'I Don't Give Clients a Choice'... Tattoo Placement 101 | Dos and Don'ts

Placement plays a huge role in the tattoo process. It doesn't matter how technically proficient the tattoo is, if it's facing the wrong way it'll look terrible. Period. In this video we give you all the dos and don'ts when it comes to placing your artwork. Tattoos do tend to be permanent, you better put them in the right place!
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Michela Bottin Ackerman / michelabottin.ackerman
Jason Ackerman / jasonackermanart
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[@zknight4481]

I have all of my tattoos facing “correctly” except my daughters’ names on the inside of my wrists because my tattoo artists said “those are only for you. No one else will get joy from them, but you will” and I loved that so we faced them towards me. I don’t regret it a bit tbh

[@HolyTurtleOfDoom]

I have my dogs paw facing the "wrong way" for the same reason. I was amazed they even brought it up. I also think it generally flows better on the arms to have it facing the wrong way depending on the design.

[@kimberlykenyon9440]

If someone complains/criticizes a tattoo of something like a name of someone you care about, or anything that personal, can be likened to someone complaining they can't see your tv correctly from outside. It's for you not anyone else.

[@lifewithkirsten7670]

I got a fox on my forearm facing me because it represents what I went through for my gastroparesis diagnosis. It's for me idc if anyone else can see it right or not. And I explained that to the artist that did it but he shit on me the whole fucking time saying it looked stupid that way and if I wanted a sleeve on that arm I ruined it and there's no way to work it into a sleeve. Talked to Many other artists about it they understand why I wanted it that way and said that the other artist was stupid because just seeing it they can think of many ways to work it in. Keep in mind it was my first tattoo and that artist ruined the experience for shitting on me about it. Luckily I'm still getting tattooed and just don't go to him anymore

[@MaryJane-tp3qd]

@@lifewithkirsten7670 that’s really shitty but I once got shorted on for asking why there’s was “upside down” I wasn’t even looking at it upside down honestly (it was on her thigh and we where sitting in the front seat together) and she got so offended for a second 😂 I told her I was just wondering then mentioned it’s not upside down the way we’re sitting. But then I’m always stuck with the thought “you know what it looks like you know what it is why take away the fact that other people can see it physically the way you see it mentally?”

[@katy_4971]

I agree I think the wrist tattoos actually look nicer facing in too. It makes things much more personal but a bigger tattoo on your arm it seems weird if it's upsidown lol.

[@Sam89365]

10 years from now, seeing a mask in a video will instantly date it.

[@nikkibest5010]

Here's hoping.

[@nveletkoslin33771]

do you wanna eat my ear wax?? uuuufff pweeeease

[@just.a.walking.blueberry8306]

@@nveletkoslin33771 No???

[@nveletkoslin33771]

just.a.walking.blueberry raw me like a celery stick NO NUT

[@tealrose3248]

I hope so. Maybe we'll all just permanently ban visitors from the US.

[@rossmurrayfam1568]

It makes me happy that i picked my artist and researched before getting a tattoo

[@futre9805]

nvelet koslin 👁👄👁 huh?

[@nveletkoslin33771]

futre raw me like a stick of celery NO NUT

[@rossmurrayfam1568]

@@nveletkoslin33771 bruh

[@nveletkoslin33771]

RossMurrayFam not a celery fan??

[@iamthefuss934]

Yeah uh that’s what yu do when getting tats done.

[@CursedKing1]

I met michela once at an airport. Just said I knew who she was and she did great work and she was super nice and smiled and said thank you. Literally a like two second interaction but I thought it was dope.

[@caritadepizza]

Aw that’s cool

[@ollijokinen1571]

@@nveletkoslin33771 Thas hawt.

[@aarontoohey7403]

That chick has a beautiful soul , she was meant to be a tattoo artist , her demeanor and attitude are absolutely perfectly in flow with her tattoos and her way of life , js ........

[@CursedKing1]

Aaron Toohey yea she’s dope

[@nataliea8358]

I’m getting my first tattoo with her tomorrow and this comment just eased so much of my anxiety, thank you

[@abluequaker5486]

How to get the best tattoos: Tell your artist vaguely what you want and what body part you want it on. Maybe mention things you don't like and what you definitely like in a tattoo. Trust them to come up with something awesome and know the best placement for it. You'll always get a great tattoo when your artist is as excited about doing a tattoo as you are getting it.

[@liquidsword601]

No No Keyboard warrior alert 🚨

[@ponkuno4280]

@No No and we have every right to deny your entitled ass 😂 I have a six sense now when I can tell when a client will be a pain in the ass so I deny them outright or just say my book is close. Again were not machines. Its a relation, there has to be a compromise on both side or in the end I ain't doing it

[@JSChusa]

@No No 'some bum looking side show' who has more talent in one hand than you do in your whole body lol. These people are artist and know a whole lot more than you do when it comes to what makes a tattoo look good

[@andrehamilton4486]

What if you could just agree on a spot

[@honeytea1046]

No No and in a year when you completely regret your decision because you didn’t listen to the professional artist, don’t go crying to them to fix it.

[@critty79]

I would never get a tat from an artist who thinks they know what i want to look at forever more then i do. I would listen to advice but not commands.

[@Boreas-]

Heaven right here

[@thepatriotpilot1849]

Heres my thing about facing the "wrong way" especially with lettering. If it's super personal to me, and I have someone stand next to me as opposed to facing directly at me, they see it as I see it. I think that's more important for sentimental value that just a display piece

[@ticrific]

For sure! It’s for no one but yourself!

