Question about "responsibility"

I have gone to the same artist, for the past year and a half, and have never had a problem with him. He has always been on time, and I have always been more than happy with his work. I have times scheduled in advance, because I have been slowly working down my body in tattoos. However, my last appointment was the first of August, which gave me plenty of time to be tattooed, and then healed, and then any possible touchups before I moved away in the beginning of October.... However he cancelled 10 appointments, before I FINALLY got into see him last week. After waiting 6 hours, and him never even setting up, i HAD to leave, as I had a sitter at home (my husband is military, and has been posted away since May). He rescheduled for the next night, at 7:00pm. He called me, and had me come in at 6:00 instead. I arrived excited, that we would start EARLIEr.. however... .and he wasn't there. He strolls in, an hour and a half later, and then tells me he will set up right away.... He doesn't. He keeps telling me that he is JUST about to start. He never does. But he LOOKS busy, rushing around doing NOTHING. To make a long story short... he didn't start actually TATTOOING me, until 2:00 am. Yes, i said 2. I got home at 5-6 in the morning, with ONLY the outline done, and a huge babysitting fee.... I also found that his work WASN"T as "perfect" as it has been on other occasions.. and almost feel like he half'arsed it, after kicking me around all evening. I could have easily sat for the entire tattoo, as always..... and as I am moving soon, this is incredibly inconvienient, as I have to have healing time, etc. As the tattoo was paid for in advance, what CAN I do, about not having this happen in a couple weeks, when I go in for color... I sort of feel completely walked over, and am unsure how to approach him about it. After speaking with a few other clients, the told me he DOES do that to a few people, esp. girls, and ESP. people who have ALREADY paid... because, then, he isn't on the clock, and he isn't expecting money. ANy advice? Please?

Does this artist own the shop that he works at, or is there someone he needs to answer to? I would give him the benefit of the doubt and talk to him about it - tell him that you're upset about the appointments constantly changing, that it's inconveniencing you (and costing you $$ on babysitters), and that you feel the quality of work isn't what it has been in the past. Give him an opportunity to explain himself. If he just blows you off point out to him how excited you were to continue getting work done by him. He should realize that his art on you is like word-of-mouth, if it's good people are going to ask you who did the work. If it's really great and you're in love with it, I'm sure you'll praise his name & shop to the stars to people you meet (even if it IS out of state). Conversely, if you're unhappy with it he'll face bad publicity likely. On the chance that he's not the shop owner/manager I'd let your discontent be known to that person. If you don't want to continue with that tattoo maybe they can arrange to get some of your funds back (minus a deposit etc). Regardless, I would definately let this artist know where you stand before you continue this piece. just my 2 cents.

Thanks for your response, hon:) Yes, the guy is the owner of the shop. There are a lot of other artists around here... But I always felt fairly comfortable with him (which is important to me), as opposed to the other businesses around. While this isn't ALWAYS the case, there are a lot of other local artists that are fairly "gruff" and into the drug scene, which isn't was NOT what I was looking for, when I first decided on a place to go. Plus, to be honest, a lot of people completely blew me off when I first walked in. I have made a lot of comments about him constantly changing my apt, but it seems as though he never takes me seriously..... it has ONLY happened with this last bit of my tattoo... But, this part is the most important, because I HAVE to move REALLY soon, and I think he KNOWS that it is important to me, and thinks I won't walk away... I mean, come on, the money I gave him is already spent, and he knows this is the last business I will do with him, so it seems like he doesn't give a crap anymore. A lot of the lines on this last bit were shaky, which MAY be because we were there until morning, but.. this is on my body forever, so it is hard for ME. I DO get stopped ALOT about my work. As a young, approachable girl (i don't LOOK the "type" to have such extensive tattooing), people stop me constantly, to ask about my work, or to pull up or down my shirt to peek, and ALWAYS ask WHERE i got it done. I have sent him a LOT of business, and he has admitted this. I am like a big piece of walking advertisting, and he doesn't seem to realize the importance of this... He has been tattooing for 10 years, and does terrific work IMO.... but i do feel as though he is taking advantage of my passive nature, and walking all over me, as of late. A huge piece of me simply wants to walk in, ask for the majority of my money back, and walk out without finishing it.... but then, I have a half finished tattoo on me.. and no one to finish it (because I am moving to boonyville). Plus, I don't even know what the CHANCES are of having him return my money, as I said, I paid for it the LAST time I was in, which was ages ago... another thing, is that he AGREED on a price when I originally paid him, because for the last bit, I didn't want to do it hourly, so I wouldn't have any surprises on price (my hubby's request). When i was in getting this part done, he mumbled a few times, about how he was undercharging me, etc etc..... I mean, i have given this man thousands of my dollars, and have tipped him huge amounts, because of how happy I was with my work... and it seems as though he simply doesn't care anymore. Really disheartening...:(

