The most common question posed to tattoo artists by a layperson is, “How much does this (pre-existing) tattoo cost?” or “How much per inch?”—not dissimilar to how one would approach a vendor in a surplus market, enquiring about a piece of clothing. But an even more troublesome situation arises when a client puts the onus on the artist to decide what they should get tattooed, without giving it any prior thought, or expects the process to be expedited. While these scenarios are common in any studio, they reveal a misunderstanding of what tattoos truly represent—the fact that art, regardless of the medium, cannot be rushed and cannot be purely measured as a monetary transaction.
A Tattoo Artist’s Perspective On Tattoos And Sentiments
As a tattoo enthusiast myself (apart from being a tattoo artist), I have many pieces that don’t hold specific meaning—but I believe that simply wanting art on my body is meaningful in itself. Hence, tattoos must be measured equally in thought. Each piece is a permanent imprint of a story you want to tell. Your skin is the canvas you provide to your tattoo artist. How could that ever be meaningless?
Tattoos can do so much more than just decorate the body; they hold the capacity to commemorate loss, celebrate milestones, symbolise growth, and capture identity. I’ve inked dates that mark the start of a new life, and simple symbols that represent complex journeys. I’ve also tattooed illustrations that simply spoke to someone, regardless of any deeper meaning.
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Not Just Ink, Memories
The real value of a tattoo lies not in its size and price, but in its significance and the care that goes into creating it. The process involves more than just applying ink to skin. It’s about listening, understanding, and collaborating. It’s a shared moment between artist and client—one built on trust, intention, and emotional connection. If one cannot trust and respect their artist, and vice versa, we’ve failed at the very first step. This is not a process conducive to immediate satisfaction.
Tattoos are not frivolous purchases you can discard easily. In the end, they become part of the body and soul. They age with us, change with us, and often remind us of who we were—and who we’ve become.
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Let’s honour that. Let’s treat each tattoo—whether or not we attach a specific meaning to it—not as a transaction, but as a memory made visible, one that deserves time and effort. Getting tattooed should be a positive experience one remembers for a lifetime, not something done simply for the sake of it.
(This article is authored by Pallavi, Tattoo artist at Devil’z Tattooz)
Image Credits: Pallavi, Tattoo artist at Devil’z Tattooz
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