[@bogdannenadic5712]

Tattoos look beautiful when they fade away from old age. They show the flow of life. Change my mind

[@juhlsghouls]

As long as you can tell what it is. Nothing worse that a black or colorful blob

[@AgentLemmon]

it doesn't

[@Yuskee4]

That was stupid

[@bogdannenadic5712]

@COSMO Took me a second or two just as it took you a second to be a complete asshole

[@bogdannenadic5712]

@COSMO You must be fun at parties

[@hhairston43]

My second tattoo is a “job stopper” (on my hand) and it has never cost me a job. I have been asked about it during a interview and when I let them see it up close so they could see the horrible scar (from a burn) it is covering it is no longer a problem. I feel like I “earned” that tattoo by going through the pain of the burn and then living with the embarrassment of the scar for almost 20 years. FYI the placement would probably drive them nuts but there wasn’t any way I could move my scar to better place.

[@nveletkoslin33771]

so wet slurp slurp

[@mercedesbenzcee6738]

I never heard of a tattoo being used to cover up damage scarred or burnt skin tattoos are cosmetic not for surgical purposes and I explained that to people all the time it's foolish to put a tattoo over damaged skin because it hurts 5 times worse than the wound itself.... But hey if u say so..🤷🤷🤷🤷🤷

[@appledahuman7690]

@@mercedesbenzcee6738 scar cover up tattoos are absolutely a thing, yes it hurts more but if you can turn a painful memory into a beautiful piece of art why wouldn't you?

[@eora5142]

@@mercedesbenzcee6738 actually it is a relatively common thing to have scars covered with tatoos! Sometimes the scars are even used to enhance the design, for example by tatooing tree brenches thst follow the scar line to get a tridimensional effect! Imagine how life changing getting this kind of tatoo is... Even if it hurts a lot and it takes a skilled tatooer, for someone who has scars from self harm, or a dire accident or a mastectomy for example getting a tatoo can really turn a sorrowful reminder into something beautiful! A sort of "new beginning" ^^

[@tealrose3248]

Mercedes Benz Cee it's a thing. A lot of people who have had skin grafts will get the place the graft came from tattooed so it's not a big scar.

[@weronikachlebowska6998]

Her joke about tatooing backwards made me laugh, because I actually have letter "D" backwards near my heart so I can see it in the mirror. It's for my mom who passed away when I was a kid. D is initial of her name.

[@paigecarlin5364]

I think she was referring to a celebrity that got a full word tattooed backwards like that, but I might be wrong

[@jackystar5099]

That's sounds cute

[@nveletkoslin33771]

do y'all think edward cullen gets off on bella's khaki skirt

[@TheHighborn]

so.. It's Initial D

[@weronikachlebowska6998]

@@TheHighborn took me a good moment but I appreciate it;)

[@ramses1500]

They need to do a story on her why she blacked out her sleeves

[@tylerbeenhavin6020]

She has, on a past episode. I forgot what she said, but I THINK she went to Russia for this famous artist. She said it was brutal and they just black you out. It was called the something project. I forgot. Lol

[@abc-bx6iu]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h33RoHWMopKoqdk

[@inked]

@@abc-bx6iu We were just looking to find the link and... BOOM! You did our work for us. Thanks!

[@katkaplan3]

Inked it was a fascinating episode.

[@sly11benal7]

She has explained it alrdy.....

[@akfilms4685]

People should totally take placement into account, but some tattoos have “weird” placement because they’re meaningful. The text on my wrist faces me because I want to read it all the time. Yes, I know what it says but it’s meaningful to me and I wanted it to face me.

[@appledahuman7690]

I feel that, I've had people walk up to me on the street and tell me my lettering is "the wrong way". It sucks but people really do feel entitled over other people's bodies sometimes

[@no1caresanymore]

I hate when people try to tell others "your tattoo should have this or do that" I have a tattoo on my leg that is bright and colorful because I didn't want black in that particular piece. A coworker of mine told me more than once that I should've outlined it in black. The tattoo is for me and idgaf if people can't tell what it is from a distance or not. You can tell when you're close and that's what matters to me

[@akfilms4685]

Lindsey M. Right? It’s like...who asked you? It’s on MY body, not yours!

[@arrow2589]

Exactly I worked at a small town job where I was not allowed to have tattoos. I was there for 15 years and I got a small tattoo placed on my back because it was my only option as my legs and arms where usually seen. I am still very happy I got the tattoo and it's beautiful. If I were to get it now I would obviously get it bigger or in a different location but I'm working to incorporate it with my other pieces and in the end of reflects an important period of my life.

[@mottyreef]

Yeah placement is both literal and symbolic and yours is literally for you as the audience expected to see it and that as a fact is symbolic as a message for yourself.

[@legacy8655]

why no one talking about that hisoka face mask.

[@itssitcomstupid]

Broooo I didnt even notice Hisoka! That's badass.

[@Spook685]

I just sit here like peak her Hisoka face mask... It’s the only thing I can focus on

[@ThinkAboutElephantss]

Bungee gum has both the properties of rubber and gum.

