Etiquette of communication with a tattoo artist: how to write a tattoo artist by e-mail?

Tattoo artists are very busy and this is generally well known. Thus, between tattoo sessions, design creation, consultations with clients and general preparation for a tattoo, tattoo artists have little to no time to read the emails of potential clients. But when they do, there are a few things, or rather information, that they want right away, from the very first e-mail.

This means that you, as a client, need to know how to properly approach a tattoo artist in order to get their attention and be really interested in responding and working with you. Let's just say one thing; you can’t ask a tattoo artist for the cost of a tattoo in the very first sentence! No tattoo artist will take you seriously enough to even consider replying to your email.

So, how to write a letter to a tattoo artist? In the following paragraphs, we will provide you with a detailed guide on how to write a proper and effective email, explain what information it should contain, and provide you with the only way to get a price from a tattoo artist. . So without further ado, let's get down to business!

Email to the tattoo artist

Understand the purpose of the email

Before you start writing an email, you need to ask yourself; why am I emailing this artist? Is it because I want them to tattoo me, or is it because I'm just interested in their speed and cost of the tattoo?

To write an effective email, you need to understand it. goal. If you want to ask an artist a stupid question about tattoos, chances are you don't need to email them about it. Just Google the answer and that's it. You will write an email if you are interested in one of the following information;

• I want a tattoo artist to tattoo me. Is a tattoo artist available?
• I want this tattoo artist to create a custom design for me. Does the tattoo artist have the opportunity to do this and is he ready to do it?
• I have already got a tattoo but I have a few questions about the aftercare and healing process.

If you want to write an email to ask about the cost of a tattoo or random information about tattoos, we advise you not to disturb the master. Your email will not be answered and will be considered spam. We'd also like to say that it's very nice if you want to write an email asking about a tattoo artist's copyright and use their work as inspiration for another tattoo.

Information to be provided

Now that you know why you want to write this email, let's move on to the information you need to provide. The email should contain some information about you, but mostly about tattoos. Here is a short list of information you should provide based on your tattoo related questions and the overall purpose of the email;

If you want a tattoo artist to create a custom tattoo design, you need to;

• Explain if this is a brand new tattoo design, a design inspired by something or someone, or a hidden tattoo design (whatever design you would like, be sure to send in an example image, "inspiration" image, or image of the tattoo the design is supposed to cover up ).
• Explain the type of design you would like to receive; the style of the tattoo, or the style you want the tattoo artist to create the design in.
• Explain the desired tattoo size, possible color scheme, and where the tattoo will be placed (in case of overlap, where the current tattoo is).

The purpose of this particular letter is to seek advice from a tattoo artist to discuss a possible design. The tattoo artist will be open to further questions in person, so there is no need to write a long email. Make sure you speak directly and concisely; other information will be discussed personally in any case.

If you want a tattoo artist to do your tattoo, you need;

• Explain if you want a brand new tattoo done on bare skin or if you want a cover up tattoo.
• Explain if the tattoo will be surrounded by other tattoos, or if there are no tattoos or multiple tattoos in the area (provide a photo if there are other tattoos).
• Explain the type or style of tattoo you would like to get (e.g. if you would like your tattoo to be traditional, realistic or illustrative, Japanese or tribal, etc.)
• Explain if you want a new design or if you are using your own idea, such as one inspired by another tattoo (provide a photo if you have specific inspiration).
• Specify the size of the tattoo you want to make, as well as the place where it can be located.
• Be sure to mention if you suffer from certain types of allergies; for example, some people are allergic to latex, so by mentioning the allergy, the tattoo artist will not be using latex gloves for the tattoo process and thereby avoiding a potential allergic reaction.

This is general information that you should briefly mention in the email. Make sure you speak directly and concisely; You don't want to write an essay because no tattoo artist has time to read it word by word. As soon as the tattoo artist answers, you will in any case make an appointment for a consultation so that you can discuss the details in person.

And finally, if you want to ask a question about tattoo care, you need to;

• What stage of healing is your tattoo in? did you just get a tattoo or has it been a few days/weeks since you got it?
• Explain if the healing process is going well or if something is bothering you; e.g. redness of the tattoo, lifting of the tattoo, problems with scabs and itching, oozing or inflammation of the tattoo, pain and discomfort, ink leakage, etc.
• Provide a photo of the tattoo so the tattoo artist can take a quick look and see if everything is healing well or if there is something wrong with the healing process.

Once your tattoo artist answers, you will know what to do. Either they will tell you everything is fine and provide you with further care instructions, or they will invite you in for a personal checkup to inspect the tattoo and see what you will do next if something is found to be wrong.

Example of a letter to a tattoo artist

And this is how you should write your first email to contact a tattoo artist. Email is simple, concise and professional. It is important to be informative, but not overdo it. As we have already mentioned, tattoo artists do not have much free time between tattoo sessions, so they need to get important information in just a few sentences.

As you can see, we mentioned the tattoo quote quickly, at the very end of the letter. It is rude to ask about the cost of a tattoo right away, and no tattoo artist will take such a letter seriously. When writing such an email, try to be polite, professional, and considerate of the art and craft of the artist.

Good luck and hope our little guide will help you get the tattoo of your dreams!