The First Choice for Tattoos in Hanoi

Ninja Ink Tattoo Etiquette

Going to a tattoo studio is no different from patronizing a restaurant. You are the customer/client and we are going to try to make your experience the best one we possibly can.  In fact, there’s a Tattoo Client Bill of Rights  which defines your rights. On the other hand, we have the right to expect you to conduct yourself in a civil, polite and respectful manner in return.

Your goal and our goal is the same: To get you the best tattoo (or piercing) in the most pleasant way possible. With a little etiquette (from everyone), it’s not hard to do. To help make your tattoo experience the best one it can be.

Here is a list of some “Do’s & Don’ts” for your next visit to the tattoo studio:

• DO try to have some kind of idea of what it is that you’re looking for before you come to the studio.  Impulse buying isn’t usually a very good way to find a tattoo that you’ll be able to live with for the rest of your life.  Of course, we understand that you may be coming in just to get some ideas, but you should have some kind of idea that leads you to the decision to get tattooed in the first place. The more clearly you can describe what you want, the quicker and easier we’ll be able to find the design for you.

• DO bring any pictures, art, or reference material with you.

• DO NOT ask your artist for his professional advice & opinion & then do the complete opposite!

• DO NOT get upset if your artist gives you an honest opinion or professional advice that doesn’t go with what your initial thought was. (Would you rather your artist just agree to whatever “you” say or want? & you end up with a crappy tattoo or piercing..

• DO respect your artist's opinion or advice, he or she is a professional & have been through this over & over many times.

• DO tip your tattoo artist!

• This should be a “no brainer”…Unfortunately, it’s not. If you didn’t know that tipping a tattoo artist is customary, YOU DO NOW! Tattoo artists DO NOT get paid an hourly wage, they earn a percentage of the money you pay for your tattoo and that’s it. They depend, heavily, on tips to support themselves.  You wouldn’t NOT tip a waiter unless the service was really bad, would you?

• Your tattoo artist is marking you for life, something far more serious than even a fancy meal, so hasn’t he/she earned at least the recognition that a server gets? If you receive exceptional service, show your appreciation by tipping. As a general rule, tipping 10% is a MINIMUM, 15-20% is normal and anything more is considered tipping heavily. If you don’t have the extra money to tip, at least explain that to your artist (they’ll understand and appreciate it), if you can, bring them a tip the next time you have a few extra dollars.  Clients who are known to tip always get a little extra “LOVE” from their artist.

• DO NOT go into a tattoo studio if you’ve been drinking or if you’re under the influence of something.

• Show your artist some respect and come sober. Nobody likes dealing with sloppy drunks. If your breath smells of alcohol you’re not going to get a tattoo (not from anyone reputable anyway). If you’re wasted, you won’t make a good decision on what to get and you’ll bleed so heavily your tattoo is likely to look like it’s done in pastel colors.

• DO NOT ask your artist to draw something just to see if he can.

• There are people who come into the studio and ask for one thing to be drawn after another without ever getting anything & just waste the artist's time. Don’t be that guy or chic! If you want something drawn, an artist will be happy to work on one with you and changing and re-drawing it until it’s just the way you want it, but make sure you’re serious about getting the tattoo & ready to get it if the drawing comes outright.

• DO maintain personal hygiene and physical decorum.

• Unfortunately, this has to be said for some people’s sake. There’s nothing more unpleasant than having to work on someone who smells. You wouldn’t go to the doctor without bathing, so do the same for your artist. If you just finished running and suddenly decide you just have to get your feet tattooed, go home and wash them first! The same goes for bodily functions. If you’re having some difficulties with your stomach (i.e. gas) it might NOT be a good day to get tattooed. Do you get the idea? So take a shower !!!

• DO tell you artist about: Feeling “green” or “funny”.

• If you feel queasy, nauseous or like your gonna pass out. Tell your artist right away (don’t try to tough it out) so that he/she can deal with it. Your artist is prepared for it and knows how to handle the situation. Any concerns you might have about getting tattooed. Your artist is there to work with you and make the experience as easy & safe as it can be.  Definitely tell your artist of any medical issues that you might have… (I.E. pregnancy, diseases, medication)

• DO NOT try to force your artist to make social conversation if they don’t seem receptive to it.

• Some artists like to talk and others don’t. You want the best tattoo you can get so let your artist work in the way that he/she is comfortable. Your artist will appreciate the consideration and it’ll be reflected in the work. Some artists need to concentrate & focus on what they’re doing.

• DO NOT bring a “cheering section” to the tattoo studio.

• Many shops will not let ANYONE accompany you onto the tattoo area and it’s prohibited by many state laws. You’re always free to ask, but very few artists want 5 of your friends crowding around the work area while he/she is trying to mark you for life.  Leave your fan club or cheerleaders behind.

• DO NOT bring children to the tattoo studio without asking first, call ahead if you have to.

• Your tattoo artist will really appreciate it if you can find a ‘sitter’ for the kids so that you can come to the studio alone. Tattoo studios are not a place for children. It's not a playground & not a daycare center. There are too many hazards for children to be exposed to. It’s an adult environment some of the conversations, images, etc. might not be appropriate for kids.  Children can be very distracting to you, your artist, and other clients.  Keep in mind you might be staying there for a couple of hours, kids get bored, tired, hungry, restless & start complaining or acting up.

• Remember: “Good Tattoos Aren’t Cheap And Cheap Tattoos Aren’t Good.“  Some people act like it’s their responsibility to try and get a tattoo for a “rock bottom” price and bargain an artist down $5 or $10 just to see if they can. That’s offensive & just tacky especially if you start haggling in front of other clients there. If you’re going to get something that you’re going to wear forever, do you want the “bargain” job or the “deluxe” job for $10 more? If you’re tempted to bargain, stop! Think about how much you want your artist to come down on his price. Divide that amount by how many years you think you have left to live. Decide if those few quarters a year are worth being stuck with a “bargain” tattoo! If you can’t afford the tattoo you want, talk to your artist beforehand in private & ask if he can do the work staying within your budget or see if there’s a way to work out a payment plan (multiple session/pay-as-you-go) or wait and save up. If you settle for something else or even a smaller version than you really want, you’ll (probably) end up regretting it.  People who “price shop” & “HAGGLE” for tattoos end up with inferior tattoos. Don’t let that happen to you.

• DO NOT brag to your tattoo artist about how cheap you got your other tattoos. You will not earn any “brownie points” and it SURE won’t get you a better deal on a tattoo from the artist you’re bragging to. If you are quoted a price, that IS the price. It’s probably been set by the owner and if the artist has any leeway to adjust the price, bragging won’t help. Most “cheap” tattoos are cheaply done. Bragging about paying $20 for a tattoo is likely to elicit a critique of your tattoo that is less than flattering.

• If you want a professional tattoo, be prepared to pay a professional price.  This may all seem to be common sense but the reality is that tattoo artists deal with breaches of this etiquette all day, every day. Unfortunately, as a result, many artists deal with it by becoming sarcastic, and sometimes sour. Do yourself and your artist a favor the next time you go into a tattoo studio and use your common sense. A little common courtesy and etiquette can go a long way towards making your entire tattoo experience much more rewarding and pleasant.