Receiving a tattoo is a pretty daunting and exciting process, it’s there forever, so it makes sense if you would like to see the design beforehand. But it doesn’t always happen, often, you don’t see the design till the night before or the day of, why is that?

Let’s start with time, time is super limited for everyone, you artists often work from a schedule ranging from 4-6 day weeks (maybe even more!).

Usually, full days are 7-8 hours, after which we’re usually disassociating and trying to muster up the strength to look after ourselves, and do it all over again tomorrow. Somehow, socialising, admins, family and living it chucked in there (don’t ask me for the formula/math, it’s an equation for you to figure out). So more often than not, simply, artist don’t have the time to pre draw designs for you to view a head of time.

That doesn’t mean you can’t ask, but also you shouldn’t expect it for free. Often appointments are booked with a deposit, and sometimes people ask to see designs without a booked appointment that’s secured with a deposit. I always think of asking for a pre-drawn design, like going through a commission process. An upfront payment, secures a final product for you at the end of the process.

How do I approach this request?

Not all artists have the time/energy to pre draw designs, so first and foremost, just check! If they’re happy to do it, continue the process, and make sure you provide all the details they need to do this for you. If so, always check their rates, and how long it’ll take for them to complete this for you.

If an artist doesn’t have the capacity to do this, ask them if they’d be happy to use a reference you commission from another artist (doesn’t necessarily have to be a tattoo artist, could be a regular artist!). One of the many benefits of working in tattooing, is creative freedom. Sometimes artists will not take on concept where you would like something exactly like a picture, sometimes reference also do not translate well into a tattoo as well, which is why often your artist prefers to draw your design.

General etiquette is if a design is drawn by a tattoo artist, they prefer to be the one to tattoo it, if you have the intentions to have somebody else tattoo it, please make sure you check the artist is okay with this!

Some artists have tickets or pre drawn designs that can be purchased, and tattooed by other artists, so have a check and ask if this is relevant to who you’re approaching. This concept of paying for a predrawn designs or paying for tattoo tickets, is a way for an artist to be paid for their art and labour.

The grand reveal

That doesn’t mean you get what you get and you don’t get upset. We always want to make sure you’re absolutely happy with the design, as it’s there forever, and a reflection of our work and skill too. That’s why communicating your references, and desired details are important.

We understand it can be super nerve wracking not knowing what you’re going to get till the day of an appointment, so let’s talk about some tips that can give you a bit of piece of mind.

Always choose an artist you trust. How do you do that? How do you trust an artist?

I always recommend finding an artist, who’s portfolio you really enjoy. When you can sit down, and absolutely love every single piece they do, and you’re really excited to collect their work. I find when you are absolutely set on a design, and then have to seek an artist it can be difficult, because you already have a very clear vision of what you want. It can sometimes feel like trying to jam a triangle block into a square shaped hole.

I think there should be balance, have a concept that you’re happy to have moulded and changed (change is not always bad), and find an artist you’re super excited to collect work from. More often than not, I feel you’ll be left with something that feels like a happy collaboration of ideas. We understand the idea of not being about to be absolutely certain what you’re getting can make you hesitate to book in, that’s what consult are for!

Generally consults tend to be in person, and take about 15-30 mins, it gives you an opportunity to meet the artist and have a chat about what you’re thinking, and ask any questions you have as well. They are super helpful if you have trouble trying to describe what you’re thinking of.

Don’t be afraid of change

Artists often will change and redraw designs from the references you provide, why is this? Depending on the size, style and location on the body, they changes may be done to better compliment the placement on the body and ensure it ages well in the future. But what if it not what you want?

That’s why communicating what you want is super important. Often we say we’re not sure what we want, but subconsciously we have an idea, it’s the artist’s and your job to have a conversation about your wants, need and expectation about a design. How do you pull that out of yourself? Something you can ask yourself include:

• Where’s it going? Do I have multiple placements that could influence size?
• Why there? Do I have future plans? Is it something I want hidden/able to see all the time
• What styles do I enjoy? What about them do I like?
• What styles do I not enjoy? What about them do I not like?
• Do I have future plans? Do I need my tattoos to be in a cohesive style?
• What are some details in the references I’ve sent, that I like? (General shape, small details, poses, subject, colours etc)

Know that small changes can be made on the day for you, but to avoid needing to reschedule an appointment due to needing to make big changes to a design, these are some essential questions that can help guide your artist.

Happy decision making! I believe in you.