Deeper Than Skin

Getting a tattoo is a collaborative process, a partnership between you and your artist. To ensure you receive a tattoo that exceeds your expectations and heals beautifully, open and honest communication is crucial. At Deeper Than Skin, we believe in building strong relationships with our clients, and that starts with understanding your vision and your needs.

 

Here’s what you should discuss with your tattoo artist:

 

Your Design Vision: Clarity is Key

• • Specific Design Elements:
    
    • • Don’t just say “a flower.” Specify the type of flower, its size, orientation, and any unique details you envision. Providing reference images is incredibly helpful.
    • • If you’re combining elements, describe how they should interact. For example, “I want a wolf howling at a crescent moon, with the moon partially obscured by clouds.”
    • • Discuss shading, line work, and color preferences. Do you want bold lines or delicate shading? Vibrant colors or a black-and-grey design?

• • Preferred Style:
    
    • • Tattoo styles range from realism and traditional to watercolor and geometric. Understanding your preferred style helps your artist tailor the design to your taste.
    • • Show your artist examples of tattoos you admire. This gives them a clear understanding of your aesthetic.
    • • If you’re unsure about styles, ask your artist to explain the differences and show you examples of their work in various styles.

• • Placement and Size:
    

• • • Discuss the placement of your tattoo and how it will fit on your body.

• • • Consider the size of the design and how it will look in relation to your body proportions.

• • Your artist can provide valuable insights into how the design will flow with your body’s contours.

Your Health and Lifestyle: Transparency Matters

• • Health Conditions:
    
    • • Inform your artist about any health conditions, such as allergies, skin sensitivities, or bleeding disorders.
    • • If you have a history of keloids or other scarring issues, let your artist know.
    • • If you are taking any medications, especially blood thinners, discuss this with your artist.
    • • It is very important to disclose any and all health conditions.

• • Lifestyle Factors:
    
    • • Your lifestyle can affect the healing process. If you work outdoors or engage in activities that expose your tattoo to sun or water, inform your artist.
    • • If you have a physically demanding job, consider how the tattoo placement might be affected.
    • • If you plan on any large weight changes, this is also important to mention.

• • Allergies:
    

• • It is very important to inform your artist of any allergies that you have. Including but not limited to, skin allergies, and metal allergies.

Expectations and Concerns: Open Dialogue

• • Pain Tolerance:
    
    • • Be honest about your pain tolerance. Your artist can adjust their technique to minimize discomfort.

• • Aftercare Commitment:
    
    • • Discuss your ability to follow aftercare instructions. Proper aftercare is essential for healing.

• • Any Concerns or Questions:
    

• • • Don’t hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have.

• • Your artist is there to guide you and ensure you feel comfortable and confident.

 

Why This Communication Matters:

• Ensures a Successful Outcome: Clear communication leads to a tattoo that aligns with your vision and heals beautifully.
• Minimises Risks: Sharing health information helps your artist take necessary precautions to minimize risks.
• Builds Trust: Open communication fosters a trusting relationship between you and your artist.

At Deeper Than Skin, we believe that the best tattoos are born from collaboration and understanding. By having these essential conversations with your artist, you can ensure a positive and fulfilling tattoo experience.