I'm a simple man. I see a new James Withee vid, I click.

100% I’d rather have an artist turn down my idea or point my to a different artist if they aren’t comfortable or wanting to do my project. They need to be into it for it to turn out as a boss piece of work. Plus the experience will be better socially overall.

I feel like regardless of how well you word your explanation for turning down a project, a lot of people will still be offended. I think it has to do with the "customer is always right" service approach and people are used to being catered to. At the end of the day people shouldn't get tattooed by someone who isn't as passionate about their project as them.

Video idea, tattooing on scars/acne scarred areas! Keep killing the game man. 🤟🏻

This is good to know. I always thought it would be considered bad or wishy washy to come to a tattoo artist without a complete image. It never occurred to me, I have no idea why, that a tattoo artist would actually appreciate a bit of artistic freedom. I'm not a particularly creative person, it isn't my strength, so I know that if I liked an artist work I would much rather they flesh out/create the tattoo, because I'm sure it would be so much more impressive than would I could come up with or copy from somewhere.

You got some good content homie idk why u don’t have a bigger fan base

I would think that as a “self employed” artist you have the right to accept or decline business.

The words "I've never seen Lilo and Stitch" should never come out of any human beings mouth.

I loved this video. Blunt, honest, and humorous.

You should do a video on tattoo aftercare, do's and don'ts. You are so smart and informative

I respect that. I rather you refer me to someone else, rather than do something you’re not great at. I think that’s professionalism at its finest.

Lol that moment when the phone rang and that look.. that was funny to me

I love your videos dude. This channel is really insightful.

i usually can’t sit through a 20 min video just because my short attention span but i can for your videos 🤣 i think it’s cause your mannerisms & the way you speak or explain things reminds me of my homeboys

As a huge Disney fan, I really appreciate you turning down one that you didn't understand at first and felt it would insult your work. IMO the best Disney tattoos come from other Disney fans who can add other details to the tattoo because they know the movies and fandom, and not just a copy of an image.

I watched this video way back when you first uploaded it and never forgot it. There’s an artist that I had my eyes on for years and really wanted to work with her but kept missing when her books would open. Long story short I finally caught the window for her opening. I submitted my request via email and poured all the advice you gave in this video and others into that request. I waited patiently and when she responded it was a go for her to take on my project. My first of three appointments is an entire year from now, which made me think I probably got one of the last spots she had for next year. I’m extremely happy!! Plus it gives me more than enough time to save for the piece and make sure I have a decent tip as well. I just want to thank you for the education and advice you give. I apply it to every body appointment I have. Be it tattoos or piercings.. it just helps me to be the best possible client.

I had my consultation yesterday for my full back tattoo. When I sent out my ideas I wasn’t certain it would get accepted but the artist not only loved the project but the blueprint I discovered that will serve as the pillar of my idea will look completely different than the sketch. Everything you mention in this video is pretty much what my artist said when we were in deep design discussion. I also told the artist that I want her to add her own creativity to the design as well because she has talent whereas I don’t.

You're hilarious. I just did my first tattoo last week (woot woot!) And I know I would refuse certain things from get go. You need to have integrity and your name is floating around. So kudos.

I’ve watched like 20 of your vids in the past week preparing for my first tattoo next month, I’m so stoked, learning so much about the process only makes me appreciate it even more

Man, I've just started watching your videos an this one is the best so far. You've opened my eyes so much to my approach as a client to the artist's thought process. Well done James!

I click on this video because of the quote you used “Turn Down For What” And I was imagining that song playing while you Turning Down For What 😂😂

I’m really liking your new video style. The way you include pictures are really helpful

Lmao u tatted Justin Bieber on a dudes back ROFL

You're really good at conveying your thoughts. Your videos are such a good resource. I always look forward to new ones. Thanks!

I love the way you carry yourself. It's super sexy just saying!

Thanks for being so honest and REAL. I try to research an artist, and their portfolio, before I even talk to them about a tattoo I would love. Makes sense not to ask a B&G portrait artist to do a color Japanese Dragon! Be well.🤗🍀🌺👩‍🎨🎨🖌🦓🌈 Liz ( just a nutty old broad, who loves art.)

If I wanna get tattooed by someone bad enough, I give them a broad theme and just let them run with it. I’ve never gotten a bad tattoo that way, and me and the artist always have a good time.

