Does not matter if it is your first time getting a tattoo or your fifteenth, every time you will get excited and feel butterflies in your stomach. You go to a tattoo studio with a smile on your face and expect a cool friendly tattoo artist would welcome you and you would chat a lot while the tattooing procedure is getting done. But unfortunately, expectation does not meet the reality all the time. You may get a tattoo artist who is grumpy and rude. Which could make the tattooing procedure worse and give you a bad experience.
Many tattoo artists are super cool and spread charm with their creative vibes and artistic talents. They’re the ones who make your tattoo experience memorable and enjoyable. Whenever you hear about a memorable tattooing experience, you can guess that 90% of the time, the tattoo artist is friendly and cool that’s why the experience was awesome. However, there’s no denying that a few sour apples have given the rest of the bunch a bad rap. So, let’s take a closer look and address the burning question: “Are all tattoo artists rude?”
Key Takeaways
- Not all tattoo artists are rude, but surely there are a few who does not main professionalism and behave rudely with clients.
- Reasons for a tattoo artist to appear rude are the rebel vibe, brutal honesty, focus on work, the tattoo marathon, the communication gap, the mystery factor, maintaining personal space, unrealistic expectations, etc.
- If you face a rude tattoo artist, stand up for yourself and tell them you are not comfortable. If needed you can change the tattoo artist too.
- Things that could piss off a tattoo artist and force them to behave rudely are the nitpicking client, clients who don’t know what they want, pain tolerance meltdowns, Appointment no-showers, drunk clients, clients who talk too much, etc.
Are All Tattoo Artists Rude
To put it simply, not all tattoo artists are rude. You have to understand tattoo artists are humans too. So, some of them will be nicer and some of them will a bit grumpy and rude. The tattooing profession does have an effect on this matter still a person’s character can play a crucial role too on if he will treat customers more gently or in a rude manner.
Overview of a tattoo artist’s mentality
Here’s the deal, the tattoo industry has long been associated with rebellion, edgy, and counterculture. Those old-school stereotypes have etched an image of tattoo artists as brooding, mysterious souls who only come alive in the presence of ink. This is why even if the tattoo artist is not rude, some clients perceive them as rude, which is completely uncalled for. But let’s stop judging a book by how it looks, shall we? Tattoos don’t automatically come with a side order of rudeness. Many artists are some of the most down-to-earth and friendly individuals you’ll ever meet. I have met tattoo artists that are some of the most loving people I have seen in my entire life. They’re all about connecting with their clients, sharing stories, and making the tattoo experience a blast.
Managing expectations is another key factor in understanding the perceived rudeness of tattoo artists. Tattoos are deeply personal, and everyone has their own vision of what they want. But here’s the thing, not all ideas are feasible or align with the artist’s style. They’re the experts, after all, and they want your tattoo to look its absolute best. So, if they gently guide you in a different direction or suggest adjustments, it’s not because they want to rain on your parade. They genuinely want to create a masterpiece that you’ll be proud to wear. It’s all about finding that balance between your vision and their expertise.
Let’s not forget the crazy workload and stress that tattoo artists endure day in and day out. They’re juggling multiple clients, intricate designs, and long hours on their feet. It’s like a tattooing marathon, my friend. The physical and mental demands can take a toll on anyone. So yeah, they might have their off days or moments of exhaustion. It doesn’t mean they’re rude; they’re just human. They’re still dedicated to their craft and passionate about creating amazing tattoos. Cut them some slack, offer a smile or a cup of coffee, and you might just see their true colors shine through.
The effect of the profession
Now, let’s talk about the art of tattooing itself. Tattoo artists are like magicians wielding their tattoo machines, creating art on your skin. They’re in their zone, fully focused on their craft, and that can sometimes give off an air of seriousness. Think about it, they’re meticulously etching lines, shading, and colors onto your body. It requires precision, concentration, and a touch of artistry. So, if they’re not cracking jokes or engaging in idle chit-chat, it’s not because they’re rude; they’re just lost in the art of creating something beautiful for you.