That's a really awful situation. I'm not a passive person, so this is easy for me to say, but I think you should really tell him how you feel. If you've always had a good rapor with him and have always loved his work it should go well. Just tell him the truth, and hopefully he'll be man enough to fix it up for your right. Good luck. Dana

I would be willing to bet he is on Drugs my guess Meth I have seen this all to often in many studios or with many different Artist.

Almost a sure bet...DRUGS.... RUN!!!!

I know the story well. I wouldnt go back and in the future I would pay by session, not upfront.

Hmm... "drugs"... next time I go, i will ask for a urine sample... ok?? I carry pee cups with me, don't you all?:), Thanks for that suggestion;) I suppose paying upfront WAS the problem. But, I have known other people who have done that with him, and THEY never had the problem, heck they were the ones who suggested it to me... Either way, I just was down there, and talked with him, as suggested. I am worried that my tattoo won't heal in time to get it filled in before I move... yet he suggested tattooing it anyways... is that a good idea? Anyways, all he did was apologize about constantly cancelling my apt.... and then gave me a sob story about his girlfriend, and rent, etc etc..... I think becoming TOO chummy with him, while good for the hours we spend together... makes it as though he is tattooing a friend, and not a client... and he doesn't mind cancelling ME, while he wouldn't do that for a new customer. He agreed that some of the bits were NOT up to par, but said they would look fine when finished, and simply apologize profusely.. however, i feel like I simply irritated him, and got nowhere with my issue. I need more guts..... blah, thanks anyways for reading my predicament guys:)

While it is an unfortunate fact that drugs do/have/will ruin people, I obviously don't know if that is the problem or not but I most certainly know that is not the way to treat clients, plain and simple. As to the apology and sob story, well, we all have our problems and personally, I think it's totally unprofessional to allow it to interfere with this art. As to your idea re:chummy, that shouldn't matter or be an excuse either, you take care of your clients, plain and simple. IF something 'comes up' you explain it to them THEN, not when they have to come back about it. As to his desire to continue with it even though it is not healed, that's b.s., the chances of it looking good afterwards are very minimal and I suspect he's just trying to placitate you. Frankly. I don't know what his problem is but I'd sure like to know who he is and would definitely NOT allow him to finish your work. I suspect he won't refund any of your money and that would suck, to be sure, but I doubt it would suck as bad as it will if you let him work on you with the 'attitude' you've described and he messes it up (knowing full well you're moving away soon I might point out) Frankly, sounds like he needs a lesson on how to treat people, to say the least. And in the future, pay as you go otherwise asswipes like that lose their incentive. Sorry for your sorry experience, I assure you that's NOT the norm as most of us respect our profession and clients far too much to pull that crap. Care to let us know who this person is?....Doc

Thanks for replying- Now my main question is when SHOULD I get the outline filled in, in your opinion? How long is the typical wait time? The last time I simply had the outline, I had to go away to NS a few months, and had it finished when I got back... HE SAID that it might scar if he finished it when it wasn't totally healed... but that it wouldn't make a difference. Well, to me it does... I am just thrown because he has been nothing but professional for all of my other work. I WOULD have been completely accepting if he had to cancel, and explained the reason. Heck, i WAS fine, the first couple of cancellations... but, after number ten, and then coming down to the wire with our new posting... I am worried and upset. (Speaking of which... anyone know of any good artists in the Saguenay region of Quebec?:) I was really looking forward to this new work.. and now I completely regret it... I don't know if I will post his name and info publically, as that isn't the sort of thing I do (maybe AFTER i move though:), but if you email me, I would send you his site address if interested. Thanks for your input hon:)

um..Does this artist's named happen to be named Lawson? Sounds *Exactly* like him.

