The UNILAD Team
Richard Richardson, a tattoo artist from Scotland has shared four reasons why he would refuse to ink someone.
We often assume all the decision-making comes from the customer’s side and tattoo artists are keen to get your chosen design onto your body.
In fact the opposite is true and tattoo artists need to make sure you’re certain about getting permanent body art.
Speaking to Insider, Richardson shared how an artist can refuse to ink someone for several reasons.
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While you can choose to tattoo absolutely anything onto your body, it does not mean the artist you choose can successfully create the design you want.
Richardson told insider: “You go to a tattoo artist for their style. If you came to me asking for a coloured tattoo, honestly, I'm not very good at colour and I wouldn't feel comfortable with it.”
He advised looking at an artist’s design before you go so you know that they’re the right one for you.
The artist also shared how he may back down from tattooing someone if he does not feel he can do the design justice, usually if it’s a topic he’s not passionate about.
He said: "I don't really like football. Chances are, I'm not going to put my heart and soul into a football tattoo."
Tattoo artists also want their clients to understand that tattoos are a long-term commitment and are certain they want something inked onto their body.
When it comes to tattooing someone’s name on your body, particularly the name of a partner, Richardson stencils the name first so the client can be certain it’s what they want.
A tattoo artist may also refuse a client if they only specialise in original work. If a client wants the same tattoo they’ve seen on someone else, an artist may say no if they do not want to recreate the same work as someone else.
Some artists may play around with the design to create something original, whereas others may refuse.
Getting a tattoo is one of the biggest decisions a person can make. Those considering taking the plunge and getting inked, should consider whether their chose design will get the seal of approval from their tattoo artist.
In February another tattoo artist revealed the reason why some hate doing finger tattoos.