Things to consider before making a tattoo
THIS IS A PODCAST SCRIPT VIDEO VERSION ON YOUTUBE
Welcome! My name is Simon Vadelma – I’m a tattoo artist and co-owner of Vadelma Tattoo in Amsterdam. Today’s episode is made to answer one of the most perplexing questions when it comes to choosing the right tattoo artist, or studio. Do you need an easy ‘’step by step’’ guide helping you to choose a studio that suits your needs? Or Are You wondering if Vadelma Tattoo is a place where you would like to get your tattoo? Then this video is definitely for You!
PRINTS
You’re listening. You’re watching. But are you supporting? Please visit our art print STORE at www.vadelmaprints.com, where you’ll find original artwork created by Natalie Vadelma – limited edition, museum-quality art prints. In one size only – by design – like in the real paintings. And maybe hit that subscribe button as well 🙂
Is this the tattoo style and aesthetic I’m looking for?
First and most important thing! Do you actually like it? There are many styles of tattooing. You need to love the tattoo you choose for your body. We Human beings are very sensitive to BEAUTY – so if You take a moment – You will find the right answer within You – whether You truly like something or not. As You know Vadelma Tattoo is all about floral, nature, fineline and text tattoos. Both me and NATALIE have done it since we began tattooing – it is the style we chose from the inner calling.
Are available designs aligned with the executed tattoo?
In the world of AI or Pinterest what’s the problem with having a design? But to really draw it and then execute a tattoo out of it? It is a completely different story and I suppose that in the near future it will be a whole new discussion trying to answer the question who actually a tattoo artist is. By definition an artist is someone who do things out of own imagination in a creative and unique way. You know – is having a chords for a song equivalent to being a composer? Not to mention being able to play it? Always have your critical thinking on and don’t be fooled.
As a rule of thumb if the tattoos look even better than DESIGN – then you are looking at a pro – many experienced tattoo artists use projects more as a guide to have proper proportions on the body, and to have a good base to talk about design and discuss it with the client. The rest of magic is done directly on skin.
Is this a studio where I would feel comfortable booking an appointment?
Another extremely important question. There are basically two types of studios – those where multiple artists work at the same time + guest spots, and private ones with one or two tattooers, not really too much in between. Vadelma Tattoo – our studio – for example is a small private space, located on the Bilderdijkstraat 77 in Amsterdam – very good central location, just outside the most touristic places.We have our space in a building called Gallery – where multiple small businesses have their own practice – it feels like a medical/beauty clinic, where each professional has own cabinet. We are on the second floor – and we are open only by APP. That way of working ensures – that you will be the only client at the time, and no one will walk in to interrupt your session.
We love to work like that, because our full concentration goes to the customer and we do our best to make them feel at home. Also, being the only client at the time is very comfortable. Being alone adds privacy.Before booking an appointment it is wise to check the studio’s interior and try to imagine how you will feel there while being tattooed. Getting a tattoo is a very exciting experience – and a welcoming studio that fits Your aesthetics, can do wonders to make You feel calm and at ease.
Does the website or portfolio feel professional and consistent?
Check the quality of information, pictures and content. The website and portfolio is like an artist’s home. It tells a lot about the owner. Is it clean? Is it tidy? Is it designed with a taste? Does it match the story? Is only one room properly furnished, or every detail in the whole home – what I widely understand as online presence – seems to be carefully taken care of? Can You find information about the artist’s background and experience? If you are wondering how it looks with Vadelma Tattoo – simply go to www.vadelma.eu and find out by Yourself.
Is the artist based here long-term, in case I want a bigger project, need multiple sessions, coherent work on my body, or even some touch-ups from the same person if needed?
That’s something to consider as well. AMSTERDAM is famous for attracting guest tattoo artists from all around the world, choosing a guest artist might be a perfect way to do a tattoo with someone who lives far away. but we also have a lot of amazing local artists based here permanently. It is not true that grass is always greener somewhere else. Think about what fits your long term goals. Going local is a great way to support people who live here – from small bakeries, cafes to fashion brands. But it’s also good to keep in mind that it is the small business owner who probably lives in the same neighbourhood, that knows the place and takes care of it the most – trying everyday to make it better.
Does the artist seem supportive and helpful in early communication?
