Tattoo Artist Code

Tattoo Artist Code

No drugs or alcohol, keep a clear head.
If you want a mate, keep a good relationship . You can't think level
headed if you’re fighting with your significant other.
Live your reputation: No bars, No clubs, what people see of you is who
you are to them. Be a part of your community.
You must show respect at all times . Be polite to everyone, answer
questions no matter how childish they may seem. Help a stranger at least
once a day. Respect your self. Dress well, not grungy. Clean clothes, well kept
hair. You can still look like a tattoo artist but don't smell as bad as they
expect you to. You are trying to be a medical professional.
Take care of you hands! They are your biggest tools. No fighting, No Skate
Boarding, No wounds of any kind. A cut on your fingers is an open door for you
to get a disease. Taking care of your hands can save your life.
Get sleep and eat well. You need eight hours of sleep every night before
you work. You have to be rested. Anyone that has tattooed can tell you that it
is physically demanding work. It’s hard on your hands, your back and you
mind. Be healthy.
Know when to stop. This is a field of great perfection. It takes dedication,
and sacrifice. It's not for everyone. If you can't do it then have enough respect
for the ones that work there whole life to be able to. Don't just do some of
the things. Don't pick and choose. All or none.
Never steal someone else’s work . Tattoo artist, not tattoo copyist
Never talk bad about another artist or shop. Better to be presumed a
fool then to open your mouth and prove it. If someone’s work is bad, then
there work will show that, you don't need to help.
Do custom work once. If you design a piece for some one then give it to
them and them alone. People that pay for custom work doesn’t want to see it
on there buddy down the road. That’s treating your patrons poorly.
Never over charge. Just because you think someone will pay more does not
give you the right to charge that much. Not everyone knows what a tattoo is
worth. Don't prey on the uninformed.
Never lie to your patron. If you've been tattooing for a year don't tell them
ten. They will respect you more for the truth, and never come back for a
lie.
Never cut corners. Remember, the next one in the chair could be your
wife, child, mother, or you. Be clean and safe.
Take a Zen moment. Never rush, take your time and do your best. It does
not matter how many people are in line, you can only tattoo one at a time.
Before every tattoo take a minute before you start to center yourself
and calm down. If you smoke cigarettes, then smoke. If you meditate then do
that. Just take the time.
Never get personally evolved with a client. If you try to sleep with your
clients then you will get that reputation and others will view you as a joke.
Never show attention to someone’s body if exposed. Your job as an
artist is to make the client comfortable not to flirt or satisfy your sexual