There may be a few tattoo artists out there who genuinely have rude personalities. Just like in any profession, you’ll find a mix of personalities and attitudes. But here’s the silver lining, the majority of tattoo artists are passionate, skilled, and friendly individuals who want nothing more than to give you an incredible tattoo experience.
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12 Specific Reasons Why Tattoo Artists Are Rude
Since I have included some of the reasons why a tattoo artist may seem rude to you in the overview,
Let’s jump into the more specific reasons why a tattoo artist might seem rude:
1. The rebel vibe
Tattoos and rebellion have been linked for ages, and that can lead people to assume that all tattoo artists are a bit rough around the edges. But in reality, not all inked-up folks are grumpy. Some are the friendliest rebels you’ll ever meet!
2. Brutal honesty
Sometimes, tattoo artists have to be straight-up honest. If they think your design won’t turn out as great as you envision or if your idea clashes with their style, they might come off as rude when trying to guide you towards a better choice. You could compare it with tough love. They are being honest so that you don’t make a bad decision and later on regret having that tattoo.
3. Focused on work
When tattoo artists are in the zone, they’re like artists on a mission. They’re laser-focused on creating stunning tattoos, and that might mean they’re not in the mood for small talk. It’s not personal; they’re just lost in the art of inking.
4. Tattoo marathon
Think about it, tattoo artists spend hours hunched over, wielding those tattoo machines, and creating intricate designs. It’s physically and mentally draining. So, don’t be too surprised if they’re a bit grumpy after a long day of inking masterpieces. Even if you love your job, after a long day at work you would feel a bit tired too, right?
5. Communication gap
Sometimes, miscommunication happens. You might have a specific vision in your head, but conveying it to the artist can be challenging. This can lead to frustration on both ends, resulting in some unintentional rudeness. Clear communication is key, folks! If your verbal communication is weak then try writing on paper or showing your tattoo artist pictures of your desired design. This could minimize the communication gap and reduce possible rudeness.
6. The mystery factor
Tattoo artists can be mysterious creatures. Some prefer to keep it to themselves and let their art do the talking. They might not be the chattiest folks, but that doesn’t mean they’re rude. Give them a chance, and you might find a hidden treasure of artistic talent.
7. Maintaining personal space
Tattoos involve physical contact and close proximity. For some tattoo artists, maintaining personal space is crucial for their comfort and concentration. So, don’t take it personally if they’re not super touchy-feely during the session. They’re just doing their thing.
8. Unrealistic expectation
A fine tattoo does appear magical but it is not magic. So, clients should keep their expectations realistic. Not to mention there are many factors that could affect the outcome of a tattoo such as:
- Skin tone
- Skin type
- Placement
- Choice of ink color
- Skin condition or age
You see, there are a lot of factors that go behind choosing the design, size, placement, and color of a tattoo. The unrealistic expectation is difficult to fulfill for a tattoo artist and they may lose patience and behave a bit rudely at times.
9. Not getting appreciation
Tattoo artist spends a lot of time making a design for clients. Now, if a client comes in with a design downloaded from the internet and refuses to sit with the tattoo artiste to discuss ways to improve or make some changes to the design, then the tattoo artist might feel offended. Discussing your desired design with your tattoo artist is a way to show that their thought counts and their advice are important. Appreciating a tattoo artist makes them happy and avoids any possible rudeness.
10. Lack of mutual respect
You have to remember respect goes both ways. If you want your tattoo artist to be nice and not rude then you have to be nice to them too. Not showing respect to tattoo artists can make them give little to no respect in return. As a result, the interaction can be felt rude by both the client and the tattoo artist.
11. Clash between personalities
Some of us have a bit of strong personalities that stand out more than usual. If you have a strong personality that clashes with your tattoo artist, then it is a problem. I have seen it happen quite a few times in my 5 years of tattooing career. When personalities clash the interaction can become rude.
12. Workload & stress
Too much workload can put anybody under stress. And when you are stressed, how do you behave? Not so politely I assume. The same thing could happen to tattoo artists too. If they get stressed they may behave rudely to their clients.