That’s very easy to spot. Even before writing to the tattoo artist – You can tell – how much effort was already put into the process. In forms of FAQ, educational material and so on. Then, 1-2 messages and You know with whom You write with. Place Your attention on style of writing, words and whether or not it is purely transactional conversation, or one that is meant to help You. If You want to try me – don’t hesitate to write : )
Is the price range comfortable for me?
That’s also an important question. With custom made, artistic work – You should expect an estimation for a piece, hour rate, or day session rate, in some cases even fixed price for a design. However it really depends on the artist. And also there are some factors that could be known only on the session’s day, like final size, placement, or maybe some changes/adjustments in the design itself. All that can also impact the price, but it is obvious for everyone that if the initial request was for a tattoo the size of a palm and for some reason it turned out at the session to be twice as big, the price won’t stay the same. I just want to tell you – that personally I don’t believe in such a thing as a deal or promotion that doesn’t come with a trade off when we talk about tattoos. Please be mindful and don’t be naive. However, it is also always good to ask about the price range for this or that kind of project. And please be specific about your ideas, so the tattoo artist would be able to actually help you.
If the price range is fine for you then it is the most important. Different people have different price buckets and priorities in their minds. One person can wear shoes for 360 Euro, but never pay more than 150 Euro for a tattoo, even though shoes are for a season and tattoo forever. Well, it is the matter of perception, values and attitude towards many things. If something works for You – then just build an immune system for people’s opinion – and certainly You will be healthier 🙂
At Vadelma Tattoo we have a clear and as detailed as possible price estimation list for the most common type of design we do in our studio. It is transparently visible in our FAQ’s on the website.
That way we make sure that there are no surprises and you can prepare financially as well. From my own experience, I’d say that it is definitely worth it to even wait and save to get a high quality tattoo. When I did my first tattoo – many years ago while I was still at school- I remember perfectly that I needed to save up equivalent of 3 weekly paychecks of my summer work to be able to afford it, and I also traveled 150 km to another city because where I lived there was no studio where I would like to go. As a consequence of that, now 13 years later I still love my tattoo, because I did it with one of the best tattoo artists back then in Poland. If you ask for a price and the answer is : I DON’T KNOW, Come for a session and we will see, or other misleading stuff – usually it is a big red flag.
Does this studio or artist seem reliable and trustworthy?
<p>
How to tell the wheat from the chaff? At this stage, if You already answered the previous questions I am sure You can tell pretty accurately. But what else can you do? How valuable are recommendations on google saying “AMAZING” ,or “SUPER HAPPY” and so on, from people you don’t even know? Especially when we are talking about something as individual and artistic as tattoos. Your taste is Your taste and if You like something, go ahead and contact that artist that speaks best to You. Additionally, tattoo studios need to be approved by GGD – a Dutch health organization – so nowadays things like hygienic protocols and so on are sort of a given, when we talk about professional tattoo studios.Today, every platform encourages people to rate, comment and share opinions.That’s useful in many ways — if you buy a new fridge or TV — but with art, reviews don’t replace your own judgement.
Does the artist’s portfolio show some healed tattoos?
</p>
That’s the last point for today and an important one. You should check if the healed results are aligned with fresh pictures and designs. However again, the fact that a tattoo looks in a certain way on someone – doesn’t mean it will look the same on You. The final result of the tattoo depends on many factors. Skin carnation, skin condition, age, or placement and of course how a person took care of it – are just the tip of the iceberg. I’d rather take it as an additional overview. For me it is more important that the artist is easy to contact and based in one place, so in anycase I would need a touch up I could go there again without any trouble, or be forced to look for a substitute. That gives me personally more peace of mind than seeing results on others. For me it is like checking home decor magazines, well it is fun to see how a certain sofa looks in someone’s home, but I am rather interested how it will look in my own living room.
That’s it for today! Thank You so much for watching and listening! My main goal in this podcast was to highlight some of the most important topics that you should consider before getting a tattoo – I described here and there a few things about my own studio Vadelma Tattoo, but I didn’t want to sound too much like a salesman, even though I’d love to see You at Vadelma Tattoo. It is a wonderful place to get a tattoo by the way!
I hope that this episode will help You to make a tattoo decision that will be good for You. Tattoos are meant to stay with us for our whole life so let’s make it count!
