Artists get a lot of messages that say “hi, how much for a tattoo?”. Those take several rounds of questions before anyone can give a price, and they are often answered last. A complete first message gets a faster, more accurate reply — and shows you have thought about it. This guide covers what to include, a template you can copy, and what to ask in return.
Everything below answers a question the artist would otherwise have to ask. None of it has to be perfect — “roughly” is fine.
“A realistic fox curled up among ferns” is enough. Add two or three images and say what you like about each: the composition of one, the shading of another. Use references for the feel, not as something to copy — most artists won’t reproduce another artist’s tattoo line for line, and will draw their own version instead.
Say where on the body and give an approximate size in centimetres or inches (“outer forearm, about 12 cm tall”). Size decides how much detail is possible, how long it takes and therefore the price. If you are unsure, say so and ask what size the design needs. Size guide · Try it on your body.
Colour usually takes longer. If you have skin tone considerations or want a specific palette, mention it.
This is the one people leave out. It is useful: a budget lets the artist suggest the size and detail that fits, instead of quoting something you then decline. Most artists charge by time, so a bigger budget does not change their rate — it changes what they can do for you.
Mention when you are free and any deadline (travel, an event). Large pieces take several sessions a few weeks apart.
Send a sharp, well-lit photo of the existing tattoo with something for scale. Cover-ups depend almost entirely on how dark and large the old tattoo is. Cover-ups and reworks.
Hi [name]! I’d love a tattoo with you. Idea: [one line] — references attached ([what you like about each]). Placement: [where], about [size] cm. Colour / black & grey: [ ]. Budget: around [range]. Dates: I’m free [dates]; happy to do more than one session if needed. Could you tell me about your deposit and when I’d see the design? Thank you!
On TatSeek, the “What to include in your first message” box under every studio’s Book button fills in the studio name — and, on a tattoo page, the link to the photo you liked.
Studio pages on TatSeek list some of these answers under “Before you book”. Policies change, so confirm anything important before you pay.
Busy artists can take days or weeks. Wait about a week, then send one short follow-up. Check their profile for “books closed” notes or a booking form — many artists ignore DMs when their books are shut. If it matters to you that communication is quick, that is useful information about how the rest of the booking will go.
A refusal is usually about fit, not about you: the design is outside their style, the size won’t hold the detail, or it is a copy of someone else’s work. Ask who they would recommend — artists usually know exactly who does what in their city.