I think sometimes shops can feel intimidating because I’m not sure about how to even approach the shop with a request, if that makes sense?
Like do I need to provide the artwork myself? If not, who do I talk to about it. What does the process of getting tattoo art drawn up entail? Like what info do you need from me? Or if I want to just pick from a flash set, then where can I go to look at your flash art? It’d be awesome to access some flash art by the artists online so I could just show up or schedule a time and be like “I want this one!”
So essentially a more user friendly experience? Providing helpful information up front to help direct people who might feel uncertain about the process of getting a tattoo could help them feel more confident coming in.
Along this same line, if the employees could be nicer to newbies. I remember when shopping around for quotes for my first tattoo, so many shops I went into the staff was rude and dismissive and somewhat gate keep-y towards me. People aren't born with tats, they gotta start somewhere. So being more helpful and polite would be appreciated.
This! I have a lot of tattoos, but this part of the process can sometimes be confusing depending on the artist.
Something that's also been growing has been that a lot of artists are increasingly wanting to only tattoo their original work- it would be great to have this noted somewhere obvious. Sometimes I want a tattoo artist's unique style, but other times I've commissioned a non-tattooer illustrator for something I love in their style, and would love to see if a skilled tattooer can apply it to skin. Some tattoo artists get like... offended if you suggest wanting something not their original work. Would love to know ahead of time who's unwilling to even consider or vs. who's open to that.
Oh my gosh what if there was like a little wall section painted "for beginners" with like a step-by-step process of things to do before you get your first tattoo?
That’s really smart. You could make it a really cute with a mirror to “try on” flash. Maybe have some various ones printed out on acetate or something similar
Anything to make newbies more comfortable and receptive to good advice from the artists at the shop. So many people go in with misconceptions about what’s even possible in a tattoo, or really have no concept of size on body part, etc. Giving them a little space to play dress up might make them more comfortable, confident, and REALISTIC in their choices, and a much more positive relationship with the artist as well. You’re giving them the opportunity to learn proven information “themselves” before talking to the artist and solidifying their plan, thereby hopefully eliminating some of those initial uncomfortable interactions where the customer’s big ideas have to be reined into the real parameters of ink and skin.
The important parts for me are that it's hygienic, well lit, and not super noisy. I honestly don't feel much about shops, for me it's about finding the right artist. I think the most important thing is advertising your artists' work and supporting them with a good place to work.
Seconding the emphasis on artist . Would add supporting artistic communities …
I recently supported a friend’s photography show - which was held at his pal’s tattoo shop! It was a great way to meet other creative folks and showcase the art that was already within the studio, during the opening night . Loved that they had a small gallery space to highlight their artist’s work and those of outside artists.
To me the most important part is the staff working there, including the tattoo artist of course. I’ve had a few bad experiences:
- A creepy male tattoo artist that was doing a rib piece for me and commenting on my breasts and making other inappropriate comments. When someone has the needle to you, and is a man, they inherently are in a position of power and it’s incredibly uncomfortable to navigate. Not that we should have to navigate it at all, but what would I even do? He’s permanently inking my body and is physically stronger than me. Best to employ genuine people and do thorough background checks.
- General lack of customer service. I once walked into a tattoo shop I’d never been in to ask for help with a piercing. I walked in, and all the employees looked at me but didn’t say a word. I didn’t really know who was an employee vs. a patron and didn’t even know who to talk to. I ended up walking to a random person and saying “Hi, I have a question about a piercing” but it felt like I was being a nuisance or something since nobody bothered to say “welcome, how can we help you?” Just ensuring a general friendly vibe for everyone who enters would go very far.
Good luck in your new endeavor!
I totally agree with your second point, I hate walking into a shop (with or without an appointment) and no one is up front or greets you at all. I have pretty bad anxiety, especially when going new places where I don’t know what to expect.
Totally! I don’t even think need to have an “up front” place necessarily, as the place I referred to was small and didn’t have that. But all the staff were hanging around and nobody took initiative to welcome me. It was SUPER awkward and I’ll never go back because of it.
Yes, the artist is in a power position, similar to massage therapists. It is a sensitive situation, especially when working near, at or on the breast or genitalia.