Have a good day and have fun!
THIS IS A PODCAST SCRIPT VIDEO VERSION ON YOUTUBE
Welcome! My name is Simon Vadelma – I’m a tattoo artist and co-owner of Vadelma Tattoo in Amsterdam. Today’s episode is made to answer one of the most perplexing questions when it comes to choosing the right tattoo artist, or studio. Do you need an easy ‘’step by step’’ guide helping you to choose a studio that suits your needs? Or Are You wondering if Vadelma Tattoo is a place where you would like to get your tattoo? Then this video is definitely for You!
PRINTS
You’re listening. You’re watching. But are you supporting? Please visit our art print STORE at www.vadelmaprints.com, where you’ll find original artwork created by Natalie Vadelma – limited edition, museum-quality art prints. In one size only – by design – like in the real paintings. And maybe hit that subscribe button as well 🙂
Is this the tattoo style and aesthetic I’m looking for?
First and most important thing! Do you actually like it? There are many styles of tattooing. You need to love the tattoo you choose for your body. We Human beings are very sensitive to BEAUTY – so if You take a moment – You will find the right answer within You – whether You truly like something or not. As You know Vadelma Tattoo is all about floral, nature, fineline and text tattoos. Both me and NATALIE have done it since we began tattooing – it is the style we chose from the inner calling.
Are available designs aligned with the executed tattoo?
In the world of AI or Pinterest what’s the problem with having a design? But to really draw it and then execute a tattoo out of it? It is a completely different story and I suppose that in the near future it will be a whole new discussion trying to answer the question who actually a tattoo artist is. By definition an artist is someone who do things out of own imagination in a creative and unique way. You know – is having a chords for a song equivalent to being a composer? Not to mention being able to play it? Always have your critical thinking on and don’t be fooled.
As a rule of thumb if the tattoos look even better than DESIGN – then you are looking at a pro – many experienced tattoo artists use projects more as a guide to have proper proportions on the body, and to have a good base to talk about design and discuss it with the client. The rest of magic is done directly on skin.
Is this a studio where I would feel comfortable booking an appointment?
Another extremely important question. There are basically two types of studios – those where multiple artists work at the same time + guest spots, and private ones with one or two tattooers, not really too much in between. Vadelma Tattoo – our studio – for example is a small private space, located on the Bilderdijkstraat 77 in Amsterdam – very good central location, just outside the most touristic places.We have our space in a building called Gallery – where multiple small businesses have their own practice – it feels like a medical/beauty clinic, where each professional has own cabinet. We are on the second floor – and we are open only by APP. That way of working ensures – that you will be the only client at the time, and no one will walk in to interrupt your session.
We love to work like that, because our full concentration goes to the customer and we do our best to make them feel at home. Also, being the only client at the time is very comfortable. Being alone adds privacy.Before booking an appointment it is wise to check the studio’s interior and try to imagine how you will feel there while being tattooed. Getting a tattoo is a very exciting experience – and a welcoming studio that fits Your aesthetics, can do wonders to make You feel calm and at ease.
Does the website or portfolio feel professional and consistent?
Check the quality of information, pictures and content. The website and portfolio is like an artist’s home. It tells a lot about the owner. Is it clean? Is it tidy? Is it designed with a taste? Does it match the story? Is only one room properly furnished, or every detail in the whole home – what I widely understand as online presence – seems to be carefully taken care of? Can You find information about the artist’s background and experience? If you are wondering how it looks with Vadelma Tattoo – simply go to www.vadelma.eu and find out by Yourself.
Is the artist based here long-term, in case I want a bigger project, need multiple sessions, coherent work on my body, or even some touch-ups from the same person if needed?
That’s something to consider as well. AMSTERDAM is famous for attracting guest tattoo artists from all around the world, choosing a guest artist might be a perfect way to do a tattoo with someone who lives far away. but we also have a lot of amazing local artists based here permanently. It is not true that grass is always greener somewhere else. Think about what fits your long term goals. Going local is a great way to support people who live here – from small bakeries, cafes to fashion brands. But it’s also good to keep in mind that it is the small business owner who probably lives in the same neighbourhood, that knows the place and takes care of it the most – trying everyday to make it better.
Does the artist seem supportive and helpful in early communication?