Thorough coverage James. You really hit every reason I've had for turning down customers. This is definitely something I go through w/ my own Artwork. Anytime its a commission painting, drawing or some kind of graphic, logo, tee-shirt design, etc...... I'm finally branching out to tattooing, it's something I've been wanting to do for so many years! Unfortunately I lived in Oklahoma (throughout my teenage years, until I was 23), one of the only states in the US where tattooing was illegal, up until right around, or right after I moved away ('03). Besides that, I've had severe health problems & b/c of a negligent Dr., everything got put on hold for several years! .. I know that I'll have to do tons of work that's not my forte. I'm not pumped on the idea, but I'll have to build up my portfolio & it'll only add to my knowledge & understanding. What age did you start? Have you made a video on the subject? If so, I'd enjoy watching that for sure! I'm glad the "fake skin" (practice skin) is much better than that awful super thin shit! I grabbed some "Sheets" & a "Hand" as well (I'm guessing you've seen all this...). I noticed that several tattoo artists were & are actually using it (there are so hands w/ forearms, feet, breasts, framed "skin" & even skull last I checked) as a "canvas" that can be displayed, sold, whatever... Plus it's not a bad thing for part of a 1st portfolio. Especially b/c you can see the work up-close. What are your thoughts on that? -Sorry for the lengthy comment...

As an animator and huge Disney lover, that Stitch comment killed me xD but I totally get your point! Like, even in the studio, I'm a character designer and I'm good at what I do, but don't come at me with environment and lighting, because I'm not comfortable in it... it'll take me 3 times as long and will not look as good in the end. Some people even asked me to design their tattoos just because "I'm an artist" and "I know how to draw pretty" lol oh and I used to do henna tattoos as a summer job in uni and let me tell ya, the amount of times guys came to me with fascist /nazi requests omg...

You’re very coherent and you explain things very well for those of us who have chemo brains. I’d like to thank you for that.

I fucking love your videos, definitely subscribed. Your blunt honesty is amazing.

You’re such a real dude I think I may have to get something from you one day. You’re a true student of the game, and I appreciate it

When James uploads a video, I know it's going to be a good day!

This is a solid video. It’s great that artists know their boundaries. At the same time, customers should seek out the artists that can do the style of tattoo they are looking for. I have been wanting Polynesian for quite some time now, instead of going down to my local tattoo shop and just settling for some work be it good or bad, I waited a long time and sought out an artist who if you want to say specializes in Polynesian design work. I think artists have the right to turn down work. I would rather have an artist shoot my idea down than to have them do work they are not comfortable or great at doing.

This is the best thumbnail you've done. I've not even watched yet but I love it

That is exactly how i picked an artist for the tattoo on the back of my hand, by looking at the artist portfolio and i am so happy i did because i love it so much ;)

Hi James! I've been considering getting a tattoo for a couple of years now. Recently I'm at the point where I'm starting to do some research, and stumbled across your channel. I've been binge-watching your videos all afternoon! I like how you present the information, and you talk about so many different things concerning tattoos. I feel much more informed now, thanks to you! BTW, this particular video was very interesting to me. I definitely can understand why, as an artist, that a person would turn down a project. I totally get it! Why would an artist want to do a piece that he wasn't interested in, and/or it wasn't his specialty? It makes sense to me, so I would not be offended if a tattoo artist declined to do a particular piece of work for me.

Respects to you brother. I will apply your method.. no bullshit.. just straight up and straight to the point.

love your intro music! every time i watch your videos i kinda jam out during the intro haha

I laughed so hard at the face you made when the phone rang 🤣

This video made me laugh so hard (scribble on people’s skin 😂). Love the brutal honesty.

I love your honesty!!

Man I love your video; well said. Today I spent 6 hours covering up a palm sized mushroom (that looked like it had been drawn on with a dried out sharpy and colored in with green crayon) on a butt, with a dragon(not my jam)...My stretching arm hurts (from all the booty streching) and my heart hurts (from the booty dragon). It was my friends mom and she had received 2 gift certificates for Christmas, but under normal circumstances it would have been a hard pass. Not because a booty dragon is a bad idea but because tattooing dragons on booty's just isn't for me. Its a bummer to spend a day on something and walk away feeling anything but pumped about it, and like you'd rather not add it to your portfolio in fear of attracting more booty dragons.

