There are as many ways to get tattooed as there are tattooists. Some people like walking into a busy, bustling open-plan studio and enjoy the energy of sharing their experience with a room full of strangers. Other people prefer a quieter, more private experience. Neither is right or wrong, in the same way that some artists will create your design at your appointment, without a prior consultation, and others will require a consultation prior to booking the tattoo and then complete the design and have it available for viewing in the days prior to the appointment. Again, there are many different ways that tattooists work best.
I live and work using a values-based approach to all that I do, and those values are centred in integrity, accountability and transparency. This applies to my tattooing practice in the following ways...
Consultations
I much prefer to have a separate consultation appointment with my clients prior to booking the tattoo. This serves many purposes. I get to explain the pros and cons of placement, size and style, and I get to ask questions about the design, while also providing an opportunity for the client to ask questions. It makes it easier for me to show examples of similar designs/ tattoos/ placements and ensure that there is a mutual understanding of the outcomes. If the design idea changes from what the client first wanted, having the consultation and allowing them to go away and think about the "new and improved" idea before committing to it makes me feel more confident that the client is making an informed decision. Informed decision making is vital to providing a tattoo experience that reflects my core value of integrity while supporting the important principle of consent.
Designs
I tend to create the design a week prior to the appointment, and in some cases, I do upload a copy of the design to be sent through to the client. While not every client gets their design, when I do send it through it is to ensure that I have captured everything that was discussed at the consultation. If there are options, I provide those options, and give the client 24 hours to decide which option works for them. Small changes can be make, usually in relation to size or placement of components within the design, but large changes or re-draws attract an additional design fee. This does not often occur because of the thorough process of consultation. Furthermore, my experience has been that many people who come to see me regarding a coverup or repair work to an existing tattoo tell me that there were last minute changes to their design made at the tattoo appointment, and due to their own excitement, fear or as a result of direction from the artist, they agreed to changes without being given the opportunity to think about it thoroughly, and then later regretted those changes. This is not the case for all people, but it is something I try to avoid by creating a mutual understanding of my clients needs at the consultation so that the design on the day of the tattoo is exactly what my clients want and expect.
Studio Environment
The studio is in a commercial building, but it is a private studio, which means it is not open to the public for "walk in" appointments. This provides all my clients with an environment that allows for a more private, quieter, more intimate experience. My clients can feel more relaxed with the knowledge that they are free to feel the full range of emotions and feelings that can present themselves while being tattooed, without judgement, embarrassment or need to mask their feelings. Some people laugh, others cry, and some like to chat. Others put their headphone in and listen to their favourite tunes, or podcasts. A private environment allows for the greatest amount of flexibility for me to help my clients have the experience that they want and need during the tattoo process. It also allows for those people with sensory sensitivities to get tattooed in a safe space that can accommodate their needs.
Furthermore, the private studio environment is often preferred when clients are required to be in various states of undress as a result of the placement and positioning of their tattoos.
Aftercare and Tattoo Preparation
Preparing the body for tattooing is just as important as the aftercare processes. This is why I provide all my clients with a comprehensive Tattoo Preparation Information sheet at the tattoo consultation. This ensures that my clients know what they need to do to prepare for their tattoo and what they will be expected to do in the 2-4 weeks after the tattoo. Knowledge is power, and empowering people to make informed choices that provide for the best possible outcomes is another really important part of my business and tattoo philosophy. I also supply the aftercare cream for most clients, and it is included in the cost of the tattoo.
Want to know more? Have questions?
If you have any other questions about how I work, and about the tattooing process, please don't hesitate to check the FAQ page of the Vamp Body Art website, or email us directly. Chris, my partner, manages all enquires and bookings and is more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
FAQ page: http://www.vampbodyart.com.au/faq.php
Email: vampbodyart@gmail.com
