears to be a byproduct of the way communication has evolved with the rise of texting and direct messaging. These platforms often encourage quick exchanges, but they can also lead to misunderstandings and unresolved inquiries, making it challenging to cultivate the clarity and connection necessary to take a client's inquiry seriously.
If I could ask anything of clients who reach out to me, it would be this: if you decide not to proceed with getting a tattoo from me, need time to save up, or are simply shopping around, please let me know. I fully respect your freedom of choice and understand that many people want to explore their options before committing to a design. However, I would greatly appreciate some form of closure in our conversation, so I know when it has come to an end.
The Yes and No of Inquires
There's a common misconception that if a tattoo artist doesn't have images of a specific idea in their portfolio, it means they lack the skill to execute it. I've had customers inquire about designs, like a gorilla, mentioning they've always wanted one but didn't see any examples in my portfolio and are looking for a referral. However, if you see animals in my portfolio that you like, rest assured that I can create any creature in a similar style without any issue. My main discrepancies lie with tattoo genres; for instance, I am not a hyper-realism tattoo artist. Hyper-realism refers to tattoos that visually resemble actual photographs or three-dimensional pieces. These tattoos often feature multiple layers of shading, whether in color or black and gray. While I appreciate the beauty of hyper-realistic tattoos, my preference is to take a more illustrative approach in my work. I align more closely with a semi-realistic tattoo style, and my favorite subjects to tattoo in that genre are flora and fauna. While I don't have a problem working in any other styles, I tend to gravitate towards designs that are easy to read and will age well over time.
Cover-ups are among the most challenging projects to undertake due to their inherent limitations. Clients often have high expectations and may suggest ideas for covering up their unwanted tattoos, only to be surprised when informed that their ideas won't work. A common misconception is that you can cover an unwanted tattoo with another tattoo of similar size. In reality, unless the existing tattoo is very small or significantly faded, a cover-up typically needs to be at least twice the size of the original tattoo to effectively conceal it. I often create tattoos using stipple shading and cross-hatched shading, which rely on transparency to achieve their effective look on the skin. It surprises me how frequently I'm asked to cover up unwanted tattoos with this style, as it is one of the least suitable choices for cover-ups. Effective cover-ups generally require darker shaded designs, and they tend to be more concealing when done in color. Customers may not always like hearing this, but opting for a solid and darker design is often the most suitable option for cover-ups, aside from laser tattoo removal.
When I receive requests for stipple-shaded tattoos as cover-ups, I often suggest considering an alternate approach: getting the desired tattoo on another part of the body instead. Many customers are reluctant to accept this suggestion, as they are determined to eliminate the unwanted tattoo and emphasize making their original request work as a cover-up. Unfortunately, clients often dismiss my advice and seek out another artist who may accept their request. I genuinely aim to offer the best options in these circumstances. My goal with cover-up tattoos is to ensure they don't look like cover-ups. If you're set on a mandala or floral tattoo featuring fine lines and light shading, I encourage you to consider getting it elsewhere rather than attempting a cover-up. You'll likely be much happier with the results.
I occasionally receive requests to add to another tattoo artist's work, but I’m not particularly fond of taking on these types of projects. I may consider them under certain circumstances, but the design must either match my tattooing style or be adaptable enough to be reworked to fit my approach. It’s not easy to add to an existing tattoo, especially when most requests involve tattoos that are over 10 years old. However, I can rework an old tattoo if it is faded and light enough to manipulate.
My Favorite Tattoos
One of the most popular questions clients ask during their sessions is, "What do you love to tattoo the most?" When it comes to subject matter, I am particularly drawn to anything featuring plants and animals—essentially, organic elements. Whether it's mythical creatures, traditional animals, a collage of wildflowers, or even a creepy skull, I find joy in creating these designs. I especially appreciate the free-flowing nature of these subjects, as they can be easily placed on the human body in a way that enhances their overall appeal. Declaring my favorite subjects doesn’t mean I won't take on other themes; it simply reflects what I have the most fun creating. From the drawing pad to your skin, this process is the least stressful for me, and I truly enjoy seeing the final results.
My favorite tattoo genres are black and grey engraving and stipple-shaded tattoos. I also enjoy working with color, especially when I can combine it with stipple work. This fusion creates an old-world book illustration quality that resonates deeply with me, as it reflects some of my favorite styles of artwork.
What do I dislike tattooing?
I don’t really like to answer this because it makes it sound like I won’t tattoo these things which isn’t necessarily true. I do turn down things at times but it’s usually because I don’t feel like I can execute the clients vision the way they want or it’s a placement and size issue.
