Tattoo Tips and Advice from Michelle Santana and Bryan Gutierrez

Table of Contents

1. Importance of Trust in Tattooing
2. Dealing with Clients Who Lack Trust
3. Dealing with Clients with Tough Skin
4. The Importance of Moisturizing Skin before Getting a Tattoo
5. The Role of Body Lotion in Tattoo Healing
6. Navigating Challenges with Dry Skin
7. Tattoos for Women: Cute, Delicate, and Confidence-Boosting
8. Overcoming Challenges with Saggy Skin
9. Dealing with Aging Skin and Emphasizing Tactfulness
10. The Importance of Relaxation during Tattoo Sessions
11. Addressing Client Nervousness and Discomfort
12. Ways to Stay Relaxed During a Tattoo Session
13. Managing Pain Expectations and Honesty with Clients
14. Dealing with Clients Who Stop Midway through a Tattoo
15. The Quirks of Different Clients: Talkative vs. Smelly
16. Communicating the Need for Stillness during Tattooing
17. Annoyances When Clients Forget they are Getting Tattooed
18. Collaborating with Clients for a Successful Tattoo
19. Client Satisfaction and the Value of Tips
20. Tips for Aspiring Tattoo Artists and the Modern Age of Learning
21. Collaborating on Future Plans with a Tattoo Partner

💉 Importance of Trust in Tattooing

When it comes to getting a tattoo, trust plays a crucial role in ensuring a positive experience. Tattoo artists such as Michelle Santana understand the significance of establishing trust with their clients. Trust allows the artist to work more comfortably, resulting in better outcomes. Building trust involves creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients feel confident in entrusting their visions to the artist.

💉 Dealing with Clients Who Lack Trust

Unfortunately, not all clients come in with full trust in their chosen tattoo artist. Some make appointments but struggle to fully place their trust in the artist. This can cause frustration and difficulties during the tattooing process. Brian and Michelle share their experiences in handling such clients, emphasizing the importance of open communication and reassurance. It is crucial for artists to address any concerns and provide clear explanations to build trust gradually.

💉 Dealing with Clients with Tough Skin

Tattooing clients with tough skin can be challenging, as the ink may not penetrate as easily. Brian and Michelle discuss their frustrations and techniques for handling such situations. While some artists may resort to increasing the intensity of the tattoo machine, they recommend alternative approaches. Michelle suggests advising clients to regularly moisturize their skin with body lotion before their tattoo session, as it can help soften the skin and make the process smoother.

💉 The Importance of Moisturizing Skin before Getting a Tattoo

Moisturizing the skin before getting a tattoo is essential not only for the comfort of the client but also for the quality of the tattoo. Michelle shares her observation that well-moisturized skin tends to receive ink more effectively. She recommends that clients apply body lotion daily in the weeks leading up to their appointment. This simple step can facilitate a more efficient and satisfactory tattooing process.

💉 The Role of Body Lotion in Tattoo Healing

Proper aftercare is crucial for the healing process of a tattoo. Michelle emphasizes that using body lotion after getting a tattoo can significantly aid in the healing and preservation of the tattoo's quality. As an experienced artist, she can distinguish between clients who have followed the recommended aftercare of using lotion and those who have not. This attention to detail demonstrates the importance of skincare in maintaining the longevity and vibrancy of a tattoo.

💉 Navigating Challenges with Dry Skin

Not all clients prioritize skincare, even if they have dry skin. Michelle expresses her confusion regarding clients who neglect moisturizing despite experiencing discomfort due to dryness. While it is essential to educate clients on the benefits of proper skincare, she strives to avoid being rude or judgmental. Instead, Michelle recognizes that everyone has different habits and perspectives, and her role is to provide guidance and create a positive experience for each client.

