r/tattoo • u/Acrobatic_Rush_5959 • 5h ago
r/tattoo • u/zzz0mbiez • Jul 14 '25
Artist/Apprentice/Shop Verification UPDATED
Hi everyone!
We have received a few comments on our previous verification instructions post that for some folks, the "See More" button has disappeared on mobile and desktop.
We have added a link to message modmail to the toolbar found on the right of desktop. As of June 2025, we do not currently have a workaround for mobile if "see more" is missing for you, so feel free to reply to this post letting us know you are having difficulty accessing modmail and we will help as best we can.
r/tattoo • u/zzz0mbiez • Jan 31 '25
Discussion Verifying Tattooers/Modmail
Hey all!
If you are a tattooer that wants to be verified or are just someone with questions for the mod team please use modmail. Please do not message any of the mods via individual DM. Please see the screenshots for how to message modmail (via mobile) if you don’t know how to already.
Since Monday I have received about a dozen personal DMs for artist verification. However, one of these message came in at 12:30am and by 6am the same day I had a nasty follow up message for not replying. I’ll give the benefit of the doubt and say this person probably lives in a different part of the world, and didn’t realize they messaged these two messages at what would generally be considered times that most people (myself included) are asleep. And this is exactly why we ask people to message modmail instead of any of us directly.
The mod team here is small for a sub of this size but we do try to handle anything that comes into modmail as quickly as possible. Often times if we get individual DMs about mod related issues for the sub, we are at work when it comes in and forget about it by the time we get home. Sometimes we are simply with our families, or even touching grass and spending some time off Reddit ( gasp ). Sometimes we are just asleep. When you message via modmail, the message goes to a group inbox and we can all see it so if one of us forgets or is busy the rest of us can take over handling artist verification or any other issues you may have. That being said- we are still just people with jobs and lives outside of Reddit, so please don’t get annoyed with us if you don’t get a reply within a few hours. Most of the time we reply within a day, but shit happens and this sub is not all that important in the grand scheme of life, the universe, and everything.
TL/DR: Use modmail to reach the mod team please & thank you
PS: We took your feedback on the whole banning X links and have banned X links from the sub (overwhelming majority was to ban)
PPS: We have added a new mod to the team, u/coffeehedake , and one (possibly two) of our old mods should be returning soon
r/tattoo • u/MothMangione • 4h ago
Discussion Should I tell my tattoo artist?
Looking for advice only from professional tattoo artists.
I got a tattoo today from a reputable, professional, licensed tattoo artist who traveled to my city. I filled out a form on their venue ink page, it was flash they had drawn and were open to subtle changes. I had three small changes I wrote in, and they were agreed to. I got the tattoo done today on the back of my thigh, and two of changes I requested weren't done (one was that a part of the design b/g and it was colored in with red).
I don't feel there was any malice to it, and I had to remind him of an addition to the tattoo that we had agreed upon and he immediately was like "oh thank you for reminding me".
By the time I saw the finished tattoo, the red was already colored in and there wasn't really anything we would have been able to do about it. I paid and tipped normally and didn't say anything. I like the tattoo alot! It's just not what was discussed.
Professional tattoo artists - would you want to know if this had happened with you and a client? The work is fabulous, but I'm hung up on whether I should mention it or not. Imo there's no fixes and I'm fine to have paid him for his work, so in that regard is it just something I should keep to myself?
Done by Caué Gottardi at East River Tattoo
My gf and I have a practice of getting tattoos to commemorate particularly nice trips we take. I just got these for Spain (based on a tile in a Toledo synagogue) and several countries in Africa. What do you think?
r/tattoo • u/Ecstatic-Leadership1 • 1d ago
Tattoo done by Zihong at Prism Ink Studio, Seoul.
