Communication: It's OK to Say 'No Thank You'

 

 As an appointment-based shop, it is important to keep the schedule organized. This means we need to know how much time to book for each client. This includes tattooing time as well as consultation time. The tattooing time is important as it keeps our artists on track, creating beautiful art, and generating their income. No tattooing, no income. Just as important, is the consultation times. This may be even more valuable to existing and new clients. It gives them an intimate setting, to discuss their tattoo wishes, and get their communication in alignment with their artist.

Being that these are valued opportunities, clients often must book their consultation in advance. Some even wait months for their turn. Therefore, it is so important to always have a healthy line of communication. Say someone has booked a consultation, but it isn't for several weeks. And when the time arrives the artist is stood up, and the client no-shows. Whether you had forgotten, or found another shop to have it done, the best thing to do is call us up and cancel as soon as you know you will not attend. It's perfectly fine to say thanks, but no thank you. We will remove your appointment, hope to hear back from you for your next tattoo, and offer that time to another person, eagerly waiting. As we mentioned before, several people are booking far in advance, and waiting patiently on the cancellation list, with different levels of anticipation. And we owe it to others to respect their time. 

Another thing to take into consideration is that consults help to fill the artist's schedule. They are meant to communicate various levels of complexity, from simple but intricate, to vast and large. Someone wanting to book 50+ hours does not take priority over someone booking 3 hours, in fact they are all treated the same on a first come first serve basis. This is why it is so important to offer that availability to someone who is able to show up. Strengthening your personal communication and accountability is not only ideal for you, but it also shows you respect the time of the artists and that of perfect strangers. 

 

 

 

Choosing an Experienced Artist

 What drives you when choosing a tattoo shop and a tattoo artist? Some choose based on walk-in availability. Others are solely interested in pricing. These can be very valuable key points but should not be the deciding factor. I would challenge you search for an artist based not only on their artwork, but experience as well. 

Now there are innumerable tattoo artists out there. Their drawings may be impressive, but that doesn't necessarily mean they can offer an optimal experience. For someone just starting out, they may have different techniques in tattooing. Every machine, ink, and artist are not the same. Now that's not to say someone fresh out of their apprenticeship is a subpar artist, but how they learned, what they learned, who they learned from, and how they apply it all, makes a huge difference. You may not even know the difference until a few days have passed. 

 Let me paint a picture of two different, very real, occurrences. The first event is with a very skilled, very experienced artist. The tattoo went by flawlessly. The artist was quick and efficient, in and out in minimal time. Their aftercare protocol was clear and easy to follow. Bandages were covering the area sufficiently, and secondary bandages were provided in abundance. The tattoo went through its anticipated healing process and was essentially healed in a week’s time. This is the kind of experience we strive to achieve. 

 The second instance isn't necessarily a negative one, but a very different kind. This tattoo took a bit longer, several hours longer for a far less intricate design. We all know tattoos hurt, but this discomfort was growing in intensity and continued even after the tattooing itself concluded. One bandage was placed, and no other bandages were provided. Due to overworking of the skin, the surrounding area swelled, and the bandages split open and began leaking lymph and plasma. Due to the amount of exposed skin, the bandages had to be removed. The tattoo was tended to delicately as the pain increased over the next few hours. Upon comparing both limbs, it was abundantly obvious the limb with the fresh tattoo was significantly more swollen than the other. Over the next few days, keeping it clean, it was necessary to try over the counter remedies to relieve the pain and swelling. Ultimately, a product recommended by the experienced artist (Outlaw Organics) was utilized. Finally, the pain and swelling subsided and not only was there improvement in the surrounding non-tattooed area but the healing had begun on the tattoo itself. 

Now we all know tattoos hurt, and we know the healing process can be different based on the location on the body. But there was another very significant variance, and that came down to the tattoo artists experience. One was more familiar with technique and needle depth. The other unintentionally overworked the skin, causing far more pain, resulting in a prolonged and slow-to-improve healing process. 

Given this incident, I offer some advice. Do research on potential tattoo artists, read reviews, and learn about other's experiences. Rather than saving yourself a few dollars or getting your tattoo RIGHT NOW, offer yourself an optimal tattooing and healing experience, even if that means you save a little longer. You deserve the best experience, and this is something Lucky Bamboo Tattoo offers. 

 

Channeling Energy: Tattoo Excitement

 

I think we can all agree, getting a tattoo can be one of the most exciting experiences. As we make our way through the inquiry process, hammering out the details, placing the deposit, setting the date, sometimes we wait. Waiting can be so difficult. Waiting is when the mind runs wild. If we allow it, it can lead us to a place of anxiety. We second guess our idea,
we second guess the success of the tattoo, and we lead ourselves down an unpleasant road. 

What if, we took that same energy, and rather than fueling anxiety we build up our excitement. This may be easier said than done, especially when we know it is custom to see the design the day of your tattoo, and not prior. There is no reason to fret over design details because we've already fallen in love with the work of the artist. We have built a trust in them and are giving them the responsibility of creation. The details were discussed, and an agreement was signed. Rest assured our artists take every tattoo seriously. They strive to make something breathtaking and have you in mind during the drawing process. Consultations are very helpful too. A simple conversation to assure both you and your artist are on the same page. They are taking extensive notes, gathering images, and details. They will even take photos of your body, take that image, and create a design that is tailored for your body and your desires. 

Picture this scenario, you've given up control. You put your faith into an artist. You daydream about how beautiful this tattoo is going to be. You spend time looking through your artist's portfolio, admiring years of work. If they did a beautiful job for others, you know they'll do the same for you! You get a good night’s sleep and have dreams of great tattoos. You wake up, eat a solid breakfast and head to your tattoo appointment with time to spare to complete your consent. Your artist finally calls your name. The reveal you've been waiting for is about to happen. And then, there it is. More extravagant than you could have ever imagine. They ask, "Do you like it?" and you respond with excitable praise and gratitude. And at that moment, you wonder why you ever worried at all. All the tension washes away because you put your faith in someone, and it absolutely paid off. Allow yourself these moments by taking a breath and exchanging anxiety for excitement.