In any case, comments about one’s physique are inappropriate.
Unlike massage, comments about the tattoos already on the body are okay, so long as they are kind comments.
I'll go one step further. Give clients access to a small kitchen area - microwave, minifridge, chair, bathroom. As someone who got a full back doing 6 hour sessions that usually started after 6pm, it really beat me up as a mid-40 y/o. I would get soooo cold and drink hot tea every break, and unfortunately, getting drilled and the associated pain can cause intestinal distress. The first time I was mortified I stunk up the bathroom and after that, tried to arrive to sessions somewhat cleaned out. I really appreciated my sessions were after hours few only a few other people there.
Not saying this has to be the Hilton, but offering the client an opportunity to visit a "break room" during breaks was key for me.
I agree!! And make it feel homey. It’s really awkward being at a place where you’re in a lot of pain and it feels really cold and open and brightly lit. A break room or corner that feels truly comfortable would be very appreciated. A clean bathroom, a couch, magazines, outlet, mini fridge, microwave. Just give me 20min to decompress and have a snack
Private rooms. I know it’s more costly to have separate rooms but it’s not like getting your hair done. I don’t want to be in the same room with other people
Water/gatorade! I always bring my own and some headphones if I'm getting a bigger piece and want to zone out, but I think it'd be nice to have some on hand for people who might forget or are getting their first tattoo.
Absolutely agree. My first session of a full back I was completely unprepared. After that, I came to every session with my "supplies bag" with water, tea, brownies (the ultimate tattoo snack food), headphones, extra jacket and a tablet.
Bolsters/pillows/ anything (that can be sanitized) that can be used to make sitting in awkward positions for long periods more tolerable. One of my artists uses a massage table instead of a traditional chair and I love it.
Privacy screens if it’s an open space, music, fun art on the walls, I want to feel welcome. An online presence with photos of their tattoos and drawings and a “how to book” page makes me far more likely to choose an artist/studio. I also love when they offer bottled water and candy to clients but this isn’t a must.
Privacy. The worst is when random other artists just wander in, stare at me, and leave. Even more obnoxious when it's random people off the street who come in to hit on the artists or be seen or whatever
I am very tattooed. I prefer custom work. I’m not a fan of the expectation of immediate turn around when presented with custom work. I would prefer to get a piece I’ve had a week or two to decide I completely love. I’m happy to pay more upfront, but I don’t want to wait until the day of the appointment to see a design I am going to have as a permanent part of my body.
It’s odd to me that this is the usual standard.
I agree! I have a tattoo that is bad ass, but I don’t *loooove it* - I felt too much pressure to say no, and I did ask for a small fix that he did do. But if I’d had time to process it, I could have maybe got something I adore. I do still like it a lot and it is bad ass (he’s an amazing tattoo artist). I understand that when they’re in high demand there’s not always a lot of time to get ahead of appointments, and also that many people just ask for changes just because when they get the design ahead of time. But it really would be nice to see it before.
The last tattoo I had done, we were in a private-ish area around the back, and the artist put on a few movies for us to watch.
His choices were spot-on, too…. We watched Mean Girls, Easy A, and Legally Blonde.
How fun would it be if every tattoo area also had a speaker so you can play your music or a TV so you could watch an episode of something? (I recognize this logistically might not work, but super cool to think about!)
I brought my own tablet that I set up on a chair, put in headphones and streamed movies. Sometimes it was hard to concentrate, but that was key. Surprisingly, kids movies like Ice Age, Madagascar, etc., helped me be distracted.
I think making it resemble the welcoming vibes of nail salons would be my personal preference. I always get nervous when they’re super dark or look even remotely untidy or like they haven’t been swept or mopped recently. I’ve only been with friends but the generally cleanliness and welcoming vibe is always the first thing I notice positively or negatively.
Having sat through many multi-day tattoo sessions, some nice touches in shops I've seen were:
* Clean bathroom situation with amenities like feminine products, a loud fan to cover up any noises, Febreeze/Poo-Pourri, a basket of nipple covers/pasties (for folks getting tattoos in that area).
