14 Tattoo Artists Share Their Most Ridiculous Clients Ever

Not to imply that there aren't bad tattoo artists out there (because there definitely are), but it's safe to assume there are more "bad clients" than bad artists. As Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, notes, "Clients often come with unrealistic expectations, which can lead to misunderstandings and dissatisfaction." This means when you turn to professional forums to hear tales of horror, amusement, and utter shock from tattoo artists, there is a lot to pick through for the most shocking.

And wow, some clients are... just, wow. From being ignorant about how mirrors work to passing out from an empty stomach, and a few cases where the artist made the best of a poor decision, these stories are wild and amusing! As Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, puts it, "Understanding the dynamics of client-artist relationships can illuminate some of the more outrageous behaviors."

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1. Truely Truly

I’ve posted about this before. But my roommate in high school (we also played b-ball together) got a tattoo that said “Truely Blessed” around a basketball on the outside of his arm. The problem being, “Truely” isn’t a word… It’s spelled “Truly”…He wore a shooting sleeve for the rest of the season… Even our coach would light him up sometimes. “[Name], hope you’re blessed enough to remember the fucking plays.” He did go on to play professionally in Europe though. Hope things are going well for that dumbass. giphy

2. Give this man a round of applause.

Not the artist, but the one getting the work done. I was getting a tattoo with a specific year on it, as well as a good amount of other detail around it. About halfway through I look down, and the year is completely wrong. Like, hundreds of years off. I was young and didn’t like confrontation at the time so my heart just sank and I accepted my fate.The artist seemed to become aware of what was happening, and said “Give me a minute.” He left me sitting in the chair and went to the back of the shop. He came back a couple minutes later, proceeded to shade in the old year and put the correct year underneath the shading, and tied the entire tattoo together with that shading which ended up making it look even better than the original design. It worked out for the better in the end but for 10 minutes I was sure my tat was ruined. giphy

Client Behavior: A Psychological Perspective

Many tattoo artists report encountering clients with unrealistic expectations, often reflecting deeper psychological issues. Dr. Judith Orloff, a psychiatrist, argues that such behaviors may stem from a need for validation or self-esteem boosts.

When individuals seek tattoos to express their identity or as a response to emotional pain, it becomes crucial to understand the underlying motivations. This perspective helps artists navigate client interactions more effectively and compassionately.

Client Behavior and Psychological Insights

The experiences shared by tattoo artists often reveal deeper psychological patterns in clients, such as the desire for self-expression or even escapism.

Dr. Judith Orloff, a psychiatrist, notes that tattoos can symbolize personal narratives and transformations, which may explain why some clients exhibit extreme behaviors in the tattooing process.

Understanding these motivations can enhance the artist-client relationship and improve the overall experience.

3. I guess he deserved it.

My brother in law got the oh so original ‘death before dishonor’ tattoo (ironically before he was dishonorably discharged from the army) and when it was finished we realized it said death before dishoron. The artist was able to fix it the best that he could but it still looks funny. It’s fitting though. My brother in law is an idiot. giphy

4. It happens a lot.

Was doing a cover up on a small wrist tattoo for a girl. After about a half hour she got kind of quiet and clammy so I asked if she wanted a break. I got up to take off my gloves and she slumped off the chair. Luckily I caught her and tried to wake her up. After about 5 minutes she came to and we got her a granola bar and she perked up. I was the newbie at the shop so all the other artists were laughing at me for freaking out over a passed out client. giphy

5. Mind Blown

After a few years of tattooing, I had moved & started at a new studio. I was a pretty new hire at the time. I obviously wanted to show my employers I was competent.One of the co-owners had a coworker/friend from his other job at a casino come in for some tattoos on her back. They were two tribal looking symbols, apparently in some Asian language (She herself was an immigrant & vouched for the meanings).Long story shorter, I get a phone call about 2 weeks later. The lady was upset & insisted I had tattooed the symbols backwards! Mind you, I am very cautious. I always have my clients look at the design(s) on paper, sign off on paperwork, check the stencil before & after application. So, despite feeling pretty sure I didn’t mess up the placement, I was a bit freaked out. I told her to come into the shop right away to check it out.She came back in, and I pulled up the jpeg of her tattoo lines (I save everything). She confirmed they were correct. She went back to my station & showed me her back. The tattoos matched perfectly! She looked in the mirror and continued to argue they were backwards. Smh.So, I took the paper with the line work & showed her. She agreed again that they looked correct. Then I showed her the paper in the mirror, next to her tattoos. Obviously, to me at least, mirrors show the inverse image.This lady looked shocked, like I had just performed a magic trick. Well, despite being about 50 years old, she never realized mirrors will make lettering/images appear backwards. She laughed, and began to apologize profusely. Told me she’d tell my boss & everyone else that she badmouthed me for no reason.I had one other lady experience thus years later. It took every member of the shop staff to explain to her how mirrors work. giphy

Social norms and cultural influences significantly shape clients' attitudes and behaviors in tattoo settings. Research in social psychology shows that individuals often conform to group expectations, sometimes leading to impulsive decisions regarding body art.

