Will a Tattoo Artist Finish Another Artist’s Work?

  • Written By Dan Hunter on October 1, 2021
    Last Updated: March 12, 2022

Getting a tattoo is a big commitment and it takes a lot of thinking about before you actually take the plunge to get it done. What then happens if your tattoo artist can’t finish the tattoo or if you have a difference of opinion during the procedure? 

There also can be the occasion when your tattoo needs fixing once completed. You may have lost touch with your tattoo artist or it may be that you want someone else to complete the work for you.

The question is, will a tattoo artist finish another artist’s work? The answer isn’t as easy as you may think. We’ll share with you if this is something that tattoo artists are happy to do or not. If not, we’ll let you know why.


Is There an Unspoken Rule About Finishing Another Tattoo Artists Work?

Many tattoos take more than one sitting to complete and it could be that your tattoo artist isn’t able to complete the tattoo. There are many reasons for this. Alternatively, it may just be that you weren’t happy with them and the work that they started.

Lots of tattoo artists won’t even consider finishing someone else’s work, however, there are also some artists who are happy to show off their skills by making a good job of your finished tattoo. 

It all depends on the tattoo artist, each individual has a different opinion. 

Will a Tattoo Artist Finish Another Artist’s Work?

You may have a tattoo that needs to be completed or needs to be fixed in some way. What do you do if your tattoo artist is unable to complete it or fix it for you?  Will another tattoo artist finish the job?

Most tattoo artists are happy to complete the work of another artist as they want to see the final results and to make you happy. However, there are some tattoo artists who won’t finish the work as they find it disrespectful. There are also some who are worried about not completing it correctly and making it an even bigger disappointment. 

The tattoo industry is a business and it’s important that all clients leave pleased with their tattoo and are happy to recommend your artwork. This may even mean finishing someone else’s work and giving the client exactly what they are looking for.

How To Choose a Tattoo Artist

It’s important to make sure that the tattoo artist and studio have good reputations. Check out their social media profiles and all reviews. Ask around to see what friends and other people who may have used them think about them and their work. 

You should also have a good look through their portfolio and schedule a consultation before you make any decisions. 

You need to be able to trust them and the work that they do to make sure that they complete your tattoo as you want it. 

The Style of Tattoo

When deciding on your tattoo style and design you should make sure that you are clear on what it is that you want. Some people go into a consultation appointment with a tattoo artist not knowing what they are looking for.

A tattoo is a big decision so it’s important that you understand the style and design and how it will look.

Communication Is Key

All tattoo artists want their artwork to be stunningly perfect and you want your tattoo to be as beautiful as you imagined. The best thing that you can do to make sure that this happens is to communicate.

By communicating together you will be able to understand how they can complete the tattoo as you imagined. Be sure to speak open and honestly about your ideas and accept their suggestions. However, you shouldn’t be pressured into getting a tattoo that you didn’t want.

A breakdown in communication isn’t good for anyone and can result in a complete misunderstanding of what you want. This may result in you having to go to a different tattoo artist to get your tattoo finished. You may also have to get someone else to try to fix your tattoo if it’s not how you imagined. 

Conclusion

You need to research your tattoo artist or tattoo studio before agreeing to use them. You should also check with them how long it will take to complete your chosen tattoo and that they are available to do this.

This could save the issue of being left with a tattoo that you don’t like or that isn’t finished. 

A tattoo is with you for life so it’s important that you like it and that it’s finished as you imagined. If you do need another tattoo artist to complete work that’s already started, make sure that you communicate with them exactly what you want. 

We hope that we have answered your question and that you feel comfortable knowing that many tattoo artists will finish another artist’s work.

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