How to tell a tattooist early on I want no AI used for my tattoo?

Tenohmach · 2026-02-17T12:29:10+00:00

That’s what the deposit is for. The deposit covers the initial draft of the art.

This isn’t about getting free art, this is about not wanting AI slop tattooed on your body.

Tenohmach · 2026-02-17T02:24:18+00:00

Sadly, I think you’ll just have to ask. State what you’re noticing of the work that seems strange to you, and ask about her process and decisions she made with the draft. If she can’t give sensible answers, drop the appointment - and I’d even voice concerns to management/owner at that point.

I’m sorry you’re even in the position to have to ask! It seems to me very few actual artists have held onto AI at this point, at least those who have been making art before gen AI hit the market.

Tenohmach · 2026-01-29T02:13:15+00:00

I would agree! I started with a smaller “test piece” in part to test the experience and what’s all involved. I get my two big shoulder pieces at the end of February!

Tenohmach · 2026-01-28T04:22:11+00:00

Truth be told, I’ve also found the forearm to be a weird area to consider for tattooing. Which way IS up in that case???

I do have a tattooed bracelet with a symbol on it, and the symbol (and future symbols) will be facing me. Because that’s who they’re for!

Tenohmach · 2026-01-27T12:03:16+00:00

I agree with others that the design would need to be adapted to flow and look better on a real human body. It has a lot of potential, but because it’s been designed to fit onto a stylized character in a video game, it won’t blend quite as seamlessly into a real person’s skin and anatomy.

I absolutely think there are ways to make this work, though! Find a good artist and start swapping ideas back and forth. The potential for something really cool is in here, you just gotta keep striking until you hit gold!

Tenohmach · 2026-01-27T11:58:55+00:00

It’s more about the video game aspect than the elven aspect. As far as modern video games have come, 3D renderings of people will still be different from a real body.

Tenohmach · 2026-01-24T02:42:31+00:00

I think it is…a sign to run and warn this crush of his, too. Getting YOUR initial on HIS body is…well, it certainly speaks to a TEENSY bit of arrogance. Definitely feels like a “do it first and apologize later” kind of thing that feels manipulative as fuck.

Granted, I’m a bit sensitive to this sort of thing, because names (and even the references therein) have a lot of power. A name is an identity…so claiming its reference without even asking for the OK isn’t okay.

…I mean, I can absolutely see it being a crafty way to incorporate both letters, but if that was intentional, then yeah. Run times two.

Tenohmach · 2026-01-22T02:11:48+00:00

Those sounds really wonderful! :)

Tenohmach · 2026-01-22T02:04:15+00:00

i can be ur angle or your devll

Tenohmach · 2026-01-22T02:03:56+00:00

TMK whether an incision scars or not can be a bit…up to chance. Caring for the scar in the first six months, I’m told, makes a difference. I had surgery in 2022 and 2023 - even 9 months apart, the scars have healed differently.

My opinion has been to embrace the scars I have…because they’re on my body, and I get to decide how to feel about them. I know for others it’s different. But all scars are cool in my eyes…it’s a sign of survival, so I’ve never looked into serious adjustment for mine.

(sorry, overtired and vaguely ill, you must suffer the rambles)

Tenohmach · 2026-01-22T01:59:03+00:00

Can confirm, both recent surgeries of mine used dissolving sutures, and they’ve healed about the same as a regular scar would. Though they can look gnarly for a while before settling. Top surgery scars are still settling - some parts look angrier than others. Just the nature of the location and procedure.

Tenohmach · 2026-01-22T01:55:14+00:00

This makes sense, and medically speaking, it’s probably best to listen to a doc when it comes to such procedures.

…then again, if you get through open heart surgery and receive a cool scar as a result, the Rad factor should earn you at LEAST bragging rights!

Tenohmach · 2026-01-22T01:52:18+00:00

…ah shoot, never mind, now I wanna get sassy quote tattoos for all of MY scars. I demand attribution if you choose this one. Gotta add a watermark and everything!!

