A deposit secures a date and time for you that the artist could otherwise have given to another client. It's usually deducted from the cost of the session. Every artist has their own rescheduling and refund terms, so find out what they are before you pay, and let them know as early as possible if you need to reschedule.
Why a deposit is needed
The artist sets aside time for you, may prepare a design and gets the supplies ready. If you don't turn up, they can't offer that time to anyone else. A deposit confirms your commitment to the booking. It isn't a penalty or a sign of mistrust.
- It secures the date. Until the deposit is paid, the artist's time is open to others.
- It shows the decision has been made. It's easier for the artist to start preparing once the booking is confirmed.
- It doesn't add to the price. It's usually part of the final total that you simply pay earlier.
How booking works
Most artists follow a similar booking process. You pay the deposit once it's clear what you're getting and when, rather than at the very start.
- First messageThe idea, the placement, a rough size and a couple of references.
- ConsultationYou discuss the design, size, placement and price, either online or at the studio.
- Date and depositYou choose an available date and pay the deposit to secure it.
- DesignThe artist prepares the design for the session; changes are discussed in advance.
- ReminderA day or two before the session, it's worth double-checking the time and address.
How to write to an artist so they get your idea straight away — see “Your first message to a tattoo artist”.
How much you pay and when
Artists set the deposit amount in different ways: some take a fixed sum, others a percentage of the tattoo's price. The bigger the tattoo and the more sessions it involves, the more likely they are to ask for one.
You usually pay once the idea, size and date have been discussed. If someone asks for a deposit before any conversation about the work, that's a reason to be wary. Other warning signs are in “Red flags when choosing an artist”.
Before you pay, check whether the deposit counts towards the price, what happens if you reschedule and what happens if you cancel. It's best to get the answer in writing, in your messages: that way, a month later, nobody has to try to remember what was agreed.
Before you pay
Spending a couple of minutes asking questions before you pay can prevent almost all misunderstandings later. Make sure you know:
If you need to reschedule
Plans change, and artists understand that. What matters is letting them know as soon as you realise you can't make it, not on the morning of the session.
- message the artist and suggest a couple of dates that work for you;
- if you're ill, reschedule rather than turning up unwell — more in “Restrictions and contraindications”;
- if you reschedule in good time, the deposit usually moves to the new date;
- the number of times you can reschedule and the notice required depend on the artist's rules.
If you're ill or something's come up, just message me. The sooner I know, the easier it is to find a new date.
If you change your mind
You can cancel a booking, and there's nothing to be ashamed of. It's better to back out than to get a tattoo you no longer want.
But if you cancel, the deposit often isn't refunded, or is only partly refunded: the time has already been set aside, and the design may already be drawn. Ask about the cancellation rules before you pay, rather than waiting until you change your mind.
Lateness and no-shows
Being five minutes late won't upset anyone. Being an hour late throws off the artist's whole day and the next client's too, and sometimes the session has to be cut short. If you're running late, message straight away.
Not turning up without warning is the one case where you usually lose your deposit. And the artist may not book you again: the day was wasted, when letting them know would have been easy.
Frequently asked questions
People ask about bookings and money before their first session. Can't find your question? Message me on Telegram or Instagram. I reply personally.
Can I book without a deposit?
It depends on the artist. Some will book small tattoos and appointments at short notice without one, but a deposit is almost always required for large tattoos.
Does the deposit count towards the price of the tattoo?
Usually, yes: it's deducted from the final total on the day of the session. If not, the artist should tell you in advance.
What happens if the artist reschedules the session?
Your deposit is safe: it's moved to the new date, or refunded if the new date doesn't work for you.
Will I get my deposit back if I'm ill?
More often it's moved to a new date rather than refunded. Let the artist know as soon as you start feeling unwell.
Can I pass my booking on to a friend?
Ask the artist. Sometimes it's possible, but the design, placement and size will still have to be discussed all over again.
