Consultation

1) Is it typical to go to a tattoo shop just for a consultation, for the artist and myself to just talk about my idea, to feel the vibe the artist has for my idea? After the consultation, then I would want to make a separate appointment for the actual tattoo session. 2) When I go in for the initial consultation, I would like to bring in some random tattoo pictures that have certain things that I like about them (ex. shading from this one, etc). I also want to bring in a couple of pics of tats that have the same idea as mine, but the overall result I do not like, as a reference of what I do not want. Is this okay? I want to make it as easy as possible for the artist to see my vision, but do not want to bombard them with a gazillion pictures as reference. Would you recommend to bring in 4-5 pics for reference? Thanks, Tony

1. Yes. This kinda stuff is typical, I would say mandatory, for any custom artists out there who knows what they are doing. 2. Yes. Its good for you to bring stuff out if you cant really tell it in words. But dont bring too much, because then it would be harder for the artist to really get it all in there, and see the point, specially if it will be a smaller design. 4-5 sounds about right. Im not a artist so, artists themself can say if I just said something utterly moronic ;)

Sounds about right to me. Any good custom artist will take the time to listen to your ideas and hear your input, but also remember as artists they like to have some artistic freedom in the piece. If anyone forces ideas on you or makes you feel like a hassle, go to a different shop. Custom artists should defintely take their time to listen to your thoughts and give you the best tattoo possible.

thanks everybody. much appreciated.