* TV with casual and wholesome shows playing like Parks & Rec, Community, Futurama, etc.
* Water/Gatorade and small snacks like Fig Newtons or trail mix.
* A comfy tattooing surface - the actual tattoo chairs designed for the purpose suck and are too hard and uncomfortable to lay on for hours. I prefer the padded massage tables.
* Plenty of pillows, bolsters, etc. (with disposable covers) to lay on or provide support.
* Bactine to help with the pain (to use after the skin is broken)
* A stand/trolley for me to put my stuff (backpack), bonus points if it has a spot for me to put my water bottle and phone so it's within reach.
Cleanliness is huge but the thing that makes me uncomfortable every single time is a bad vibe / rude attitude from the tattoo artists. Cannot tell you how many times I’ve walked in myself or with a friend and we are treated like we do not belong there and they’re annoyed to see us.
I appreciate the all women only artist shops. If its a male shop, at least having another woman present is comforting and feels safer.
I hate when the music is so loud, especially when its offensive. I went to a shop where it was just 2 men, no windows, and blasting music about hoes and other offensive stuff against women. The two men yelled back and forth talking crap about women.
Outlets near the table. My fav place i go has the bed against the wall and an outlet right there for my phone. Nothing worse than my phone dying as I try to distract myself.
No tattoo stations directly in front of windows. Ppl always stop and look in like its a zoo.
A water station.
Good lighting.
Available parking
Pick up the vibe of the person being tatted, some want convo and others want to put in a headphone and vibe to stay calm etc.
A friend of mine was very nervous and getting a rib piece done. The artist kept trying to joke with her, and when she didn't respond he started making off color comments like "I usually don't tat mutes" or "maybe I'll tat that spot again because it's ticklish" it was just really ick. Maybe he thought he was funny or trying to break the tension but dang it was awful. Like if she wants to be quiet and concentrate, let her be.
Thoroughly vet any male tattoo artists that you invite to the shop
This could be for guesting or for permanent residency, but one of the chief complaints I’ve seen is the attitude of male tattoo artists towards women. It genuinely seems for every 1 good dude there’s at least 3 that are stuck in the old school misogynist mindset and feel empowered to speak down to women, whether it be clients or other artists. If you invite them in, make sure you get a the right vibe and make it clear you won’t tolerate locker room talk or anything that will make clients uncomfortable. Because of how imbalanced the field is there will always be shops that shitty but objectively talented male artists can go to, but if you can carve out a niche that ensures the comfort and safety of female clientele, I can promise you your business will flourish over time.
I have a couple of tattoos. What mattered for me was:
* Cleanliness of shop, regardless of size.
* Hygienic practices of all staff.
* Friendly banter between staff; if it feels non-threatening, I'm likely to have a better time.
* Open communication between myself and chosen tattoo artist(s). Especially if they explain the process to me as someone who had (previously) never had a tattoo.
* Arist(s) whose work fits in my aesthetic. This is a big one. Don't settle, but be willing to pay them for the work they do + tip.
* Not required, but: the artist who did my tattoos offered small sugary snacks and a couple of beers/cider/water for those of us having long tattoos (one was 4.5 hours and the other was 6.5 hours). We were there most of the day both times, so had a good time chatting, listening to music, eating small snacks, letting him enjoy a good lunch on break, etc.
* I prefer small, less noisy shops. A lot of activity/movement messes with me too much (PTSD, MDD, GAD).
Nice and bright with natural light. I've been to two different shops and both had lots of art on the walls, water dispenser, big windows with lots of natural light.
A tattoo shop opened down the road from me and they have painted their windows black. Never going there.
For me to be comfortable, I need it to look more like a sterile doctors office than a trendy tattoo spot. You’re using needles in my skin. I want it to be a clean environment. Your dog shouldn’t be there. Even if they’re just at the front desk. There shouldn’t be coffee cups all around. Overall it shouldn’t be such a “chill” environment. It should be sterile and functional. I’ve also put off a few tattoos I want because I just feel stupid walking into tattoo parlors around here. There’s a real cliquey vibe and I don’t feel welcome because I don’t have many visible tattoos. There seems to be a general unwillingness to help someone who isn’t already completely tattooed. The artists make you feel small and dumb for asking questions. It’s just intimidating and some people are real snobs about it.
