The Journey

Part 1

I can still recall getting my first tattoo. Most would think that I probably started when I was in my 20’s, you’d be wrong. I didn’t get my first tattoo until I was in my early 30’s. And, I’ll fully admit it was not in a Safe, Clean or Professional setting. No, it was in the dining room of an apartment in Urbandale. That first experience was enlightening to say the least. I had no idea what to expect, other that after it was over, I’d have a tattoo. Cool!?

Needless to say, since that day; I’ve learned a lot about tattoo’s and tattooing. That tattoo, as well as the next three tattoo’s I got, are all covered now. Why? Well, that’s simple; bad decisions on my part. Why were they bad decisions you ask? Well, two of the four were quick decisions to just get a tattoo, and the other two, albeit planned; were done so poorly because I didn’t pick a solid artist to do them. What do I mean by that? Well, the artist didn’t take the time to listen to what I was wanting and did what they wanted to do. That was a great lesson for me, not knowing that I’d eventually become a tattoo artist myself.

Fast forward 14 years, after getting my first tattoo, and I make the decision to become a tattoo artist. Other than learning how to become a practitioner of tattoo’s and that being my focus, the lesson I learned from my personal tattoo experiences has guided me since day one as a tattooist.

Listen to your clients.

Not only have I experienced it myself, but I’ve heard countless stories from clients that have sat in my chair about their experiences that are identical to mine. They asked for X and got Y.

Yes, I have a responsibility as the tattoo artist to first and foremost, make a great tattoo for my client and secondly; guide my clients to make solid decisions about their tattoos. What does guiding my clients mean to me? It’s simple, yet complex. Simply put, for example; a client comes to me with an idea and some great references for a very detailed piece they want 2-3” on their forearm. Could I do it at that size? Yes. Should I do it at that size? No. Why? Because I know that over time, it’s going to blur out and look like garbage. Do I want that for my client who’s paying good money to have the tattoo made? No. I want to make tattoo’s that are going to last a lifetime and look great over time.

Don’t judge.

This is another aspect of being a tattoo practitioner that I deal with on the regular. Clients come to me with ideas and ask me if I think it’s “cool”. Cool is what YOU define cool as, NOT what your artist thinks is cool. I like trucks, if you like cars, that’s cool with me. As your artist, I’m going to sit down with you and ask, during our consultation, a lot of questions. What are you looking to get done? What is the significance of this tattoo for you? What about the references you brought do you like? What don’t you like about them? Tell me more! You are paying ME to create a design as unique as YOU for YOU to wear proudly the rest of your life.

Be transparent!

I’ve heard a lot of stories from clients over the past five years that are cringeworthy about their experiences getting a tattoo. Everything from terrible customer service to being made to feel uncomfortable around the artist or in the shop. My goal when I meet someone for the first time for a consultation, is to make them feel comfortable, and safe. Getting a tattoo isn’t just about getting the tattoo. It’s the experience that clients will remember. I’m transparent AF with my clients about everything, pricing, policies, aftercare, etc. If you and I sit down, have a consultation, set and appointment and when you arrive the design I have prepared isn’t what you had envisioned; I’m not going to tattoo it on you. I’m going to sit with you and discuss the design in more detail and make the changes you describe and reschedule our appointment (I’ll do this once).

Of course, this is about my journey into tattooing. I always enjoy hearing your stories about your tattoo experiences as a client and as practitioners! Drop a comment below or shoot me a text!

Peace, Love and Taco’s

RINGO