[@narutohatake2336]

IKR I saw it and was like oh no

[@09alexa1]

Right ,that was one of the first thing I noticed

[@alissagarcia6934]

I have a tattoo that is placed facing the "correct" direction and I hate it. I love the tattoo but I wish they would have listened to me

[@BigBreakfast25]

A lot of tattoo artist are so entitled and I hate it. They seem annoyed when you try to correct a placement or a piece of of drawing, as if they’re insulted you would dare go against them cause they are “always right”. There are good artists but that seems like a very popular trend

[@stephonestukes4507]

@@BigBreakfast25 nah i disagree with you, im a amateur tattoo artist and ill tell u as a artist who cares about the art ..its not about money , entitlement, being always right, or any of those things ,,its about the art. A true artist is not going to do just anything just bc u paying, especially if its something way against the grain that we know is not a smart thing to do...naturally is your tattoo, but at the same time its the artist's art, shoutout Baltimore sleeves,,i put in at least 5,000 hrs doing just those💪🏿💯

[@BigBreakfast25]

Baltimore Duhmmy I’m not talking about a design you don’t want to do, or not wanting to give someone with no tattoos a face tattoo. I’m just talking about the little things, like these guys are. I know plenty of people who’ve gone in for a tattoo, myself included, and asked for a certain placement or size or whatnot that was agreed to, and when they start working, they just do it the way they think is “right” anyways. That’s the sort of stuff I mean. it’s your “gallery” of art walking around yes, but it’s on the persons body permanently. I’m not saying all do it, but there’s definitely a good amount who do, and it’s not fair to the person who IS paying you for that permanent art, for the artist to take those liberties. (Sorry if that’s a bit hard to read)

[@stephonestukes4507]

@@BigBreakfast25 i understand totally and im not saying you're wrong,,the client is never wrong... its honestly all about the artist & clients relationship..i would like to have the freedom as an artist to tweak any design as i see fit if i feel its best for the overall tattoo..and ik that sounds terrible to you bc u only looking at the situation from a clients prospective. I like for my clients to not feel like they're paying for a tattoo, rather they're paying me for a piece of my artwork to wear forever..and if thats the case ,,please please please dont tell me how to be an artist, trust the artist, and if not that person shouldn't be your artist

[@stephonestukes4507]

And your artist was dead ass wrong for doing that ,id never stray away from an agreed on design without consent. If we cant agree on it i just dont do it

[@gaaralvr4695]

I don’t really understand what’s wrong with getting small tattoos. Some people want to get tattoos and already know that they don’t want to end up with whole sleeves. I understand the logic, but not everyone will continue getting more tattoos.

[@inked]

As a person who put two smallish, but important to me, tattoos right in the middle of my arm, I really screwed myself from getting the sleeves I would like to have. I think, ultimately, people are going to do what they're going to do, but artists should definitely explain to you how you may come to regret a tiny tattoo right in the middle of your bicep, especially if you're on the young side.

[@kiragillett8338]

Hiya! I have 5, going on seven tattoos, 3 of my current tattoos are smaller. I think the reason artists discourage it is because after some time (as you age and skin changes) the ink tends to bleed/fuzz/blur making it more difficult to distinguish what it says/ details. One of my tattoos script is in maybe font size 18 (i got it 3.5 years ago) and some letters are starting to blur. My smallest (detailed piece) is maybe 2.5x 2 inches of an origami elephant and has in Unbelievably tiny thai writing (I lived in thailand for some time) the phrase “did it enter your heart?”. I got this two years ago and some detail on trunk is starting to fade; BUT It is still my favorite tattoo and I absolutely love it and acknowledge that it will likely fade. I also am hesitant to add bigger pieces yet although I probably will as I find an artist I like and trust. I think the reason artists discourage is because a lot of people will not have the foresight of years of tattooing, that things will fade and change and then the client will get upset it doesnt look as perfect as it did previous. As long as we are aware of our bodies inevitable changes and understand that small tattoos will change in quality, I don’t necessarily see a problem, personally, though I can sympathize with artists feeling their “permanent” work fade and not actually maintain a permanently pristine condition, as well as the stigma that people might feel towards an artist if they do see a bleeding/blurry tattoo. Hope that helps explain it a bit better!

[@teetheluchador]

A lot of people get a lot of little caricatures and stuff though is more what they were talking about . Like a whole bunch of tattoo stickers basically

[@DD-po2hh]

I think they’re talking about how the tattoos work with additional ones

[@riakun]

The only thing that I can think of with small tattoos is that, depending how small/designed, it might either bleed together or won't hold. But honestly, I love small tattoos. They're adorable, and even hideable if need be

[@itsamodernmess]

Really deeply appreciate the amazing tattoo artist that tattooed my hand for my second tattoo… I had just gotten out of it in treatment mental health facility for wrongful being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and drugged up wrongly for years of my life. I was restarting my life and I NEEDED my thumb tattoo. I respect these artists. But I FIRMLY believe there should NOT be blanket rules that apply to everyone. After listening to my story and my pitch my tattoo artist and I bonded. It was extremely meaningful especially at that point in my life.

[@micaeladawnmakeup]

While a finger is on your hand, finger tattoos aren’t what people mean when they talk about hand tattoos

[@itsajones9716]

I'm just going to day I respect an artists knowledge, but at the end of the day it's my body, my choice, it's going to be on MY body forever. That said if am artist days it wont work I respect that because they know conformation and angles, so I am torn on that but pretty much agree with them

[@DoctorSib]

I think that's how it should be...a tattoo is a collaboration between the artist and client, and they turn out best when the two actually collaborate. =D

[@Kitsune1989]

