Does the Tattoo Artist Design the Tattoo Toronto Ontario

You’re ready to get your very first tattoo. For starters, congratulations! You’re about to join the growing tribe of Toronto locals who are connected to one another through the lifestyle and culture of body art. But given that you have no experience with tattoos you’re wondering; does the tattoo artist design the tattoo? Yes, they can and do. However, there are a few other things you may want to know before booking your appointment. Let’s review!

What to Know About Having a Tattoo Artist Design Your Tattoo (and other things to consider)


What Does it Mean to Design the Tattoo?

It’s not considered designing if you’re bringing in a photo or an image of a subject that you want an exact replica of. In that case, the tattoo artist will simply perform a transfer. They begin by placing tracing paper over the design that you provided to them, and then they proceed to carefully trace it. Once they (and you) are satisfied with the traced image, they place the tracing paper over tattoo transfer paper and go over the design again with a stylus or pen. They then apply the stencil to your skin and remove it to unveil the outline. From here the tattooing process begins.

So what counts as designing a tattoo? If you bring a photo or image into an artist and don’t want an exact replica, but something similar, then they will indeed be designing the tattoo. The inspiration that you provided will certainly help, and for small to medium tattoos the process can take under an hour. If you don’t bring in a photo or image for them to reference, but vocalize what you want, they will sit down with you during your consultation to go through potential concepts and show you examples from their portfolio until you decide on a general design. From there they will draw it upon paper for your approval or request for edits. This can take more than an hour, especially for medium to larger pieces. For the latter, the artist will typically get back to you on the design rendition within 24 hours.

Does it Cost More to Have a Tattoo Artist Design the Tattoo?

Tattoo shops that offer FREE consultations (such as Adrenaline Toronto) don’t usually charge to transfer an exact replica design that has been provided to them. The hourly rate doesn’t kick-in until the needle touches the skin. For requests to customize a photo/image that has been provided by the client for small to medium tattoos, there is not typically a charge if the drawing takes less than an hour. You will be informed about the cost (if any) during your consultation, so don’t worry. Lastly, for tattoos that do need to be designed by the artist from scratch that are medium to large, an hourly rate may be applied. Again, all of this will be unveiled in your FREE (with Adrenaline Toronto) consultation.

The hourly rate (if required) is the same as the hourly rate for the tattoo. View the cost to get a tattoo here.

Other Alternatives to Having a Tattoo Artist Design the Tattoo

Tattoo shops have “flash” which are books of tattoo designs that clients can choose from. There will be tattoo shop flash, and a separate booklet of flash that has already been designed specifically by your tattooist. In either case, the design work has already been done so there is no cost associated with the selection. Another option available at our Toronto studio for whimsical clients are Get What You Get Tattoos. These begin at the shop minimum of $100 up to $200 (generally).


Do you have any other questions? Email or call us via the contacts provided below. Are you instead ready to upload photos/images of a design to use as a replica or for inspiration? You can upload them directly on this form for your artist to reference.

BOOK FREE CONSULTATION + ESTIMATE FOR YOUR TATTOO

CALL 416.913.8805

EMAIL: info@adrenalinetoronto.com