This 'herd mentality' can result in clients choosing designs based on trends rather than personal significance, which may lead to regret later. Tattoo artists can help guide clients towards more meaningful choices by fostering open conversations about their motivations.

From a social psychology perspective, it’s interesting to note how group dynamics can influence individual behavior.

Research shows that individuals often act differently in social contexts, sometimes leading to behaviors that are out of character. As Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, states, "People often conform to the expectations of their social groups, which can lead to surprising and sometimes irrational behaviors." This phenomenon is frequently observed by tattoo artists, who encounter clients making unusual demands due to social pressure. For more insights, visit Dr. Jonathan Haidt's website.

6. Terrifying

Back when my first tattoo artist was still in business I came in to get a tattoo done by his apprentice.As she doing mine she tells me about the day before, she had had a lady pay to get Cinderella’s castle tattooed on her entire back. My artist had spent the while week getting it ready. Lady comes in to get the line work done. They get towards the end of the session and this lady starts taking about how she cant wait to see what Snow White’s castle looks like finished.My artist told me she had a heart attack. This tat was massive and if it was the wrong castle there was no way to change it. She said she immediately started questioning the woman, totally panicked. Turns out lady had had a bit of a brain fart. She meant to say Cinderella. She apologized for the confusion and they finished the session without any more issues.She said that after that woman said Snow White it was the most terrifying 5 minutes of her life. giphy

7. A lucky save didn't save his job.

Not an artist but an artist who was working on me told me this story of something that happened in the shop:'The shop hired a new tattoo artist who was under the influence one day (they didn’t know him too well so they didn’t know if it was just his personality or not). He’s working on this guy who is a hippie, stoned as all hell. He’s tattooing a Tiger on him. Apparently he tattooed an extra leg by accident on the Tiger and when they were finished, the client was beyond irritated and goes “I don’t mean to trip out man, but what’s with the extra leg” the tattoo artist just looks at him and goes “he’s just one step ahead of the game, man” the client, for some reason, got a huge kick out of it and ended up loving it and it ended there.They fired him immediately. photofunky

8. Yikes

Girl comes in fresh faced, just turned 18 and ready to make the step into getting a tattoo. She was after a henna style lotus flower on the centre of her back.“OK, cool” I thought.. Probably 2 hours work, tops? Fast forward a few weeks to the appointment. Consent form has been filled in and signed. I put my old squiggle on the bottom.She gets laid down after I’ve put the stencil on and I begin. She tenses up and says it really hurts. I reassure her that after the first 10 minutes or so it does get easier. At around the 17 minute mark she erupts into tears. Not just the odd tear but I mean hysterics. Her make up was running down her face and she was crying out at every line.If any of you have played the remaster of Resident Evil, she literally sounded like Lisa Trevor.I ask her if she wanted to leave it and maybe try another day when she felt braver. Through tears, she just said “No.. I need it done today.”Ok, right yep. So a two hour tattoo turned into a 3 and a half hour showdown of blood, sweat and (many) tears.She hasn’t been back since. YouTube

The Role of Communication in Tattooing

Effective communication between tattoo artists and clients is essential for a successful experience. According to research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, clear communication can reduce misunderstandings and enhance satisfaction.

Artists should encourage clients to articulate their thoughts and feelings about their desired tattoos, which not only builds rapport but also ensures that the final design aligns with the client’s vision. This two-way communication fosters trust and helps mitigate potential disputes.

Understanding Ridiculous Client Requests

Behavioral psychologists highlight that outrageous requests can be a projection of clients' unmet needs or insecurities.

For instance, a person might choose a tattoo that contradicts their personal values as a form of rebellion or self-sabotage, reflecting inner conflict.

By recognizing these patterns, tattoo artists can better navigate difficult interactions and foster a more collaborative environment.

