Proudly Serving Clients From The Hudson Valley And Beyond Since 2003
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic each independent artist at Graceland Tattoo shared the same philosophy to run a safe and sanitary studio. As we navigate our new normal we will continue to uphold this philosophy.We have in place numerous measurements to ensure that we are providing a safe and clean studio. For example, each workstation is constructed of stainless steel, which contributes to the clean and safe working environment. All of our clients receive single-service use on all products . Additionally, any non-disposable instruments are autoclave sterilized prior to each use. Furthermore, we are implementing a facemask policy. Artists, support staff, & clients must wear facemasks while in our tattoo parlor. . We also request you come alone to be tattooed, pierced or when making a future appointment. If you are bringing a minor to be pierced, we are limiting it to one parent. Thank you to everyone who understands. These are trying times we are doing our best to do our part. We value you all and are grateful to have you in our community. Graceland Loves You,
Getting A Price Quote
We cannot give price estimates over the phone, email, or DM. There are many different factors that go into pricing a tattoo. For example we need to consider size, details, placement on the body, color or black and grey, etc. We also need to consider how much drawing and research will need to be done for the tattoo. If you come in for a consultation your artists can give you a price range after going over your concept.
Ask About The Pricing And Payment
But no doubt one of the best questions to ask your tattoo artist before your appointment is the cost per piece, as this can influence the design you choose. Keep in mind most artists calculate fees based on the size, detail, color and location of the tattoo, all of which influence how long it will take, in both hours and, sometimes, number of sessions. Whats more, some artists charge an hourly rate while others have a minimum and, once the design and location is confirmed, charge per piece. Bottom line: Cost is a factor to everyone, no matter how deep your pockets, so youll need to have a basic idea of the design, its size and location, figured out before nabbing a quote.
Another one of the important questions to ask your tattoo artist before your appointment is to ask what type of payment they accept. These types of regulations vary state and countrywide, as do a shops own policies, so its best to know if you need to hit the ATM beforehand and, if gratuity is suggested, if it can be added to a card. Youll also want to confirm whether you need to give a deposit or credit card number to secure your appointment and what the shops cancellation policy is, in case you get cold feet.
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Haggling For Prices Isnt Cool
Tattoos are a luxury item theyre something you save for not something you haggle for. On top of that, each piece is custom created by an artist who has trained extensively to hone their craft, and no one deserves to have their artwork undervalued. If its out of your budget today, remember its on your body for life, so take the time to save up for it.
Approve The Placement For The Stencil Transfer
Most tattoo studios use a machine called a thermal imager to make their stencils. This saves on literally hours of tracing time by simply inserting your tattoo design into the machine, and it transfers it onto a special thermal paper in seconds.
Once your stencil is ready, it’s time to create the transfer onto your skin. Some artists will use soap or water to moisten the skin, and some will use stick deodorant. These aid in making the design transfer better and darker onto your skin. When the paper is pulled away from your skin, it will leave you with a purple-ish blue likeness of your future tattoo. Once you approve of how everything looks, you’re ready to go.
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Schedule In Picking Up Supplies
Youll need some specific things for aftercare that you may not already have, so make sure to schedule in picking up supplies. You can always do this after you get your tattoo, but its totally up to you! Having some non-fragrance, hypoallergenic soap on hand, preferably in a squirt bottle since bars of soap can carry bacteria, will be great for keeping your new baby clean. No need for towels though! Youre better off air drying your piece rather than rubbing it dry. It is, after all, basically an open wound. Easy does it!
As for lotions or salves, everyone has their own personal secret weapon to fight against the dry itchiness of a new tattoo and to help promote successful healing. Ive been using Dexeryl for years. Jes loves unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil. Joe prefers Saniderm. Some people swear by A& D. There are a few shops out there that may send you home with a card or a little care package that includes products they stand behind. With your first tattoo, its usually best to stick with what your artist suggests, and as you continue to get more tattoos youll find your own personal favorite.
What Happens During The Session
Well, its a chance for you to share ideas with the tattoo artist and both learn about each other’s expectations. Knowing how to schedule a tattoo consultation is also different depending on the tattoo artist themselves, but many will give you a form to fill in beforehand.
Among the things discussed, you will be likely to discuss the price of the tattoo, and the timeframes of getting your ink. Scheduling the time to get the tattoo can be a challenge if you have a busy working life, and good artists are often busy.
Of course, youll chat about the tattoo itself, and both the size and placement are key to the consultation, you may also chat about some stylistic features and design details such as the coloration. This is so that you both know you are on the same page.
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How To Email A Tattoo Artist
This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 8,227 times.
Do you have a great tattoo idea and want to set up an appointment with an artist? Sending an email is one of the best ways to reach out to an artist to plan your visit to their shop. We know youre excited about your tattoo idea, and we have a few tips and tricks so you can communicate your vision clearly. Keep reading for examples of what you should include in your email so you can book the artist for your next tat!
Complete Paperwork And Settle Payment
Once you have decided on your tattoo design and your artist, you will be required to show valid identification for proof of age. You may also be asked for your address and phone number, so your artist can contact you in the future if need be. In most studios, payment must be made before services are rendered. It is up to each studio to decide which methods of payment they accept. Whatever method you pay with, make sure they give you a receipt.
