I had a consultation a few weeks ago and the artist was a sweetheart. She sketched my idea, had a bomb idea of placement and even stenciled her sketch to visualize her placement. Basically she improved what i wanted and went above and beyond for me. So excited for my appointment with her

It’d be cool if you included a “tattoo of the day” or something to show work off

As someone who already has tattoos, this was still helpful. I've only had really basic email consultations and still struggle with bringing up price because I don't wanna sound like I'm trying to underpay them.

Hey man! Love the videos, watched every single one. If I could make 1 suggestion, maybe show a picture of what you're talking about? For example, at 6:18, you talk about traditional tattoos. I think it could really help some people out if you showed a picture or 2 of a traditional tattoos. Other than that, great video. Keep it up man!

constant snappy relevant information for 19 mins = a crazy informative video, nice job dude keep it up!

One of my favorite tattoos came from me telling my artist that he has free range to do whatever he wanted. I wanted a lily and a lotus and he created a beautiful design and I swear it was so much fun to see his creativity come out to play 😁

These videos usually take double the normal time because I start getting distracted by the comments and have to rewind the video every 3 minutes to hear what I missed 😂

I was laughing when you said that you dont like when people come in and dont have an idea for a tattoo and expect you to come up with it, even though you dont know them. That's understandable. Just started watching your channel, good video man.

I just picked up a bunch of knowledge from your video. You are straight to the point. Well done and wish you all the best brotha

Very informative. Have been considering getting a tattoo for like a year now. And this video and your other video you talk about levels of pain definitely helped me a lot. Thanks.

Bro you make the best tatoo information videos..getting my first tattoo in 3 weeks and I can't wait..your videos help me a ton with good client etiquette

Wow 19 mins of useful information delivered very professionally and concise, you sir are great at these videos!

Ooh! This couldn't have come at a better time. As always thanks dude! And cool intro! 💖

I'm so happy you did a consultation video! I'm having one tomorrow to start my leg sleeve! Very useful information 👌🏼 Thank you

Love the advice! I've gotten my first tattoo awhile ago and I followed your advice! It went very smoothly

Perfect, I have a consultation next week! Also, I really enjoy your videos! I've been watching every now and again for a couple of weeks but now i finally subscribed. Best of luck, I think you can go far!

These videos are so useful and well explained. It's very hard to find good resources to even know where to start research for a tattoo, and this channel is super helpful. This video specifically is great to help anyone thinking of a tattoo to help put their thoughts in order and find a place to start. Other videos of yours simply and in detail explained things like color theory better than I've ever heard, even from great art teachers. Thank you for putting in the time and effort to give us all kinds of information!

So much good advice here. I tell my artist the elements I’d like and the location on my body, that’s it. She is the artist, I let her do the art. So far her drawings have been better than what I was thinking. Dig the intro!

Thanks for this. It's really informative, especially for tattoo newbies. I've only got the one and I'd done enough research to make the consultation for it go kind of ok, but with your info I'd have felt a lot less awkward and unsure. I'm going to feel a lot more clued up and prepared for the next one, so thanks for sharing your expertise and advice.

You make such informative videos!! Definitely one of my favorite tattoo-related channels.

Didn’t know Billy Loomis was tattooing now 🤔 jkjkjk, thanks so much for the video you’re awesome!!

You talk like a professional! Thank YOU!

Been watching some of your videos so far and they've been informative and super helpful. I'm about to get my first tattoo. Thanks so much! Subscribed!

I had to comeback and refresh on this cause I have a consultation in the morning 😁😁😁 so excited, I haven't been tatted in yeara

Hey, your channel helped me a lot with getting my first tattoo a couple of days ago, thank you :) Still will be watching of course

thank you so much for this information. it helped me out so much. I'm an overthinker, this simplified everything for me.

Thanks! Going in tomorrow for my leg sleeve consultation.

This helped so much !!! Lol I’m waiting for August 10th to finish up my full sleeve ! 😊

Thank you, James! This was very helpful! 💕

thanks have a better sense of what it is now my consultation is on Saturday so hopefully it all works out

Keep up the great work this video was super informative !

your videos are a great resource. tysm !

Another good video man, keep at it.

Hello! Recently discovered your channel since I've been thinking about getting a tattoo some time next year and I love it! It's all very informative and straight to the point, no bs, and actual good advice for many of my concerns. I was actually wondering if you could tell me or do a small video about commissioning tattoo artists for a design (because I have no artistic talent). Some of my main concerns are about what to say and how much it would cost just for that commission alone, as well as what to do if you end up not liking the design or want a different one. And if I should tip/how much should I tip for that commission (and maybe tip in general for tattoos). Thank you so much for your time and for making an awesome and informative channel!

I always have a great time with my regular tattoo artist. He is easy for me to contact and he always has a way of making my base idea better.

You should have a LOT more subscribers. Great content!

Such great info! I wish I saw this video before I got my first tat.

Love the videos man!

