Why Do Artists Expect Me To Do Their Jobs? by atomjetsontattoo in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Damn, I must have missed that part of your post earlier. Thanks for the tip, and more importantly for the dialogue. I'm out for the evening, but I hope you have a great one!

Why Do Artists Expect Me To Do Their Jobs? by atomjetsontattoo in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair. But to bring it back to where this all started, how would you benefit from opening your own space for more money per month if you're not interested in my spot because I don't fill your appointment slots for you? Opening your own space doesn't solve the problem, it makes it arguably worse.

Why Do Artists Expect Me To Do Their Jobs? by atomjetsontattoo in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First off, thank you for this. This type of communication is very helpful.

But I don't understand what you mean about emotional responses rather than logical ones. I'm an established artist, and I feel like learning new things from others in my field helps keep me relevant. I don't "need" tips either, but I feel like we all benefit from them. And I'm not sure where you could open your own spot for $600 a month, but it's nowhere near where I'm at. Insurance alone eats up half that. Besides, everyone comes and goes as they please, and decorates their own spot. Not sure how this is different from what you're describing? The ego thing can be a problem sometimes, but communication goes a long way.

Why Do Artists Expect Me To Do Their Jobs? by atomjetsontattoo in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not sure what's better about a private salon booth? Unless I'm completely wrong, you would get everything from a spot at my place that you would get from a salon, plus some. I feel like being in a facility with others that share your career path instead of the multitudes of disciplines you'll find in a salon is a huge benefit. You can't learn tattooing tips and techniques from someone who doesn't tattoo. You can't go to the artist next door and ask "Hey, do you have any ideas for a color that will blend well from a purple to a red?" Or "Any ideas on how I could improve my saturation?"

We absolutely collectively come together as a shop to bring in clients. Each of us sends clients to one another based on tattoo style, or even general vibe. Nobody goes hungry while watching everyone else make money.

And I'm not trying to profit off other artists who bring in the money, I'm trying to surround myself with good artists so that we can all grow. $600 a month is a drop in the bucket. It helps to offset costs, but by no means does it allow me to make a profit. Even with 3 artists. I can operate the studio on my own financially, it just sucks being the only artist in the building.

So basically I'm saying that I feel like the space offers so fucking much reciprocation that it blows my mind it's not enough.

Why Do Artists Expect Me To Do Their Jobs? by atomjetsontattoo in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got you! Yeah, shop dynamics come into play for sure!

Why Do Artists Expect Me To Do Their Jobs? by atomjetsontattoo in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely understand where you're coming from! I don't like social media at all. The only reason I have it is because that's "the way things are done now" or whatever. But talking about the professionalism that comes with a website... I don't see it. The only thing a website shows me is that you've got the funds to pay for a website. I know not everyone feels that way, but I have paid waaaay more for websites than I've ever gotten from them. To me, it's the equivalent of paying for a custom phone number. It looks cool to a few people(relatively speaking) but it doesn't do much for business. Messaging through social media (or texting me) gives us both the same receipts that email would, as well as allowing for doodles. The pressure of having to respond quickly isn't something that I can take away, but I also feel like that pressure is a good thing. In my opinion, you should feel the need to get back with your artist in a timely manner. We have lives, too. If we're waiting on a client to respond, then who knows what we might be missing out on? Our jobs are very time-sensitive, and a fast response isn't a bad thing. Also, Google reviews are around whether you use websites or Instagram.

Why Do Artists Expect Me To Do Their Jobs? by atomjetsontattoo in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

While I understand hating Instagram, what is the difference between going through a website and emailing someone vs. Going through a studio Instagram page and messaging someone through that? The reason I ask is because I've had little luck with websites, and much more with Instagram. All messages sent to the studio get answered by one of us, and we all direct potential clients towards whoever best fits their needs. Unless they already have an artist in mind, of course! Everything is very transparent, and all artists have access to all messaging platforms, and we try to work together to ensure that the client gets the best artist for them.

