Balancing Client Requests with Artistic Integrity

The Nitty Gritty of Tattoos

Tattoo artists walk a fine line between bringing our client's visions to life, and staying true to our own artistic integrity. It's a delicate dance - one that requires patience, communication, and thoughtful understanding of the craft and the people who are willing to offer us trust to mark their skin.

"Let's Mosey." - Cloud Strife, FFVII

Ren Behan tattooing Cloud Strife from FFVII

The Client's Vision + The Artist's Expertise

Every client has an idea - some have a crystal-clear expectation and others a vague inclination. The tattoo artist's job is not just to slap an image on the client and call it a day - it's to guide, refine, and ensure the final product is something they'll love for years to come, and wear proudly!

But here's the challenge: not every idea works well as a tattoo. Some designs may be far too small and intricate for proper longevity, some placements may not hold ink well or for very long, some ideas may not work well for certain placements on the body, and sometimes a client's request just doesn't suit the artist's style. This is where that integrity comes in to play, and it's a partnership between the artist's know-how and the client's trust!

Saying "No" the right way...

Rejecting a request outright can feel harsh - but it's necessary when an idea compromises quality. And while the client's skin is ultimately theirs to do with as they wish, the artist cares about what art they are willing to put their name to, and that the art is a lasting investment for the client - after all, who more often than not is blamed first when a client is unhappy? However, instead of just turning people away - turning an idea into a doorway for brainstorming other possibilities is essential for building strong professional rhetoric.

For the Artist

Stay Honest - This should always take precedence. If a request doesn't align with your style, skillsets, or experience, respectfully explain that you may not be the artist for their idea. Clients appreciate honesty, and forcing a tattoo outside of our expertise benefits no one.

Educate - Explain why certain elements might not work or how an idea can be done better. Most clients come to an artist because they want to hire us for our expertise and/or our portfolio caught their eye - they will appreciate receiving the reasoning behind adjustments.

Offer Alternatives - If a design isn't feasible in the way a client is envisioning it, suggest modifications that maintain the essence of their idea and express your determination to make sure it survives the test of time! Brainstorming gives your client a chance to be part of the creative process.

Don't Be An Asshole - Tattoo artists are not rockstars - stomp that mentality and be a professional. Rhetoric is everything - treat your clients with the respect you wish to have reciprocated. But if a client is downright rude and disrespectful despite your efforts, be firm. There will always be others!

For the Client

Trust Their Expertise - Tattooing is not just about aesthetics - its about longevity and getting your money's worth! If an artist advises against certain details, it's likely because they have experience with how it may have failed for others or they know it won't survive the test of time. Remember, most take pride in their work and want the best outcome. Of course, this is if they are professional - do research on their portfolio and look into reviews.

Ask Questions - Ask why your chosen artist is making their suggestions - a professional will be able to explain their reasons and sometimes even share examples to support it. You can also ask how your vision can be achieved - perhaps the artist can suggest different placement or styles to best achieve the essence of your idea!

Collaboration - Tattooing is a partnership - it takes the artist's know-how and client's trust to ultimately achieve. Consider why you chose the artist you did, and figure how they can enhance your idea if they were given more creative freedom. Besides, assuming that you chose this artist for their portfolio, you'd want the artist to be just as excited about your tattoo as you are!

Respect Boundaries and Know When to Walk Away - Artists are as diverse as the art they practice in and each will have their own set of guidelines, boundaries, and ethics...so it may take time to find one you vibe with! It's perfectly fine to walk away and find someone else! You have your boundaries as well and should feel comfortable and confident with your artist choice! But if multiple professionals are advising against your idea, it may be time to re-evaluate it and understand there is probably a reason.

Cloud Strife Tattoo by Ren Behan

Integrity and Collaboration Builds Strong Reputation

At the end of the day, artistic integrity isn't just about personal pride or rejection - it's about maintaining a good reputation for quality work that an artist is proud to stand behind and that a client is proud to wear. Client's may not always agree with or understand the technical aspects of tattooing or an artist's discomfort with certain ideas, but they do recognize passion, professionalism, honesty, and dedication to the craft.. Equally, it takes a lot of courage, investment, and trust for a client to choose an artist, and it's essential that we, as the artists, feel blessed and honored to have them! After all, what would tattooing even be without clients to wear them!

Ren Behan INK

Most if not all of my clients chose me for the style I present in my portfolio - while most of my portfolio consists of custom anime tattoos, I have a dynamic tattoo style that can be applied to many sorts of subjects! I've received requests for movie, video-game, and comic characters and creatures - I've even done mythological creatures in my style! All that matters to me is that I can have fun and give my client a badass tattoo that they can be proud to show off! Want to see some of that work? Check out my tattoo portfolio below!