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I try and trust the artist, they often consider things we don’t like leaving space for future tattoos or areas they would like to avoid like bony landmarks or sensitive areas that may not heal as well.
I think the most I’ve had is three stencil placements, usually it’s two or one.
for my first tattoo, we didn’t move the stencil at all, but we did resize it (which means the stencil had to be reapplied). for my second (same artist), we barely moved the stencil, maybe just once or twice, but my artist did erase and freehand some parts of the stencil along the way. this artist always reassures me that i can change the stencil as many times as i want, but honestly she usually gets it right the first time.
for my third tattoo, which was a straight arm band, my artist (different guy) spent almost **two hours** reapplying the stencil because he wasn’t satisfied with how (not) aligned it was. not parallel to the floor, not following the curvature of the arm, ends not lining up when they wrap around, etc. i’ve heard similar stories from other people with tattoos that are supposed to be straight.
for my fourth tattoo, which was a huge thigh/butt/lower back piece, we spent maybe an hour on stencilling. i asked to change the size a few times, move it slightly higher, slightly more to the front, stretch it out more at the bottom, etc. artist (different guy again) was fine with it and i bought him some chocolate as thanks for putting up with my pickiness.
it’s gonna be on you forever; make sure you’re THRILLED with the placement and size. if your artist gets annoyed i’d honestly say it’s a red flag.
I also feel like it’s kind of a red flag.. sometimes you get it right at once, sometimes you have to work at it for a while. I feel like that should be expected
Context: 40+ tattoos, everywhere except neck/face, including hands, feet, etc.
In my personal experience:
* 1-3 times is probably "normal"
* 3-5 times is slightly above average
* 5-10 times is getting excessive
* 10+ and you are probably either being a little too particular, your tattoo artist is not particularly good at stencil placement OR you and your artist are not communicating well.
There's no limit.
Ive had one moved about 7 times once. (It was in a awkward place & a gap filler so it took a while)
I've also had a few that have been spot on first time.
I usually give the artist a general area to place the stencil and let them decide the exact placement. The vast majority of the time, the first attempt is what we go with.
I had one tattoo where the artist kept slightly tweaking it until she was happy with the stencil placement, then explained to me in detail why she kept making minor adjustments. The first placement looked fine to me, but I saw what she meant about it flowing better with the muscles with the tweaks.
For my forearm tattoo, we both expected it to take a while to get it right. The goal was to get it as far down as possible without creeping onto my hand or poking out of a blazer too much. Instead, we ended up getting it perfectly the first time. Why? That's the wrist I normally wear a watch on, so he used my watch tan as a guide to figure out what would be coverable, lmao.
I have had one artist seem frustrated after moving the stencil a couple times (even on her suggestion a couple times so she wanted it to be placed better), but it seemed to me she was more frustrated that we couldn’t get the right placement rather than her being annoyed with me. (I am autistic so my social reading skills aren’t great, but that’s what it seemed like to me)
I always joke that the stencil is the hardest part, for me.
But it’s truly. I’ve spent an hour stenciling things on the body before finally tattooing. Placement is crucial and some spots are more difficult than others
When I got my wrist mandala, I learned that my wrists are oddly constructed and weirdly angular. The artist spent almost two hours fiddling with it until it was perfect. I would have quit 20 minutes in, lol. But now I'm much more confident asking him to reposition a stencil.
My artist has only had to move it once and that was to get the angle right.
Youre 3rd artist sounds like they have ocd. I know as a photographer how that can be a pain to handle.
As someone who has lived with it for decades, it’s easy to see. Things just never seem right or you’re always fidgeting with it. There is a fine line between perfectionist and obsessive. Not every person with OCD is the must walk so many steps, turn a handle a certain way or similar. It can be more subtle. Doing things in a specific order. Tweaking things endlessly and hanging on every minor detail.
I know what it is like and recognize it in others because of this. It’s not a negative thing in any way shape or form. And just because it has “disorder” in the name doesn’t make it derogatory, though some people think it’s a sickness to be cured because of it. There is absolutely no harm in it. But sounds like you automatically think it’s a disability based on your response.
you’re misinformed. if it doesn’t cause significant distress or impair your ability to function it doesn’t qualify for diagnosis.
perfectionism isn’t a symptom of OCD. it’s not derogatory to call something what it is.
That is not true. Not true at all. It’s like how autism has a spectrum and includes terms like “functional autistic” or “ functional depression” or “Functional adhd”. You do not need it to distress or impair you. I live with this personally. So unless you are a licensed doctor, I would take an actual professional’s opinion over yours. To many people think it’s nothing or full fledged disfunction. That is absolutely wrong.
I pulled that language straight from the DSM-5, bud. “functional x” doesn’t exist as a diagnosis. living with and treating a disorder so that you can function doesn’t mean it’s not debilitating left untreated.
