Can I see the project before the session? Podcast script
Welcome! My name is Simon Vadelma – I’m a tattoo artist and co-owner of Vadelma Tattoo in Amsterdam. In today’s episode – I am going to answer FAQ nr 18 from our website. “CAN I SEE THE PROJECT BEFORE THE SESSION?’’. The short answer is : No, You will first see your tattoo design at the appointment.
Are You interested why we – and many artists around the world – decided to work like that?
Why after a few years – we continue to do so and see even more benefits of such an attitude?? I will explain everything to you today. I will also talk a little about why trust and good contact with tattoo artists is so important and what the role of the artists is in the whole process. Why You will see the project on the session’s day? Isn’t it exciting to see the design just before the tattooing – directly in the studio?? Well – for sure it is – and in fact it could be one of the greatest parts of it. For us at Vadelma – making a tattoo is a process – and it begins when you as a customer decide – that it is the right time to do one.
Then, you search for an artist whose work speaks to you.
The last couple of years – from my perspective at least – the attitude towards tattoos changed a lot. Not only have tattoos become widely accepted, but also the client’s awareness has increased. Nowadays more and more people are choosing a specific artist – whose style and narrative they love. Well for a reason I like listening to James Taylor, or Ed Sheeran specifically – and not to every guy with acoustic guitar singing in English. I suppose you feel the same about many things. With tattoos is similar.
So why will you see the project just on the session’s day?
Because, that’s how we are working and when You book an appointment with us – You did it for a reason, I assume You already like the way me or Natalie make tattoos – and prior to the session we already exchanged at least a few emails discussing Your ideas. Together We put the time and effort into getting to know all the necessary details that help to create the project for You. After this – Your part is done – and it is our turn to work on Your tattoo project. There is no need for further consultation. I highly recommend trusting the process and the artist you chose. That’s the way most of the custom made things work – You let other specialists do the job – You believe – they will do great. The design you will see on the tattoo appointment will most likely fit your vision – which leads us to the next topic.
Role of the Artist _ Trust
Have You ever wondered what is the role of the artist in the world and in society? Artists at their core see the world in a different way.
They could reflect the spirit of times, like Francis Scott Fiztgelard did in “The Great Gatsby”, they challenge norms like Banksy, they help connect people across the cultures – like many musicians do – they preserve culture, or inspire change – they also bring us beauty, inspiration, or wisdom. Artists work with emotions – they can show very deep and meaningful ideas using a painting, a poem, or sculpture. The best of their artworks are so dense in information, archetypes, and symbolics, so we can interpret them forever, and still find new things. Shakespeare is a good example of that – even though his stories are a product of his imagination – they are very real and tell universal truths and lessons.
And what is the role of the tattoo artist?
I won’t speak for all – but for us at Vadelma – it is to bring beauty, harmony and joy – in the form of the tattoos and art prints we make. The attitude towards tattooing and customers is very personal in our studio. Working by appointments only, good contact with the clients , accepting those projects that resonate with us – and not rushing the tattoo sessions- is part of it. That’s why trust and choosing the tattoo artist by purpose – not as a random act of scrolling – is so important in my opinion. It is one of the best ways to be happy with a tattoo in the long term 🙂
Gustav Klimt Example
Let’s take a look at the famous painting “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I” also known as “Woman in Gold” which was commissioned by Adele’s husband, Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer. That choice was not coincidental – it was made by purpose. I know that that example might seem a bit out of touch – but in principle – the process is the same as with tattoos we make at Vadelma. First – the customer needs to like the artist’s style – in the case of our example, Mister Ferdinand probably admired the work of Gustav Klimt beforehand.
well we can’t go further without that point
Then there is a request to create an art work – Then the artist accepts it and discusses the details– and then the creative process begins. The following graphic shows how I see it.
In the times of Gustav Klimt and hundred if not even thousand years before him – the final result of art work was revealed only after it was done. I can only imagine the trill that was associated with it – especially in a case when a painter like Gustav Klimt was involved. Fun fact, the commission was made in 1903 but final delivery of the painting happened in 1907 – with tattoos You won’t have to wait that long.
But at Vadelma we wanted to bring the similar feeling in the studio. The feeling of waiting for something – like a kid waiting for a christmas gift – not knowing exactly what it will be, but happy and excited sooo much – it is hard to sleep the day before. There are not a lot of such occasions in adult life – or somehow we forget how to do it – but getting a tattoo could be a nice reminder of it. And by the way – even though you will see the design on the session’s day, in most cases there is no need for any adjustments in the project.
And if there will be? Then, we’ll talk about it and proceed further at the session – no worries – no one will force you to get a tattoo you are not 100% comfortable with.
What does the creative process look like?
Different for every artist that’s for sure. But I always see it as an interpretation of the world around us through the lenses of the particular creative mind. That’s why it is so interesting for me – it is deeply human – and it is as important as ever. Taking into account the upcoming new technological AI revolution, artists — those contemporary and those from the past – will play a big role to help us go smoothly through this. When times are changing – it is good to have something stable – and timeless masterpieces of art can serve great for that purpose.
Is there any way to see the design beforehand?
Yes! You can always choose one of the available designs that are easy to find in the section
“AVAILABLE DESIGN” on the studio’s website
or You can follow our social media, where from time to time we post new projects that can become Your new tattoo.
Those drawings are the expression of creativity and current ideas – for all of You who love the way we make tattoos – but don’t need a customized project. It is a perfect way to get a tattoo at Vadelma.
I hope that now You understand the tattoo process even better.
Not seeing the project before the session is in fact a good thing especially when the choice of getting a tattoo was already well considered – there is really nothing to worry about.
Thank You once again! Have a good day and have fun!
