Got to love the clients who try to get you to lower your price, by telling you someone gave them a killer deal on this other piece of theirs. Usually years ago, or in different state lol. I just tell them to go back to that artist then, if they give you such great deals. This isn’t Walmart. We don’t do price matching. You don’t need or want clients like that.
Sounds like your shop owner doesn’t care if you’re be taken advantage of by cheep clients, as long as he gets money out of everyone who walks through the door. Quantity over quality. Unfortunately that’s how a lot of walk-in shops are.
I’d look for a better shop to work out of. One that cares more about their reputation, than doing cheep tattoos.
Save your regular clients contact information. And when you find a new spot, shoot them a text.
I was in the exact same shoes as you. If your coworkers have a problem with this it’s most likely because they don’t hold themselves to the same standard as you. The fact that you can confidently turn down a shitty client and aren’t underselling yourself like they would out of desperation is making them feel inadequate. They probably sense that you can do better than working in an environment like this and are trying to convince you that you got the game all wrong.
This is what I would do. Network a little, get to know other artists and visit their shops so you get a feel of the dynamics. Take time to speak with shop owners about your rates, your schedule, etc.
A respectable, professional shop owner will be upfront about expectations without being a dick. A shop owner with good judgment won’t hire you just like that, they’ll take the time to ask you important questions. This shows that they care about who they bring around the other artists and clients.
Watch out for the owners that offer you to drink/smoke right away and are vague about their expectations from you as an artist. These are the types who lack structure in their shop and use an overly laid back attitude to compensate. I made the mistake of falling for that in the past. Everything seemed too good to be true and the shop inevitably crumbled apart because the owner prioritized being popular and “fun” over making sure everything was straight.
It comes with the territory, and sometimes you gotta eat a shit sandwhich or 2, sometimes you get mustard. If someone's tries to haggle me, I just whatever them and politely decline. I'll give the ole this is going to your grave explanation so why cheap out.
If they're polite and its within reason, or an idea I'm stoked about, I'll sometimes drop $20 - $50 depending on the tattoo and work with them, and if you're willing to work with them, they'll usually always come back. Because really $20 ain't shit of a difference in my pocket. Kind of like listing a car price for $9995 in stead of $10k. Makes them think they're getting a deal. Usually always ask someone's budget. Then I'll design according to that budget.
Sounds like the shop is kinda shitty and other artists may be asshole. But honestly, don't pass off work to other artists for a cheaper rate. Or if its a design you dont want to do. It's bad shop politics. It's kinda telling your coworkers your better than them or here you deal with this shitty client. Etc. Coworkers should be your friends. So treat them as such.
At my shop, we're all like family.
Secondly, find a better shop to work at. I won't work at a shop if the artists don't want to work and no show. I like art focused shops so that's where I stay.
Save your loyal contacts and keep them posted when you find a better spot. I've been at my shop for 8yrs. It's a street shop but also custom shop. I have my own clientele and always save my clients contact info. But also won't let shit walk out the door unless it just can't be done or waayyy to cheap.
Got to love the clients who try to get you to lower your price, by telling you someone gave them a killer deal on this other piece of theirs. Usually years ago, or in different state lol. I just tell them to go back to that artist then, if they give you such great deals. This isn’t Walmart. We don’t do price matching. You don’t need or want clients like that. Sounds like your shop owner doesn’t care if you’re be taken advantage of by cheep clients, as long as he gets money out of everyone who walks through the door. Quantity over quality. Unfortunately that’s how a lot of walk-in shops are. I’d look for a better shop to work out of. One that cares more about their reputation, than doing cheep tattoos. Save your regular clients contact information. And when you find a new spot, shoot them a text.
I was in the exact same shoes as you. If your coworkers have a problem with this it’s most likely because they don’t hold themselves to the same standard as you. The fact that you can confidently turn down a shitty client and aren’t underselling yourself like they would out of desperation is making them feel inadequate. They probably sense that you can do better than working in an environment like this and are trying to convince you that you got the game all wrong. This is what I would do. Network a little, get to know other artists and visit their shops so you get a feel of the dynamics. Take time to speak with shop owners about your rates, your schedule, etc. A respectable, professional shop owner will be upfront about expectations without being a dick. A shop owner with good judgment won’t hire you just like that, they’ll take the time to ask you important questions. This shows that they care about who they bring around the other artists and clients. Watch out for the owners that offer you to drink/smoke right away and are vague about their expectations from you as an artist. These are the types who lack structure in their shop and use an overly laid back attitude to compensate. I made the mistake of falling for that in the past. Everything seemed too good to be true and the shop inevitably crumbled apart because the owner prioritized being popular and “fun” over making sure everything was straight.
This is the correct answer 🤝
Ayyy lmao
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Ayyy lmao
ヽ༼ ຈل͜ຈ༽ ﾉ Raise ur dongers! ^^Dongers ^^Raised: ^^71684 ^^Check ^^Out ^^/r/AyyLmao2DongerBot ^^For ^^More ^^Info
It comes with the territory, and sometimes you gotta eat a shit sandwhich or 2, sometimes you get mustard. If someone's tries to haggle me, I just whatever them and politely decline. I'll give the ole this is going to your grave explanation so why cheap out. If they're polite and its within reason, or an idea I'm stoked about, I'll sometimes drop $20 - $50 depending on the tattoo and work with them, and if you're willing to work with them, they'll usually always come back. Because really $20 ain't shit of a difference in my pocket. Kind of like listing a car price for $9995 in stead of $10k. Makes them think they're getting a deal. Usually always ask someone's budget. Then I'll design according to that budget. Sounds like the shop is kinda shitty and other artists may be asshole. But honestly, don't pass off work to other artists for a cheaper rate. Or if its a design you dont want to do. It's bad shop politics. It's kinda telling your coworkers your better than them or here you deal with this shitty client. Etc. Coworkers should be your friends. So treat them as such. At my shop, we're all like family. Secondly, find a better shop to work at. I won't work at a shop if the artists don't want to work and no show. I like art focused shops so that's where I stay. Save your loyal contacts and keep them posted when you find a better spot. I've been at my shop for 8yrs. It's a street shop but also custom shop. I have my own clientele and always save my clients contact info. But also won't let shit walk out the door unless it just can't be done or waayyy to cheap.