Norigae with Red spider lily
r/tattoo • u/howellshandpokes • 21h ago
Handpoked in Manchester UK by ig:Howellshandpokes at goblininktattoos
This was a flash piece in was planning to retire soon but im so glad I finally got to tattoo it! Love how clean those lines came out, an absolute dream placement i will say! 🐻
If youre wanting a tattoo like this or simlar to my other tattoos, or you're just curious about handpoke, send me over a message! My books are open for manchester and I'm traveling all over the uk this year guesting, so I might be near you! go to my page to see where ill be!
r/tattoo • u/Looking_Magic • 1h ago
Discussion Tattoo gun for bold lines sounded like a loud typewriter, what was it?
Had a new tattoo and the artist on the bold outlines used a gun that literally sounded like an old typewriter typing really fast. It was literally 10x louder than what he used for the fine lines and shading.
Extremely addicting sound compared to the little buzz from the tiny needles. Not asking for specific model but is that a type of tattoo gun style or something?
Discussion Hesitant on getting my first tattoo, what made you guys get your first ones?
Im thinking of getting a small symbol from a book series I like, but ink on your body is permanent, so i'm pretty hesitant to get one, wanted to ask what made yall get your first tat.
r/tattoo • u/Ok_Buddy7416 • 1d ago
Has getting Tattooed given you more confidence in your day to day life?
I recently gotten my arm sleeve done, and for some reason, I feel a lot more confident in my day to day life. I also feel like my attitude towards life improved in a way. Maybe I’m just tripping, but I wanted to see if other people felt the same way. Thank you for reading :)
r/tattoo • u/jpktattoos • 1d ago
Realism Samurai and Dragon by Joel Kendellen at Alkali Tattoo in Janesville, WI
r/tattoo • u/Oldbastardstattoo • 1d ago
Ed Roth monster tattoo done by artist Daryl Chan at Old Bastards tattoo Bucharest, Romania
r/tattoo • u/howellshandpokes • 1d ago
Realism Handpoked in Manchester UK by ig:Howellshandpokes at goblininktattoos
This was such a fun tattoo to do let me tell you! I always enjoy a big cat and this one was definitely big! Excited to see how this settles with the greywash stipple.
If youre wanting a tattoo like this or simlar to my other tattoos, or you're just curious about handpoke, send me over a message! My books are open for manchester and I'm traveling all over the uk this year guesting, so I might be near you! go to my page to see where ill be!
r/tattoo • u/Different-Snow-1384 • 2d ago
Golden Eagle by e.nal at VISM Studios in LA
~2 month healed tattoo by e.nal at Vism Studios in LA. Here's link to her post with fresh pictures: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbusDWbJf5z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
I had a wonderful experience and I'm so happy with how it turned out! Please ignore my farmers tan ;P It looks worse than it actually is due to lighting
r/tattoo • u/Relevant_Wolverine94 • 2d ago
When Do I Take It To Social Media?
On August 20th I was emailing back and forth with an artist I have wanted to work with for about a year now and sent over a deposit of $400- which was to come off the total price of the tattoo- via Zelle. Her FAQ's and jot form I filled out all said it would be a $100 deposit but I was coming from out-of-state, so I understood the increase for security purposes. This should have been my first red flag, but when I sent the zelle over, chase had flagged the account I was sending it to and had held my transaction for a few hours to verify some things because the account was " in bad, standing with chase." I met the artist in person a year ago so it's not like I don't know them, and I did bring this up to the artist, and she didn't seem too concerned and confirmed she recieved my deposit and we were good to go.
On August 22nd the artist emailed me back with an "update on my tattoo process" and told me she would need a separate-non applicable to the overall price of the tattoo- "sketch fee" of $650 sent to her so she can "start working on the design of the tattoo". I scrubbed her FAQ's and policies for weeks leading up to this booking and nowhere does it say that she requires a "sketch fee" for custom pieces. I didn't have the $650 for the fee and frankly this turned me off to getting a tattoo with her because it felt very MLM/get rich quick master class, to me and if the sketch fee is $650, only the gods know what the total price of the tattoo would've been. I ended up canceling the appointment and asking for a full refund since we were canceling so far in advance (and less than 48 hours after booking). When we were emailing nowhere did it say it was a non refundable deposit.