I also hate it when a tattoo artist is like “this would be easier and I wouldn’t have to work at uncomfortable angles sooo...” or the ever present “maybe if you did it this way. Here let’s change the animal/flower/image to something completely different and change where it’s pointed/directed and change the colour scheme and change....” then they get mad at you for not wanting to be their personal sketchbook? No the tattoo is for you not them. It’s one thing to have a tattoo concept that’s so ugly you’d be embarrassed to say you did it but it’s another to basically say “I like it like this. Therefore I won’t compromise [the artist saying, not the canvas]”. For instance when I went to get my back tattoo I wanted a raven both as a inside joke, symbolism and because it had personal significance. I was told ‘ravens were too hard. Maybe a crow?’ ‘What about [insert bird of prey/songbird here] they’re prettier’. ‘That’s a lot of black & white, maybe something colourful instead’ by various tattoo artists despite having told them exactly why o wanted a raven specifically. I also walked out on one artist when I was told ‘there were too many names, maybe only a few of them?’ After I had told him that they were they names of comrades who didn’t make it home, who took their own lives, or died as a result of not being able to cope and taking relief in drugs/alcohol instead. I found that extremely disrespectful to both me and the fallen. I did take the advice of one artist who said that instead of date of deaths I should perhaps put the dates of service beginning to end. Or that instead of having the more traditional ribbon or list or whatnot I could work the names into the design. What she had come up with instead was exactly what I never knew I wanted and added more symbolism to an already heavily meaningful tattoo. Did I get my ‘original design’ that I walked in the door with? No. But I was willing to compromise and got more then I ever thought possible. But a tattoo is a personal choice and should be something the canvas can wear proudly. It is also a reflection of the artist so it’s the artist’s duty to make that idea/concept/whatnot the best representation that it can be. Sometimes that means changing things. Both need to be willing to compromise.

[@jadetrolland8095]

Honestly, I think if they only change like some placement and positioning it's honestly not a huge deal. Like, I'm still getting the piece I want, right? But then again, for all my tattoo ideas I intentionally leave them somewhat open so when I go to a tattoo artist they'll find it easier to work with me

[@MrsHouseTakeNewVegas]

7:06 yeah a little star tattoo might seem stupid to you but you've no idea what meaning it has to the person getting it tattooed on them. I also believe that if she wanted it 3mm to the right or left it's up to her! The client has to live with it forever. Tattoo artists can be so power mad sometimes not gonna lie

[@jennafisher8403]

Yeah its really annoying

[@TaylorGanggmember1]

He said “ it was stupid small”. Never said anything about it being stupid.

[@MrsHouseTakeNewVegas]

@@TaylorGanggmember1 yeah he also complained about where the customer wanted it placed. Its his job to do tattoos. Also this was 9 months ago so I'm not too bothered anymore

[@augustbrown9711]

I have three little stars and a lightning bolt. My artists said it was really not a lot and even said that he’s “never had someone come to him for something so small before” Like it was small to him, but I could write an entire essay of what it means to me. Small tattoos have tons of meaning.

[@kkochismile5813]

exactly

[@Mindofliz]

I "trusted" my tattoo artists and my first few tattoos are shit because of it. It's definitely important to do research before you go in.

[@sahar9531]

4:17 how he looks at her is just so amazing he is literally in awe:))

[@snehapatro2594]

Guys Bungee gum has the properties of both rubber and gum

[@Mowgli_ll]

😂😂

[@BossSmiles3]

Loooool

[@antonioaulner1652]

That mask is amazing

[@briannarichardson9511]

I see it!😂

[@nveletkoslin33771]

do y'all think edward cullen gets off on bella's khaki skirt

[@FantabulousFail]

I have an "upside down" tattoo of picasso's one line drawing of a penguin on my wrist. I wanted to be able to look at it. It is 100% just a tattoo for me and I don't even care if other people see it. I love him!

[@SKOMEpocets]

i bet it's ass

[@alinazhidil9817]

About job stoppers: I'm not heavily tattooed and I wanted a small tattoo on the back of my neck, so, I went to an artist I liked, and both he and the receptionists at that place were so incredibly rude to me about this whole 'you don't deserve a neck tattoo' bs... You don't want to put a small tattoo on a hard-to-see spot where it can be completely covered with loose hair/variety of other hair styles/high collars, but you would gladly tattoo my forearm that I will have to hide with long sleeves even in extreme heat if it's not work appropriate? How is it logical?!

[@alinazhidil9817]

r lune Yeah, true. I mean I understand not putting a giant tattoo on a teenagers face, but it’s still not an excuse to be rude to a potential client. That, and the fact that sometimes a discreet tattoo on necks/faces/hands are far less noticeable than getting a sleeve.

[@sydthakyd98]

My mom only has two tattoos. One on her ass cheek and one on the back of her neck 😂 I wonder if my dad wasn’t in the shop at the time getting a similar tattoo in the same spot, if they would’ve treated her that way

[@alinazhidil9817]

Syd Tha Kyd oh, I think that ‘couple tattoos’ are another thing tattoo artists have a problem with 🤣 but less so when it’s a ‘in a ltr for a long time’ couple getting them

[@sydthakyd98]

Alina Zhidil it wasn’t really a couple tattoo per se. me and my sister were their only children back then, and they were getting our sign tattooed on them. Both in the same place but my dads was more “masculine” and moms more “feminine”. So it was more of a parent tattoo type thing but still same placement/idea. I get why artists are against couple tattoos though. I don’t mind ones that would be cool as stand alone ones so that if something happens, it still makes sense to have, you know?

[@ashleyronquillo102]

I have a heart with swirls on my right hand near my thumb. Only one job I've ever applied for didn't hire me for it and that place never hires anyone with visible tattoos regardless of placement. (chick-fil-a) No one else has really cared. Even a Hilton hotel.

[@noelromansky4003]

Can we just emphasize, “TRUST YOUR ARTIST!!” Do your research and if you like the artists style or like what they recommend, trust them. And if you do happen to do a walk in, look at their portfolio and work with them on your piece based on your concept and their style. Trust trust trust your artists. They know what they’re doing, I promise you.

