How To Email A Tattoo Artist
Or any creative person you want to commission or hire.
[Edited Jan 9, 2022]
I recently got a new tattoo and when I went in for the consultation with the tattoo artist Wren, previously at Reckless Heart Tattoo in Greenville, SC and now at Sacred Magnolia Tattoo in Lyman, SC, complimented me on the email I sent her about what I wanted. After talking with her it made me realize that most people may not know how to reach out to a tattoo artist or a creative in general. So, I thought I would share what I sent her, why it’s important to be specific, and the little things you can do to make it easier for the artist.
Here is what I sent her:
As a person that works with clients that usually don’t know what they want, I understand the frustration that comes with receiving a vague email about a project. This is why it is important to include as much information as you can in your initial email. (Because this is what sells you to the artist and makes them want to work with you!) Whether it’s examples of other artists’ work that you like, sketches, color palettes or ect. Any and more information is better than no information.
Let’s break down what I sent my tattoo artist.
I told her I wanted the following for my tattoo:
Tattoo placement in the subject line of the email
Hungarian Folk art
Ornate Tea Cup
Illustrative/Pointillism Style
I linked to a specific tattoo that she previously did that I really loved
I also linked to my other tattoos on my arm so that she could see what I already had so she could make this new tattoo blend with them.
I let her know that I attached two files, one an inspiration board of the style of art I wanted and the phrase handwritten by my grandmother.
Finally, I made sure to let her know that I’m open to letting her be creative and do her thing as a tattoo artist.
With this, I told my artist all the specific wants for my tattoo and let her know that I don’t want to get in the way and I will let her do her job. Since I’m not a tattoo artist, it’s important to be open to changes. As some ideas may not work in a tattoo and it’s important to trust your artist! (Do your research and find a good and reputable artist.) I understand art and design but tattoo art is different and needs to flow with the human body and not just be something that hangs on a wall or sits on a product.
*^*This is important to remember when contacting other creatives, too. You are reaching out to them for a reason aka it’s something you can’t do, so trust them (and yourself since you picked them) and let them take your idea and do their magic. They know what will and won’t work as this is their job. (Not saying you can’t critique or give direction - just don’t control them and micro-manage every step.)
A few other things you may want to consider including in your initial email to your tattoo artist:
Measurements of the tattoo you want or the space where you want it.
A photo of the area where you want the tattoo placed. (Especially if you can’t do a consultation with the artist.)
Specific colors you want to use.
I think the most important takeaways from this post are the following; be polite and considerate to your tattoo artist and anyone you email and reach out to, make sure you give them all the information to start the project, and give them the freedom to do their job.
