Perhaps Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery is among the best tattoo studios in the area. But what happens behind the doors of a tattoo studio? Often, the clients see only the results: ink, art, and moment. So what they do not know is the intensity of focus, preparations, creativity, and discipline required for each day.
Take a Real-Life Look Into the Everyday Workings of a Tattoo Artist
1. The Day Starts Before the Machine Turns On
Contrary to popular belief, an artist’s day does not begin when the first client arrives. It usually starts hours before he was:
- Setting appointments in the morning.
- Preparing sketching designs or getting custom designs finished.
- Setting up a workstation for the sterile tools and the equipment.
Every artist has their pre-session ritual, but cleanliness and creativity are always the two priority elements. Many people use early mornings to create drawings, answer messages, and think about what their clients had in mind.
2. Consultations and Design Last Adjustments
Before a needle ever touches skin, there is likely consultation when the client is familiar with the artist. It typically includes:
- Appropriate design placement
- Determine size and particulars
- Last-minute alterations
At times, the artist improvises while making his work with the intention that it blends with a person’s body and skin tone.
3. Tattoo Sessions: Intense Focus
And now it’s time to ink it all. Tattooing requires a unique blend of:
- Artistic ability
- Hand skill
- Mental tiredness
- Client connection
Depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo, the artists might be working for several hours with only short breaks in between. They must also keenly observe the comfort, skin reaction, and body movement of their clients throughout the whole session.
4. Cleaning, Hydrating, Reseting: In-Between Sessions
The protection of a fully sanitized station is to be secured after every tattoo and before any artist cleans every tool, surface, and himself. It is about art, but hygiene is non-negotiable in this profession. Between shorter gaps:
- Eat or hydrate
- Photograph and post their work
- Answer future customer inquiries
5. After Hours: Still Working
Once the machines stop, the day is not over. After closing hours, many artists:
- Finishes custom drawings for upcoming sessions
- References or styles are researched
- Reviews client messages or schedules bookings
- Continues engaging on social media to promote their portfolio
This post was written by J Michael Taylor. J Michael Taylor is an artist and the owner of Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery. Looking for Tattoo shops in St Petersburg, Florida? Black Amethyst has you covered! They provide an art-first approach to custom tattooing in a gallery setting.