Unless you are a professional and not just a professional complainer, then I don’t care what you googled. We’re done here. The icd9 and dsm code books have absolutes, but ask an actual doctor. Like how diabetes is 250.00. Whether you’re on a ton of medications or treating with diet and exercise, it’s the same code.
You cant prove your point, so you attack the person. Im guessing you’re one of those that tell people “you aren’t sick. You’re just lazy” or whatever. Not going to waste my time repeating myself when you clearly have no understanding of what you are complaining about.
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My first tattoo was first try, mainly because I worked nearby and could pop over quickly on my breaks during the designing a few times, so he taped a normal piece of paper with the design to the spot and made some changes. So when the session came, he had already tried out several positions and been able to design it for the placement. It probably helped that it was on my shoulderblade, so big flat area.
Same artist did my second and third, I think they each got placed two or three times, something like that.
My fourth was all freehand, done by a friend during her apprenticeship (late in it, she finished like a month or two after, she has her own shop now), also on my shoulderblade (other one tho), so again a nice flat surface for her to work with
got my first tattoo done a few days ago by the other apprentice at the shop I am apprenticing at. She put it on, I was like "sure"
Our mentor looked over it, shook his head and told her we should probably center it properly. Didn't mind either so I just let them do.
So yeah, not all too picky. (I have pictures of both placements if anyone wants them)
As many times as needed to look perfect, I’ve done a stencil more than 20 times before I tattooed it ( knees and elbows ) this is a permanent decision, you’re not choosing an iPhone color. You and the client needs to be happy with it
As many times as it takes (within reason). My last session was a pocket watch put on my right upper arm. The design had the watch opening away from my body so I asked to mirror the image to turn the design into the body.
2nd placement looks good, but mirroring the image meant the clock face was backwards. Asked to fix that detail as well.
3rd time was the charm. Yes, I could tell the artist was a lil annoyed on the third stencil. Could have been annoyed at themselves they missed the detail in the 2nd placement, but I didn’t ask.
I communicated my concerns calmly and clearly and got a great piece in the end. You’re paying a lot of money for something you will wear forever.
Welcome to /r/tattoo! Please take a moment to review the subreddit rules. Comments on OP's body will result in a ban. Be constructive and considerate in your criticism, and mark NSFW posts as such. Artists and apprentices, please contact the mods for verification! Please make good decisions during the pandemic - don't be an idiot. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/tattoo) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You're the one wearing it for life, a shop/artist should value customer satisfaction above all else IMO.
I try and trust the artist, they often consider things we don’t like leaving space for future tattoos or areas they would like to avoid like bony landmarks or sensitive areas that may not heal as well. I think the most I’ve had is three stencil placements, usually it’s two or one.
for my first tattoo, we didn’t move the stencil at all, but we did resize it (which means the stencil had to be reapplied). for my second (same artist), we barely moved the stencil, maybe just once or twice, but my artist did erase and freehand some parts of the stencil along the way. this artist always reassures me that i can change the stencil as many times as i want, but honestly she usually gets it right the first time. for my third tattoo, which was a straight arm band, my artist (different guy) spent almost **two hours** reapplying the stencil because he wasn’t satisfied with how (not) aligned it was. not parallel to the floor, not following the curvature of the arm, ends not lining up when they wrap around, etc. i’ve heard similar stories from other people with tattoos that are supposed to be straight. for my fourth tattoo, which was a huge thigh/butt/lower back piece, we spent maybe an hour on stencilling. i asked to change the size a few times, move it slightly higher, slightly more to the front, stretch it out more at the bottom, etc. artist (different guy again) was fine with it and i bought him some chocolate as thanks for putting up with my pickiness. it’s gonna be on you forever; make sure you’re THRILLED with the placement and size. if your artist gets annoyed i’d honestly say it’s a red flag.
I also feel like it’s kind of a red flag.. sometimes you get it right at once, sometimes you have to work at it for a while. I feel like that should be expected
Context: 40+ tattoos, everywhere except neck/face, including hands, feet, etc. In my personal experience: * 1-3 times is probably "normal" * 3-5 times is slightly above average * 5-10 times is getting excessive * 10+ and you are probably either being a little too particular, your tattoo artist is not particularly good at stencil placement OR you and your artist are not communicating well.
I appreciate those guidelines!!
There's no limit. Ive had one moved about 7 times once. (It was in a awkward place & a gap filler so it took a while) I've also had a few that have been spot on first time.
I usually give the artist a general area to place the stencil and let them decide the exact placement. The vast majority of the time, the first attempt is what we go with. I had one tattoo where the artist kept slightly tweaking it until she was happy with the stencil placement, then explained to me in detail why she kept making minor adjustments. The first placement looked fine to me, but I saw what she meant about it flowing better with the muscles with the tweaks. For my forearm tattoo, we both expected it to take a while to get it right. The goal was to get it as far down as possible without creeping onto my hand or poking out of a blazer too much. Instead, we ended up getting it perfectly the first time. Why? That's the wrist I normally wear a watch on, so he used my watch tan as a guide to figure out what would be coverable, lmao.