Love, Simon
Welcome! My name is Simon Vadelma – I’m a tattoo artist and co-owner of Vadelma Tattoo in Amsterdam. In today’s episode – I am going to answer FAQ nr 18 from our website. “CAN I SEE THE PROJECT BEFORE THE SESSION?’’. The short answer is : No, You will first see your tattoo design at the appointment.
Are You interested why we – and many artists around the world – decided to work like that?
Why after a few years – we continue to do so and see even more benefits of such an attitude?? I will explain everything to you today. I will also talk a little about why trust and good contact with tattoo artists is so important and what the role of the artists is in the whole process. Why You will see the project on the session’s day? Isn’t it exciting to see the design just before the tattooing – directly in the studio?? Well – for sure it is – and in fact it could be one of the greatest parts of it. For us at Vadelma – making a tattoo is a process – and it begins when you as a customer decide – that it is the right time to do one.
Then, you search for an artist whose work speaks to you.
The last couple of years – from my perspective at least – the attitude towards tattoos changed a lot. Not only have tattoos become widely accepted, but also the client’s awareness has increased. Nowadays more and more people are choosing a specific artist – whose style and narrative they love. Well for a reason I like listening to James Taylor, or Ed Sheeran specifically – and not to every guy with acoustic guitar singing in English. I suppose you feel the same about many things. With tattoos is similar.
So why will you see the project just on the session’s day?
Because, that’s how we are working and when You book an appointment with us – You did it for a reason, I assume You already like the way me or Natalie make tattoos – and prior to the session we already exchanged at least a few emails discussing Your ideas. Together We put the time and effort into getting to know all the necessary details that help to create the project for You. After this – Your part is done – and it is our turn to work on Your tattoo project. There is no need for further consultation. I highly recommend trusting the process and the artist you chose. That’s the way most of the custom made things work – You let other specialists do the job – You believe – they will do great. The design you will see on the tattoo appointment will most likely fit your vision – which leads us to the next topic.
Role of the Artist _ Trust
Have You ever wondered what is the role of the artist in the world and in society? Artists at their core see the world in a different way.
They could reflect the spirit of times, like Francis Scott Fiztgelard did in “The Great Gatsby”, they challenge norms like Banksy, they help connect people across the cultures – like many musicians do – they preserve culture, or inspire change – they also bring us beauty, inspiration, or wisdom. Artists work with emotions – they can show very deep and meaningful ideas using a painting, a poem, or sculpture. The best of their artworks are so dense in information, archetypes, and symbolics, so we can interpret them forever, and still find new things. Shakespeare is a good example of that – even though his stories are a product of his imagination – they are very real and tell universal truths and lessons.
And what is the role of the tattoo artist?
I won’t speak for all – but for us at Vadelma – it is to bring beauty, harmony and joy – in the form of the tattoos and art prints we make. The attitude towards tattooing and customers is very personal in our studio. Working by appointments only, good contact with the clients , accepting those projects that resonate with us – and not rushing the tattoo sessions- is part of it. That’s why trust and choosing the tattoo artist by purpose – not as a random act of scrolling – is so important in my opinion. It is one of the best ways to be happy with a tattoo in the long term 🙂
Gustav Klimt Example
Let’s take a look at the famous painting “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I” also known as “Woman in Gold” which was commissioned by Adele’s husband, Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer. That choice was not coincidental – it was made by purpose. I know that that example might seem a bit out of touch – but in principle – the process is the same as with tattoos we make at Vadelma. First – the customer needs to like the artist’s style – in the case of our example, Mister Ferdinand probably admired the work of Gustav Klimt beforehand.
well we can’t go further without that point
Then there is a request to create an art work – Then the artist accepts it and discusses the details– and then the creative process begins. The following graphic shows how I see it.
In the times of Gustav Klimt and hundred if not even thousand years before him – the final result of art work was revealed only after it was done. I can only imagine the trill that was associated with it – especially in a case when a painter like Gustav Klimt was involved. Fun fact, the commission was made in 1903 but final delivery of the painting happened in 1907 – with tattoos You won’t have to wait that long.
But at Vadelma we wanted to bring the similar feeling in the studio. The feeling of waiting for something – like a kid waiting for a christmas gift – not knowing exactly what it will be, but happy and excited sooo much – it is hard to sleep the day before. There are not a lot of such occasions in adult life – or somehow we forget how to do it – but getting a tattoo could be a nice reminder of it. And by the way – even though you will see the design on the session’s day, in most cases there is no need for any adjustments in the project.
And if there will be? Then, we’ll talk about it and proceed further at the session – no worries – no one will force you to get a tattoo you are not 100% comfortable with.
What does the creative process look like?
Different for every artist that’s for sure. But I always see it as an interpretation of the world around us through the lenses of the particular creative mind. That’s why it is so interesting for me – it is deeply human – and it is as important as ever. Taking into account the upcoming new technological AI revolution, artists — those contemporary and those from the past – will play a big role to help us go smoothly through this. When times are changing – it is good to have something stable – and timeless masterpieces of art can serve great for that purpose.
Is there any way to see the design beforehand?
Yes! You can always choose one of the available designs that are easy to find in the section
“AVAILABLE DESIGN” on the studio’s website
or You can follow our social media, where from time to time we post new projects that can become Your new tattoo.
Those drawings are the expression of creativity and current ideas – for all of You who love the way we make tattoos – but don’t need a customized project. It is a perfect way to get a tattoo at Vadelma.
I hope that now You understand the tattoo process even better.
Not seeing the project before the session is in fact a good thing especially when the choice of getting a tattoo was already well considered – there is really nothing to worry about.
Thank You once again! Have a good day and have fun!
Love, Simon