[@tonypark3335]

Flüchtlinge willkommen its because you picked a shit cheap artist, especially if there was a thick line where it was not supposed to be inked?? Seriously? Any mildly capable artist would not make that mistake. TRUST REPUTABLE ARTISTS dont go for dollar store artists buddy

[@tonypark3335]

No No very scary im sorry forgive me kiddo

[@jangbanger7]

@No No shut up lil bro

[@insomniacbritgaming1632]

With that many cover ups... I wouldn't trust her 😂🤣

[@CITYSCAPE333]

Some artist need to be honest about their skill limitations some people can’t shade or do like work for shit .

[@chenaraseepersad3482]

Got my first tattoos last week and couldn’t be any happier! I watched so many of these videos I feel like I knew how to interact with the artist and we were both happy!

[@inked]

We want to make the process as seamless as possible! Glad we could help!

[@glamcat7948]

I respect the artist's opinion, but at the end of the day, it's something that will be on my body forever so I want what I want (within reason, obviously). The artist doesn't have to like it.

[@luna-p]

EXACTLY

[@Jose-rc3dl]

L take

[@briannaelle6690]

I really hate that “it’s backwards because when you show people it will be upside down” argument. It’s like saying you need to always please others and I don’t understand how anyone in the tattoo world would think that way. I wanted a tattoo facing me on my wrist, I used to struggle with self harm...obviously a super personal tattoo for me and the artist refused to face it my way, instead we compromised having it sideways. I’m still bothered about having to compromise.

[@tealrose3248]

Brianna Elle if the artist refuses to do what you want on your body, and their reasoning doesn't persuade you, there are other artists. You're the one living with it.

[@valentinanahirloretoperez27]

just choose another artist

[@briannaelle6690]

Valentina Nahir Loreto Pérez thanks for the advice. Not like all artists told me the same right?

[@tonip5705]

I think a lot of tattooists have a issue with it because when you start putting other work on the arm that are facing the 'right' way the one that is upside down tends to look kind of out of place and wierd

[@perrosyjoyas]

You are the one that needs to be satisfied, you're the one wearing it.. You're not pleasing some one else.. Not even the tattoo artist.. For people who often complain about being judged by having tattoos, imo, they are very judgy themselves.. If you want "backwards" letter, faces, minimalistic tattoos, etc.. You should be able to get what you want without judgment by anyone "because it's backwards" or because they only do full hands.. Geez..

[@aryaxz2255]

she looks like a vampire princess and im loving it

[@charitymarin4901]

I love how he listens to her and looks at her. 💙

[@paigew7921]

Michela is so right. It's about trusting your artist. When my guy said that putting a little tattoo between my shoulder blades would ruin any full back piece I might want in the future I listened. And thank god I trusted him. That piece is the keystone of my back piece now because we did it much bigger and slightly higher up. Because of his expertise and my absolute trust of him. Why would you let someone literally gouge you with needles when you don't even trust their opinion on design or placement???

[@haleyb6873]

Happy I stumbled across this video. For a bit I really thought my tattoo was crooked but I now know that my tattoo just flows with MY body and I trust my artist completely. Thanks guys!!

[@inked]

No problem! We're always here to help.

[@leilamurphy4395]

I always tell people listen and trust your artist...if you don't find another. The vibe has to work both ways to make an awesome experience and beautiful artwork

[@sierra1846]

I LOVE the way my tattoo artist changed my design idea I brought in to curve with the shape of my waist. The placement was perfect too because when I was pregnant it didn’t warp or change at all 🥰

[@demitrimoss5515]

Just had her do my first tattoo yesterday. Michela is awesome

[@veecr4675]

I love her work too

[@hannahmayosky]

so excited to see these two on inked again! I want Michela to tattoo my entire leg with my favorite anime characters

[@DelinoSpec]

“I dont give client choice” later, “it’s clients choice”

[@jillie-rie]

i was confused too but i think she meant it’s client’s choice what body part/area to put the tattoo but not their choice when it comes to the exact placement in that area. i just think the editing was weird.

[@bradymiguel]

1:17 I don’t really give clients much choice. 4:05 To be honest, it’s clients choice.

[@cptn_sumi]

Not sure about the Job stopper part. Maybe its be because of my line of work, but I would not want to work anywhere where my hand tattoos would be a problem. Luckily as a Webdeveloper in Germany there are not many places where that would be a problem. It's 2020...

[@averyyoung1355]

As someone who got their first tattoo about three weeks ago, this helps me a lot because I have a few other tattoos that I want to get in the future, and I've been thinking pretty hard about good places for the tattoos I want so this is actually very helpful to me. It also makes me very happy about the tattoo I got because it works with a lot of the things they said.

[@Jacob.DTorres]

She has great taste in anime, the Full Metal Alchemist tatt and the Hisoka mask, literally the two greatest anime ever made

[@HaleyJo1992]

Omg, the Mario one just makes me so sad! Such a cool idea for a nifty tattoo and completely ruined!

[@nveletkoslin33771]

do you wanna eat my ear wax?? uuuufff pweeeease

[@loverdeadly6128]

I recently got my first torso tat and I'm so glad that I listened to my artist. She urged me to let her do the piece almost twice as large so it would cover the area completely (my oblique abdominal). If I had got it the size I originally said and it only partially covered the space, it would have looked kind of absurd; it would have looked like a decal or something, just really underwhelming. But it is a more correct size so now it looks very powerful and impressive. Trust your artist's instincts.

[@Hannah-zw9ow]

Same thing happened to me with my first tattoo. They said it was impossible to do the tattoo as small as I wanted and I was like okay fine I’ll go somewhere else then. But then when they explained *why* it had to be bigger, I understood and went along with it and it looks great.