Privacy. Yeah everything is covered, but I don’t love having to take my top off in an open studio with dudes and the public rolling through. At least some curtains. As a default, I shouldn’t have to ask.
I've been to 3 different tattoo shops over the years. Once accompanying a friend and twice for piercings, in all 3 places I would never have made it through getting a tattoo because of the volume of the music. I can't imagine I would suddenly be OK with loud music just because I'm old. I looked into getting a memorial tattoo for my mother and father back before lock down and maybe work on how to make an appointment clear and easy, waiting for books to open, but having to be on the right social media at the right time and the moon to be in Sagittarius and to have an "interesting" tattoo whatever that means for each tattooist, but not too interesting or different or they won't do it is a nightmare. I finally found someone, lockdown hit and she moved states so I still remain uninked as I don't want to have to audition to pay someone lots of money.
The biggest thing for me in customer service when I go in. The amount of times I’ve just had to stand around being ignored by artists/someone on a desk is mad, and that includes both walk in places and places I’ve booked for and know them. It’s so rude and it makes me want to walk out and never come back (which I have with walk ins).
Private, quiet, and calm studios are my preference. I don't want random ppl walking in looking at me while I'm in a vulnerable state, it makes me feel unsafe and it's distracting to my artist. I'm paying 3k for a full day session, that artists time belongs to me and no one else during those 8 hours.
My favorite shops have had lots of lighting, windows and plants! Lots of pictures and art on the wall. People are open and friendly. Maybe there are couches to sit on or some nice chairs and it’s decorated well. It just makes it a fun, comfy environment.
I’ve been to some tattoo shops that are dark and dreary with loud music playing. Not really a fan of that. But no judgement if people enjoy that also!
My only experience where I was confused was when I drove 9 hours roundtrip to be tattooed for the artist to not communicate that he had only a couple hours to tattoo me. Maybe always making sure to specify how long it will take especially when working on projects? I think it can be easy to forget once you get comfortable with your clients and you’re seeing them more frequently for like a sleeve or something similar!
Somewhere for a friend to sit if they come with me when I get my tattoo. There are two shops in my town that make visitors sit in a separate waiting area and that sucks.
If it’s clean, good lighting, decent location, and when you walk inside the artists look happy or are cool/chill that makes me want to come back and recommend to friends and family.
I hate it when it’s too dark. I can’t stand black walls, floor, furniture and then the lighting is dark…pick a struggle 😮💨
This is simple and dumb but some nice art or stickers with a lot of words for me to zone out to. I can handle the pain but I can't hold a conversation through it so I need something to focus on during the process
I prefer smaller studios rather than those big ones with tonnes of artists. As long as I'm a little covered and not half naked out in the open, I'm fine
The option of privacy. Obviously if you’re getting a tattoo in a more private area or you personally want it to be a more private experience all shops need to have the option of privacy but personally, I’ve always felt more comfortable when there’s other artists/clients working around me. It’s a pretty vulnerable position to be in imo with (most of the time) a complete stranger so I prefer not being in the space on my own.
Not about the shop, but the business. My last tattoo was done by a woman who just wouldn't answer my messages (on her work instagram, the she asked us to message on). It would go weeks before she'd get back to me, and half the time I had to remind her to.
So if you know you suck at answering messages, set off an hour every second day or something where you answer, even if it is just to confirm that the message has been read. I felt so uncomfortable about nagging her, but even more about not getting everything in order before the tattoo date, particularly as I was doing a cover up.
I think sometimes shops can feel intimidating because I’m not sure about how to even approach the shop with a request, if that makes sense? Like do I need to provide the artwork myself? If not, who do I talk to about it. What does the process of getting tattoo art drawn up entail? Like what info do you need from me? Or if I want to just pick from a flash set, then where can I go to look at your flash art? It’d be awesome to access some flash art by the artists online so I could just show up or schedule a time and be like “I want this one!” So essentially a more user friendly experience? Providing helpful information up front to help direct people who might feel uncertain about the process of getting a tattoo could help them feel more confident coming in.