When I hear you break it down you just sound real af 💯💯💯

People just need to get used to hearing “no”. When I worked as a butcher, and would do interviews with new hires, we would always discuss why you might have to tell a customer “no”. It was necessary to get people thinking about it, you can not always say yes to everyone. It’s just not possible.

JAMES! I am a new tattoo apprentice, learning as much as I can. I am loving your channel, and find it super helpful. My mentor does not speak English very well, so I am also watching as much tattoo information as possible. He is very old fashioned, and skeptical of some of the newer tattoo fads and styles. Can you please do a video on the "fads"- single needle, tiny tattoos, watercolor (last/age factor), line spreading with age, etc, etc. I myself love to draw modern, abstract, bright, illustrative and new school, but how do certain things last/fade? My mentor was talking about how some of the biggest business right now is cover ups of 90s fad tattoos, covering up kanji, tribal and big black shapes and lines. Can you please cover this? Also, you should check out Julien Solomita's left forarm tattoos. I am in LOVE with this modern bright mix, but how would it fade?

Your videos are always good, man!

You're cool, educated and interesting. I'm fixing to check out the shop's/ other artists link. As always I enjoyed this!

Your videos are sooo helpful. Thank you so much! Could you please do a video on all BROWN tattoos. Like a permanent henna??

25k dude holy fuck! Great job, you deserve it and more! 🌼🌼

I wish I could get a tattoo by you, bro. You’re awesome!

Thanks for your insight, James! Watching this video is good timing for me, haha. Although not a tattoo, I'm finishing up a commission (black pen illustration) that I am no longer enjoying because of the drawing style changes that the customer wanted all along ("make everything more cartoony"), despite telling me in the beginning that they wanted it in my style. I spent a lot of time reworking the concept and composition, and I'm excited to just get this shit over with lol. #LessonsLearned

Love this video, learned it the hard way but spot on true🙌🙌🙌

Wish I could have a teacher like you... you have an easy going personality. Some would call me a scratcher but I only tattoo myself... and with a decent tattoo machine. I also work full time as a medical equipment tech. So the thought of being a shop bitch for a year or more scares the shit out of me because of the whole paying the Bills thing. I dont know jack about the process in reality. I just know art is my life... and your videos definitely make me want to work full time on being a legitimate tattoo artist. Awesome channel man!

Another dope video bruh bruh! Keep doin' your thang

What's your thought when a customer ask you how much do you charge? As a customer that's big priority no matter how much i love their work.

James Withee Thanks man and yes I enjoyed that shit. But I must admit I learned it from my own tattoo experiences. You are right about the pricing methods too. Thanks for uploading your video because people do need that information. Keep up the good work James! You might want to mention in your next video. How addicting tattoo's can be. Especially knowing that large/larger tattoo's can be really expensive. I have 6 tattoo's of my own and want another one. But I have to save some money to get my 7th. one. Oh.... the anticipation is killin' me! LOL! ; ^ D Have a great day!

You’ve earned the right to be choosey period😉

I try not to except when it's portraits I just haven't learned to tattoo portraits yet. Love the vids

I already have an appointment book with an artist back in California once I am back stateside from Afghanistan. Now that I know I will be around Gilbert for a few days, I may need to come up with an additional tattoo idea so I can swing by your shop...

you say you spent a lot of time trying to think about how you could turn them down 😂and it won't seem so bad LOL you are literally the s*** you're funny as f*** and so real like I can totally relate to your personality/attitude 😭😭💯💯💯😁😁

Very interesting, I can tell you are a thoughtful creative person and also devastatingly handsome of course! You view it the same way I do my photography. I only do my style and I've been published enough times that is all I offer. Not family pictures or senior pictures, not weddings or events. Strictly conceptual surreal imagery, nothing else. Maybe it comes off as snobby because I've had people react the same way you described but it is what it is. My work, my time, I don't actually need to make money from it, it's a different perspective.

I don’t plan a getting a tattoo anytime soon lmao. I just like his voice and personality 💕😩 and content is great too!

