As every artist and customer knows, whilst the best tattoos need the best supplies, ink, needles and aftercare products, a tattoo is more than the sum of its parts and is often a deeply personal piece of artist and personal expression.

Because of this, many tattoo artists and tattoo shops are very selective with the types of designs they do, and will often refuse designs that they are not comfortable doing or have concerns with.

As Enzo Ferrari once famously said, “The client is not always right”, and his reasons are similar to the most common reasons why tattoo artists may turn down a particular request.

Here are the most common reasons why it is as important to be clear but firm about the reasons to turn down a tattoo as it is to do the right tattoo.

Legal Reasons

There are some tattoo requests that an artist not only should not do but legally cannot do, and no matter how strongly their request, they should always be rejected.

Anyone under the age of 18 legally cannot have a tattoo even with parental consent, and most tattoo shops follow a policy similar to Challenge 25, where anyone who looks under 25 must carry ID to prove they are over 18 and this is part of the consent forms for getting a tattoo.

Similarly, if anyone looks intoxicated or under the influence, they will typically be refused service on the spot. Not only is this a moral imperative given that alcohol impairs one’s judgement, but it also thins the blood and the ink, making the healing process harder and 

affecting the final result.

Finally, tattoo licences typically only apply to licensed premises, and tattoo artists do not make home visits for a reason.

Practical Objections

Tattoo artists know how they work and why some stick around longer than others, and it is essential to be clear with customers about expectations if it appears as if they do not understand the potential implications of some tattoo designs.

Tattoos on intimate areas, hands and around the mouth tend not to last very long because the ink tends to drop out of the skin, requiring multiple sessions.

As well as this, tattoos on the palms, fingers and around small joints tend to be painful and have long healing times due to the constant body movements, so customers need to be warned going in that this is a possibility.

Designs around scars, moles and spots tend to also be avoided because they can affect a doctor’s ability to see potential warning signs for health.

Avoiding Potential Regret

Tattoos should never be added without serious thought attached to their design, placement and significance, and given that it is body art, many tattoo artists will refuse to do tattoos that may reflect negatively on them.

This includes placement, content if it contains symbols, words or rhetoric that would be considered offensive, and tattoos that are likely to need cover-up jobs down the road are often refused by artists, as it can have a negative effect on their reputation.

Often it is best to discuss potential designs and why some work better than others. Being clear and transparent about your views will help both the artist and the client reach a compromise.