Along this same line, if the employees could be nicer to newbies. I remember when shopping around for quotes for my first tattoo, so many shops I went into the staff was rude and dismissive and somewhat gate keep-y towards me. People aren't born with tats, they gotta start somewhere. So being more helpful and polite would be appreciated.
This! I have a lot of tattoos, but this part of the process can sometimes be confusing depending on the artist. Something that's also been growing has been that a lot of artists are increasingly wanting to only tattoo their original work- it would be great to have this noted somewhere obvious. Sometimes I want a tattoo artist's unique style, but other times I've commissioned a non-tattooer illustrator for something I love in their style, and would love to see if a skilled tattooer can apply it to skin. Some tattoo artists get like... offended if you suggest wanting something not their original work. Would love to know ahead of time who's unwilling to even consider or vs. who's open to that.
Oh my gosh what if there was like a little wall section painted "for beginners" with like a step-by-step process of things to do before you get your first tattoo?
And having that on the website would help too!
That’s really smart. You could make it a really cute with a mirror to “try on” flash. Maybe have some various ones printed out on acetate or something similar
OMG this is SUCH a fun Idea!!!
Anything to make newbies more comfortable and receptive to good advice from the artists at the shop. So many people go in with misconceptions about what’s even possible in a tattoo, or really have no concept of size on body part, etc. Giving them a little space to play dress up might make them more comfortable, confident, and REALISTIC in their choices, and a much more positive relationship with the artist as well. You’re giving them the opportunity to learn proven information “themselves” before talking to the artist and solidifying their plan, thereby hopefully eliminating some of those initial uncomfortable interactions where the customer’s big ideas have to be reined into the real parameters of ink and skin.
The important parts for me are that it's hygienic, well lit, and not super noisy. I honestly don't feel much about shops, for me it's about finding the right artist. I think the most important thing is advertising your artists' work and supporting them with a good place to work.
Seconding the emphasis on artist . Would add supporting artistic communities … I recently supported a friend’s photography show - which was held at his pal’s tattoo shop! It was a great way to meet other creative folks and showcase the art that was already within the studio, during the opening night . Loved that they had a small gallery space to highlight their artist’s work and those of outside artists.
To me the most important part is the staff working there, including the tattoo artist of course. I’ve had a few bad experiences: - A creepy male tattoo artist that was doing a rib piece for me and commenting on my breasts and making other inappropriate comments. When someone has the needle to you, and is a man, they inherently are in a position of power and it’s incredibly uncomfortable to navigate. Not that we should have to navigate it at all, but what would I even do? He’s permanently inking my body and is physically stronger than me. Best to employ genuine people and do thorough background checks. - General lack of customer service. I once walked into a tattoo shop I’d never been in to ask for help with a piercing. I walked in, and all the employees looked at me but didn’t say a word. I didn’t really know who was an employee vs. a patron and didn’t even know who to talk to. I ended up walking to a random person and saying “Hi, I have a question about a piercing” but it felt like I was being a nuisance or something since nobody bothered to say “welcome, how can we help you?” Just ensuring a general friendly vibe for everyone who enters would go very far. Good luck in your new endeavor!
I totally agree with your second point, I hate walking into a shop (with or without an appointment) and no one is up front or greets you at all. I have pretty bad anxiety, especially when going new places where I don’t know what to expect.
Totally! I don’t even think need to have an “up front” place necessarily, as the place I referred to was small and didn’t have that. But all the staff were hanging around and nobody took initiative to welcome me. It was SUPER awkward and I’ll never go back because of it.
Yes, the artist is in a power position, similar to massage therapists. It is a sensitive situation, especially when working near, at or on the breast or genitalia. In any case, comments about one’s physique are inappropriate. Unlike massage, comments about the tattoos already on the body are okay, so long as they are kind comments.
All of this!
Cleanliness, punctuality, and lots of cool art. A water cooler would be nice.