Thsts so true! Sometimes the artist get judged based on the tattoo and quality of the example the client wants it's like thr client's personal preference that can make the tattoo artist look bad

I think that’s why so many people stay loyal to one artist- I showed up this past Sat after having talked about what I wanted and showing some pictures a month or so ago. I sent my deposit and set appts and just showed up ready for whatever my artist created for me. Nothing at all like my pictures or what my mind was thinking but an amazing start to an awesome tattoo so I’m game!! Mine are just my artists creations- that’s what he does and does well so I let him do his job.

As a newbie, could you do a video about how much to save up for a tattoo? Pricing seems to be a touchy subject and most artists are not willing to give a price outright, but it does make it hard to decide when to go for that tattoo and how much cash to have available! BTW, love your videos, great info!

So chill, so articulate and informative, so... many random "fucks." Love it. Subbed.

I've been a tattoo artist for 10 years and while I really like doing custom work and have a unique style I love working with I still often get asked to do something that's quite strict and really out of my "comfort zone" as in, something I really feel bored and uninspired doing. I often manage to talk with the customers to make compromises but I find it super hard to totally turn down anyone since most of my customer base revolves around my social circles (friends, friends of friends, co-workers of friends, relatives of friends, relatives, friends of relatives, etc etc). People don't take rejection well no matter how you phrase it and if it's someone you mingle with outside of your business it can kinda start hurting your social relationships and can eventually lead to where people don't like you anymore because you've "..become a stuck up cunt who won't even tattoo his friends anymore. I wanted him to do this tribal sleeve on me and he just fucking told me no. Who does he think he is?" etc. Would be so much easier working in a city where no one knows you and your customerbase comprises of total strangers. That way you could keep business- and social relationships totally seperate from eachother. The reason why it bothers me is because I've noticed over the years it has really started taking a toll on me, doing alot of tattoos I really "dislike" doing, that makes me feel like it's a chore that's expected of me and not something that I inspire to do out of my own free will. It wouldn't be a thing with any "normal" kind of job -atleast not as much- but when you're talking about doing art, where inspiration is the key driving factor. The motivation and productivity can die down real fast and that'll make it almost impossible to continue working after a while... Look at writers, ever heard of "writers block?" Why do people find it hard to understand it's very much the same for any creative art, you cannot force it. I used to draw several hours every day and I used to look forward to get to do new and exciting tattoos. I was passionate about it. Nowadays -years later- I barely draw at all since it somehow sickens me and I feel tired. I find myself avoiding work because I feel burnt out. No one I talk to about it seems to understand this but I believe other tattoo artists and artists working with only commission based projects know exactly what I mean. Good video, you're in a good spot. I personally sometimes feel like a prisoner to my profession since everyone wants to get tattoos from me and they want it _now_, no matter how I feel about it. I could just sell my tools away and quit the job. Hell, I've considered it countless times over the last couple of years.

Jones Soda! Damn I miss that! Almost impossible to find down here in Florida. Was in every corner deli in Connecticut.

Youe black and grey is solid dawggg

Great video as always! I had a question to add to this. When you turn down a tattoo because of the style, do you recommend someone to go to? Maybe someone from your own shop. But even if some tattoo artist do so, I think it's a bit our own research to do at some point. Maybe for people who can't do their research that easily could rely on that 🙂

yo, ill legit pay you if i have to, to see this justin bieber tattoo if you got pics of it lol

Planning my first tattoo and your videos are super helpful. Thank you so much! For consultations, do you have any particular feelings about customers coming in with multiple tattoo ideas to choose from (different tattoos on different areas of the body)? I have a few different tattoo ideas in mind and I want all of them eventually, so I'd be ok getting any one of them as my first. As an artist, would you like having multiple ideas/potential projects to choose from, or would you feel like the customer is too wishy-washy without one set idea going in?

Helpful video, thank you! I got turned down today at a consult because I wanted barnacles and the artist thought they wouldn't make for a good tattoo subject. Bummed because he's very talented with a style I thought would lend great to barnacles, but in the end I'd rather find a tatooer who is stoked to give a try. While I trust his opinion I hope there's someone out there who will disagree lol

Heyy James Withee are you thinking about opening a store in Singapore ? I hope so lmfao lmao lol in the near future . Your da best dude clear in explaining detail's on Tattoo's and so on ect .....

I bet you were or would be good at writing essays. your videos are well-thought

Very insightful. Could you do a video addressing such shows like Ink Master/and whatever its spinoff is called. Do you think these shows provide quality opportunity for artists to get their name out there or make a mockery of the tattoo industry. I would think the latter, for it is "reality" tv.

