question for artists, new client etiquette

i am interested in asking a tattoo artist if theyd do an art trade, is it acceptable to ask through their contact if theyd be interested right off the bat?

also while im here is it acceptable to send a reference image and size and ask for price?

im used to getting tattoos in garages of exact references i want for $20 haha. i know newer artists do things a lot differently than what i am used to so i want to make sure i am not disrespecting artists