Can you ever truly be friend with your tattooist?
Sure, you probably would never have met outside of the tattoo studio and the only reason you have is because they can create something you want. But having met them, you may realise you have lots of stuff in common, that you make each other laugh, making the whole tattoo process more enjoyable.
You have singled them out for their drawing style, their colour palette or maybe on a recommendation. The evolving world of social media means that you can often view tattoos without ever seeing the person behind them. In simple terms your relationship with your tattooist is a business transaction, swapping a product or service for money.
But is money the means for a friendship to grow? Or can it be something that is problematic? If you are a loyal and regular customer to one tattooist should you get a discount or mate’s rates? Or like everyone else should you pay a fair price. What if you have something to exchange for a tattoo? Does the number of followers on your Instagram or blog have an affect on the price of your tattoo? Should the fact that you are inadvertently advertising the tattoo artists work when you post it count for something?
With large pieces comes longer time spans, more hours under the needle, more emails, more travel, more expense. You inevitably spend more time with the artist, you chat with them while you are in a vulnerable position, most likely undressed and in pain. What if your personalities clash and you realise that you really dislike the person? Or on the flip side you could become closer, realising that you not only love their work but also enjoy their company.
Tattoos by @jaketattoos & @karigrat
I work as a receptionist in a tattoo studio and I’ve found myself making friends with many of my husband’s clients. Sometimes I find myself in a grey area where I ask myself if these people would actually be friends with me if it weren’t for the fact they were being tattooed by my partner. Most of the time it actually turns out they probabbbllyyyy wouldn’t, but for a few select few they actually do become really great friends and they frequently visit the shop even when they don’t have appointments. It’s great to establish a relationship with a customer. Finding out that they share an interest makes the whole experience that bit better and you look forward to them coming in a bit more. However, we have had some cases that the customer turned friend does sort of expect some sort of preferential treatment but not all the time. I actually find that customers turned friends are more likely to let you down, it’s like a “Aw sorry buddy!” mentality.
I like to think I’ve made some great friendships from tattooing. Of course we may never have met if it wasnt because I am a tattoo artist, but you can bond over similar passions & interests. Also spending most your life at work and with regular ‘clients’ they become a big part of your life. I socialise with people I have met through my job aswell.
As far as money is concerned, if any other friend worked in a store you would still pay for your items, right? However, regular clients get some free time now and then, more like a loyalty scheme than ‘mates rates’
Meeting & gaining new friends is the best thing about my job. Wouldn’t change it for the world.
great post btw, started some good convo in our studio
It’s definitely hard to tell if a tattooist is being nice to you because you two get along or if he is just being a good host for his customers. Either way, it is good to foster at least some form of a relationship with him or her. I agree that if you like their art already, and you really love and are passionate about tattoos, a relationship could naturally blossom.