Yeah...I can form a sentence alright! *Ahem!* Let me try that again... Does this artist happen to be named Lawson? There...that wasn't so fucking hard, was it.

No he is not named Lawson:) Although, I suppose he may have aliases or alter-egos I am not yet aware of.... da da daaaa.

No he is not named Lawson:) Although, I suppose he may have aliases or alter-egos I am not yet aware of.... da da daaaa.

A tattoo should never be worked on until the previous stage is healed, to work on it before it is healed invites scarification that rarely IF ever go away and/or light spots near the outline and anyone who really cares about their work KNOWS that. As to how long that takes, depends on a few variables, like line thickness (thick outlines take longer to heal than say single needle) and not all folks heal at the same time scale and some 'tattooers' are 'heavyhanded' which usually takes long for their's to heal. Frankly, from what you've posted, I'd just try to get whatever money back you can and be done with him and his b.s. Can't offer any help re:Good Artist in your area (sorry) but if no one else suggest someone in this post, create a new post for that question, I'd think there should be someone around there that is good/reputable that you could be refered to. Again, I understand your dilema (sp?) and I'm sorry a so-calledTattoo Artist treated you like that, I honestly am, that's not right, to you or the profession...Doc

I just went back in to schedule an apt., because I am moving on the 14th, and NEED to have this finished before then.... he is refusing to finish it, unless I pay him more.. Simply put, that is it. He and all of the other workers came out, and told me to leave. My husband came in, and I had my 4 year old in my arms (because they were waiting in the car) and the artist said that my husband is lucky my daughter was there, or he would have "beat the sh!t outta him".... My husband is 5'4"..... not very intimidating.....not the kind of person you would threaten to harm... esp. in front of my daughter. He refused to refund my cash, even though I paid him upfront, and we both signed and agreed on a set price... Generally... I am screwed, and saddened.... I have had this artist for 2 YEARS< and have given him a LOT of money....and now? I have nothing, except a badly done, half finished large tattoo. I went to another artist, and they said ALL of the outline that is already done would have to be REDONE because it wasn't good enough.... I guess, my NEXT question is.... Can anyone recommend a good artist anywhere inbetween Quebec city, and chicoutimi? I need someone that is able to fix, and finish this thing.

Just read your most recent post, then reread the whole post and if you really are telling the truth, that piece of shit deserves an old fashion ass- kicking and to be put out of business, preferably after his thumb and index fingers are broken. There is no reputable tattoo artist who'd ever treat a client like that, period. I don't know anything about the law in Canada but if at all posible, I'd pursue any legal action you can against him and his studio, partly for your own good and partily to try to make sure this asshole does not continue this type of 'business practices' in the future. That is just so wrong on so many levels. I know I asked you his name before and you were reluctant to post it, which I can understand but, if you would, either post it now or at least click on my email address and send me the guy's name/name and address of his studio as I'm sure curious as to just who this asswipe is and that people should be advised of his 'business practices'. As was stated earlier, it may well be drugs, I don't know but I do know you do not treat your customers like that and he's an embarassment to the profession and needs to be 'exposed'. Unfortunately, I can't suggest any artist in that area but I certainly hope someone else on the forum can. If you don't get any responce, try opening another topic to ask for recommendations in your area. Again, I'm sorry for your shabby treatment....Doc