Thanks for the video. Getting my first one done and I had no idea how expensive it can get for a half sleeve. I'm going for a realism Tattoo and I want the very best tattoo possible. I can always plan more sessions to get all the details done

Getting my first tattoo next week excited and nervous at the same time

James, I truly learned from this video. You are very good at getting your point across completely. I would like to see a video re: "Tattoo Convention/expos." (Pricing differences, how to get what you want and to have a good consultation with the artist. How to make it optimal for all involved. ) I have had several artists tattoo me at Conventions, and I have been mostly happy, but looking to get more "bang for my buck," and make them feel very appreciated. Thanks, as always, BE WELL. 🍀🌺👩‍🎨🎨🖌💗🦓🌈 Liz in California

Ur channel is so helpful thank you❣️

great video mate very informative.

I didn't (or couldn"t) have a consultation with my artist (a quite famous one even), i was told by the manager to send all my ideas and the design would be shown on the day itself. I was sceptical and boy was i right, he drawed up a design that morning and showed it to me. He didn't look at any of my notes (which were all totally in his style), he just made a quick copy -or slightly different to what he made before. Good to say i walked out of it. Now im on to find an artist whom can draw up something beforehand and with whom i can have an actual consultation, be it from distance.

love your videos. I have 6 tattoos and just started on my arms. I find those to not be so painful, kind of like a hot cat scratch. Keep up the good informative vids.

Love the new intro!!

Possible next video be regarding aftercare? I just started watching your videos as I'm about to undergo this process (first tattoo) and your videos are clearly some of the best out there content wise.

Love the new intro dude, it's really nice!! :>

Awesome stuff dude!

Another great video! Thanks for telling new folks what they need to know. Even us tatted up, old farts can learn from your vids. It's nice that info is out there now. Many of us jumped in with only knowledge passed on by someone in our life with ink. It was so behind closed doors back then. I'm happy that is no longer the case!!!

Very helpful. Thanks!

I would seriously love information about cover up tattoos how to find a artist and what kind of things should I know before hand

Have a consultation tmrw getting my first tatto.

Bro this is so dope your wearing a west Phoenix Tattoo supply shirt! My family owns that shop

Very informing thanks. Please do aftercare for tattoos vid, thanks

You give some of the best tattoo advice on KZfaq, keep it up man! I got a question myself.... so for someone in the fitness industry who doesn’t want to hide too much muscle definition, where would you suggest a good spot is to get one? Deltoid, pec, half sleeve etc. thanks man!

Please make a video with advice on how to craft a sleeve! Thanks!

this guy should have more subs

Leaving a comment because you're awesome James

Thanks for this video bro, I'm using it to prepare for for setting up a consultation with Carl Grace. I'm about to wait a while for an appointment. and be poor.. but I want something nasty.

Nothing wrong with not knowing what you want and take your time in deciding, but don't waste an artists time trying to figure that out. It took me 20 years to decide on what I REALLY wanted. I always knew I wanted a tattoo and had seen people with my skin tone that had some pretty crappy tattoos and I always knew there was something better. Many people I saw would get color tattoos and the colors would muddy with our beautiful melanin. I knew i didn't want to look up a year or two later and be mad. Not to mention I hadn't lived much. It took me going through things and surviving them before I decided on a pretty sexy flower thigh tattoo to demonstrate that I finally found my self confidence. And clothing...don't wear tight clothes ladies. Think loose and flowy. Also don't wear your club clothes or Sunday best. I wore lounge pants with some tiny booty shorts I could pull and tape up to give the artist access to my hip and thigh for my tattoo. I wasn't comfortable wearing booty shorts outside in NM in March so I wore the loose pants to cover the shorts when going to akd from the studio. But be comfy and make it easy on yourself and the artist.

Thanks James

Great job, especially for it to all be one take. 👌

Love the video super useful; the intro was alittle on the long side tho.

Nice Video! I like thin lineart tattoos and I know what I want, but I am still debating the place I want to get it.

I am getting my tattoo December 13 2019 I'm excited

Very informative video. Perhaps you can do one showing different artistic styles of tattoos.

I usually pay $200 deposit where I have Tattoos in Canada 🇨🇦. James you are an amazing speaker very informative videos. Could you do one on placement?

I'm loving the new intro!! ✊🏽

Hol up all this time I’ve been watching your videos I never realized you were in my state🤦🏾‍♀️😂

Excellent advice

Got my consultation next week and I’m really excited. It’s my first tattoo and it’s a meaningful tattoo. I chose my tattoo artist over his Instagram and he’s really good, I just need his opinions and what he thinks is best as it’s my first.

You can get something the artist really wants to do by asking them what style they like doing most, etc. To narrow it down

I cannot explain how much this reduced my anxiety.

Would like to cover up scar on sternum. Having trouble coming up with ideas because it may not work well disguising. Any suggestions on what kind of artwork?

