Hey there, tattoo enthusiasts! At Sedation Lounge for Body Art, we believe that getting inked is a collaborative journey between the client and the artist. While the final piece on your skin is what everyone sees, there’s a lot more behind the scenes that deserves recognition and appreciation. Today, we’re diving into the importance of gratuity for tattoo artists and the myriad unseen tasks they undertake. Let’s explore how you can show your appreciation for their hard work and creativity.
Understanding Gratuity for Tattoo Artists
Why Tip Your Tattoo Artist?
Tattoo artists often rely on tips to supplement their income. The standard practice is to tip around 15-20% of the total cost of your tattoo. If your artist has gone above and beyond, feel free to tip more. This gesture shows your gratitude for the artist’s skill, time, and effort.
When to Tip
You should tip after each tattoo session, especially if your tattoo requires multiple visits. This ensures that the artist is compensated for their time and effort at each stage of the process.
The Unseen Work of Tattoo Artists
Tattoo artists do much more than just the time spent tattooing. Here are some of the behind-the-scenes tasks that contribute to their overall workload:
Drawing and Design Preparation
Consultations and Concept Development: Before the actual tattooing, artists spend significant time consulting with clients to understand their vision and preferences. This involves discussing design ideas, placement, size, and style.
Sketching and Revisions: Creating a custom tattoo design involves multiple sketches and revisions. Artists use their creativity and expertise to develop a unique piece that meets the client’s expectations. This process can take several hours, depending on the complexity of the design.
Equipment and Workspace Preparation
Sterilization and Setup: Tattoo artists meticulously prepare their workstations to ensure a clean and safe environment. This includes sterilizing equipment, setting up tattoo machines, and organizing inks and needles.
Custom Stencil Creation: For many designs, artists create custom stencils to transfer the design onto the client’s skin accurately. This step requires precision and attention to detail.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
Training and Education: Many tattoo artists invest time and money into continuous learning. They attend workshops, conventions like Villain Arts or Literary Ink (two of this blogger’s favorites), and seminars to stay updated with the latest techniques and trends in the tattoo industry.
How to Show Appreciation Beyond Tipping
While tipping is the most direct way to show appreciation, there are other ways to support your tattoo artist.
Positive Reviews and Referrals
Leave positive reviews on social media, Google, or tattoo-related websites. Word-of-mouth referrals can significantly impact an artist’s reputation and attract new clients. Think about it this way – we literally tell you to look at reviews when researching artists. There’s plenty of research out there (that we don’t need to get into) about the impact and influence reading reviews has on purchase decisions. If you had a positive experience with the artist, let the world know!
Social Media Shoutouts
Share your tattoo and give a shoutout to your artist on social media. Tagging their professional account and praising their work can help them gain more visibility and potential clients. This will also help them gain credibility and trust with potential clients.
Booking Follow-Up Appointments
Show your appreciation by becoming a loyal client. Booking follow-up appointments for new tattoos or touch-ups demonstrates trust and respect for the artist’s skills.
Final Thoughts
Tattoo artists invest a tremendous amount of time, effort, and creativity into their work, far beyond the actual hours spent tattooing. Recognizing and compensating them appropriately through gratuity and other forms of appreciation is essential. By understanding the unseen aspects of their job and showing your gratitude, you contribute to a positive and supportive tattooing community.
For more tips and insights into the world of tattoos, keep following our blog at Sedation Lounge for Body Art.