Bad Apple Alert: Finding Out the Rude Tattoo Artist
Alright, time to address the “bad apple” situation. Just like in any profession, there are a few tattoo artists out there who may have rude characteristics. We’re talking about those rare specimens who seem to have missed the memo on basic human decency. They’re the ones who make you scratch your head and wonder how they ended up in the tattoo industry in the first place.
You cannot judge all tattoo artists just because a few of them are rude. The vast majority of tattoo artists are passionate, talented, warm, and genuinely care about their client’s satisfaction. They’re the ones who create incredible art and make your tattoo experience a memorable one. That said, we can’t ignore the fact that a few sour apples exist in every bunch.
These bad apples might have a range of reasons for their rudeness, such as:
- Maybe they’ve been in the industry for too long and have lost some of their initial passion
- Perhaps they’re dealing with personal issues that spill over into their professional demeanor
- They’re just plain ol’ grumpy souls who find joy in making others feel uncomfortable.
Whatever the case, encountering a rude tattoo artist can be a disappointing and off-putting experience.
But fear not! Don’t let the bad apples tarnish your perception of all tattoo artists. Remember that for every rude one, there are countless others who will treat you with respect, kindness, and a genuine love for their craft. Look for recommendations, read reviews, and do your research to find an artist who matches your personality and artistic vision.
And if you do come across a rude tattoo artist, don’t let their behavior ruin your tattoo dreams. Stand up for yourself, express your concerns, and, if needed, find another artist who will give you the experience you deserve. After all, getting a tattoo is a personal and significant decision, and you deserve to have a positive and enjoyable journey.
So, keep the bad apples in mind, but don’t let them spoil the whole bunch. Embrace the awesome tattoo artists out there who will create beautiful art on your skin while treating you with the respect and kindness you deserve. Happy inking!
15 Reasons Tattoo Artists May Lose Their Cool
You should know what pisses off a tattoo artist. So, you don’t do such things to get negative or rude behavior from your tattoo artist.
1. The nitpicking client
Imagine, a client who inspects every single line and shade of their tattoo, and constantly demands changes and adjustments. It can drive tattoo artists up the wall, making them lose their cool. Remember, trust your artist’s expertise and give them some creative freedom.
2. Clients who don’t know what they want
It is ok to not be sure of what specific design you want. But going to a tattoo studio with no idea of what sort of tattoo you want is not very nice. It can piss off any tattoo artist. So, before you go to a tattoo studio give it a good amount of thought and have some basic idea of what type of tattoo would you like.
3. Pain tolerance meltdowns
We all have different pain thresholds, but when a client starts panicking and freaking out during the tattooing process, it can test the patience of even the most composed tattoo artist. Take a deep breath, embrace the discomfort, and let the artist work their magic.
4. Appointment no-showers
Time is precious, my friend. Tattoo artists often have packed schedules, so when a client fails to show up for their appointment without any notice, it can leave the artist frustrated and annoyed. Respect their time and give them a heads-up if you need to reschedule.
5. The drunk client
Alcohol and tattoos don’t mix well, but there’s always that one person who stumbles into the tattoo studio after a few too many drinks, thinking they can handle the pain. Dealing with an intoxicated client can be a challenging and intense experience for the artist.
6. Clients who talk too much
While some conversation during a tattoo session is fine, non-stop chatter can be distracting and tiresome for both the artist and the client. Tattoo artists need focus and concentration to create their best work, so finding a balance between conversation and silence is key.
7. Social media expert
We live in the age of social media, where everyone’s a self-proclaimed expert. When clients come armed with Pinterest pictures and insist on replicating intricate designs that aren’t suitable for tattoos, it can make tattoo artists want to pull their hair out. Trust their professional judgment and be open to their suggestions.
8. Clients changing minds at the last moment
Clients who change their minds just before the tattoo session are the worst. They may cancel the session all of a sudden or want to change the tattoo design that they discussed with the tattoo artist.