[@ofnightmaresep]

This is the most insightful video I’ve seen on this channel in a while

[@EquitySolutionRayRaz]

It’s nice to actually Atleast let the client know proper placement, regardless of what they want

[@WhyDidYouWriteThat]

I wanted to get stegosaurus plates going down my spine. I found an artist with a style that I really liked, and other than sending her a few illustrations that I liked, she had total freedom. The plates she gave me are so gorgeous and I couldn't be happier!

[@morolayoayodele8260]

9:52 "I'm anti-belly button... touching mine makes me faint," but covered head to toe in brutal black tattoo.

[@wiktoriakos2597]

To be fair I'd rather get my arms tattooed than get another piercing

[@inked]

She's not wrong. Belly buttons are weeeeeeird.

[@GothBatty]

Inked exactly 😄 gross buttons

[@carmelsmemoirgarden1165]

@@inked they frequently get dirty too!

[@inked]

@@carmelsmemoirgarden1165 [vomit emoji]

[@jackmckenney3606]

Thank you for making this video. I didn’t realize before hand when getting my first tattoo but my artist explained it super well to me

[@cordeliabriar2924]

I'm so glad that I picked an artist that is really chill and just listens, we put our heads together and come up with something awesome rather than having to deal with some prima-donna with an over inflated ego.

[@bradenvankirk291]

I don't give clients a choice. 4:05 "Tbh it's the client's choice" lmao

[@Island-Girl]

Right?! I was going to comment the same thing.

[@nveletkoslin33771]

i fart when i laugh

[@veecr4675]

A professional tattoo artist knows what works and where

[@lunizzima]

ah hahaha I was like ... whaaaaa???

[@eyeonthepanda]

And she has the choice to not tattoo them. That's her point.

[@ZoesZoo]

I knew going in with my first tattoo that I technically wanted it upside down (script facing me), but the script is for *me* to read every day, something I *need* to be able to read every day, so my artist was very understanding about that thankfully.

[@TylerMckissack]

This cleared up a lot of my anxiety about placements. I’m so worried about choosing the wrong placement and having the tattoo just look out of place

[@thenoodler6948]

The rose in the thumbnail that they comment on as being placed correctly I’m pretty sure is by Ryan Smith. He tattooed my sternum, it was my first big tattoo and I couldn’t be happier. Changed the design multiple times just to fit me properly because he’s so keen on precision. Great artist and great tattooer, recommend him highly.

[@Sleipnirseight]

This topic is so important! I've seen some really well done tattoos but with really awkward placement, that just made them look like a slapped on bumper sticker.

[@inked]

Placement is just one of the many important factors to consider when getting a tattoo. It can definitely be a deal breaker between a great and a good tattoo.

[@PSYCHOPATH_AT_LARGE]

I always am open to the artists suggestions. They do it as a career and their reputations depends on the tattoos outcome. I've had a artist change tattoo details without consulting me and in doing so, made the tattoo better then i could of dreamed

[@tattoosNtea21]

I place a lot of trust in my tattoo artist when it comes to placement. I know she has better eye for it than I do. I just got another one from her and she was able to place it around another small one I have and really make it flow. Take their suggestions, they are the expert!

[@serenap4486]

I never noticed the use of the negative space on her hands before, that is badass. The ouroboros on the front of the left hand in the same place as Greed and the flame transmutation circle on the right. That is so coool

[@amywardell5843]

On the rose on the ribs, I’m surprised they didn’t address how the one that doesn’t flow is most likely a copy and that’s what you get when you try to copy tattoos

[@musmebravo1540]

It is not “most likely” it’s definitely a copy. The details at the bottom from the first that make the tattoo flow, were copied horribly on the second one.

[@amywardell5843]

Musme Bravo totally, though they did change some design elements at the top, but it’s pretty clear that the one that doesn’t flow has that exact same part at the bottom, just not designed for that body

[@theTROLLOLOLshow]

The first tattoo I got, is on my wrist is 'upsidedown' and the artist never told me about it. However it was something super sentimental and for myself anyway so I'm not too bothered.

[@Kazials]

It can face whatever way you want. Don't listen to the two in this video

[@lrx001]

omg I recognized his voice from your older videos- he looks so different now! Great informational video.

[@shessupersalty]

I started on my neck day of my 18th birthday!! , i am a hair stylist, and I get very few judgements on my gorgeous rose piece behind my ear and down my neck on the right.💞 even the owner of my company doesnt mind it💞 i am incredibly blessed though to have gotten such a beautiful piece though!

[@aerongray2228]

when i was planning my wrist tattoos, everyone had a strong opinion on which way they should face. out towards my hands, in together, in towards me (i went with towards me, as it just felt right and obvious)

[@lillypawsltd79]

I got my first tattoo done in 1998 when I was 19. I now have 6. I always go in with the idea and tell the tattoo artist to put their spin on it as it is their piece of art I'll have permanently.

[@jeremyszczepanski216]

Jason has such a smooth, soothing, rich voice.

[@TheRenegade2424]

I’ve been tattooing for 14 years I was also thought that all tattoos face Inward towards the persons body or soul tattoos are reflection inward of how you feel💯 I love this job!!!

[@MrGabrielJude]

“Tattoos on the hands is a job stopper… ooo wow cyclops eyeball, that’s awesome!!” 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jasminejensen5661]

Can anyone tell me who the artist is of the full back and legs is? The girl with the sword, it looks amazing!!!!

[@Pandacollects]

Not sure it's her, but reminds me of Samantha Smith, @scragpie on Instagram

[@kaeley156]

It's by Steve Moore, getmooretattoos on Instagram, he's based in BC, Canada.

[@ahnikaairey8901]

the artist is Steven Moore, and the person who has it is Katie Shocrylas!! (@kshocs on Instagram). She's also a tattoo artist and her tattoos are incredible. She did my ribs!!