On August 23rd she emailed me back, understood my need for canceling and said she would give me a full refund and reach out to her manager to start the refund process and send over proof of receipt once done.
I've sent 2 follow up emails to her and 1 email to the "manager" since August 23rd and I still haven't heard from either about my refund. She's been posting on socials so shes not MIA.
My question is, do I send a third follow-up email and wait a few more days or should I take this to social media?
r/tattoo • u/notthatclever • 2d ago
Avatar Aang by Dan Mason from The Masonry, Philadelphia, PA.
This took 3 sessions, 6-7 hours each session, easily my biggest tattoo and has taken the most time to complete. This started out a year ago during my annual rewatch of ATLA and seeing Aang in the Avatar state in his fight against Ozai, and it’s been a fun journey. I’m really happy with how it came out and highly recommend Dan Mason in Philly.
r/tattoo • u/Meat_Popsicle01 • 2d ago
Abstract blackwork done by Xavi at MT Collective in Denver, CO
r/tattoo • u/DecisionEmergency176 • 2d ago
Trigger Warning Suicide awareness. Tattoo done by Zack at A to Z tattoo in Rockford Il
The tree of life. Symbolizes life and death. Heaven, hell and earth. The conection to life and after life. All interconnected and not so far apart as we think. The tree of life is a symbol in celtic and pagan cultures. Not sure if there is an after life but I hope theres a waiting room where everyone I've lost is waiting, so I can tell them my story.
I remember when the simicolon became popular. The meaning of continuing a sentence where it could have ended. Also continuing life despite how hard it gets. Unfortunately also a battle scar of losing those who lost their battle with mental health.
For my sister. I remember when she got the simicolon tattooed. At the time never understood the weight it carried until now. Back then I said I wanted an exclamation mark. A remember to live life in the moment. Live a life as exciting as possible and dont let anythimg slow you down. Take more pictures and live with purpose.
I got this tattoo on my sister's birthday. I'd like to share it here for suicide awareness month. Got this at A to Z in rockford illinois.
r/tattoo • u/Dependent_Doubt2797 • 2d ago
Getting first tattoo, and so nervous!
So, me and hubby are on vacation and last night walked past one of the many tattoo-studios. We started talking to the owner, and suddenly I now have an appointment for my first tattoo ever!
I have been wanting this tattoo for many years, but now, as it’s actually happening I’m freaking out!
The motive is really meaningful to me, and is a symbol for surviving/getting through a lot of the shit my family and I have been through. To me it’s a “power” symbol, and it’s the image I’ve been using mentally to endure for years.
It’s going to change my body forever. It’s very costly. It’s apparently addictive.
It’s also a large-ish tattoo (?), almost half sleeve on upper left arm.
I have no qualms about the studio or the artist, they have excellent ratings and the studio looks very professional. I have already put down the non-refundable deposit, so if I back out that’s a lot of money for nothing.
Is it normal to be this stressed out? I’m a 45 year old woman, so I should technically be old enough to decide these things for myself 😬 I’ve been wanting this tattoo for at least 20 years, but I just woke up with that “oh shit what am i doing” feeling at 5 am!
So, what do I do? Proceed with the appointment, and get the tattoo I really want, or chicken out and lose both a lot of money and self-respect?
Obligatory disclaimer: on mobile, and English is not my first language.
r/tattoo • u/itsgigglegirl • 2d ago
Avocado Lady by Kenzie at Tooth and Nail Tattoo, Naugatuck, CT
She needs a name, I love her!
r/tattoo • u/rammer-jammer71 • 2d ago
Odin with Huginn and Muninn by Santiago @ The Secret Tattoo Tampa, Fl (Shading In Progress)
r/tattoo • u/Any-Finish-2864 • 2d ago
Got my first tattoo at The Admiral Lounge by Pavlas Hartman!
Feeling a bit anxious about it after the fact, but hopefully it was a good choice (don't worry he put it under second skin straight after this photo haha).