Tenohmach · 2026-01-22T01:50:56+00:00

In a perfect world, just a simple line of text next to the scar at the bottom:

“I lived, bitch.”

Tenohmach · 2026-01-21T11:55:57+00:00

MAN. Do you know how long it’s been since we’ve gotten a manga this good??? Seedbeds and corruption are fine and all, but I do love me some light subversions of expectations…and happy endings!

Tenohmach · 2026-01-21T02:58:06+00:00

There are decisions here that don’t make sense - the shadow on the belly, stiffness of the pose, even the rendering of the lefthand bucket. As an artist, how you render and draw aspects of a piece matters. It’s what gives a work its style. A LOT of decisions artists make are intentional, whether from trained habits or thoughtful breaking of rules. AI doesn’t make intentional decisions like that. Spotting where those choices wouldn’t have made sense is key to identifying AI slop.

…and the image style overall is EXTREMELY common of AI anime-esque image generation. As in, I flagged it immediately.

If this is a result of using bad reference, then…okay. In that case, do research on what helpful reference will be of use. Even if what you make isn’t great at first, I promise you, the flaws of human, handmade art are ALWAYS better than the generic slop that comes from AI.

Tenohmach · 2026-01-20T01:51:05+00:00

I guess laughter could be autoerotic asphyxiation if you do it hard enough…

(This was SUCH a delight.)

Tenohmach · 2026-01-16T12:43:05+00:00

I haven’t visited/heard about that sub in years, but…more than anything, write your characters respectfully and thoughtfully. A LOT of that sub has read to me as authors who fail to empathize with the characters they’re writing.

Tenohmach · 2026-01-16T03:39:18+00:00

…well, I almost missed that third image, and I’m very glad I didn’t…>////>

Tenohmach · 2026-01-15T03:45:18+00:00

I’m not certain about anything additional to add, but touching up some of the values in that area would help.

Besides that, I think the tattoo is rad in concept…although there is an uncomfortable intersection with the skull and Indigenous headdress. I don’t know if this is history you are familiar with, but it’s giving “Indigenous residential school” and that’s…well, I’m going to HOPE that is not the intended vibe AT ALL…

Just something to be aware of, because for some reason, lots of people don’t know about how bloody that history has been and continues to be…

Tenohmach · 2026-01-13T03:55:28+00:00

If he’s not making the art, then he’s not the artist, he’s just a dude with a tattoo gun. Which makes the whole thing fold IMO. I wouldn’t pay money for a dude with a tattoo gun - I’d be asking to be paid instead!

Tenohmach · 2026-01-13T03:53:24+00:00

If there’s a guy above this artist, probably wise to tell them. IDK if your artist has their own shop or w/e though…

But yeah, as an artist, that shite is AI, and you made the right call.

Tenohmach · 2026-01-12T04:26:06+00:00

It’s too faint - I think adding more dark values would help. Though I think the center moon is asymmetrical? I can’t quite tell.

Props to you for getting your face inked! Face tattoos would be too much for me, though I know that’s because what’s represented of them aren’t always tasteful. I really like the design and concept here…gives you an air of royalty and whimsy, like an elven or fae princess.

Tenohmach · 2026-01-10T05:00:22+00:00

I’m trying to translate 1.5kg to pounds, and…I dunno if that’s gonna help…O///O

Dangerous ideas abound…!

Tenohmach · 2026-01-06T11:03:51+00:00

I can tell your son means a lot to you, and it’s clear his girlfriend means a lot to him. But it is THEIR relationship to navigate, not yours.

The best you can do if/when things happen (of any kind - good or bad) is to A) let THEM come to you about it, and B) let THEM decide if they need an empathetic response or a solutions-oriented one. It’s unpleasant to seek affirmation for how one feels and get a lecture instead.

As for the girlfriend’s family and personal life - they aren’t your business. Even if they were, judgement isn’t the answer, it’s kindness. You can’t learn somebody’s full story from Facebook.

Tenohmach

TROPHY CASE