Tattoo Artist

Tattoo Artist

Tatted Mom

Tucson, AZ

Female, 32

I'm a tattoo artist who underwent a standard apprenticeship under a certified tattoo artist. I am an artist first, tattooer second, which means I put creativity and art into my tattoos, not just the 'you pick it, we stick it' type of tattooer. Apprenticeships for tattooing vary by state, according to the laws. I'm also a trained body piercer, as well. Any questions about the job or apprenticing, I'd be happy to help!

PLEASE NOTE: I will NOT price tattoos. Seek a shop for that.

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422 Questions

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Last Answer on May 23, 2014

Best Rated

my friend wants my to draw cartoons, how much should i charge?

Asked by alicia over 13 years ago

Whatever you'd like. I can price tattoos that I'm going to do, but I have no idea what to price art. It's completely up to the person doing the art and the person buying the art.

What are your thoughts on getting a tattoo at a tatt convention? (With an international with a good on line portfolio but I cant check any reviews) looking at a sleeve.

Asked by AJ about 13 years ago

Tattoo conventions are a great place to get a tattoo from international artists. I definitely recommend it. Just keep in mind that their wait list can be extraordinary for tattoo conventions. I've seen international artists book up a year in advance. So, figure out which convention, and contact them immediately.

I went to my local tattoo artist for a Celtic cross with elements of four family crests incorporated in it. A month later, not drawing. I'm told the drawing will be ready the day of the tattoo. Is this right/professional?

Asked by Maikeli about 13 years ago

Yes and no, lol. If the piece is a custom piece, the artist should have you stop by a day or so before the appointment to see the drawing, so they can make any necessary changes to it before the day of the tattoo. Do many artists conduct business this way? Unfortunately, no. Many of them, depending on the tattoo, don't draw them up until the week of the appointment. I've seen a lot of artists (the busier ones), sit down on a Sunday and draw out all of their tattoos for the week, regardless of whether the appointment is that Monday or Friday. Each artist has a method to their madness.

I just finished my first tattoo on practice skin. Came out great but the white highlights I put on last did not 'take', and didn't show at all. Could this be the ink quality or the skin?
Thank you!

Asked by Tony almost 13 years ago

It's more than likely the practice skin. That stuff is thick, and really is not a lot like human skin at all. White is a tricky color, too. You may have not gone deep enough with it.

When artists ask for a visual to help with the design of the tattoo, be it an object or photo, is it insulting if the person wanting the tattoo brings in a picture of another tattoo design that another artist has done?

Asked by CRG1289 about 13 years ago

Nope, not at all. Many people surf the internet and find already-done tattoos that they like. Taking them to an artist and asking them to reproduce that tattoo exactly is insulting, but tellling them that they like the style of the tattoo and want something custom drawn that has that feel or look, is perfectly fine.

Will it annoy my artist if I ask him to touch up my tattoo one more time? I see just a couple of tiny spots that need to be touched up but I am afraid I'm going to bug him if I ask for one more touch up :/

Asked by Abby about 13 years ago

It depends on the artist, the tattoo, and how much time has gone by. If a tattoo needs multiple touch ups in a short amount of time, chances are, artists start to wonder if the person was caring for the tattoo correctly during the healing process. If that's the case, that a customer wasn't caring for the tattoo correctly, then chances are the artist won't touch it up without charging you the shop minimum. If it's in a rough area, too, like the hands, elbows or feet, where it's more difficult for the ink to stay bright, they may limit the number of touch ups a customer gets. And, if months (or years) have passed, chances are, they will charge you for a touch up.

How can I tell if I've messed up my new tattoo or not? I got it yesterday and whenever I pat it dry, little black specks come off of the tattoo onto the napkin. Is this normal?

Asked by Worrier about 13 years ago

That's normal. The skin will push out excess ink during the first few days of the healing process. If it scabs, don't mess with the scab, though, because pulling that off could result in pulling necessary ink out of your tattoo.