Dream Tattoo: How to Effectively Communicate Your Vision to Your Artist

When a person decides to get a tattoo, we find many of them start off with really good intentions.

They do a ton of research, specifically on their artist of choice because they want the very best.

And they have spent hours trying to determine what image they want on their body for the rest of their lives, too.

This is why it’s so upsetting when you hear stories of people who have gotten tattoos they really regret.

We don’t want this to happen to you. This is why we encourage honest, open, and regular communication between artist and client.

And this communication should start right away, with the initial consultation, to discuss exactly what it is you want.

How can you ensure you’ve effectively conveyed your vision to your tattoo artist in Atlanta?

Effective Communication – Describing Your Dream Tattoo to Your Tattoo Artist

As with any relationship, communication is vital when getting a tattoo. You want to make sure you and your artist are on the same page about the size, shape, and design as a whole.

Here are a few ways you can ensure open communication.

Be Specific As You Can From the Very Beginning

We’re not just talking about speaking up at the end of your appointment if you’re not happy.

Communication needs to start at the beginning and it needs to be specific.

When you’re getting a quote from your tattoo artist, we recommend telling them as much about your design as possible.

Don’t just tell them you want a butterfly on your back.

Tell them you want a monarch butterfly in the middle of your back with a wingspan from one shoulder blade to the other and with coloring which looks like stained glass.

Or, tell them you want a blue and black Morpho Butterfly on your right shoulder about two to three inches in diameter.

The more specific you are in your communication, the more accurate a quote you’re going to get and the happier you’ll be with the end result.

Verbalize your Idea and Let the Artist Create from There

A tattoo artist should be just that, an artist who does tattoos. Photos are not always necessary, unless you’re seeking a portrait.

Use your words to describe your ideas to your artist, and from your ideas they can create something unique. At Mystic Owl Tattoo, we create customer design for each tattoo, no matter how small or large the tattoo.

See What the Artist Comes Up and Keep an Open Mind

It’s important to remember the person giving you your tattoo is an artist, not a replicator. They don’t want to copy someone else’s work.

Artists want to create something unique, something which has their signature on it.

While it’s fine to get ideas from pictures of other tattoos, talk to your artist about what their ideas are for creating it. Tell them what you would like to change so the piece is uniquely yours.

Remember, you selected your artist because they have strong portfolio and you are attracted to their style. Put some trust in them and allow them to create a one of a kind, custom masterpiece made just for you.

Trust Your Tattoo Artist’s Input About Your Design

It’s also important to remember your artist is a professional and they know what they’re doing – especially if they have a good reputation.

Trust your artist when they talk to you about fading, size and shape, and where tattoos tend to smudge.

They’re not trying to rain on your parade if they tell you a certain tattoo won’t work in a certain place. They want to give you the design you invision while ensuring it will look great for years to come.

You and Your Tattoo Artist Should Be on the Same Page from the Very Beginning

Generally, most of the tattoo regrets we see come from either going to an inferior establishment or a lack of good communication.

At Mystic Owl Tattoo, our highest priority is your satisfaction. This is why we encourage open communication from Day One.

We want to know exactly what you want. Don’t be afraid of “talking too much” or “over explaining” something to us. We want to know.

It’s only when you tell us these things we’ll be able to deliver your ideal vision. And when we’re able to do this for you, it leaves both of us totally satisfied with the experience.