Briefing your tattoo artist properly helps ensure you get exactly what you want. It makes the whole process smoother for tattoo artist and most importantly for you.
If you’re sensible and you’ve booked your tattoo at Outliers Ink we love to exceed expectations. Here’s how to help us do this effectively:
1. Have a Clear Idea (But Be Open)
In an ideal world you’ll know what tattoo or style of tattoo you want. Sometimes, well actually quite often, we get an emergency call usually from a bloke who needs his ex’s name off pronto. In these instances we do our best to make sure you cover it with something else you already wanted, but sometimes that name tattoo just needs to be covered up fast. And in those instances we got you covered; we are a creative bunch and can come up with ideas that will save your day. Our preferred methods of working though, are with clients who have an idea about what tattoo they want. It doesn’t have to be solidified, we’re here to help, but it is a good idea to know the following:
- Theme or concept: Describe what the tattoo represents (e.g., memory, symbol, aesthetic).
- Style: Be specific let us know if you like traditional tattoos , realism tattoos, fine line tattoos, blackwork tattoos, cyber sigilism tattoos, anime tattoos, portrait tattoos, pet portrait tattoos etc.
- Size & Placement: Know where on your body you want it and how big in inches or centimeters. If you’re not sure you can always take a picture of the area and circle it. Sheine gives a great example in this video here about Medium sized tattoos. (Hint, never ask for a medium sized tattoo!) 😂
- Color or Black & Grey: Let us know your preference.
2. Provide Visual References
These help your Outliers Ink tattoo artist understand your vision. As we won’t copy another artist’s work. However if you have drawn something yourself, have had somebody draw something specifically for you, or want a generic cartoon or anime character etc, that you would like us to tattoo, this is fine, just let us know when contacting us.
- Bring 2–5 reference images that illustrate the look, style, or elements you like.
- Feel free to use references other than tattoos, drawings, paintings, photos etc are fine.
- DO NOT bring any racist, homophobic, sexist, ableist or any other inappropriate artwork and ask us to replicate this. We will not and you will be barred. Outliers Ink tattoo studio Birmingham is an inclusive and welcoming space for all.
3. Explain the Meaning
- If it’s personal or symbolic to you, if you feel comfortable. Explaining the story briefly, can help guide your Outliers Ink tattoo artist’s creative choices.
4. Discuss Budget and Timeframe
Once we have the information above that is relevant to your tattoo. We will be able to quote you accurately. Sometimes a quote may be out of budget . Outliers Ink tattoo studio Birmingham offers tattoo finance. You can pay for your tattoo using Klarna or Clearpay. We were in fact the first to offer this service in Birmingham and Smethwick. If tattoo finance is not a suitable option for you please feel confident to discuss this with us and we will do our best to accommodate you if it is reasonable. For example we may be able to make the design smaller, or simplify it so that it falls in line with your price. We do not however offer discounts.
- Ask if your tattoo will need multiple sessions.
- Be honest about your budget.
5. Ask Questions
Ask questions so that you can feel confident in trusting our input.
It is true that at Outliers Ink Birmingham we know what works best on skin over time. It is also true that you as a customer should walk away with a tattoo that you are completely happy with. Ask as many questions as you want. If you are not happy with an aspect of the design say so, we will tweak it for you. We allocate time in every appointment for this. We want you to walk away with no regrets, and transparent communication is key.
- Ask questions
- Listen to your Tattoo artist’s advice on placement, size, or modifications
- Clarify our process.
Booked your tattoo yet?
Talk to us, we offer free tattoo consultation and flexible payments, reach out here
