Things that aggravate tattoo artists

Things that aggravate tattoo artists

No one wants to be the person who aggravates their tattoo artist, even before they begin working. However, it’s common for people to simply not know proper etiquette that should be followed in a tattoo studio. What customers seem to forget is that tattooists are talented artists who work on a living, breathing canvas (which requires a lot of concentration) and therefore deserve respect and gratitude. So what are some of the most common things that irk tattooists and just how can you stop customers from doing them?

Bringing in a crowd

Most tattoo shops allow their clients to bring one or two people to accompany them, however, anything above that is usually considered a crowd. If the customer is getting their first ink, they’re probably stressed out and having someone close with them may help them to relax, but it may cause problems. If the shop and/or workstation don’t provide much space, you as the tattooist might not have enough room to manoeuvre around the client. What’s worse, they might get loud and disruptive while you’re working, in turn distracting you from what you’re doing.

Avoiding this issue can be done by simply sending clients a text or email message before their appointment, asking that if they’d like to bring company along, they should restrict it to one or two people max (this may vary depending on how you run your business). Use Booksy software to send a bulk message directly to your clients, which will save you time and help to ensure you that they won’t do the same in the future.

Being disrespectful

Let’s face it, a lack of respect is a rampant issue in the service industry - and tattooists have to deal with their own fair share of it on a regular basis. Disrespect in the world of tattooing comes in various forms, from customers mouthing-off and cursing after a disagreement with you to speaking loudly over the phone while you’re tattooing or listening to music without headphones.

If you feel disrespected by a customer, stand firm and let them know that what they’re doing is distracting you from providing your services. In most cases, the client may simply be ignorant about tattoo shop etiquette and after being asked to stop acting disrespectfully, will probably do so. However, if they do not cease to, you have all the right to stop your work. 

Pricing complaints

The classic complaint that aggravates nearly everyone in the service industry is: “Why is it so expensive?” You’ve worked hard to get where you are today - starting way back with tattooing courses and unpaid apprenticeships to making it big as an artist or even a shop owner. Most clients don't realise how difficult it is to work your magic on human skin, especially when they fidget and complain about the pain, or how simply designing the tattoo requires a lot of planning in order to avoid mishaps. Aside from raw talent, tattooists regularly invest in tattoo guns and ink - which don't come cheap! Tattoos are a piece of art that remain with you forever, so make sure customers are aware of everything that goes into creating each of them.

Clients who tend to complain about pricing are usually those who are looking to get their first ink and aren’t familiar with the industry. If you’re questioned about your pricing, simply explain why your prices are what they are.

Customers who don’t know what they want

Many people who are looking to get their first tattoo often have second thoughts on what they’d like to get tattooed. Their loved one’s name? A simple flower design? An impressive geometrical full arm sleeve or perhaps Chinese characters representing the word “love”? Artists understand that deciding on a first tattoo takes time - after all, they’re for life. However, if a client keeps going back and forth with their design choices or even whether they should be getting a tattoo in the first place, then they’re not making it easy for the artist.

In situations like these, it’s best to share your lookbook with some of your previous works in order to inspire your undecided first-timer, but don’t expect you’ll convince them right away. Most potential clients will need to think over their desired design and might even end up opting out entirely, which does happen. You should also consider writing a policy on indecisiveness if it is a recurring issue, mentioning that clients need to be certain of their tattoo design and can reschedule if they need more time to decide.

Truth be told, there are many ways clients can aggravate their tattoo artist, however, these situations are rarely intentional and often stem from the customer’s lack of understanding of tattoo studio etiquette. Send each new client information about your business, your work experience and any rules that you’d like them to adhere to before, during and after their visit - and with Booksy, you can do so fast and easy. See how reliable tattoo studio software can help you better run and manage your business - grab your free account today!