[@Mark-ih7hk]

Love the blackwork on Michela, would love to hear her angle on getting it all done

[@doperagu8471]

I totally agree with what they're saying. All of my tattoos are script work of some kind and the placement is so important. I am all about tattoos that go with the flow of the body and the bone lines, etc.

[@krista6112]

I got an "upside down" tattoo on my wrist and the artist tried to talk me out of it. It was a very small memorial tattoo I got a few years after my mother's death. IDGAF if other people can understand what its supposed to be. I got it so I can look down and it can make me think of my mother. Sometimes its totally ok to ignore the advice of your artist. Its your body.

[@kiragillett8338]

Fr I do not regret having my forearm tattoo face me. Not in the slightest.

[@BlackParade727]

3:45 no offense to the dude himself, but I haaaate that reasoning. I 100% of the time lift my arm to show off my wrist tattoo, it is unnatural to put my wrist down to show it off (unless we're both standing? But even then it's way below their eyesight when they obviously want a closer view). My tattoo artist refused to do it "upside down" and because I was 18 I just agreed. I don't regret my tattoo because otherwise it would drive me crazy, but I so regret listening to him. Every time I hold up my arm to show someone my tattoo closer, it's upside down. And it's upside down to me (the person who actually has to look at it every day). I'm not going to get a full sleeve, so it doesn't matter if it's technically "upside down", because now it's upside down in a more practical sense forever.

[@IsSarahPi]

I've had artists say they're going to put a tattoo in a slightly different place to where I asked and I'm really glad they did so I don't have too many awkward gaps.

[@batznbratz]

My placement for my wyverns is off but another tattoo artist tried to fix it and redid it, thankful for her

[@SimonvanTilburg]

8:57 the Super Mario tattoo is hilarious 😂😂😂

[@inked]

Right? it's such a perfect example of how a good tattoo can get completely ruined by poor placement.

[@SimonvanTilburg]

@@inked that's right. Although the idea was funny but it just won't work

[@brianlake2905]

I love how she hadn't problem tattooing her eyeballs but just mentioning the bellybutton made her sick :)

[@kashinimeyo]

If you're going to use past perfect negation, at least use the past participle that's required. You can use "hadn't" if you use the rest of the part perfect conjugation by saying "hadn't had a problem". A lot of people don't like using the past perfect form so just say "didn't have a problem" like a normal person. Even if you want to use that past form, you still have to use an indefinite article before "problem"- sounds super archaic though.

[@brianlake2905]

@@kashinimeyo thanks for the lesson (not sarcastic, really), I'm not english speaker.

[@jmin8573]

@@kashinimeyo you knew what the OP meant. Not everyone is from an English speaking country, and not everyone cares for your unsolicited advanced grammar class.

[@rhyanashah128]

Kat Howard the entitled classism wafting out of your comment is disgusting. Some people haven’t got access to some high end education, or maybe English isn’t their first language (like OP) There’s a difference between being helpfully informative/educational, and being belittling and condescending.

[@ivonned32]

That tells you how unstable she is 🤪😅

[@HomeBoy798]

Great input and advice on these topics of tattoos! Thank you so much!👌🏾💙😊

[@moniquewilliams6178]

I love this! I'm going to see her in November~ looking forward to it🤗🤗🤗

[@lenaChyenne]

For my opinion, i love little "trashy" tattoos, i have them on my leg and my arms and for me it suits me. I love the little nonsense things

[@WestVirginia130]

It might just be me, but I found the music under the first half of the video very distracting, I think something about the particular rhythm contrasting with their relatively soft voices made it really hard to focus on what they were saying. Might just be an ADD mood, but I hope yall might consider changing the music/sound mix in future videos!

[@inked]

Honestly, we don't agree or get this feeling from the video at all, but, we're going to consider this moving forward. Thanks for the feedback.

[@bumblebee2001]

@@inked I agree with the user above. I have adhd and it's very distracting to me. Please keep in mind that not all people can focus easily

[@DebRoo11]

If someone could see a video or photo taken by someone else's perspective of the placement and their movement, i think most people would trust the artist and not be so stubborn. How we are limited to seeing our body in a mirror trips people up i think. What i did for my hip/thigh tattoo was take a washable marker and draw on myself the shapes i wanted and then moved infront of a mirror. Makes a huge difference!

[@DarkLadyJade]

It's always 'trust the artist' and I understand that but tattoo artists should trust clients too. Sometimes they are so set in their ways, so stuck on what THEY think/feel/want/like that a client could have a really good idea for a tattoo but it doesn't turn out as great because of the tattoo artist's own biases and sense of aesthetics. Like, the memorial tattoo for my mom I got on my shoulder, it's not how I imagined it. I like it, but it doesn't look how I saw and still see it in my head. So I'm eventually going to get it covered by something else.

[@Destiny202]

Michela is like the last person you'd expect to tattoo colourful af anime shit when you see her. And I absolutely love it

[@bibliowolf5735]

How bad is it if I initially mistook my sibling's mandala elephant head tattoo for a funky planter?

[@aldik_dj]

Heyyy, I’ve been following her for a long time on insta, love her work 🥺

[@johannapipoli8397]

I especially agree with the small tattoo in a big place, I have a smallish tattoo in the middle of my thigh but I have plans to add on to it and my tattoo artist made sure I knew what I wanted

[@chopperking1967]

For what it's worth, I disagree. 3:39 -> He is saying that it us just wrong to have a tattoo, text or image oriented for easy viewing for the person who has it. Sure if you want a tattoo for how it looks best to others then I agree. If you want to sell the asthetics of tattoos in general yes, then orient it for all the OTHER people in the world. But if a person is truly getting inked for themselves, and they don't care about others opinions of how they look - then have it oriented for your viewing perspective. Most people say they are truly an individual, but their tattoo orientation proves they are not.

