Do You Actually Like Tattooing Me? (And Other Vulnerably Beautiful Questions About Trust and Boundaries)

Welcome to the inner monologue of nearly every tattoo client ever:

Let’s get real for a sec. Tattoos aren’t just art—they’re vulnerable experiences. You’re trusting someone with your skin, your stories, your time, and your wallet. That’s a big deal. We are literally altering your body permanently. And that requires a lot of trust.

So let’s talk about the trust and boundaries that make tattoo magic happen:

Trust Me, We Want the Best for You

Your artist wants your tattoo to look amazing—and to last. So when we suggest placement adjustments, size tweaks, or color changes, it’s coming from experience, not ego. We know that’s how it looks on Pinterest, but just because something can be done does not mean it should be done.

It’s okay to ask why. It’s okay to want to understand the process. But if your artist recommends a change, it’s usually because they’ve seen how tattoos age, heal, and live on different skin types.

We want you to leave the studio with a tattoo that brings you joy, and we also want that same tattoo to put a smile on yours face for years to come!

"Do You Actually Like Tattooing Me?"

This one breaks my heart a little because it usually comes from clients who care so deeply. Please know: if I keep booking you, if I smile when you walk in, if I say I love working on your piece—I mean it. You’re not being humored. You’re being cherished. Our clients are our tattoo family. Our space is not the same without your energy, stories, and laughter. We say we could not do what we do without you, and that is true — but we also wouldn’t want to do tattoos without you. Seeing our clients is one of our biggest joys in our life, and we mean that.

Silence Is Not Awkward

You don’t have to fill the space. You’re not being rude if you want a quiet session. Your comfort > everything. Want to vibe in silence with music or a podcast? Love that. Want to chat about life, love, or your cat’s latest antics? Love that too. We want to provide a space for you to be your most authentic self, because quite frankly there aren’t enough of those spaces in the world.

Boundaries Go Both Ways

Artists have boundaries too. Maybe we don’t do certain styles, or we need rest breaks, or we don’t feel comfortable taking walk-ins. We promise it’s not personal—it’s about protecting the energy and quality of our work. It is also about protecting you — do not force working with an artist that is not truly passionate about working with you.

If you ever feel unsure, just ask. A good artist will always want open, respectful communication. A good artist will also let you know when they are not the right artist for the job, and can help connect you with someone who is. We do all sorts of styles and concepts, and we are happy to discuss what we can do while being authentic with ourselves and you.

Final Thoughts

Trust and boundaries are what turn a good tattoo into a meaningful experience. They create safety, flow, and connection. And when they’re honored? That’s where the real magic happens. We want to build a genuine connection with our clients, not just a transactional relationship.

You deserve a tattoo experience that makes you feel seen, heard, and respected. Always.