💉 Tattoos for Women: Cute, Delicate, and Confidence-Boosting

Many of Michelle's clients are women who desire tattoos that are cute, delicate, and make them feel better about themselves. She acknowledges the insecurities that some women have concerning areas such as the sides of their bodies, which can sag over time. Michelle approaches these situations with empathy, mindful not to hurt her clients' feelings. The goal is to make them look and feel their best, taking into account the unique characteristics of their bodies.

💉 Overcoming Challenges with Saggy Skin

Tattooing on areas of the body that tend to sag, such as the side areas, presents its challenges. Michelle discusses the difficulties of achieving straight lines and optimal placement on less firm skin. Age can further complicate matters, as older skin becomes thinner. While tactfulness is crucial, Michelle strives to balance honesty and delivering a satisfactory tattooing experience.

💉 Dealing with Aging Skin and Emphasizing Tactfulness

Handling clients with aging skin requires attentiveness to their feelings and comfort. Michelle mentions her grandpa's humorous remark about accumulated youth, highlighting the importance of maintaining a positive and respectful environment. Rather than focusing on age-related limitations, Michelle focuses on providing a light-handed experience that minimizes discomfort. Balancing professionalism and sensitivity allows her to create a pleasant tattooing experience for older clients.

💉 The Importance of Relaxation during Tattoo Sessions

Both Brian and Michelle agree that relaxation is key during tattoo sessions. When clients are tense, the experience becomes more uncomfortable for them and challenging for the artist. They emphasize the need for clients to stay relaxed, suggesting different strategies to achieve this. From watching a movie or talking to the artist to bringing a furry friend along for support, finding ways to relax is vital for a smoother tattooing experience.

💉 Addressing Client Nervousness and Discomfort

Nervousness and discomfort are common among clients, particularly if it is their first tattoo or they have a low pain tolerance. Brian and Michelle discuss the importance of addressing these concerns proactively. By establishing open communication, artists can help alleviate clients' anxieties and misconceptions. Through reassurance, education, and a comfortable environment, the tattooing process can become more manageable for clients.

💉 Ways to Stay Relaxed During a Tattoo Session

Tattoo sessions can be lengthy, requiring clients to find ways to stay relaxed and comfortable throughout the process. Brian and Michelle share tips on how clients can distract themselves and manage any discomfort. From watching a movie on a phone to bringing a companion for support, finding personal ways to relax can make the tattooing experience more enjoyable.

💉 Managing Pain Expectations and Honesty with Clients

While tattooing is not entirely painless, managing clients' pain expectations is crucial. Brian admits to occasionally bending the truth to put clients at ease, assuring them that the pain will be temporary. Balancing honesty and comforting reassurances is essential in maintaining strong client relationships. Building trust is the foundation for successful tattooing experiences.

💉 Dealing with Clients Who Stop Midway through a Tattoo

Some clients may unexpectedly stop mid-session, leaving their tattoo unfinished. Brian and Michelle reflect on their experiences and speculate about the reasons behind clients' decisions. They express curiosity about the appearance of an incomplete tattoo and wonder if those clients regret their choice. Despite the unanswered questions, they remain focused on providing the best experience for their clients.

💉 The Quirks of Different Clients: Talkative vs. Smelly

Artists encounter a variety of clients, each with their peculiarities. Brian and Michelle discuss their preferences between clients who talk extensively versus those who have odor issues. While they share different opinions, they agree that maintaining a comfortable working environment is crucial. Communication, understanding, and finding a balance between personal boundaries and customer service are essential in dealing with such situations.

💉 Communicating the Need for Stillness during Tattooing

Occasionally, clients forget that they are getting tattooed and become more animated, talking and laughing with friends. Brian and Michelle address this annoyance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stillness during the tattooing process. They discuss the need for artists to communicate expectations to clients and address appropriate behavior, ensuring a smooth and interruption-free session.