[@snapesnappedsaidsiriusseriousl]

Today I found out that Ariana Grande has 55 tattoos and was like WTF. I looked em up and like 4 are of decent size and will age well; her hands are gonna be black blurry messes in a few years. Words, flowers, petals, leaves, numbers, kanji, celestials, and that's just on 1 hand!

[@millieflynn8842]

Apparently her palm tattoo (stupid placement so won’t last long as it’s right on the calluses on the palm) is in japanese and was meant to translate to 7 rings or something but actually translates to small barbecue grill😂

[@nitziarubio3318]

millie flynn doesn’t she have another tattoo that was wrongly translated

[@aBirdAndHisBoy]

Huh... I heard she had 20 ish... 🤔🤔🙊

[@RebeccaO619]

I’m not a fan of her tattoos. They just look really unsophisticated. A bunch of little bangers everywhere and none of them work together. Just my opinion.

[@snapesnappedsaidsiriusseriousl]

@@aBirdAndHisBoy nah Google it. 55 and they go into detail.

[@2011kayz]

I love listening to Michela and Jason 💚

[@richardrobinson9505]

They’re so chilled and mellow. Cool video to go to sleep to.

[@BigBreakfast25]

I love tattoos, but sometimes hate how entitles tattoo artists are. Things like “I don’t give clients a choice, it’s gonna walk around with my name on it”. Yeah but it’s gonna walk around on their body forever, and I think the client liking it is a little more important than you having some tattoos that you don’t love floating around on random people, when most people will never know YOU did it. They always tell people really think before tats and be so sure of what you want, but then say “do what I want or you don’t get a tattoo”, like what?

[@MattMcConaha]

I see no problem with it. They are artists and you are commissioning an art piece. If they aren't interested, then they aren't gonna do it. End of story. When you get to the level of fame of these types of tattoo artists, you can be a lot more choosy about what pieces you accept or deny. And with that level of fame it becomes more important to make sure you're always putting out quality work as opposed to some dude at the corner tattoo shop who doesn't get clients based on reputation but rather by the fact that they're just in that place at the time that someone is trying to get something inked onto their body. Now, if you're a struggling tattoo artist and you are still being picky about which jobs you'll take, then that's still fine but you can't really complain about lack of clients. And, of course, I think all tattoo artists should have the right to reject certain commissions based on their personal morality, regardless of their status as an artist. Stuff like gang signs, hate symbols, drunk customers, etc.

[@leraconnors3019]

👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@Punk_in_pink]

Fr they also say don’t get anyone’s name tattooed on yourself expect for kids and family then they wanna sign their names on your body like uh no I’m not paying you to put your name on me you can get tagged in a post on social media and that should suffice or when people ask just tell them who did the tat

[@davisonsarai7763]

Nobody makes people get their tattoos. You can call it entitlement I guess, but I see it more like choosing a therapist or a doctor. You pick one based on their expertise, and you'd likely let them be the expert and not try to tell them what's best. Not all tattoo artists are this way, and you didn't say "all are entitled", but the ones who've reached a position of prominence have done so by creating their own styles and aesthetics. Why choose them and then change their process? Just choose someone else who will cater exclusively to the client's ideas w very little artistic decision making by the artist. Nothing wrong w either approach if you view them subjectively, which art is.

[@cazzawee]

nah I totally agree with the tattoo artists when it comes to this. There will always be another tattoo artist willing to do it, go elsewhere,

[@mncalapati415]

Crazy that under all that scribbled tattoos on her. She already had a very colorful sleeve on both arms. Still, she is very beautiful 🤙🏼

[@310smoker]

bet she looked way better before. in my opinion. but hey if you dont like how you look naturally , then do what you like best. right

[@salonimistry4408]

omg his voice is so soothing!

[@albahernandez8907]

what people should do absolutely always is making sure their tattooer is getting the right idea and trust their artist with the rest. like i told my artist i wanted a small (? kinda, it was abt 5cms wide) tattoo in my arm and she told me smth like "hey maybe you'll want to have a bigger piece later blah blah blah" and i just explained that i had already planned to do a full sleeve of bigger and smaller tattoos, in a kinda patchwork way ig, and she totally got it, told me the best place to put it and that was that. once you make your intentions clear, it's really easy for your artist and you to understand each other well.

[@matinap2368]

the hisoka mask doe😎😳

[@Kruzz3y]

I fucks wit it

[@erinbailey7940]

In terms of the arm thing, I don’t think they’re referring to little wrist pieces. Think, like, Megan Fox’s Marilyn Monroe piece. Big faces or maps or something. Forearm work.

[@HarlieHarlot]

I have one tattoo. I did my research and choose one man to execute it. I gave him full control. I told him my concept and I said that i feel that if I give him free reign it will come out better. Till this day I have random ppl pulling my sleeves and/or asking me to show them, complimenting it.

[@MaliceOfRites]

Got my first tat on my left shoulder for my 18th. I love it in every way other than the artist copied the design from a right arm instead of reversing it for the left arm so now my Valkyrie is facing the other way. It annoys me yea, but the actual ink itself is great

[@michelinahoulihan8065]

I feel like getting a “job stopper” without the surrounding areas done looks stupid as fuck

[@MMcCoy-yh4ho]

"Do you see the leetle alien machine!?" 😆💗

[@StuckTrippin]

Watching this a month out from getting my neck and face done lol stoked

[@Mimzy1313]

I just love these two so much!!!