how long does it usually take a tattoo artist to draw up a tattoo?
Okay so i went in to a tattoo shop about 3 weeks ago the artist was going to draw up my tat for me and he told me it wouldn’t take that long, and as i said it has been about 3 weeks. how long should it usually take. i want to call to see what is taking so long but first i want to know if this is normal.
March 8th, 2010 at 6:55 am
My guy usually draws things up on the spot? That’s kind of weird?? I would call just to check up it, or maybe find a new guy.
March 8th, 2010 at 7:40 am
noooooooooo this is not normal…
either he expected you to call him or come back to the shop.. or he tottally forgot..
my artist can draw up my ideas right then and there or in less than 30 minutes in most cases.. unless its a really big piece.
give him a call and ask him if its ready. dont make him seem like he is slow or anything just be like ” yea i was just calling to see if the tattoo is ready?”
March 8th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Normally it shouldn’t take that long – sometimes they draw something up on the spot, in the same day, sometimes it can take a day or two. But if you gave him something detailed or difficutl to draw, then it’s totally possible that it is taking him this long to draw something he likes – remember, artists are also perfectionists! But by all means, call him up – most tattoo artists will not call you, even if they did get your number. They sometimes forget, or are just too busy. Call him or go by and find out what’s going on with your drawing.
March 8th, 2010 at 8:43 am
no that’s not normal they usually drew it up on the spot or they may say come back tomorrow if it a big one get a new guy cause hes on some real bull
March 8th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Without knowing what the artist is drawing up, it’s hard to say too much. I will generalize where possible.
First of all, definitely call. Don’t be rude, but do check in.
A point to consider is that the work is easy, yes, but they don’t have time immediately in their schedule to do it. My artist has been known to make comments about how a given sketch is simple, but if she’s not in the right headspace due to other stuff happening it won’t come out well.
Also, artists… are artists. Kind of like research (my area), sometimes it’s hard to attach a time to a given task unless it’s really, really simple. This isn’t a given here, just another thing to think about.
My suggestion would be to touch bases with the artist. They might be flaking on you, but could just as easily just have not found the time – or was even waiting for something from you (you don’t mention if you’ve talked to him/her since, so I don’t know).
As an aside, my artist & the others in her shop tend to have something ready for a client to see anywhere from 1-4 weeks before an appointment. This is enough time to think it out, and doesn’t place undue pressure on anyone.
March 8th, 2010 at 9:39 am
Tattoos picked from flash art, or pre-designed tattoos, can usually be completed in one session and are often very fast. If the tattoo is custom-designed, it will take more time.
March 8th, 2010 at 10:31 am
It’s always best to check around with a few artists before committing to one… visit their shop, talk to him/her about what it is you’re interested in doing. Like the others said, it depends on the circumstances. If two artists look favorable to you, but one is slammed with clients, you might be better off getting more dedicated time by the other. Call around to your local shops and ask them how long it should take. You can find local shops, phone numbers, and driving directions at http://findtattooshops.com.