This article is about how to work with a custom artist when getting a new tattoo. A custom artist is a tattoo artist that does totally custom pieces. That means they draw and design the tattoo alone, or with your help, instead of using flash or copying existing designs. In case you don't know, flash is what we call the tattoo designs people can choose from when they go to a shop, and they are often displayed on the wall. Most professional tattoo artists will do custom pieces if asked, but there are some who specialize in doing just them. I was lucky enough to work with one of these artists on my last tattoo. The experience prompted me to write this, to share what I learned with other bodmod enthusiasts.
At A Glance Author Angela Contact [email protected] IAM killertatertots When N/A When choosing any tattoo artist, it is important to feel comfortable with them, to be impressed with their work (ask to see a portfolio!) and safe in their studio. If you want a certain style of tattoo (realistic, biomechanical, old school, etc) look for an artist who excels in that area and has a lot of experience. A good way to find a good custom artist for you is to ask around the community. If you are on BME' s IAM, ask there for suggestions, or check out the work of artists in your area online or in their shops.
The "working relationship" between you and your tattoo artist is even more important than usual when working on a custom piece. You have to trust them to design the piece with your ideas and desires in mind, and feel comfortable speaking up about your opinions and preferences if the design isn't quite right. Since you won't see the finished product right away as you do with flash, and since the artist has to create it from scratch, you need to know that their skills are up to par, both technically and artistically.
Often with a custom piece, after choosing an artist, and figuring out the payments, which may include a down payment for design time, you will get to work on the design. A good artist will keep in mind where on your body you plan to get the piece, so it will fit and flow well. A piece on your relatively flat back and a piece on your elbow require very different designs to flow well. You want the piece to look like it was designed and meant for that body part, not just stuck on randomly like a sticker.
If you are going to be involved in the design stage, you may want to do some research in advance so you can bring your ideas to your artist. I will use the example of a realistic tattoo of an elephant for this. You will want to gather reference materials to show your artist. This could include photos of tattoos of other subject matter done in the style you like, photos of elephants to show the shape and colours you want in your piece, and others to show the position or shape of the animal you want, etc. You may need lots of reference material to show exactly what you want, and even then, you and your artist can personalize it even more to get it just right for you and for your body.
Once your artist has used the material you gave them to work on a preliminary design, which may take a day or weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the design, and their schedule, you will meet with them to make any last minute adjustments. Once you agree it is just right, they will apply it onto your skin with pens or markets, either freehand or using stencils, or a combination of both. After checking the placement in the mirror, the fun part begins! If the tattoo is very large and will take multiple sessions, the artist is likely to start by laying down the outline and some preliminary shading in the first session, with colour and detail work coming later. Between sessions changes may still be made to the design or coloring, to fine-tune the tattoo to your preferences.
Custom pieces are the best type to have, in my opinion. Knowing that what you have was designed just for you, and that no one else has the same piece is a wonderful feeling. You can get a piece of art that truly expresses your feelings or motivations, not having to settle for the representations of others to express yourself.
Now that I have had this experience of getting a totally custom piece of art, I plan to complete all my future tattoos in this manner as well. The process and the outcome are definitely worth it. The quality and my level of satisfaction with the final result are definitely top notch, better than any other work I have gotten. I wish I had known then what I know now.