12 things tattoo artists wish you would stop doing

Allie LemboJul 24, 2020, 20:23 IST

A tattoo artist inks a Statue of Liberty on a customer's calf in a parlor.Kristina Kohanova/EyeEm/Getty

Tattoo artists hate when clients don't trust the process, schedule something immediately after their appointment, or go to the beach right away.
Showing up intoxicated or not listening to your artist's suggestions will make the tattooing process unpleasant.
They love the art they create, so they want you to be happy with it.

Tattoo artists already work intense hours in uncomfortable positions trying to create permanent masterpieces, so when customers get difficult, it can be exhausting.

Insider spoke with professional tattoo artists to find out the things that bug them the most, whether that means making the art process more difficult or improperly caring for your tattoo.

Here are the things that tattoo artists wish you would stop doing.

Don't forget to breathe.

Don't hold your breath — it's better if you keep breathing normally. iStock

Don't make immediate plans after your appointment.

Allow for the tattoo artist to take his or her time. Microgen/Shutterstock

Don't forget to come in clean.

Make sure that you're not subjecting your tattoo artist to unpleasant body odors. iStock

Don't fidget.

If you keep still, they can do their best work. iStock

Don't go to the beach with fresh ink.

You want to avoid sun, water, and sand. Carlo Villa/Shutterstock

Don't bring a pack of friends with you.

Leave your friends at home. MAD_Production/Shutterstock

Don't try to do too much with one tattoo because it may not age well.

Your artist knows best how your tattoo will age. CREATISTA/Shutterstock

Don't apply too much or too little ointment during your aftercare.

Pay attention to aftercare if you want your tattoo to stay looking nice. Justin Sullivan/Getty

Don't get a tattoo when you're drunk.

There are physical issues with tattooing drunk people. Shutterstock

Don't forget to tip your tattoo artist.

Getting a tattoo is a service. MAD_Production/Shutterstock

Don't steal other tattoo artists' property.

You may love Priyanka Chopra's tattoo, but that doesn't mean you should copy the artist's work. Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Don't get something you don't love.

Tattoo removal can be a painful procedure. Rick Wilking/Reuters

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