Jones soda!! That's my shit and love the pics..🙏🏿🤙🏿✊🏿

Very informative, thanks!😊

I totally understand you. I was a nail artist and I liked doing intricate nail designs with 3D flowers, drawings, etc and now turn down simple stuffs like French manicures, cheeta stripes etc simply because it's not enjoyable for me. It's not something I like to do and I did these designs for 3 whole years! Just wondering what are your thoughts about blackwork? Would you reject doing a huge blackwork like going from the shoulders to the arms ?

Oh yes, a new video!

Your Intro is much better bro. like it haha.

There must be other tattoo artists that to know that would be into those people's projects. Maybe it would help if you gave them referral. After all you're not losing any money since you're not going to do their tattoo anyway.

haha love the thumbnail

"I'm looking to get one of those wolf tree projects" lmao

Will you please do a video of what to consider when thinking about getting a butt tattoo, like the best styles for stretch marks and such.

13:10 one of the rare moment James smiles Lol seen like 20 of your videos and first time U dont have a serious face 😂

I believe any artist, be it digital, mixed media, classical, tattoo, gets the right to say no. No one owns you or your talent, and you are not obligated to do anything for anyone. I am not sure why people think you are owe them simply because they want to hire you. Any hoo. Can you discuss tattooing imperfect skin as well? Not just scarred skin like several other requests, but what to expect if you have had a big weight loss, or it's your first tattoo and you are older, if you have sensitive skin, that kind of thing. Anything you have had experience with. This is so informative. I feel like you should make a compilation video and sell it to shops and they should make people watch it before they get tatted. Like those looped videos they would play in doctor's offices years ago telling you how to lose weight and eat right.

I'm a new sub and new to tattooing. I'm looking to get my first one, but want it to be perfect. Your work is amazing so I would trust your recommendation. Do you know of any artists in Washington State that would reccommend? I know this is a shot in the dark, but figured fuck it I'll ask anyway. I just want my first one to be perfect without going to consult at every shop in the state. I would try to book you, but Arizona is too far away. Thanks for any advice you can give. Keep up the great work.

Anyone appreciate how the random "fucks" just add to the the quality of the video. They are just so random and so wonderful

Hey James love the vids! You think you can discuss what makes a tattoo last? A lot of people in the industry argue about whether realism tattoos are going to stand the test of time. Do you have anyone that has come back after 10years+ with a realistic portrait that still looks fantastic? I have a few of them and worry about the longevity.

I’m listening intently.. thinking if I have a chance at getting a tattoo with you.. lol

13:25 to 13:35 😆

James I want to see a video on what type of obligations a tattoo artist has after a deal is struck/agreed on as far as holding up there side of the deal so deposit is paid appointments are kept and artist has started with first needle poke? Should it come out the same?should it be as black as promised? Should it not be hazzy? Should their lines be clean? Spaces be even? No mistakes in the tattoo ECT.... All things leading up to the quality of what was talked about and them not milking the clock for biting off more then they can chew/ or past they're skill level? And what if it's not Turing out how the tattoo should? At what point should you say look it's not Turing out? Should you let the artist keep running with it trying to make it better? And why should the client pay for more if the artist can't deliver what was agreed or promised? Why should a client be at mercy for a artist to run up a clock because they don't have the skill set they say they do? At what point should you back out? Ask for a refund? Let the artist know your not happy? Not have to pay more for no delivery? And shouldn't the artist be confident in the hours quoted? Or price quoted? The client isn't the professional here what steps should they take after the job is started?

Hi james! I really like your videos, it is an amazing search of information. My question for you is: I have a very scarred skin because of the acne (which I sadly have all over m body). Some of them are fresh (darker) and some are faded. I know it is possible to cover them but my concern is how long do I have to wait to get them cover? To give you and Idea, they look plain and big as freekles, but darker

Great video!

Thank you

Omg the thumbnail 😂

James, you've gotta check out these two videos on this channel called Blue Collar Logic, he makes his case against tattoos for men and women, its pretty messed up some of the things he says P.s. love your vids, keep up the good work homes

What are your favorite tattoo after care products? I want my tattoos to look alive and vibrant for many years. What products do you love?