Custom tattoo questions?

Question

I'm getting a tattoo soon but I'm a bit confused. I want a custom done but I'm not sure how it works - do I have to draw the tat myself? Does the artist design it for me? Can I take a photo down with me and have a tattoo drawn from that?

I can't design graphics for toffees so I'm wondering how this works? Thanks!

Thanks for the answers so far. Mace it's none of your business whether I have tattoos or not so keep your opinions to yourself please.

If it's a photo it's not custom? Um... what? I meant a photo I have taken, not one I got off Google Images, lol.

Answer 1

I've got 13 tattoos, and all but 1 is custom. Some of them I drew, some of them the tattooist drew, some were CD covers and images I found in different places, some of them he just pulled out of his head & drew on me with a pen. One was even a little statue I brought to the shop & the tattooist did it right from that. If you've got a good artist, they can get the tattoo out of pretty much anything.

Answer 2

here's my take on your question. not all tattooers are artists. but there are many artists that tattoo. my tattoo artist for instance is amazing! i tell him what i want, or maybe show him a picture of something that i kind of like and he draws out something completely unique and original that looks 100 times better than anything i could have imagined on my own. just because something is not an original doesn't mean it isn't custom. if you will check out my tattoo artist's page you will see the wide range of custom artwork that can be done. in my opinion custom work is anything that the artist drew freehand and didn't just copy directly from a picture. they added their own little things here and there. and flash is definitely not custom art.

Answer 3

Ok. I'm a tattoo artist and with custom work at my shop I don't take photographs most of the time as reference material. You don't need to draw out a "finished product" worthy image, but do give the artist something to work with even if it is just a crudely drawn image that you describe to him/her at their shop. If you can find a DRAWING of something. (not photo or painting, etc.) Then that gives the artist a starting point. Also give the artist some MONEY DOWN to peak their interest in your custom piece of work. If they say your idea can't be done exactly like that (or done that size) don't get upset, ask what ideas could be modified to make this tattoo "doable" Tattoo Maniac, Salina, KS

Answer 4

if you go to a reputable tattoo artist he/she should have a book of designs or tat's that they have done. You can go in with just a general idea and no picture and for a small fee - they will draw it up. the fee is usually then deducted from the tattoo cost. You can also find something you like in a picture and add to or have the artist design one from that... It all depends on where you are having the tattoo placed as well - size, part of body etc. the artist can also help with placement, color etc. Sometimes what we think will look good is not practical with the ink colors or body placement.

Answer 5

Yes, any decent tattoo artist should be able to hand-draw you a custom tattoo just for you!!


If you happen to have a picture, or drawing of something similar to what you want, feel free to take that with you!

Even if it's not exactly what you want, simply explain that to them, and they can change it to suit your needs!!


Good luck!! :)

Answer 6

As stated, when i went with my ex to get his tattoo done, he had drawn his own design because he was very good freehand drawer, but i spoke to the man whilst there and he said that most tattoo places will work from a picture/photo you take in or a clear drawing or you can describe what it is you are looking for and they will try design it for you, but i recommend you go and have a word with the place that your getting it done at and see how they feel it would be best done for what you say you would like done..Good luck and hope it works out great for ya

Answer 7

It first depends on the artist.You can actually trace a pic ,sometimes....some people can draw a great portrait from a pic.. and some just don't even do custom...Go first and ask the local shops..That's the first step.. and yes, take the pic with you..You also need to check their portfolios..All artists have portfolios you can look at to see what they have done.If you don't like what you see,get out and move on....A good artist will have portraits in their portfolio and you will be able to see what they've done and be happy with your end result...Good luck!~ =)

Answer 8

Any Idea is cool. If you take a picture from Google, make sure you change the color, shape, size, and anything else you want to change. Customizing your Tattoo is the coolest thing you can do. Work with the artist ask his opinion.

Answer 9

The first thing you want to do is find an artist that specializes in custom work...be sure to check out their portfolio. Tell them what you want created and bring any photos or reference pictures with you. They may ask where you want to have the piece placed as this may need to be considered when sketching so be sure to have an idea where you want it. They also may ask about color vs. black and gray so you need to give that some thought. I have several pieces...all custom...and all created by the artist using his talent, some reference pics and general description by me. Good Luck!

Answer 10

I have 3 and I just picked it out of pictures there. Now, on the show "Miami Ink' they have you draw it or bring in your own picture. I guess it depends on the place. Go in and ask them if they have any pictures of tats for you to looking around through. Go on a different day, so it will just look like your browsing around to them.