Tattoo Etiquette (off topic)

Circebee · 10-26-2008, 05:03 PM

Hey, AlternaChicks!
I have a tattoo question, and am just looking for some other viewpoints. I am planning my next tattoo (number three, whee!) as my holiday present to myself this year, and have found EXACTLY what I want in a photo online. It is this lovely vinework and autumn leaves pattern that just sings to me. BUT- the photo is of another person, and I've heard that it is one of the worst tattoo faux pas to ask a tattoo artist to copy another's work. This pattern is PERFECT, from the placement, to the size, to the colors- I can't find another pattern that is even remotely as enchanting. Believe me, I've looked. Do you think that an artist would be insulted if I request it? I have this fear that the planning meeting would go like the "Soup ****" episode of Seinfeld- No Tattoo For You. Am I OK with this request, or will I come off as a thoughtless copycat?

aubreytoe · 10-26-2008, 05:15 PM

I think you should be ok asking them to do that exact picture. They copy flashart all of the time. I believe as an artist I would be honered if someone to get my artwork tattooed on their body! The tattoo artist might try to give you some ideas to change it up a little bit but if you tell them that is what you want they should do it for you.

kaplods · 10-26-2008, 05:24 PM

There are tattooists who don't mind at all creating an exact copy of another tattooists work or any other artwork or tattoos they've done before, and there are those that only do their own original designs, created specifically for each individual client. All you can do is ask.

kelly315 · 10-26-2008, 05:25 PM

Most tattoo artists will just be happy for the work. I've worked in a shop before, and those kind of requests come in all the time.

chunckymonkey · 10-26-2008, 07:46 PM

My son-in-law designed a tattoo for my daughter and the Tattoo Artist did the exact design with the exact colors - it really shouldn't be a problem...Best to ya

ollie27 · 10-26-2008, 07:51 PM

shouldn't be a problem at all and if it is, you have yourself a crappy tattoo artist and i would go somewhere else. i've taken art from a tarot card in and and the tattoo artist copy it. it's what they are there to do.

so, you gonna post a pic of this enchanting design?

Circebee · 10-26-2008, 08:18 PM

Thanks, guys, for the honest and encouraging responses! I can't post a picture of the design, as the photo is protected by the website it is on, but I can say that I'll post it shown on me as soon as it is mine. Most certainly it will be a two session piece (outline then color), as I am a total wuss. For me, the process is very painful- like, the times I have had surgery were nothing compared to getting inked. But- hee,hee, it is SO worth it! (The pattern can be seen in the tattoo gallery at Amy Brown's website- AmyBrownArt.com, on page two, tenth down in the far right column. It is vines and autumn leaves scrolling across the upper shoulders. Perhaps not the most original ever, but what can I say? My heart just WANTS it!)

luvja · 10-26-2008, 08:31 PM

One of my tattoos is copied from a picture of someone elses tattoo I found on the internet. I fell in love with it.
I could have cared less if my tattoo artist didn't want to copy someone elses work. They would have just lost my business, thats all.
But, for the most part - I don't think they care really. They are just grateful for your business.

lizziep · 10-27-2008, 12:33 AM

ooh i can see why you love that tattoo.

i don't think you should have any trouble either.