1. You only want it tiny
While one of our top priorities is how awesome your new tattoo will look once it is finished, we also seriously take into consideration how it will age. Tattoo ink spreads under the skin over time leaving small tattoos blurry and blob-like. This is why we always suggest going as large as possible with your new tattoo. Not only will it allow for maximum detail, it will also ensure that your tattoo will look good for the rest of your life-not just for the next few years. So, if you are unwavering on wanting your tattoo to be too small, your tattoo idea may be rejected. It’s really not about getting more money for the tattoo.
2.We just aren’t comfortable with your tattoo idea
We are also human and have preferences and strengths and weaknesses. Most artists have a specialty of some kind and prefer to stick to that particular style. This isn’t a bad thing- it’s actually a good thing. This means you are much more likely to get an expert in a particular style rather than a so-so jack of all styles. Some artists are excellent at technical line-work and intricate dot-work details while others may be more in their zone with realistic black and grey shading. Some may be amazing at color blending while others may excel at super solid traditional pieces. We always want to do our best work and for that to happen we must feel comfortable and confident in doing your tattoo. We owe it to you to reject your idea if it is something we are simply not comfortable taking on. Please don’t take it personally, it’s for the best that we don’t do things we are not confident in for any reason.
3.Placement
This ties into point number 2 a bit. For example: a fine line tattoo design with perfectly straight lines or circles may not be something your artist wants to do on your ribs. The reason is because ribs are extremely painful and therefore you are much more likely to move or jump during the tattoo. You also have to breathe during the process and this is yet another factor that makes the possibility of making a mistake that much higher. It is not easy tattooing on a living, feeling human capable of ruining your artwork at any second, voluntarily or involuntarily. Sometimes the stress that comes with tattooing difficult designs on these painful locations just isn’t worth it to an artist.
4.Your idea sucks
Ok that sounded rude but hear me out, sometimes our imaginations run away with us and that’s ok! We are here to help-even if that means saying “no”. We always have your best interest in mind and want to steer you in the right direction. Sometimes the things we imagine just aren’t realistic to put on the skin or just won’t make a good looking tattoo. Tattoo artists who have been working with the public for years have most likely been presented an idea at least somewhat similar to what you have in mind and have already given thought and consideration to it. Of course some things are just a matter of opinion but we are usually unwavering on bad designs. Sometimes we will make suggestions that are very different from what you had in mind but being open minded to those suggestions is the best way for you to ensure you get an amazing tattoo you both can be proud of. Remember; you can attach whatever meaning to your tattoo you want but we have to make sure it LOOKS good. Our reputations are on the line with every piece we do.