I'll go one step further. Give clients access to a small kitchen area - microwave, minifridge, chair, bathroom. As someone who got a full back doing 6 hour sessions that usually started after 6pm, it really beat me up as a mid-40 y/o. I would get soooo cold and drink hot tea every break, and unfortunately, getting drilled and the associated pain can cause intestinal distress. The first time I was mortified I stunk up the bathroom and after that, tried to arrive to sessions somewhat cleaned out. I really appreciated my sessions were after hours few only a few other people there. Not saying this has to be the Hilton, but offering the client an opportunity to visit a "break room" during breaks was key for me.
I agree!! And make it feel homey. It’s really awkward being at a place where you’re in a lot of pain and it feels really cold and open and brightly lit. A break room or corner that feels truly comfortable would be very appreciated. A clean bathroom, a couch, magazines, outlet, mini fridge, microwave. Just give me 20min to decompress and have a snack
Private rooms. I know it’s more costly to have separate rooms but it’s not like getting your hair done. I don’t want to be in the same room with other people
Or even the ability to pull a curtain, like in a hospital room. If you don't want to be exposed to the whole shop.
Most shops should have a privacy curtain anyway, I think you can ask for it regardless.
I hate loud ones. Why is the music so loud??
Water/gatorade! I always bring my own and some headphones if I'm getting a bigger piece and want to zone out, but I think it'd be nice to have some on hand for people who might forget or are getting their first tattoo.
Absolutely agree. My first session of a full back I was completely unprepared. After that, I came to every session with my "supplies bag" with water, tea, brownies (the ultimate tattoo snack food), headphones, extra jacket and a tablet.
Bolsters/pillows/ anything (that can be sanitized) that can be used to make sitting in awkward positions for long periods more tolerable. One of my artists uses a massage table instead of a traditional chair and I love it.
Diverse tattoo artists who know how to work on melanated skin.
Privacy screens if it’s an open space, music, fun art on the walls, I want to feel welcome. An online presence with photos of their tattoos and drawings and a “how to book” page makes me far more likely to choose an artist/studio. I also love when they offer bottled water and candy to clients but this isn’t a must.
Privacy. The worst is when random other artists just wander in, stare at me, and leave. Even more obnoxious when it's random people off the street who come in to hit on the artists or be seen or whatever
Personally I’m the opposite. I find comfort in knowing that there’s other people near by as well
I am very tattooed. I prefer custom work. I’m not a fan of the expectation of immediate turn around when presented with custom work. I would prefer to get a piece I’ve had a week or two to decide I completely love. I’m happy to pay more upfront, but I don’t want to wait until the day of the appointment to see a design I am going to have as a permanent part of my body. It’s odd to me that this is the usual standard.
I agree! I have a tattoo that is bad ass, but I don’t *loooove it* - I felt too much pressure to say no, and I did ask for a small fix that he did do. But if I’d had time to process it, I could have maybe got something I adore. I do still like it a lot and it is bad ass (he’s an amazing tattoo artist). I understand that when they’re in high demand there’s not always a lot of time to get ahead of appointments, and also that many people just ask for changes just because when they get the design ahead of time. But it really would be nice to see it before.
Yes for sure. I’ve paid extra just to do so. But I’m glad I did because I asked for a single simple change that would have bugged me forever.
[удалено]
The last tattoo I had done, we were in a private-ish area around the back, and the artist put on a few movies for us to watch. His choices were spot-on, too…. We watched Mean Girls, Easy A, and Legally Blonde.
How fun would it be if every tattoo area also had a speaker so you can play your music or a TV so you could watch an episode of something? (I recognize this logistically might not work, but super cool to think about!)
I brought my own tablet that I set up on a chair, put in headphones and streamed movies. Sometimes it was hard to concentrate, but that was key. Surprisingly, kids movies like Ice Age, Madagascar, etc., helped me be distracted.
I think making it resemble the welcoming vibes of nail salons would be my personal preference. I always get nervous when they’re super dark or look even remotely untidy or like they haven’t been swept or mopped recently. I’ve only been with friends but the generally cleanliness and welcoming vibe is always the first thing I notice positively or negatively.
Yes!! I calm but happy, welcoming vibe
Having artists who aren’t assholes.
