For tattoo artists, a tattoo is not just a design. Every tattoo carries a personal story. Skilled tattoo artists strive to listen to get a feel for what a client is trying to express through a tattoo. They interpret it to suit the design aesthetics and essentially translate feelings into art.
A tattoo is your version of a story that you want to show the world. A template design may not convey everything that you want to convey. Good tattoo artists work on building a bond with the client to understand them. They are intuitively inclined to pick up on people’s vibes and understand their story. They bring your story to life on your terms.
A meaningful design is the result of a good connection between the tattoo artist and the client. This blog explains how tattoo artists can create meaningful designs after establishing a strong bond with the client.
The First Conversation
The process of tattooing begins with an informal chat with the tattoo artist. An informal chat puts the client at ease and helps them open up to tell their story. Tattoo artists talk to understand the reason for the tattoo. You may have a design in mind, but tattoo artists like to understand the reasoning behind it. They pick up on emotional cues. The tone, whether excited or hesitant, leaves a trail of clues about your personality that helps the tattoo artist.
When a client asks for a template design, tattoo artists strive to understand the feelings that the client associates with the tattoo. A client may ask for a phoenix, but tattoo artists try to interpret whether it is meant to represent rebirth, resilience, or overcoming hardship. Tattoo artists are good listeners and ask open-ended questions to get the complete picture. They observe your facial expressions and are sensitive to your silences.
They draw people out and have different communication styles for all kinds of people.
Reading between the Lines
Many tattoos are badges of hard times and resilience. They reveal the vulnerable side of the person. To understand their story, tattoo artists need to have a high emotional quotient (EQ). They are usually empaths who are sensitive to people’s emotions.
They are self-aware and hear to listen. They like to understand the tone of the emotions behind the tattoo, whether it is nervousness, grief, or a celebration of something personal. They use their intuition to set the nuances of the tattoo. They understand that a memorial tattoo needs to be handled with quiet respect, whereas a celebratory one needs to be inked with celebratory laughter. It puts them in a good position to decide the tone and pacing. When clients need reassurance during the process, tattoo artists are at hand.
This empathy that tattoo artists have developed with experience and natural intuition helps prevent any misunderstandings or regrets.
Storytelling Through Ink
Once tattoo artists have a clear understanding of the story, they can interpret it into a design that suits the client. They become visual translators. It is not just the design that makes a good tattoo. Symbols, colours, and placement contribute to representing emotions and identity. Tattoo artists can suggest the best way to ink your story.
For instance, a compass can mean direction, travel, or staying true to oneself. Tattoo artists help refine what it means for that person. If the client comes with inspo pictures, the artist can change the details and personalise them. They offer design options in sketch consultations. They refine the designs until it “feels right”.
For clients who want cultural and spiritual symbols, tattoo artists accord them the respect they deserve and are sensitive to their beliefs.
Building Trust and Comfort in the Chair
Tattooing is an intimate process. It involves pain in proximity to another person. You are vulnerable when you are in pain. Tattoo artists keep calm and exude confidence. They help clients relax by engaging in conversation.
They explain each step to put the client at ease. The machine sounds and the frequent cleaning might be daunting for first-timers. Tattoo artists talk you through the steps and alleviate any anxiety. Some use humour or light conversation to distract you from the pain, while others offer quiet focus.
The aim is to build trust while respecting boundaries. Your comfort and ease are important to the artist. It is not a one-time job that is done and over with; they endeavour to make it a memorable experience. At every point of the session, they will check in with you and give you hydration breaks for long sessions.
The placement of the tattoo is important for the design to really shine. They will get your consent about the placement of the tattoo when they make a suggestion.
The Role of Body Language and Observation
For first-timers, the build-up to getting a tattoo can be nerve-racking. Even people with several tattoos get nervous before a session. Tattoo artists pay close attention to the reaction of clients during the process.
They notice if you are tense before the session. They make mental notes about the breathing and posture changes during the session to adjust the pressure and pacing. Shading requires more attention to detail. Artists will put a nervous client at ease during the long session.
Their empathetic nature and keen observation make the experience comfortable for the client. Experienced artists understand subtle breathing and posture changes. They understand when the client is overwhelmed or needs a break, even without words.
The artist’s body language is always calm and confident. It is reassuring and calms your nerves.
When Tattoos Become Healing
Sometimes, tattoos mark emotional milestones. It could be loss, survival, or self-acceptance. It is a testament to a journey through grief. Tattoo artists are quiet witnesses to people’s personal healing journeys. This is sometimes referred to as “therapeutic tattooing”. It is a cathartic process. This is especially so when clients are keen to hide self-harm or surgery scars.
Artists ensure that they create a safe space for you to work through your grief or loss.
Aftercare and Continued Connection
The bond that clients form with tattoo artists does not end after the tattoo is inked. Proper aftercare makes all the difference in achieving a stunning, vibrant tattoo that looks its best. Artists are invested in ensuring that their art and the person it is on heal well.
Many clients return for touch-ups and new tattoos to the same artist.
The Art of Understanding People
Tattoo artists interpret your vision and create a tangible design to ink on your skin. They include elements to ensure that the design reflects the client’s emotions and experience. With their expertise, they turn your ink into your identity. It becomes a form of self-expression that you sport on your person.
Good tattoo artists have clients who seek them for future tattoos and become part of the artist’s creative “family”. Artists at Colibri Tattoo & Piercing have a loyal clientele eager to testify about their skill and expertise.
A tattoo may fade in time, but the connection between tattoo artists and their clients is lifelong!