9. Asking to copy other people’s tattoo
Every tattoo is unique and expresses the creativity of a tattoo artist. So asking to copy someone else’s tattoo is a way to disrespect the talent of a tattoo artist. Which could piss them off.
10. Bringing multiple friends
Tattoo Studios doesn’t allow anyone to bring in for the tattoo session. Because the space is mostly limited to tattoo studios. But some studios do allow one friend to bring along for the session. But if you bring multiple friends that would not only cause the studio to be crowded but also piss off the tattoo artist.
11. Fidgeting during the session
A client must stay still during the tattoo session so that the tattoo artist can work on a stable canvas. But when the client starts fidgeting it becomes difficult for the tattoo artist to work on and he might get agitated.
12. Talking on the phone during a session
Talking during the tattoo session is very annoying. As it is distracting for the tattoo artist and the client tends to move around more as they forget they are supposed to stay still.
13. Rushing the tattoo artist
Do not rush the tattoo artist that is the basic rule of thumb when it comes to tattooing. But some clients tend to rush the process and keep asking the tattoo artist to finish faster. Which can make any tattoo artist angry.
14. Not tipping the tattoo artist
Except for a few, most tattoo artists do their level best to make you feel at home and provide the best tattoo. After the procedure, if you do not give a tip it may make them upset.
15. Not following aftercare & complaining
Some clients are just ignorant. No matter how their artist explains the importance of aftercare they do not listen. Not following aftercare could lead to tattoo infection, distortion, fading, etc. And when such things happen they complain that the tattoo artist did not do their job properly. False allegations like these can piss off any tattoo artist.
As you can see, being a tattoo artist takes more than just patience with the art, but with the person as well! That is why my ultimate advice for you as a client is to be quiet unless you feel discomfort or want to ask the tattoo artist a serious question.
FAQs
Why do some tattoo artists appear rude?
There are multiple reasons why a tattoo artist may appear rude to you. One factor could be the stereotypes associated with the tattoo industry, which often portray tattoo artists as rebellious. However, it’s important to remember that these stereotypes don’t define every artist.
Do tattoo artists become rude during the tattooing process?
Not necessarily. During the tattooing process, artists may seem focused and less inclined to engage in casual conversation. This is because they need to concentrate on creating a precise and visually appealing design on your skin. It’s a matter of professionalism and ensuring the best possible outcome for your tattoo.
Are tattoo artists rude when they suggest changes to my design?
Tattoo artists may offer suggestions or recommend changes to your design to enhance its appearance or ensure its feasibility. This isn’t meant to be rude but rather to provide professional advice based on their expertise and knowledge of tattooing. They want your tattoo to turn out amazing and stand the test of time.
Are rude tattoo artists common?
Rude tattoo artists are the exception, and not common at all. The vast majority of tattoo artists are dedicated professionals who take pride in their work and strive to provide a positive experience for their clients. Make sure not to generalize all tattoo artists just because you or someone close to you had a bad experience with a tattoo artist.
How should I handle a rude tattoo artist?
If you encounter a rude tattoo artist, it’s very crucial to express your concerns calmly and assertively. If you hesitate and just go with the flow you may end up with a horrible tattooing experience. So, stand up for yourself and speak up about the discomfort you are feeling. If things don’t get sorted, replace or change the tattoo artist and choose someone who is professional and friendly.
Final Thoughts
It’s also important to acknowledge that encountering a rude tattoo artist can be a bummer. No one wants to deal with an unnecessary attitude or feel uncomfortable during a tattoo session. Don’t let it ruin the image of all tattoo artists! There are plenty of talented and friendly tattoo artists out there who will make you feel right at home. If you do find yourself face-to-face with a rude tattoo artist, remember to stand your ground and speak your mind. You deserve to have a positive and enjoyable tattoo experience, so don’t settle for less. There’s a whole world of talented artists waiting to ink you up with their exceptional skills and friendly vibes. But it’s crucial to understand that it’s not personal, they’re just doing their job and striving for the best tattoo outcome possible. That is why you should make sure to do your research, read some reviews or portfolios, and choose a professional tattoo artist who is known to be friendly and cool.
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