How to Book a Tattoo Without Being a Menace to Society

Look, we get it. Booking a tattoo can feel confusing — especially if your only exposure to tattooing is reality TV, Pinterest, or your cousin's kitchen setup from 2011. But if you're sliding into DMs at 2AM with "how much for a sleeve?" — respectfully, you're being a menace.

Here’s your step-by-step, sass-laced guide to booking a tattoo the right way (aka without making your artist cry into their stencil printer).

📩 1. Don’t Ask “How Much for a Tattoo?” With Zero Context

Asking how much a tattoo costs without giving any details is like asking how much a car is — do you want a Kia or a custom vintage hearse?

Instead, include:

• Size (in inches or a body part)

• Placement

• Style (linework? realism? bold traditional?)

• Color or black & grey

• Reference images (we love a Pinterest board, just don’t expect us to copy)

Bad: “How much for a lion?”

Good: “Hi! I’m looking for a 4-inch blackwork lion on my inner forearm, similar to these 2 photos. Is this something you’re into?”

📅 2. Respect the Booking Process (Yes, There Is One)

We love you, but if our bio says “BOOK THROUGH LINK ONLY” and you still DM us “U free tmrw?”, you are doing the most.

How to not be that person:

• Follow the booking instructions (they’re usually in our bio or website)

• Fill out the form thoroughly

• Be patient. Artists are juggling appointments, drawings, healing, and other clients — not just your email.

  
  

📷 3. Please Stop Sending Photos of Your Rashy, Shiny, Half-Healed Tattoo

We’re not dermatologists. If your arm is oozing, please contact your doctor — not your artist.

What we do want photos of:

• A clear picture of the area you want tattooed

• Reference images of what you love (or hate)

• Your existing tattoos if we’re working around them

💬 4. Don’t Ghost After You Inquire

You sent a whole essay, got a detailed quote, and then… crickets? Rude. Tattoo artists aren’t Tinder matches — ghosting wastes time, energy, and valuable booking space.

If you're not ready to commit, just say:“Thanks so much! I'm not ready right now, but I’ll reach out when I am.” We promise we won’t block you (probably).

💳 5. Yes, You Need to Pay a Deposit. No, It’s Not Up for Debate.

Deposits:

• Secure your appointment

• Protect artists from last-minute cancellations

• Come off your total price

If you wouldn’t no-show a dentist appointment, don’t no-show your tattooer. We’re professionals — not your flaky ex.

👯‍♀️ 6. Don’t Bring Your Whole Friend Group for “Support”

This isn’t a sleepover. The studio is a shared space with needles, blood, and focused artists. Unless your artist says otherwise, come solo or like max one person

Also: we love your family, but they don't all need to hold your hand while you get your tattoo

🔥 Bonus Round: Client Red Flags (That Will Get You Bounced)

• “Can you draw something up real quick before I book?”

• “I don’t know what I want, just surprise me.”

• “Can I get it cheaper if I pay cash/bring you coffee/give you a shoutout?”

• “Can you copy this exact tattoo off Google?”

No. Stop it. Be better.

💌 How to Be the Client of Our Dreams

1. Fill out the booking form properly

2. Be clear, respectful, and chill

3. Show up clean, sober, and on time

4. Tip your artist

5. Tag us when you post that baddie tattoo — we wanna see it healed and living its best life

   
   

📍Ready to Book Without Being a Menace?

We knew you had it in you. Click here to book your tattoo at GRIM Studios and let’s make something beautiful (and mildly unhinged) together.