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Is it rude to show a tattoo artist another tattoo?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 11, 2026

The biggest issue you need to contend with in using another artist's work is copyright law. Artists who create their own work, even if they publish it online, own the rights to those images, so you could be violating copyright law in taking that design to use for your tattoo.

Will a tattoo artist copy another tattoo?

Also, remember that good artists won't copy another artist's design so don't ask. Don't send them a picture of another artist's work and say “I want this tattoo”. Don't be surprised if the artist does not want to tattoo in a style that is not his/her own.

Do tattoo artists hate copying other tattoos?

Tattoo copying happens out of a lack of understanding of the ethics of the industry and creativity—both of which are unacceptable for people who call themselves tattoo artists. An aspiring or veteran artist should not under any circumstances copy another artist's work, even if it is the client's request.

Is it rude to ask a tattoo artist to copy a tattoo?

Of course, it is! Such a request is considered rude and disrespectful on so many levels. First of all, you're directly or indirectly trying to get your tattoo artist in some serious legal problems.

Can I ask another artist to touch up my tattoo?

You Can Find a Studio Willing to Touch Up Another's Work (where applicable) You should not be punished for not living in the same locale as the tattooist who completed the original work. You may have received a tattoo in another destination while on vacation or you (or the artist) may simply have moved.

25 related questions found

Is it rude to ask tattoo artist for a touch up?

It is not rude to ask for a touch up. Reputable tattoo artists will stand by their work and guarantee its quality. Usually, within a set length of time the original artist will offer free touch ups for small spots in the tattoo that may have faded due to the natural healing process.

What should you not say to a tattoo artist?

Here are some things you should never say in a tattoo shop:

  • I Let My Dog Sleep In My Bed With Me. ...
  • How Much For A Sleeve? ...
  • Can You Draw Something, And If I Like It, I Book An Appointment? ...
  • I Am Just 17, But My Parents Approve. ...
  • Can You Hurry Up, Please? ...
  • I Had A Few Beers To Man Up.

Why are tattoo artists rude?

Unrealistic Expectations

One thing that gets a tattoo artist stressed and annoyed is when a customer comes in with an unrealistic request. It may be that they ask for a design or a piece of work that doesn't fit in with their style.

Can I show a tattoo artist a picture?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to take a picture to a tattoo artist. If you want to copy the picture exactly, though, you need to check on the copyright status of the picture. If a picture is watermarked, it is likely to be copyrighted.

What is tattoo etiquette?

Every tattoo client is supposed to tip the tattoo artist between 15% and 30%, considering the total cost of the tattoo. Of course, you will tip the tattooist if you're completely satisfied with the final work. If you're dissatisfied with the whole process, make sure to talk to the tattooist, not just leave a small tip.

What tattoo artists hate?

13 Things That Piss Off Every Tattoo Artist

  • Not Knowing What You Want. ...
  • Wanting Other People's Tattoos. ...
  • Changing Your Mind The Day Of the Appointment. ...
  • Openly Disapproving Of the Tattoo Cost. ...
  • Bringing The Whole Entourage. ...
  • Not Being Clean or Shaven. ...
  • Fidgeting During the Tattooing Process.

How do you tell a tattoo artist you don't like them?

Try to be honest and direct without being offensive. Tell them exactly what you don't like about the design. If you feel that you don't know what it is that bothers you, say you feel something is not right but you don't know what it is. They will most likely ask or make suggestions of what it could be that bothers you.

Do tattoo artists repeat designs?

If you want a unique tattoo from a specific artist in their own style, this would be the way to go. In most cases, an artist will not repeat their own pieces. If you find one by an artist you like, make an appointment to talk to them about their process. Special flash events are common at most tattoo parlors.

How much do you tip on a $1000 tattoo?

How much do you tip for a $1,000 tattoo? You would tip around $200 - $300 for a $1,000 tattoo. So, the final price you'd expect to pay for the service is $1,200 - $1,300.

Can you get sued for tattooing a logo?

1: Yes, it's possible to get sued over the copyright on a tattoo.

How do tattoo artists copy pictures?

The special ink acts as a vehicle for a carbon copy of the design to be placed on the skin with the help of lotion or another stencil application product. This piece of paper is now a “stencil” and can be used multiple times to replicate the same image on different parts of the body.

Are tattoo images copyrighted?

Yes, tattoos can be protected by copyright. Copyright can protect pictorial and graphic works so long as they are fixed in a physical object and display originality.

Are all tattoo artists so rude?

Not all tattoo artists are jerks and even if they seem like a jerk, it doesn't mean that it's part of their personality. You should consider that you may have done or said something that made them think you are being disrespectful. Pay attention to what you say to them and reevaluate whether it was appropriate.

Can you be a tattoo artist without being good at art?

Do You Need To Be Good At Drawing To Be A Tattoo Artist? Yes, but the great news is if you aren't, you can learn. Some people may have more established artistic talent, but anyone can learn to draw.

How much do I tip for a $250 tattoo?

It is generally accepted to tip 15-20% of total price to your tattoo artist. It means that from a $250 tattoo, you will tip $37.5-50. But not all people can afford to tip the same tips from a $2000 tattoo because tips are here up to $400. In this case, you can tip around 10% or $200.

What are the most cliche tattoos?

47 Cliché Tattoos EVERYONE Has And What They Say About You

  • Clock or hour glass. ...
  • Another person's name. ...
  • Coordinates. ...
  • Roman numerals. ...
  • Diamond. ...
  • Constellations. You'd rather sit under the stars than watch a movie. ...
  • An owl. You're always the smartest person in the room. ...
  • Cherry blossoms. You want to visit Japan.

How do you not annoy your tattoo artist?

Here, a few more things to avoid when getting a tattoo, so that you and your artist can be on the same page.

  1. Bringing Lots Of Friends. mikhail_kayl/fotolia. ...
  2. Asking To Add More To A Design That's Already Started. ...
  3. Copying A Custom Design. ...
  4. Distracting The Artist While They Work. ...
  5. Asking Them To Draw Something For You.

What happens if a tattoo artist messed up?

Usually, if the tattoo is small, your tattoo artist will offer a quick fix and rework that will quickly patch up the mistake as if it was never there. The other methods require more engagement and can include covering the tattoo up with another tattoo, and in worst case scenario a laser removal.

Are tattoo retouches free?

Many tattoo artists guarantee their work, which usually means they'll do any touch-ups you need free of charge. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind. First, you need to follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions very carefully; otherwise, they might charge you for any required touch ups.

Can you touch up a tattoo years later?

Your tattoo can be retouched only when it is fully healed. In case of an infection or injury, you might have to wait for more than 12 months so that the skin can fully regenerate and the body can restore the immune system. Other than this, you can get your first touch-up between 2 and 5 years after getting a tattoo.