How to Write a Clear Custom Tattoo Request
Master the Tattoo Unite booking intake form: how to describe your placement, size in inches, style, color preference, and subject matter clearly.
Every tattoo artist has received a vague message that simply says, 'Hey, how much for a tattoo?' Without knowing where on the body it goes, how big it is, what style you want, or what the subject looks like, it is impossible for an artist to quote a price or schedule the right amount of calendar time.
The Tattoo Unite booking intake flow was engineered with professional tattooers to collect the exact details needed to approve your project quickly. Here is how to craft a crystal-clear custom tattoo request.
1. Specify Exact Body Placement & Approximate Size in Inches
Avoid vague size descriptions like 'medium' or 'palm-sized'—every person’s palm is a different size. Instead, use a ruler or soft measuring tape to estimate the height and width in inches (for example, '4x6 inches on the left outer forearm' or '7 inches tall on the right upper thigh').
Be specific about whether the placement is on the inner or outer arm, left or right side, and whether there are existing tattoos nearby that the artist needs to work around. If you have neighboring tattoos, include a clear, well-lit photo of your bare skin area.
2. Select Your Style Tags & Color Preference
State clearly whether you want Black & Grey, Blackwork (solid black only), Full Color, or Black with a subtle pop of color (such as red accents). Select the style tag that matches the artist’s portfolio—such as Fine Line, Realism, American Traditional, or Neo-Traditional.
3. Write a Concise, Visual Subject Description
When describing your custom concept, focus on the visual elements that will actually appear in the drawing rather than a three-page backstory. While the personal meaning behind your tattoo is wonderful to share in the chair, your artist first needs a clear list of the core visual ingredients:
- Limit the number of focal elements: A 4-inch tattoo looks strongest with 1 to 2 main subjects (e.g., 'a roaring panther head with two traditional roses') rather than seven competing ideas crammed together.
- Use bullet-like clarity: 'Subject: Vintage anatomical heart wrapped in blackberries. Mood: Dark botanical woodcut. Must-have detail: Three leaves at the top.'
- Leave room for artistic interpretation: Tell your artist what the subject is, and let them design the flow, shading, and composition.
'Looking for a Black & Grey Neo-Traditional barn owl in flight holding a key, framed by oak leaves. Placement: Left outer upper arm/deltoid, roughly 6 inches tall by 4 inches wide. Open to your creative take on the background framing!'
Key Takeaways
- •Always provide approximate dimensions in inches (e.g., '4x6 inches') and exact anatomical placement.
- •Specify your color preference (Black & Grey, Blackwork, or Color) and matching style tag.
- •Focus your description on 1–3 clear visual elements and give your artist creative freedom over the composition.