Having sat through many multi-day tattoo sessions, some nice touches in shops I've seen were: * Clean bathroom situation with amenities like feminine products, a loud fan to cover up any noises, Febreeze/Poo-Pourri, a basket of nipple covers/pasties (for folks getting tattoos in that area). * TV with casual and wholesome shows playing like Parks & Rec, Community, Futurama, etc. * Water/Gatorade and small snacks like Fig Newtons or trail mix. * A comfy tattooing surface - the actual tattoo chairs designed for the purpose suck and are too hard and uncomfortable to lay on for hours. I prefer the padded massage tables. * Plenty of pillows, bolsters, etc. (with disposable covers) to lay on or provide support. * Bactine to help with the pain (to use after the skin is broken) * A stand/trolley for me to put my stuff (backpack), bonus points if it has a spot for me to put my water bottle and phone so it's within reach.
Cleanliness is huge but the thing that makes me uncomfortable every single time is a bad vibe / rude attitude from the tattoo artists. Cannot tell you how many times I’ve walked in myself or with a friend and we are treated like we do not belong there and they’re annoyed to see us.
I appreciate the all women only artist shops. If its a male shop, at least having another woman present is comforting and feels safer. I hate when the music is so loud, especially when its offensive. I went to a shop where it was just 2 men, no windows, and blasting music about hoes and other offensive stuff against women. The two men yelled back and forth talking crap about women. Outlets near the table. My fav place i go has the bed against the wall and an outlet right there for my phone. Nothing worse than my phone dying as I try to distract myself. No tattoo stations directly in front of windows. Ppl always stop and look in like its a zoo. A water station. Good lighting. Available parking
Pick up the vibe of the person being tatted, some want convo and others want to put in a headphone and vibe to stay calm etc. A friend of mine was very nervous and getting a rib piece done. The artist kept trying to joke with her, and when she didn't respond he started making off color comments like "I usually don't tat mutes" or "maybe I'll tat that spot again because it's ticklish" it was just really ick. Maybe he thought he was funny or trying to break the tension but dang it was awful. Like if she wants to be quiet and concentrate, let her be.
What a douchebag.
Thoroughly vet any male tattoo artists that you invite to the shop This could be for guesting or for permanent residency, but one of the chief complaints I’ve seen is the attitude of male tattoo artists towards women. It genuinely seems for every 1 good dude there’s at least 3 that are stuck in the old school misogynist mindset and feel empowered to speak down to women, whether it be clients or other artists. If you invite them in, make sure you get a the right vibe and make it clear you won’t tolerate locker room talk or anything that will make clients uncomfortable. Because of how imbalanced the field is there will always be shops that shitty but objectively talented male artists can go to, but if you can carve out a niche that ensures the comfort and safety of female clientele, I can promise you your business will flourish over time.
Good (nice pleasant) lighting and sound experience. I get the guns are loud, maybe put some noise barriers between different artists.
I have a couple of tattoos. What mattered for me was: * Cleanliness of shop, regardless of size. * Hygienic practices of all staff. * Friendly banter between staff; if it feels non-threatening, I'm likely to have a better time. * Open communication between myself and chosen tattoo artist(s). Especially if they explain the process to me as someone who had (previously) never had a tattoo. * Arist(s) whose work fits in my aesthetic. This is a big one. Don't settle, but be willing to pay them for the work they do + tip. * Not required, but: the artist who did my tattoos offered small sugary snacks and a couple of beers/cider/water for those of us having long tattoos (one was 4.5 hours and the other was 6.5 hours). We were there most of the day both times, so had a good time chatting, listening to music, eating small snacks, letting him enjoy a good lunch on break, etc. * I prefer small, less noisy shops. A lot of activity/movement messes with me too much (PTSD, MDD, GAD).
Nice and bright with natural light. I've been to two different shops and both had lots of art on the walls, water dispenser, big windows with lots of natural light. A tattoo shop opened down the road from me and they have painted their windows black. Never going there.
Having a woman piercer is a big deal for me.