9. What a stroke of luck for a silly mistake.

Not me, but a friend of mine is a heavily tatted individual.He was born and raised on Vancouver Island in BC, and as an homage he wanted to get an outline of the island tattooed across his entire back.Went to the shop he had been going to for years but sat down with one of the new artists. She showed him the stencil of the tattoo on his back, with the help of a mirror. He ok’d the tattoo.The artist was about 75% done the tattoo, she then lets out an audible ‘oh sh*t’….My buddy, thinking she maybe made a small error said ‘no worries if one of the lines isn’t perfect, I trust you’.‘No, *****, I think I drew the island backwards.’What she had done was put the stencil on his back the wrong way, but upon showing him in the mirror it appeared that it was on correctly. He ok’d the tat and she went to town. At this point both of them start freaking out. He called me asking me to come to him immediately as he was losing his mind. The artist ran out of the shop crying and disappeared for the whole day.The owner quickly came over and offered to fix the tattoo, which would now have to include a great deal of shading in order to cover up the previous mistake. In the end my buddy got free tats for life and now has a GIGANTIC tattoo of Vancouver Island on his back. buzzfeed

10. Uh, wow.

Obligatory “not an artist”, but my friends older brother used to tell us stories from his tattoo shop before class and a few stuck with me.So, Jake was about 3 years into tattooing and he had seen some crazy sh*t. People screaming as though they had been shot, clients passing out, he had even been punched in the face because he was taking too long. But, hey, this is Vegas. Crazy sh*t happens. However one client sticks in his memory as his most frightening scare.One day a client comes in with his friend and wanted something semi complex on his forearm. Jake freehands some nice sh*t (incredibly talented guy) and gets right to it. About fifteen minutes in, the guy starts bleeding a decent bit. That’s clearly nothing shocking in a tattoo shop, but the amount is a little more than normal. After taking a minute to talk to the friend she tells him they’d been drinking. Most if not all artists will tell you not to drink before getting some work done due to the fact that booze tends to make you bleed more than normal. Jake adjusts his attitude and gets back to it.About five minutes later the guy starts bleeding a lot more. Like, a LOT more. Jake stops and asks the guy what’s going on. The dude confesses that he’s got a medical issue with blood clotting. Jake is really bothered because no tattoo, even with cut skin, should be bleeding that much. He tells the guy that he can’t finish and to see a doctor. While cleaning up he happens to catch a piece of the conversation they’re having while they grab their bags.“Shouldn’t you tell him that you’re poz?”This client was HIV positive. And here Jake was wiping up a small pool of his blood. Needless to say, Jake was freaking out. Things escalate to shouting and the owner of the shop gets involved. Once the owner finds out he calmly ushers Jake out of the room and implores him to inspect himself for cuts. Jake gets obsessive and checks about a thousand times while the owner sternly informs the client that he should have informed them of his status. The client leaves and they clean obsessively for hours and don’t let clients in that room for a couple days.Guys, tell your artists about medical issues before hand, don’t drink before getting a tattoo, and definitely tell them if you’re HIV positive. Yes, good shops sterilize profusely but you should still let them know. It’s for your safety as well as theirs and other clients. giphy

11. Hungry and Scared = Bad Combo

Been around tattoo studios for more than half my life, worked front desk for several years. Sister in law is a tattoo artist. Biggest oh shit moment I’ve witnessed personally was a person coming in nervous about getting their first tattoo. On the paperwork we made you fill out before it clearly asks you when the last time you ate/had anything to drink was, because some people’s nervous system can’t handle the pain and they will pass out or start shaking real bad. This woman stated she ate 30 minutes before coming in, no problem there. 10 minutes into the tattoo she passes out and wasn’t responsive. 911 was called.She woke up as the paramedics arrived, turns out she hadn’t eaten anything since the evening before because she was nervous about the tattoo and was hypoglycemic. After refusing to be taken away by ambulance, she at some snacks she had in her purse and rescheduled for the next week. We requested that she bring her food to eat it in front of us to ensure that there wasn’t a repeat performance. That session went without a hitch.The funniest moment I’ve ever witnessed was a woman getting a cupcake tattoo on her foot approximately the size of a quarter, and the way she was screaming and yelling in pain, you’d think we were beating her with a club. giphy

In some cases, clients may exhibit anxiety or fear about the tattooing process. A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine indicates that individuals with a history of trauma may experience heightened sensitivity during body modifications.

