Tattoo artists are people doing physical, focused work. Every client has habits that help or hurt that process. Here’s an honest guide to being a good tattoo subject — the client artists love working with.

Before Your Session

DO

• Eat a real meal 1-2 hours before
• Shower and be clean
• Arrive on time (or 5 min early)
• Hydrate — bring water
• Wear appropriate clothing for the placement
• Have your ID and payment method ready

DON’T

• Don’t come hungover — thins your blood, bleeds more, worse ink retention
• Don’t show up on no sleep — you’ll tap out early
• Don’t take aspirin (or other blood thinners) 24h before
• Don’t skip the meal
• Don’t reschedule last-minute without a real reason

During the Session

DO

• Breathe steadily — holding your breath makes pain worse
• Tell your artist if you need a break — they’re used to it
• Make small adjustments only when necessary, and give warning
• Put your phone on silent or keep calls short
• Use headphones for music/videos if you want entertainment

DON’T

• Don’t fidget or shake — moves the skin the artist is working on
• Don’t grab or touch the area being worked on — contamination risk
• Don’t play music out loud (use headphones)
• Don’t take calls during detailed work
• Don’t talk constantly during intense portions — some artists like chat, some need focus
• Don’t over-apologize for normal reactions — flinches happen

What Artists Actually Appreciate

• Reading the artist’s energy — some want to chat, some need quiet
• Respecting their focus during detailed work (fine lines, color packing)
• Not taking photos of other clients’ work without permission
• Trusting their expertise — they’ve done this a lot
• Being honest about pain tolerance

Bringing Guests

Most shops allow one guest. Etiquette:

• Ask first — some shops are tight on space
• Guests should stay out of the way
• No loud guests disrupting the shop
• Don’t bring kids to long sessions
• Guests shouldn’t give design feedback mid-tattoo — you approved the stencil

Payment and Tipping

• Bring cash when possible — saves card fees
• Tip 15-25% — industry standard in the U.S.
• Don’t haggle — prices are set for a reason
• Pay the full amount you were quoted

After the Session

• Listen to aftercare instructions
• Don’t ask for discount if you’re unhappy — talk to the artist first about adjustments
• Leave a review if you had a great experience (see our reviews page)
• Follow aftercare religiously

The Golden Rule

Tattoo artists are skilled craftspeople doing work on your body. Treat the session like you’d treat a visit to a skilled surgeon or dentist — show up prepared, cooperate with their process, respect their expertise. The tattoo will come out better and you’ll build a relationship for future work.

Book a Consultation at Idle Hands Tattoo Co.

If you’re in Jacksonville or anywhere in Northeast Florida, reach out. Idle Hands Tattoo Co. is Jeff Jibran’s private studio specializing in Japanese, American traditional, and black & grey tattoos.

Call (904) 647-5183 or visit us at 3938 Sunbeam Road #4, Jacksonville, FL 32257. Monday–Saturday, 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM.

By Jeff Jibran · August 27, 2026 · Tattoo Tips

Idle Hands Tattoo Co. is Jeff Jibran’s studio at 3938 Sunbeam Road #4, Jacksonville, FL — Japanese, American traditional, and black & grey tattoos. All guides · Reviews · Call (904) 647-5183 for a free consultation.