Artists: Whos the Boss?

My experience with my custom tattos has been very positive. However, I have noticed a common inconsistency in various print media that I would love to see discussed.

On one hand, many 'advice' columns, websites, etc. say the customer is the Boss. The concept, and the final word are always his or hers. The artist is expected to aquiesce to the customer's whims (or reasoned ideas, whatever.) Part 2 of the RAB FAQ has a good example of this.

On the other hand, in many magazines and other interview platforms, many artists express the desire for a customer who enters the studio, and says, 'do me, I trust you.'

As a craftsman of a somewhat different sort than the tattoo artist (I build large musical contraptions), I can nevertheless understand the compelling nature of a willing client. However, I am curious about the seemingly opposing opinions expressed by experts in the tattooing arts.

I know that personally I would have a very tough time allowing even a great artist to work on me without some idea of what I like and hate. I'm curious how any artist could want to do something so permanent, that may not be appreciated.

In the sense that they must approve the design and overall aesthetic appearance yes....they are.....

artists express the desire for a customer who >enters the studio, and says, 'do me, I trust you.'

I think this is in reference to the actual practicality of the tattoo and the techniques used to lay the design on the skin.....

I think that alot of it has to do with several factors....

how well do the artist and clients know one another?...if it is a long term working relationship then possibly the artist know the overall look the client is going for....

or

possibly they (the client) are going to a particular artist for a particular piece....like...

Paul Booth...I have seen almost a complete sleeve drawn on to a mans arm with maybe ten lines from a pen

Jack Ruby...portraits that use two colors of marker no detail drawn directly on the skin and look nothing like the end result...

but in that case..yes you either trust them and their reputation or you don't and if you don't.......there is ten people waiting for your appt. space...LAFF

OR

as has been discussed here before Customer service VS. Artist ego.... in order to be a decent tattoo artist you must have an ego....after all you are permanently drawing on people....for money...they came to you....you better have balls or else...

and many artist can at times...my self included loose patience with our varied clientele and the repeated explaining that goes along with he normal round of questions...is this right to do....no but like everybody else sometimes you catch us running short of the 'no it won't hurt' reassurances.

R.Knox.....aka RevPhule How patient is a patient man before He becomes a fool?