Understanding this can help artists approach such clients with empathy, providing a supportive environment that addresses their concerns and helps alleviate anxiety. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises or discussing the process beforehand can be beneficial.

Additionally, the phenomenon of 'tattoo regret' is an important psychological aspect to consider.

Studies have shown that emotional states at the time of getting a tattoo can significantly affect satisfaction levels later on.

Being aware of this can help artists guide clients to make more informed decisions, potentially reducing future regret and enhancing the therapeutic aspect of tattooing.

12. Whoopsie! She's a good sport.

My friend went to an apprentice to get a free script tattoo. It was on the backs of her thighs, separated like “We’re all” and then “mad here”She was in a lot of pain so I was trying to distract her by reading her riddles and jokes and stuff. I guess the guy was nervous and tried to make it as identical as possible on each thigh. He’s on “mad here” and she looks back and he’s put an apostrophe.“Mad he’re”At first she was like “…what is that”Dude paled. Lost all colour in his face. I thought he was gonna throw up.But she was super sweet about it and gave him an out and said something like “oh cool are you going to connect that part to the top of the “h” or something? I like that detail”He did. Looks awesome. You’d never be able to tell. But poor guy. giphy

13. Same Difference

Back in the 80’s, my Dad and his Navy buddies sat down to get tattoos on a street corner in Spain. First tattoo comes out great, second one looks great and then the guy they struggled to convince to get a tattoo steps up. He agreed to get his wife’s name “Kim” tattooed on his arm.He’s getting tattooed, first the vertical line, then for some reason a horizontal line? Maybe some fancy font. When he’s halfway through the “m” my Dad says “Oh shit, I think he’s writing Tim on your arm!” Coincidentally, when he came home his wife broke up with him anyway. tenor

14. Interesting... Very Interesting.

My ex boyfriend wanted me to tattoo him. He broke up with me for another girl a few months before. But I wanted to be the bigger person and establish something like a friendship or whatever. The tattoo was on his shin, and after 30 minutes he jerks so violently I really f*ck up an outline.Like, no can do f*cked up. I think oh jeez that’s bad. Trying to explain what happened, that probably we can figure something out to cover it. He just completely loses his shit and rants about how I took revenge on him for dumping me. Urm… Yeah, two years later he’s still yabbing about his crazy ex who mutilated him. giphy

Addressing Regret: A Therapeutic Approach

Many clients face tattoo regret, which can lead to psychological distress. Research indicates that tattoo regret is associated with feelings of impulsivity and dissatisfaction with personal choices.

To address this, tattoo artists can provide resources for clients contemplating removal or alteration. Encouraging clients to reflect on their motivations and the significance of their tattoos can facilitate a more thoughtful decision-making process.

Coping Strategies for Tattoo Artists

Given the unique challenges of dealing with difficult clients, tattoo artists can benefit from developing effective coping strategies.

Research in occupational psychology suggests that mindfulness practices can help individuals in high-stress professions maintain emotional balance.

By incorporating mindfulness techniques into their routines, artists can improve their emotional resilience and reduce burnout.

Feel free to show off your tattoos in the comment section now! Or share your muck up stories.

Lastly, a focus on client education can mitigate some of the more unreasonable requests.

Providing clients with clear information about the tattoo process, potential outcomes, and emotional implications can foster a more respectful and understanding dynamic.

As noted in various studies, informed clients are more likely to engage positively in the decision-making process, leading to better experiences for both parties.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, the interactions between tattoo artists and their clients are complex, shaped by various psychological factors.

By understanding these dynamics and employing effective communication strategies, tattoo artists can enhance their practice and foster a more positive environment.

Moreover, recognizing the emotional and social aspects of the tattoo experience can lead to deeper connections and more meaningful art.

Lastly, clients often project their insecurities or fears onto tattoo artists, leading to challenging interactions. Psychologists suggest that this projection is a defense mechanism, where individuals project their internal struggles onto others to avoid confronting their feelings.

Artists can navigate these dynamics by maintaining professionalism and empathy, recognizing that such behavior often stems from the client’s own fears rather than any fault of their own.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, understanding the psychological underpinnings of client behavior in tattooing can enhance the artist-client relationship and lead to more successful outcomes. Studies show that when clients feel heard and understood, they are more likely to be satisfied with their tattoos and the overall experience.

By fostering open communication and addressing clients' emotional needs, tattoo artists can create a supportive atmosphere that not only enhances creativity but also promotes psychological well-being.