09/11/2026
A little tattoo-client reality check…
Being a good tattoo client doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything I suggest — and vice versa, a good tattoo artist isn’t always going to agree with every idea either.
In fact, I want your input.
If you have additional reference photos, details you forgot to include on your consultation form, clarification about what you’re envisioning, or even a rough sketch of what you have in mind — send it to me. That information helps me understand what you want so I can create something that feels right for you.
And the same goes in the other direction.
When I ask questions, request clarification, or ask for additional information or reference images, I’m not trying to make things difficult. I’m not lecturing you. I’m not disagreeing with you for the sake of disagreeing.
I’m doing my job.
Sometimes I may seem like I’m overexplaining something. Sometimes I may give you a lot of information about why I’m asking for something or why a particular idea may not work the way you’re imagining it.
There’s a reason for that.
I’m not trying to overwhelm you or create conflict. I’m trying to help you understand the artistic, technical, placement, sizing, or tattooing considerations behind my recommendations so we can make decisions together.
If I explain why I need specific information, it isn’t because I’m lecturing you.
If I ask for another reference image, it isn’t because I’m being difficult.
If I explain why something may not work, it isn’t because I’m dismissing your idea.
It’s because I’m trying to get all the details I can so your tattoo has the best possible outcome.
A tattoo is permanent. I would rather ask one more question, request one more reference photo, or explain something thoroughly before we tattoo than make assumptions and have you unhappy with the result afterward.
The consultation form is a starting point, not a “you only get one chance to explain yourself” situation. You can always reply to our email chain with additional information or images.
What makes things difficult isn’t a client asking questions, having opinions, or wanting adjustments.
And asking questions or requesting clarification from a client isn’t being difficult either.
What makes things difficult is disrespectful communication.
I’m here to work with you, not against you. My job is to take your ideas, experience and preferences and combine them with my years of tattooing experience to create the best possible tattoo.
You are absolutely allowed to speak up.
You are absolutely allowed to ask questions.
You are absolutely allowed to say, “That’s not quite what I meant.”
And I am absolutely allowed to ask questions when I need more information to do my job properly.
Communication is collaboration.
And when we communicate respectfully, we can usually get to a much better tattoo together.