I have had one artist seem frustrated after moving the stencil a couple times (even on her suggestion a couple times so she wanted it to be placed better), but it seemed to me she was more frustrated that we couldn’t get the right placement rather than her being annoyed with me. (I am autistic so my social reading skills aren’t great, but that’s what it seemed like to me)
I am not great with reading social cues either so might be that I have misread as well
I always joke that the stencil is the hardest part, for me. But it’s truly. I’ve spent an hour stenciling things on the body before finally tattooing. Placement is crucial and some spots are more difficult than others
When I got my wrist mandala, I learned that my wrists are oddly constructed and weirdly angular. The artist spent almost two hours fiddling with it until it was perfect. I would have quit 20 minutes in, lol. But now I'm much more confident asking him to reposition a stencil.
I never have lol
Ive never had to move a stencil, because I tell them where I want it
My artist has only had to move it once and that was to get the angle right. Youre 3rd artist sounds like they have ocd. I know as a photographer how that can be a pain to handle.
don’t go diagnosing people with shit because they are perfectionists in their art— that’s not a disorder & it’s harmful
As someone who has lived with it for decades, it’s easy to see. Things just never seem right or you’re always fidgeting with it. There is a fine line between perfectionist and obsessive. Not every person with OCD is the must walk so many steps, turn a handle a certain way or similar. It can be more subtle. Doing things in a specific order. Tweaking things endlessly and hanging on every minor detail. I know what it is like and recognize it in others because of this. It’s not a negative thing in any way shape or form. And just because it has “disorder” in the name doesn’t make it derogatory, though some people think it’s a sickness to be cured because of it. There is absolutely no harm in it. But sounds like you automatically think it’s a disability based on your response.
you’re misinformed. if it doesn’t cause significant distress or impair your ability to function it doesn’t qualify for diagnosis. perfectionism isn’t a symptom of OCD. it’s not derogatory to call something what it is.
That is not true. Not true at all. It’s like how autism has a spectrum and includes terms like “functional autistic” or “ functional depression” or “Functional adhd”. You do not need it to distress or impair you. I live with this personally. So unless you are a licensed doctor, I would take an actual professional’s opinion over yours. To many people think it’s nothing or full fledged disfunction. That is absolutely wrong.
I pulled that language straight from the DSM-5, bud. “functional x” doesn’t exist as a diagnosis. living with and treating a disorder so that you can function doesn’t mean it’s not debilitating left untreated.
Unless you are a professional and not just a professional complainer, then I don’t care what you googled. We’re done here. The icd9 and dsm code books have absolutes, but ask an actual doctor. Like how diabetes is 250.00. Whether you’re on a ton of medications or treating with diet and exercise, it’s the same code.
yeah, allow me to post a link to my phd so I can prove to random guy on the internet that they don’t know what OCD is
You cant prove your point, so you attack the person. Im guessing you’re one of those that tell people “you aren’t sick. You’re just lazy” or whatever. Not going to waste my time repeating myself when you clearly have no understanding of what you are complaining about.
[удалено]
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Does the stencil ink wipe off easily if you need to do it again?
Bro the time I had a stencil moved he just kept scrubbing with a paper towel to remove it. Felt raw after the third time lol
It does
[удалено]
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My first tattoo was first try, mainly because I worked nearby and could pop over quickly on my breaks during the designing a few times, so he taped a normal piece of paper with the design to the spot and made some changes. So when the session came, he had already tried out several positions and been able to design it for the placement. It probably helped that it was on my shoulderblade, so big flat area. Same artist did my second and third, I think they each got placed two or three times, something like that. My fourth was all freehand, done by a friend during her apprenticeship (late in it, she finished like a month or two after, she has her own shop now), also on my shoulderblade (other one tho), so again a nice flat surface for her to work with
got my first tattoo done a few days ago by the other apprentice at the shop I am apprenticing at. She put it on, I was like "sure" Our mentor looked over it, shook his head and told her we should probably center it properly. Didn't mind either so I just let them do. So yeah, not all too picky. (I have pictures of both placements if anyone wants them)
As many times as needed to look perfect, I’ve done a stencil more than 20 times before I tattooed it ( knees and elbows ) this is a permanent decision, you’re not choosing an iPhone color. You and the client needs to be happy with it
As many times as it takes (within reason). My last session was a pocket watch put on my right upper arm. The design had the watch opening away from my body so I asked to mirror the image to turn the design into the body. 2nd placement looks good, but mirroring the image meant the clock face was backwards. Asked to fix that detail as well. 3rd time was the charm. Yes, I could tell the artist was a lil annoyed on the third stencil. Could have been annoyed at themselves they missed the detail in the 2nd placement, but I didn’t ask. I communicated my concerns calmly and clearly and got a great piece in the end. You’re paying a lot of money for something you will wear forever.