That’s very easy to spot. Even before writing to the tattoo artist – You can tell – how much effort was already put into the process. In forms of FAQ, educational material and so on. Then, 1-2 messages and You know with whom You write with. Place Your attention on style of writing, words and whether or not it is purely transactional conversation, or one that is meant to help You. If You want to try me – don’t hesitate to write : )
Is the price range comfortable for me?
That’s also an important question. With custom made, artistic work – You should expect an estimation for a piece, hour rate, or day session rate, in some cases even fixed price for a design. However it really depends on the artist. And also there are some factors that could be known only on the session’s day, like final size, placement, or maybe some changes/adjustments in the design itself. All that can also impact the price, but it is obvious for everyone that if the initial request was for a tattoo the size of a palm and for some reason it turned out at the session to be twice as big, the price won’t stay the same. I just want to tell you – that personally I don’t believe in such a thing as a deal or promotion that doesn’t come with a trade off when we talk about tattoos. Please be mindful and don’t be naive. However, it is also always good to ask about the price range for this or that kind of project. And please be specific about your ideas, so the tattoo artist would be able to actually help you.
If the price range is fine for you then it is the most important. Different people have different price buckets and priorities in their minds. One person can wear shoes for 360 Euro, but never pay more than 150 Euro for a tattoo, even though shoes are for a season and tattoo forever. Well, it is the matter of perception, values and attitude towards many things. If something works for You – then just build an immune system for people’s opinion – and certainly You will be healthier 🙂
At Vadelma Tattoo we have a clear and as detailed as possible price estimation list for the most common type of design we do in our studio. It is transparently visible in our FAQ’s on the website.
That way we make sure that there are no surprises and you can prepare financially as well. From my own experience, I’d say that it is definitely worth it to even wait and save to get a high quality tattoo. When I did my first tattoo – many years ago while I was still at school- I remember perfectly that I needed to save up equivalent of 3 weekly paychecks of my summer work to be able to afford it, and I also traveled 150 km to another city because where I lived there was no studio where I would like to go. As a consequence of that, now 13 years later I still love my tattoo, because I did it with one of the best tattoo artists back then in Poland. If you ask for a price and the answer is : I DON’T KNOW, Come for a session and we will see, or other misleading stuff – usually it is a big red flag.
Does this studio or artist seem reliable and trustworthy?
<p>
How to tell the wheat from the chaff? At this stage, if You already answered the previous questions I am sure You can tell pretty accurately. But what else can you do? How valuable are recommendations on google saying “AMAZING” ,or “SUPER HAPPY” and so on, from people you don’t even know? Especially when we are talking about something as individual and artistic as tattoos. Your taste is Your taste and if You like something, go ahead and contact that artist that speaks best to You. Additionally, tattoo studios need to be approved by GGD – a Dutch health organization – so nowadays things like hygienic protocols and so on are sort of a given, when we talk about professional tattoo studios.Today, every platform encourages people to rate, comment and share opinions.That’s useful in many ways — if you buy a new fridge or TV — but with art, reviews don’t replace your own judgement.
Does the artist’s portfolio show some healed tattoos?
</p>
That’s the last point for today and an important one. You should check if the healed results are aligned with fresh pictures and designs. However again, the fact that a tattoo looks in a certain way on someone – doesn’t mean it will look the same on You. The final result of the tattoo depends on many factors. Skin carnation, skin condition, age, or placement and of course how a person took care of it – are just the tip of the iceberg. I’d rather take it as an additional overview. For me it is more important that the artist is easy to contact and based in one place, so in anycase I would need a touch up I could go there again without any trouble, or be forced to look for a substitute. That gives me personally more peace of mind than seeing results on others. For me it is like checking home decor magazines, well it is fun to see how a certain sofa looks in someone’s home, but I am rather interested how it will look in my own living room.
That’s it for today! Thank You so much for watching and listening! My main goal in this podcast was to highlight some of the most important topics that you should consider before getting a tattoo – I described here and there a few things about my own studio Vadelma Tattoo, but I didn’t want to sound too much like a salesman, even though I’d love to see You at Vadelma Tattoo. It is a wonderful place to get a tattoo by the way!
I hope that this episode will help You to make a tattoo decision that will be good for You. Tattoos are meant to stay with us for our whole life so let’s make it count!
Have a good day and have fun!