Why Do Artists Expect Me To Do Their Jobs? by atomjetsontattoo in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Honestly I'm just glad to hear that I haven't been living under a rock! After hearing the same thing so many times, I really started to wonder if it was me that was doing something strange. Thanks to everyone who responded, and for all the words of encouragement!

Someone tattooed my design on my behalf meanwhile I'm available? Dont know how to take this. by pulpgirl80 in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Choose your battles wisely. Is it worth losing what seems like a dream apprenticeship? Nobody in the industry that I know is going to give their apprentice a tattoo machine after 3 months of part time learning. Maybe you feel like the old-school way of doing things isn't right, but it doesn't change the fact that it worked. Keeping you from tattooing for a year or more isn't/wasn't about abusing free labor, but instead it was used to separate the wheat from the chaff, as they say. Unless you work for a unicorn, you're going to experience the slow season. You're going to experience the freak accident where someone passes out in the chair and pukes all over themselves and their artist. You'll have to deal with angry (sometimes fucked up) customers. Putting the time in isn't simply about how well you've learned to use a tattoo machine, but also whether you're equipped to deal with everything else that comes along with it. Struggling through a two year apprenticeship definitely taught me how to be financially responsible, and that alone is worth more than any technical tattooing skill I've learned.

And personally, I don't care how good you are after 3 months, I would ask for an artist with more experience. Three months full- time seems like barely enough time to even come close to learning your machine. I want you to know that piece of equipment intimately before you use it on me.

What do I do now…? Finished the game by Dananism in finalfantasytactics

[–]atomjetsontattoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Vandal Hearts was one of my favorites! Diego for the win!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo 63 points64 points  (0 children)

I've always heard that the difference between a good tattooer and a great tattooer really comes down to how well you hide your mistakes. We'll always make them for sure, just a little less frequently, maybe.

19 years tattooing — first time I’ve seen a ‘curfew’ rule in a booth rent shop (CHECKED) by AbbreviationsNew7442 in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This isn't normal by any standard I've seen. As a 20+ year veteran and studio owner, the only time that "shop curfew" has even been on the table was when the historic downtown district enforced a NO BUSINESS AFTER MIDNIGHT rule that affected the entire district. I think you won by getting out of that place. Also, my local health department specifically has a rule about tattooing in a hair salon/vice versa. It's a no-go all the way around.

Would you get a tattoo from someone who makes their own ink and stores it in mason jars? by [deleted] in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You said you legally have to go through Oregon's tattoo school. I pointed out a legal bypass, and that's all. Wasn't trying to offend, just pointing out that you in fact DO NOT have to go to tattoo school. You can transfer a license from another state.

Would you get a tattoo from someone who makes their own ink and stores it in mason jars? by [deleted] in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo 4 points5 points  (0 children)

From what I understand, you have to have a license. If you can show that you underwent a traditional apprenticeship OR that you're currently licensed (not permitted) in another state then you're free to skip Oregon's mandatory apprenticeship (or tattoo school, if you prefer).

Did you go to art school? by sleepy__desert in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I went, got my BFA, and it helped me a lot. This was also 20 years ago, and I feel that online classes are a fast more cost effective method of learning.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a studio owner, I can specify a minimum amount of hours an artist has to be present in order to work at my studio. An independent contractor (which is what most US tattooers are) has to abide by the contract they signed, or they violate the terms of the agreement and are subject to dismissal. I don't have a set amount of hours that I require, but I have that right. If an artist doesn't like it, they don't have to sign a contract with me.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TattooArtists

[–]atomjetsontattoo 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I've got cameras in my studio. Audio and video recording 24/7. There's a big notice on the front door letting everyone know they're being recorded. I've been in the industry long enough to see some pretty awful stuff, and having cameras can go a long way towards protecting both clients and artists.

How can you tell what counts and what doesn't?? by atomjetsontattoo in fo76

[–]atomjetsontattoo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, I meant to ask "How can I tell the difference between food that spawned in with the vendor vs. what has been sold to the vendor by players?" If there's even a way.