There are a number of reasons why our artists don’t send tattoo designs to the client before the appointment – none of them being because they’re lazy or difficult!
Before we go into the list of whys, be assured, there’s no reason to worry you’ll end up with a tattoo you don’t like. The design is a collaborative process, we’ll ask you to share reference pictures, be as specific about your design as you’d like, chat with the artist in person if needed before your booking. We allow time during your appointment to make any amendments you should require on the day. It is incredibly rare for anyone to want a total overhaul of the design.
So let’s explain…
Prioritisation
Our artists can be booked weeks or months in advance and have to focus on completing the designs for their upcoming appointments. They need to prioritise their soonest bookings.
Tattooists work long hours in the studio, so time is limited as to when they can work on designs – this usually means working on their days off and evenings.
Theft
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon in the industry for other artists to steal designs. The artist keeping their design until the day prevents price shopping and protects their time and work.
Freehand
Tattooists are artists so will often ‘freehand’ elements of the design on your skin, which ensures it fits your body correctly, customising it to your anatomy.
Skin Tone
On most occasions, the design will not look like the final result as it will just be the linework, without any colour or shading. This is because it’s impossible to determine how shading and colours will look on each person’s body – everyone is unique!
Shape and Proportion
Everyone is a different shape and size, so it’s impossible to determine how a design will sit on the body exactly until you’re here for your appointment. You’ll have time to adjust the sizing during the appointment, which isn’t something that can be communicated effectively over messenger in advance.
Trust
Trust the process! Our artists know what they’re doing and have knowledge of their craft. They know what will and won’t work as a tattoo, so trust them. This is why it’s SO IMPORTANT before contacting an artist or studio to do your research. You should choose an artist and a studio based on their portfolio and reviews, so you know you’re in safe hands and can trust they know what they’re doing.
Remember, it’s the artist’s name going out with your piece, as well as the studio’s reputation, so it’s just as important to the artist that they do a good job and have you leave the studio happy.
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