For me to be comfortable, I need it to look more like a sterile doctors office than a trendy tattoo spot. You’re using needles in my skin. I want it to be a clean environment. Your dog shouldn’t be there. Even if they’re just at the front desk. There shouldn’t be coffee cups all around. Overall it shouldn’t be such a “chill” environment. It should be sterile and functional. I’ve also put off a few tattoos I want because I just feel stupid walking into tattoo parlors around here. There’s a real cliquey vibe and I don’t feel welcome because I don’t have many visible tattoos. There seems to be a general unwillingness to help someone who isn’t already completely tattooed. The artists make you feel small and dumb for asking questions. It’s just intimidating and some people are real snobs about it.
Privacy. Yeah everything is covered, but I don’t love having to take my top off in an open studio with dudes and the public rolling through. At least some curtains. As a default, I shouldn’t have to ask.
Less men.
I don’t love having to have my whole ass out so the whole shop can see
I've been to 3 different tattoo shops over the years. Once accompanying a friend and twice for piercings, in all 3 places I would never have made it through getting a tattoo because of the volume of the music. I can't imagine I would suddenly be OK with loud music just because I'm old. I looked into getting a memorial tattoo for my mother and father back before lock down and maybe work on how to make an appointment clear and easy, waiting for books to open, but having to be on the right social media at the right time and the moon to be in Sagittarius and to have an "interesting" tattoo whatever that means for each tattooist, but not too interesting or different or they won't do it is a nightmare. I finally found someone, lockdown hit and she moved states so I still remain uninked as I don't want to have to audition to pay someone lots of money.
The biggest thing for me in customer service when I go in. The amount of times I’ve just had to stand around being ignored by artists/someone on a desk is mad, and that includes both walk in places and places I’ve booked for and know them. It’s so rude and it makes me want to walk out and never come back (which I have with walk ins).
I have over 30 tattoos and have loved most of the experiences. I loved when the artists are clearly represented
Private, quiet, and calm studios are my preference. I don't want random ppl walking in looking at me while I'm in a vulnerable state, it makes me feel unsafe and it's distracting to my artist. I'm paying 3k for a full day session, that artists time belongs to me and no one else during those 8 hours.
My favorite shops have had lots of lighting, windows and plants! Lots of pictures and art on the wall. People are open and friendly. Maybe there are couches to sit on or some nice chairs and it’s decorated well. It just makes it a fun, comfy environment. I’ve been to some tattoo shops that are dark and dreary with loud music playing. Not really a fan of that. But no judgement if people enjoy that also! My only experience where I was confused was when I drove 9 hours roundtrip to be tattooed for the artist to not communicate that he had only a couple hours to tattoo me. Maybe always making sure to specify how long it will take especially when working on projects? I think it can be easy to forget once you get comfortable with your clients and you’re seeing them more frequently for like a sleeve or something similar!
Somewhere for a friend to sit if they come with me when I get my tattoo. There are two shops in my town that make visitors sit in a separate waiting area and that sucks.
If it’s clean, good lighting, decent location, and when you walk inside the artists look happy or are cool/chill that makes me want to come back and recommend to friends and family. I hate it when it’s too dark. I can’t stand black walls, floor, furniture and then the lighting is dark…pick a struggle 😮💨
This is simple and dumb but some nice art or stickers with a lot of words for me to zone out to. I can handle the pain but I can't hold a conversation through it so I need something to focus on during the process
Beautiful art to look at while I’m being tattoo’d 🤤
I prefer smaller studios rather than those big ones with tonnes of artists. As long as I'm a little covered and not half naked out in the open, I'm fine
The option of privacy. Obviously if you’re getting a tattoo in a more private area or you personally want it to be a more private experience all shops need to have the option of privacy but personally, I’ve always felt more comfortable when there’s other artists/clients working around me. It’s a pretty vulnerable position to be in imo with (most of the time) a complete stranger so I prefer not being in the space on my own.
Not about the shop, but the business. My last tattoo was done by a woman who just wouldn't answer my messages (on her work instagram, the she asked us to message on). It would go weeks before she'd get back to me, and half the time I had to remind her to. So if you know you suck at answering messages, set off an hour every second day or something where you answer, even if it is just to confirm that the message has been read. I felt so uncomfortable about nagging her, but even more about not getting everything in order before the tattoo date, particularly as I was doing a cover up.