💉 Annoyances When Clients Forget their Being Tattooed

Engaging with friends or moving excessively during a tattoo session can be irritating for artists. Brian and Michelle narrate their experiences with clients who unintentionally disrupt the tattooing process. They reflect on the importance of reminding clients of their presence and establishing clear boundaries during the session. Open and respectful communication is vital in creating a harmonious experience for both the artist and the client.

💉 Collaborating with Clients for a Successful Tattoo

Brian and Michelle stress the importance of collaboration between artists and clients to achieve the desired outcome. Effective communication and trust are the building blocks of a successful tattooing experience. Artists should aim to understand their clients' visions and incorporate their preferences while providing professional guidance. By working together, the artist and client can create a tattoo that surpasses expectations.

💉 Client Satisfaction and the Value of Tips

Client satisfaction is a top priority for tattoo artists, and client appreciation is often demonstrated through tipping. Brian and Michelle discuss the significance of tips and how they can positively impact an artist's morale. While monetary tips are appreciated, they also value non-monetary gestures such as a high-five or an offer of ice cream. These small acts of gratitude can go a long way in fostering positive artist-client relationships.

💉 Tips for Aspiring Tattoo Artists and the Modern Age of Learning

For aspiring tattoo artists, Brian and Michelle provide guidance based on their own experiences. They advise building a solid portfolio of drawings and artwork, devoting time to getting tattooed themselves, and forming connections with professional artists. Additionally, they emphasize the availability of online resources, such as YouTube tutorials, which provide aspiring tattoo artists with an accelerated learning path compared to previous generations.

💉 Collaborating on Future Plans with a Tattoo Partner

Brian and Michelle end their conversation by discussing their desire to collaborate on future endeavors. They acknowledge their ongoing discussions but acknowledge the need to take action. The two artists consider a trip to Colombia as a potential adventure. Their willingness to collaborate and explore new possibilities demonstrates their shared passion for tattooing and their commitment to personal and professional growth.

Highlights

• Trust is essential in creating a positive tattooing experience.
• Open communication helps alleviate clients' lack of trust in their tattoo artist.
• Tattooing clients with tough skin can be challenging, but proper skincare can help.
• Daily moisturizing with body lotion before a tattoo improves ink absorption.
• Dry skin can be uncomfortable, and artists should educate clients on skincare.
• Tattoos can boost confidence and enhance the beauty of women's bodies.
• Creating tattoos on saggy skin presents unique challenges, requiring tactfulness.
• Older clients require sensitivity and a light-handed approach during tattooing.
• Relaxation is crucial for both clients and artists during tattoo sessions.
• Communication and distractions can help clients stay relaxed during tattoos.
• Balancing honesty and reassurance is key when managing pain expectations.
• Tattoo artists often wonder about clients who stop midway through a tattoo.
• Artists navigate challenges with talkative or smelly clients with professionalism.
• Artists need to communicate the importance of stillness during tattooing.
• Annoyances arise when clients forget they are getting tattooed and become distracted.
• Collaboration and communication with clients lead to successful tattoo outcomes.
• Tips, both monetary and non-monetary, show appreciation for the artist's work.
• Aspiring tattoo artists can benefit from a solid portfolio and learning opportunities online.
• Collaborative ventures can lead to new experiences and personal growth for tattoo artists.

FAQ

Q: Does getting a tattoo hurt? A: While tattooing involves some level of discomfort, artists strive to manage pain and ensure a tolerable experience for their clients.

Q: How can I relax during a tattoo session? A: Finding distractions such as talking to the artist, watching a movie, or bringing a friend can help you stay relaxed during a tattoo session.

Q: What should I consider before getting a tattoo? A: It is essential to research and choose a reputable artist, explore design options, and communicate openly with the artist about your expectations.

Q: Can I get a tattoo if I have dry skin? A: Yes, but moisturizing your skin regularly before the tattoo session can improve the experience and ink absorption.

Q: How can I ensure a successful collaboration with a tattoo artist? A: Clear communication, trust-building, and a willingness to collaborate on the design will contribute to a successful tattooing experience.