-I find tattooing straight lines, such as those for crosses, swords, or card shaped designs, challenging because the human body doesn’t have a flat surface. These types of designs can warp or curve in many areas, making them look like I’ve messed up the image. Creating these designs requires pulling long lines with the tattoo machine, which can be tricky, especially if the client is a bit wiggly. While I do take on these designs, they are not my favorite, and I usually try to approach them in a way that minimizes the need for long lines.
-Birth flower bouquets are another subject matter I find challenging, despite doing many of them. My feeling comes from how the different flowers look together; while two different flowers can work well, collaging several birth flowers often makes it difficult to find a flattering arrangement. When clients are open to it, I like to suggest adding simple greenery, such as leafy plants or tiny sprigs, to help create a more naturally cohesive design.
-I find sunflowers challenging, particularly because of the center of the flower. It can be difficult to make the center visually interesting, and unless the client requests semi-realism, I prefer to stylize the center rather than depicting it exactly as it appears in nature.
-Fine line tattooing is another because of the archival issues I see with it. Fine line designs especially those that are structurally geometric are stunning to look at when they are fresh but as all tattoos do they will loose their sharpness and through the process of aging will soften and spread. I am carefully selective with this style of tattooing.
Final Thoughts
Tattoos are handmade, and it’s important to embrace that fact. While I can draw and tattoo many things, I’m neither a machine nor a wizard. I use references and collage techniques to create many of the tattoos you request. I often compare my work to that of a carpenter: you tell us what you want, and we draw up the plans and build it. I do my absolute best to deliver the design you envision, and I’m very honest about my capabilities. If I’ve ever turned down your tattoo idea, it’s usually because I don’t feel I can create it in the way you want. I know what I excel at and prefer to work within the boundaries of my strengths.
Tattoos photographed for social media often look different in person, so please keep that in mind. I use filters to enhance my photographs for online display, which means I’ll boost the brightness and tones to make the images more visually appealing. I view online portfolios as exhibition spaces, and I believe in showcasing the tattoos at their best. Almost every artist employs this technique because it attracts more attention from clients like you. It’s also important to understand that most artists only have the opportunity to photograph their work when it's freshly made, so photo enhancements help mitigate issues like redness or excessive shine. I strive to use enough of a filter to make the image attractive while ensuring it still looks like it’s on a person.
A good tattoo requires time, patience, and investment. Customers often find it hard to understand that the tattoos they admire today are quite different from those created in the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s. When I started, my designs were smaller and typically featured a black outline with maybe one or two color changes, resulting in a more animated style of tattooing. Nowadays, designs are larger and incredibly intricate; for example, a tattoo of a rose may have six or more color transitions. Geometric work, in particular, demands a slow pace to achieve even lines and meticulous shading techniques. The more line work, color, and contrast a design has, the longer it will take to complete—often not just a couple of hours, but potentially 20 or more hours. Consequently, these types of designs that cover; for example the upper arm are not priced between $200 and $300, but rather start at $600 and up.
When selecting a tattoo artist for your design, you don’t need to declare allegiance to that artist or the shop they work for. Tattoo artists generally have a good rapport with one another, and it’s perfectly acceptable to collect tattoos from any artist you choose.
Adopt a mindset that allows you to let go of how the tattoo design should be approached. In short, don’t micromanage! While it’s important to clearly express your design goals, remain open to your artist’s suggestions for alternative directions in the design process.
Canceling a tattoo appointment impacts the artist’s income for that day. We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, so if you need to cancel, please inform your artist as soon as possible. We’re not your boss or your school, and we don’t require an explanation; there’s no need for scolding. We simply want to know about your cancellation well in advance so we can seek another client to fill your spot. Last-minute cancellations, especially those made the day before or on the day of the appointment, make it challenging for us to find a replacement.
You are not my only client; I like many other tattoo artists typically juggle two to three appointments a day, along with responding to emails and creating tattoo designs for the following day. Please be patient if you email me, as it may take a day or two to respond. I understand that you might feel nervous about your tattoo design and worry that you may not like it. However, I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I know that if you want to make changes to your design on the day of your appointment, it's usually easy to do. Additionally, I have a personal life, and I also need to eat, sleep, and take breaks from my work.
Lastly, I am human, and I consider myself to be a fairly down-to-earth person. Please don’t feel intimidated. I love talking to clients while I tattoo them. If I’m ever quiet it’s because I am supper focused on your tattoo.
Pictured below are some examples from my portfolio of stipple shading. I love making tattoos in this style.