I have liked your videos very much💙 Please make a video on wrist tattoo🙇🙇🙇🙇🙇

Tattooers in some places I've seen around; They add the consultation in the cost of tattoo and just make it look like it's free. Example: You get a tattoo that took two hours (ish) and the cost is oddly priced. $345 and they tell you it's $150 an hour; The $45 is the consultiation fee.

Didn’t know you were in the Phx area till I saw your shirt, nice

Great video again, thanks! I've got four tattoos already; two have gone well two haven't and whilst I'm cool with all of them I feel so much more clued up and confident since watching your videos I'm looking forward to my next one. A question if you don't mind, what's your opinion on water colouring? Do they last, how do they age? Thanks again :)

This is a helpful video as I have a tattoo consultation tomorrow for a sleeve on my left arm I’m planning on getting and the first thing I wanna know is how much will it cost so I’m prepared

Can you do a video regarding tattoos on stretch marks and scars

Thanks for the info

the Mr.beast of tattoo videos

In denmark. ive never gotten the tatoo witch i had i mind when getting ther apointment :p and i got all my back and both sleaves complete by now xD

Hey James, so Iv gotten a pretty nice cursive font before on my forearm from my tattoo artist 9 years ago and its still pretty damn good looking. However, now im thinking about the sleeve and My thing is, with images, I just would like a tattoo artist to show me a good sketch of it before hand, maybe even a sketch or multiple of how it would look on the arm itself. I feel like what I usually see is a rough sketch and not much shading when I look at other people getting sleeves, sometimes I dont even see them be shown an image they just give ideas. Im kinda talking outa my ass since I having gotten those types of tats before, but usually I get the vibe that they just show u a stencil before you get your tat and you kinda have to agree right then. Is it a pain in the ass for them to do this? I feel like that's reasonable. The one guy I went to is amazing at realistic stuff which is what I like, but his sleeve flow to me is questionable, whereas there is another dude who's flow with negative spacing and combining imagines is nice, but I don't think his skill at realistic ish tats are totally his strength, and since my ideas are unique I can give references to the style but not so much to the exact image, I find alot of tattoo artists fall apart when it comes to they themselves coming up with original images that look realistic on their own, I find its usually cartoony or the proportions are off or shading etc. So is it reasonable to expect them before I guarantee to work with them, to show me a good sketch? Possibly with shading and some texture?

What’s up man, I’m turning 18 soon and I just watched your video about why to wait to get a tat but since this is the most recent vid I decided to comment here. I just want to get the coordinates for the city I live in which should be pretty small, do you think that this tat will really vary based on the artists or should everyone be able to do the same thing? I’m thinking upper chest for the location too. Just curious as to what you think

Is it okay for a client to ask to see some of the artist other pieces they have done in the past if there isn’t any on the shops page

What is the best way to determine if I can get a walk in tattoo or need a consultation. I would like a blue jay on my ribs and was planning to make an appointment over the phone with the shop but should I schedule a consultation before?

I’m getting my first tattoo at the end of next month, the place I’m going uses their website to schedule consultations and the tattooing, my question is should I schedule both the consultation and to get the tattoo or wait till after the consultation to schedule the tattoo? (My plan was to do them 2 days apart)

Any tips on consulting different artist in the same shop if im not sure in what style i want my tattoo in?

GREAT VIDEO, plain and simple.

I talked to the guy as a walk in and looked ta his portfolio. I was 100% sure what I wanted done, and where before I walked in. Shown him the picture first of the idea, half an hour later told him to book me and I'll bring my graphic novel of the Joker I wanted done. The next day, he stencil the outlines which took him an hour to do, then 4 hours to get the black outlines and the black shadowing to be done. another 2 to 3 hours more to fill in the green hair face and rest of the colors. He said he didn't like the way he done the black, I thought he did a great job but he told to come back when healed for a free session to get a touch up on the black. I had a picture of the Joker on phone but allow him to use the book to use to stencil it out. By the way, the Joker picture I had on my phone was taken out of my book I own. No internet picture.

Thanks

Is there a good time of the year to get a tattoo? Like summer vs winter?

Is it bad if i have more then one artist i want a consultation with? I couldn't decide between the two that i think would be perfect for the design i drew out 😅

I think if price is a concern but you really like the artist be a respnsible adult and just tell them: "look, I really want your work but I dont currently have enough to pay for it." Save up some extra money and come back when youre ready. When i was looking at the caliber of artists i really liked it seemed as though all of them had a $200 per hour rate. So I decided that if I wanted to get my upper arm done and it was going to take about 6 hours to complete I would save up at least $1,200 before consulting an artist. And then when I had my money right I got my arm done. ✔

I feel like its such a waste of time for both people to not be upfront about the budget

Thanks.

So if I got in for a consultation with some ideas that may or may not exceed my budget. Are you saying to first lay out all of those ideas with the artist, and have him give me a quote and then if that quote is exceeding my budget to then scale back on some of those ideas/content?

You might need to add slide shows or get a animations to spice up the videos trust it would take off