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Can You Get A Tattoo Without A Consultation
Consultation is a great way to make sure your tattooing process runs smoothly and the end result is successful, meaning you get the design you wanted. Besides meeting the clients expectations, consultation beforehand helps the tattoo artist to be prepared for the session and focus on his work without worrying about anything else but tattooing. So we recommend getting consultation as it will make sure both the artist and the client feel content and fulfilled at the end of the process.
Find Your Ideal Tattoo Shop
How can I find the right artist or studio?
You can find a tattoo artist by narrowing down what style you want. First, choose the tattoo style you want and then look for the best-known artists for your style. To get started you can explore the Book-ink website where you will be able to search for any artist you want by typing a specific location or choosing the style you want. You can also search for the best artists based on your tattoo style.
How can you tell if the artist is good?
If you want to know if your artist is good, you need to look at their portfolio and previous artwork. Checking out an artist’s reviews can also help you determine if the artist is good.
How can I make sure that the studio is good?
Review the profile of the studio to find out if it is a good studio. See what other people have to say about their experience! You want to make sure a tattoo studio is clean and respected for the artists who work there.
So now that youve found your ideal artist and tattoo shop, the next thing to do is to book your first appointment. Remember, by scheduling an appointment, you are now taking an artists time, so you should go about it properly and respectfully!
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Do Not Show Up With Damaged Skin
If you have any cuts, bruises, burns, peeling or fresh tans your tattoo appointment may be postponed. The main reason is that your tattoo will have a difficult time healing because your skin is going through trauma. The damage caused will lead to complications as your body tries to take in the ink during the healing process.
How To Message A Tattoo Artist When Booking An Appointment
The question we get asked the most is: How to message a tattoo artist when booking an appointment? And we promise messaging a tattoo artist when booking an appointment doesnt have to be full of anxiety. Our advice is pretty simple, just like your message should be!
What to email a tattoo artist when booking an appointment:
- A simple description of your idea and any photo references you may have.
- The size and body part youd like to have tattooed, as well as your budget.
- Any particular style, colors, details, and similar, that youd like included.
- Dates that work well for you.
The best thing to keep in mind when you ask yourself how to message a tattoo artist is: be straight-forward and polite. Keep it short but make sure to include all of the information above plus anything else you think may be relevant.
What if Im unsure about the size or the placement?
If youre unsure about the size or placement of the tattoo, thats okay! Just say so! But were pretty sure you probably have an estimate in mind…if you dont, thats also okay. The tattoo artist will work with you to figure out a size and a placement for your piece that will work perfectly. Its part of their job. The same goes for if youre unsure about colors, design, style, etc. Let the artist work their magic with you!
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Small Tattoos Arent Cheap
This is only gonna cost $20, right? Look, even if youre getting the ever popular infinity symbol on your wrist, tattoo shops still have to charge a minimum for each appointment. This minimum covers set-up, prep, sterilization, and supplies, which remain the same no matter the size of the design not to mention maintaining health and safety guidelines. On top of that you get what you pay for. Value your artists time, skills and creativity.
What A Session Is Like And Things To Ask Your Artist
If youve made it this far into our guide, its safe to say that you have all your bases covered.
To wrap things up, heres how your interaction with your artist and getting your tattoo done will likely unfold:
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Do Not Settle For The Lowest Price
Quality comes at a cost. Do not settle for the lowest price of a tattoo, and avoid going in with a cheap mindset. You will have to pay to have the tattoo done itself, and you will also have to tip the tattoo artist as well. This is one of the first tattoo tips you dont want to forego, its best to avoid a blotched version of your tattoo idea!
Declare Your Love Another Way
Name tattoos are one of the most covered up and removed tattoos in the industry. You wont be the first person to declare your love via a permanent mark, and you wont be the last but the smarter choice would be to have a t-shirt made, or jewelry or literally anything thats not permanent. Just some unsolicited advice.
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Gauge Shop Courtesy And Ask If The Artist Offers Consultations
Last but not least, take note of the shop and artists general professionalism and personality. Youre about to trust someone to permanently etch a piece of artwork into your skin, and in order to do this, you have to be comfortable with the artist and with their work.
You want the artist to be as excited as you, or at least understand your passion. But remember, they arent required to work with you just because you like their portfolio.
If you arent meshing well or just not digging the overall vibe in the shop, its more than okay to move along to the next one. Just be sure to thank the artist for their time before you see your way out.
Common Questions Once You Have Booked Your Tattoo Appointment:
What happens at a consultation?
At your consultation your artist will discuss size, layout and placement with you. They will also discuss a price range, either for a single-session tattoo, or an hourly rate for a larger, multi-session tattoo. If the artist feels that they can meet your expectations, you like their direction and you decide to book, then they will take a deposit, typically equivalent to one hour of the artist’s hourly rate, to start work on your design. Please read our deposit and billing policy before your consultation.
It is super helpful to bring in any reference pictures of tattoos, artwork, or photos that you like the look of to help explain your ideas to your artist, but remember we are all custom artists, and will use your references as inspiration only and not directly copy someone else’s tattoo that you bring in. This ensures that you get a super unique tattoo designed just for you. We do have a large library of reference material for you to check out, but do not have many pre-drawn designs, with the exception of some drawn by our artists.
How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?
Can I drink or take pain medication before my tattoo?
Can I drink or take pain medication after my tattoo?
Refrain from drinking immediately after your tattoo appointment. After any bleeding has stopped, generally a few hours later, you can resume regular merriment or take tylenol or ibuprofen to help with swelling or pain. Read more about aftercare here.
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Describe The Components You Want In The Tattoo Design