Non weight related advice please (any Tattoo artists...please read)

SisterSueGetsFit

I'm guessing I'm placing this is the incorrect section, but I can't stand the "chit chat" and "fun/games" forums, so I'm hoping maybe I can get some advice here.

I just moved to a new state so I am seeking out lots of new things; doctors, dentists, hair dressers... And tattoo artists. I had what I thought was a productive meeting with an artist last Saturday. I explained what I was looking for and set an appointment for this coming Saturday. He told me he would get me a sketch of my idea by Monday "at the latest." (His words, not mine) Well, Monday came and went with no email. I reached out Tuesday afternoon and he said he'd been busy, but would have something to me that evening. Nothing. Yesterday I sent an email with one more idea I wanted him to sketch up. As of this morning I've heard nothing from him.

At this point, I'm concerned with his lack of professionalism in responding to me. I gave him a deposit (albeit only $20). I no longer feel comfortable letting this guy put permeant ink on my skin when he can't even be bothered to get back to me. Here are a few of my concerns:

1. I want my money back. I know it's not much, but it's mine and he did nothing to earn it.
2. He's a new artist at this shop. Everything I've read online leads me to believe this is a reputable place, which is why I went there in the first place. Should I email the owner?
3. I'm tempted to write a bad review on Google, but don't want to seem petty.
4. If I do reach out to the owner, can I request someone else at the shop do my tattoo or will this just cause issues? I don't want anyone "taking it out on me" with a needle and ink.

I'm also frustrated because I've arranged my schedule to make time for this and I was looking forward to it. I would appreciate advice from an outside perspective. Thanks!

2011rocket3touring

1. count the money as lost.
2. Research the artists in your local area. While I don't have tattoos myself (on my bucket list) I was fortunate to work with quite a few people that had ink and grew a crush on the style of one local artist.
3. Do send an email to the owner, just so they know.

susiehaught

Hi
There is two ways to look at this. If he is busy then that is a good sign . Also , I am sure he has more sketches to draw up then just yours. I would reach out to him and tell him that you know he is busy but could he please email you a sketch.
2. If you truly are uncomfortable then I would just ask for your money back and state that you are going to wait.
I would research artist before I jump to pick one , and talk to people in the area.
Best of Luck

SisterSueGetsFit

2011rocket3touring wrote: »

1. count the money as lost.
2. Research the artists in your local area. While I don't have tattoos myself (on my bucket list) I was fortunate to work with quite a few people that had ink and grew a crush on the style of one local artist.
3. Do send an email to the owner, just so they know.

I would agree that the money is lost. If I do write the email to the owner, I plan on asking him to donate it to the local food shelf. If they are real professionals, it should be addressed.

susiehaught wrote: »

Hi
There is two ways to look at this. If he is busy then that is a good sign . Also , I am sure he has more sketches to draw up then just yours. I would reach out to him and tell him that you know he is busy but could he please email you a sketch.
2. If you truly are uncomfortable then I would just ask for your money back and state that you are going to wait.
I would research artist before I jump to pick one , and talk to people in the area.
Best of Luck

I agree that busy is good, but he is the one who told me when he'd get the sketch to me. I don't tell my clients (or boss) I'll get them something and them simply not do it and not update them because I'm busy. Tattooing is (or should be) a very professional business and its clients should be treated well. The funny thing is, I did quite a bit of research before selecting this particular place, but I guess I got the new guy... In any case, I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

SisterSueGetsFit

I should add... the guy is really talented and only has positive reviews. I guess I'm just really frustrated at the lack of response and it's making me question if I made the right choice or not. Maybe I just need to vent...

xxkaylamae93

If he's got a good portfolio, he might be worth the wait... Some people know they're good and act like they're the best. They show up when they feel like it. I see tattoo artists like that all the time. I hate that attitude, I don't want them touching me. But they usually are very talented. Have you found locals with good tattoos to ask? If not, try some trendy bars/music stores/smoke shops if you decide to go elsewhere.

My tattoo guy is always on time. He owns the shop; he's busy. He always draws my stuff right there in front of me. I do have mostly flowers, though. I would highly recommend getting an appointment with the owner of a reputable place. In my experience they are excitable and generous with the ink.

It is a busy tattoo time. Students have left over fafsa/loan money, and Christmas bonases are coming. I would give him until Saturday to have your sketch done. If he doesn't have it, I don't see anything wrong with offering it up to another artist in the shop if they are the place you want to go to. Highly unlikely that you'll get a bad tattoo over all that, from a reputable shop. Those are billable hours; someone wants them. Along with your good review.

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SisterSueGetsFit

YepItsKriss wrote: »

I dream of a day of a 20 dollar deposit haha.. omg... deposits for my tattoos were $115

I would email the owner at the very least. Reviews on a place mean nothing honestly sometimes, they could be made by the people who work there depending on where you read the reviews.

Next time you book a tattoo, try and do so with an artist with a much longer wait time.. this means that they have a large client base due to their good work and are busy, my artist is a min 6-8 month wait.

Yea, frankly the small deposit surprised me too. But... I wasn’t complaining and now I’m glad. I figured I got lucky getting in. I just so extremely frustrated. This is the most permanent piece of artwork and I feel as though I should be treated with more respect.

Unknown

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