How to be your tattoo artist’s favorite client

Getting a tattoo is an exciting and personal experience. It's important to find a reputable tattoo artist who can bring your vision to life. However, being a good client is just as important as finding the right artist. In this guide, we'll go over some tips on how to be your tattoo artist's favorite client. By following these tips, you can ensure a positive and successful tattoo experience.

Do your research before booking

The first step to being a good client is to find a reputable tattoo artist in Portland. Look for artists with positive reviews and a strong portfolio that matches your desired style. Take the time to research and choose an artist who you trust and feel comfortable with.

If you are someone who gets overstimulated easily, or you are an ethical vegan, you should definitely also look into not only the shop but your artist to see if they align with your needs and morals.

Here at Plush Tattoo, we aim to create a super inclusive, calming tattoo environment and every part of the tattoo process is completely vegan!

Communicate clearly and effectively

Clear communication is key to a successful tattoo experience. Be clear about your vision for the tattoo and any concerns or questions you may have. Use specific details like the type of tattoo style you’re looking for (ex. American Traditional, Japanese, fine line, illustrative, etc.), the size of tattoo you want in inches (height and width), the placement on your body, whether you want color or black and gray, and if you’re trying to stick to a certain budget, communicate that up front as well.

Here is a great script for describing the tattoo you want to get. Feel free to use this script to tell your artist your vision. Trust us, they will appreciate it!

“I would like a full body fox tattoo on my right shoulder in a Japanese style. I would like it to be a half-sleeve around 12 x 8 inches in full color with flowers surrounding it. I would like to stick to $600 as my budget but I am flexible.”

Listen to your artist's recommendations and ideas, but don't be afraid to speak up if something doesn't feel right. Be responsive to your artist's messages or calls to make sure you stay on the same page throughout the process.

Be on time and respectful of their time

Tattoo artists often have busy schedules, and it's important to be respectful of their time. Show up to appointments on time and let your artist know if you need to reschedule or cancel in advance. Be patient if your artist needs to reschedule due to unforeseen circumstances.

Tattoo artists generally schedule back-to-back clients and are not super good at making time for themselves to eat or rest between clients. So if you are thinking of coming to your appointment early, you may be sacrificing their lunch time! The best thing to do is show up at the earliest, 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

Take care of yourself and the tattoo

Taking care of yourself and the tattoo after the appointment is just as important as the tattoo itself. Follow aftercare instructions carefully, keep the area clean and dry, and avoid sun exposure or other activities that could damage the tattoo. If you have any concerns or questions about aftercare, don't hesitate to ask your artist.

Tip generously and leave a positive review

Tattoo artists put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into their work. Show appreciation for their hard work by tipping generously if you are happy with the results. Leave a positive review to help your artist attract new clients and continue to grow their business. This may seem like a small thing but for small businesses like Plush, a single good review could help our ideal clients find us!

In conclusion, being a good client is an essential part of having a successful and positive tattoo experience. By doing your research, communicating clearly, respecting your artist's time, taking care of yourself and the tattoo, and showing appreciation through tipping and reviews, you can become your tattoo artist's favorite client. So take the first step and book an appointment with a reputable tattoo artist in Portland, Oregon today!

To book your traditional tattoo or permanent makeup with a Plush artist, click here!