Things you should never be afraid to ask your tattooist!

When someone is getting their first tattoo or is getting tattooed or is unfamiliar with the tattoo culture in a country they are visiting, they might be hesitant to speak up. While tattooists always appreciate clients that are kind, polite, and respectful of boundaries, here are some things you should never be afraid to ask :)

“Will it hurt?”

It is totally understandable to be concerned about pain, especially if you are advised that your tattoo is likely to take a few hours. Your tattooist is happy to answer questions about the pain you are likely to experience in different tattoo placements, as well as pain levels at various stages of the process like lining, packing and shading. The good news is, the level of discomfort is often quite lower than what clients expect :)

“Can we change/alter this part of the design?”

Your tattooist wants loves being able to bring your tattoo concept to life, so when you are shown a design, do not be afraid to ask for adjustments to design elements. In fact, this can be a very fun and collaborative part of the process for both the client and the tattooist?

“Can we try a different stencil placement?”

Just as with making alterations to your design, please feel free to speak up if you’d like to adjust the placement of your stencil. You would be amazed how even tiny adjustments in the placement can make a huge difference. And just as with making the design itself, experimenting with placement can be incredibly fun for you and your tattooist. Similarly, this is the time to tell your tattooist if you have any future plans for other tattoos, so they can be sure to save space.

“Can I take a break?”

Your health, wellbeing, and physical and emotional comfort are a top priority for your tattooist. Do not be afraid to speak up if you’d like a break for the restroom, a snack, or even just stretching after laying on the tattoo bed for long periods of time.

“Is it okay if i I do this activity/hobby while healing?”

We always try to give our clients very clear and detailed aftercare instructions, however please do not feel shy about asking any specific questions you have regarding aftercare. For example, if you are staying in Korea for a long period of time, your tattooist can recommend good aftercare products that can be found at a local Korean pharmacy. Similarly, if you have any hobbies that involve rigorous physical activity, it is good to let your tattooist know so they can advise you when it’ll be safe to resume those activities again.

“What can I do to say thank you?”

Sometimes clients who come from countries with a tipping culture ask what they can do to show appreciation to their tattooist. Gestures of appreciation that we love are Google reviews, following your artist on Instagram, and posting and tagging a photo of your new tattoo :)