Let’s face it: getting told “no” is never fun. But when it comes to tattoos, a rejection isn’t personal—it’s about making sure your idea is going to translate into a killer piece of art that lasts a lifetime. As an artist, I have certain styles and projects I specialize in, and to give my absolute best, I have to stay in that lane. So, why might your tattoo idea get turned down, and how can you avoid it? Let’s break it down.
Why Tattoos Get “Rejected”
1. It’s Too Small or Too Detailed
I totally get that small tattoos can feel trendy and cute, but here’s the thing: tattoos age. Over time, the ink spreads slightly under the skin, and super tiny designs or ultra-fine details can blur together. If I think your idea won’t hold up well over the years, I’ll let you know. It’s not about turning down your idea—it’s about making sure it looks amazing forever, not just for the first few months.
2. It’s Not My Style
Every artist has their strengths. For me, I focus on black and gray realism, portraits, illustrative and character driven designs. For example: I typically don’t take on things like plain landscapes because I know that’s not where I do my best work. Trust me, you want someone who’s passionate about your idea—not someone forcing themselves to make it happen. For example; you could throw an idea out, like a landscape and maybe the reason behind it and I would be able to create a story involving the landscape with an added flair of creativity. I’m going to want to add a main “character” to my work as I feel that it is more intriguing than just trees and mountains. But hey, that’s just my personal preference.
3. High-Pressure Tactics
I know tattoos are exciting, but pushing an artist to rush or demanding last-minute changes isn’t the way to go. The best work happens when there’s mutual respect and trust. If I feel like the energy’s off, I’ll politely pass. Hammering or being relentless and agressive is definitely not the way to get an appointment.
How to Avoid a “Rejection”
1. Read the FAQ (Seriously)
My FAQ page isn’t just for decoration—it has all the info you need to make sure we’re on the same page. From the size requirements to the styles I specialize in, it’s all there. Give it a quick read before submitting your idea! But if you’re here, you probably have and are awesome! And believe it or not, I can tell when someone has skipped over reading the FAQs…
2. Bring a Solid Concept (But Keep It Flexible)
The best projects happen when clients give me a great starting point but let me interpret it. If you send me a clear idea or references but say, “I trust your vision,” we’re off to a great start. Giving me the freedom to design means you’ll get something truly unique. But the opposite is true; if you’re way too vague, I have no idea where to start.
3. Be Open-Minded
Sometimes, I’ll suggest changes to your idea to make it work better as a tattoo. Being flexible shows you trust the process, and it usually leads to a better final result.
Why It’s Not Personal
When I turn down a project, it’s not about you—it’s about making sure we’re creating something I can deliver at 110%. Some ideas just aren’t the right fit for my style, or they’re better suited for a different artist. And that’s okay! Finding the right artist for your idea is key to getting something amazing.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, I want to create tattoos that we’re both proud of. The projects I’m most excited about are the ones where I can run with the idea, use my expertise, and create something that truly stands out. So, read the FAQ, trust the process, and let’s create something awesome together!