I am in contact with another tattoo artist in my area, who i am HOPING can finish this before I leave the province... because after a lot of searching, there seems to be a lack of good artists where I am moving.... It is odd, because I am going to my OLD artist's direct competition....AND, because I now lose ALL of the money I already spent on my tattoo. I ASKED my artist for a partial refund, and he told me to go "f" myself, that he was NOT refunding. He says he "gave me a good deal" because I was a regular, and because we were "friends".... and that he had already spent 11 hours (wtf?) on the sketch for my tattoo, and that if anything, i owed HIM money.... Basically, he walks away with 600 dollars of my hard earned money, which i saved up to finish this, and I walk away with half an outline. (which now has to be redone) so, now i have to go in for another 5-6 hours at a new place at 120/hr... I didn't mention in the first post that The old place threw a fit, and told me they would fit me in for a couple hours on wed.... but that they would make me sign a waiver, saying that if my tattoo is screwed up, or scarred, that I AM responsible.... umm... no way. Plus, there is the intimidation factor. I am a young girl, and I feel horribly uncomfortable and scared to ever go back in... and they told me that my husband is NOT welcomed..... But, to be honest, I really think he would do a shitty job, and purposely ruin my work. He has my work on his site, and I want to hack in and rip it off... rather then be associated with that place. Doc, i will email you, and give you the details.... after I move, i will post ANYWHERE and everywhere about my ordeal... but, not while I am still in the area, and feel uncomfortable around the workers... I have never been in such a situation in my entire life... the oddest thing, is that were other customers in the lobby, and they WALKED OUT, when they heard what was going on.... and the guy didn't even NOTICE. They just kept on blaming me for their problems.... (see, i only STARTED the work, because they promised me it would be finished before I left.... but, they cancelled 5 weekends worth of apt.... and now I am down to the wire, with no time left. They know I am leaving, and simply cancelled all of my apts, and hid from me, and took my money.. (We are military, and HAVE to leave on a certain date for a new posting, which they know). Lovely. After this is done, I am taking a Looooooong break from having ANY work done... this is too stressfule for me.

I am in contact with another tattoo artist in my area, who i am HOPING can finish this before I leave the province... because after a lot of searching, there seems to be a lack of good artists where I am moving.... It is odd, because I am going to my OLD artist's direct competition....AND, because I now lose ALL of the money I already spent on my tattoo. I ASKED my artist for a partial refund, and he told me to go "f" myself, that he was NOT refunding. He says he "gave me a good deal" because I was a regular, and because we were "friends".... and that he had already spent 11 hours (wtf?) on the sketch for my tattoo, and that if anything, i owed HIM money.... Basically, he walks away with 600 dollars of my hard earned money, which i saved up to finish this, and I walk away with half an outline. (which now has to be redone) so, now i have to go in for another 5-6 hours at a new place at 120/hr... I didn't mention in the first post that The old place threw a fit, and told me they would fit me in for a couple hours on wed.... but that they would make me sign a waiver, saying that if my tattoo is screwed up, or scarred, that I AM responsible.... umm... no way. Plus, there is the intimidation factor. I am a young girl, and I feel horribly uncomfortable and scared to ever go back in... and they told me that my husband is NOT welcomed..... But, to be honest, I really think he would do a shitty job, and purposely ruin my work. He has my work on his site, and I want to hack in and rip it off... rather then be associated with that place. Doc, i will email you, and give you the details.... after I move, i will post ANYWHERE and everywhere about my ordeal... but, not while I am still in the area, and feel uncomfortable around the workers... I have never been in such a situation in my entire life... the oddest thing, is that were other customers in the lobby, and they WALKED OUT, when they heard what was going on.... and the guy didn't even NOTICE. They just kept on blaming me for their problems.... (see, i only STARTED the work, because they promised me it would be finished before I left.... but, they cancelled 5 weekends worth of apt.... and now I am down to the wire, with no time left. They know I am leaving, and simply cancelled all of my apts, and hid from me, and took my money.. (We are military, and HAVE to leave on a certain date for a new posting, which they know). Lovely. After this is done, I am taking a Looooooong break from having ANY work done... this is too stressfule for me.

I would encourage you to pursue legal action rather then give a one-sided story to these high horse jackals. If you are in the right I’m sure a judge would see it that way also, But bitching & crying all over the net just reads like Slander to me. Giving anyone here a guys info isn’t doing anything positive, No super heroes post on this forum or any other one for that matter.

Gilly, the more I hear about this the more it pisses me off about how you were treated, it's just not right by any stretch of the imagination and I'd seriously doubt and hope, that place does not stay in business and that word does get out as to how they treat people. Again, I do not know about the laws in Canada or how far away your new post will be but I'd seriously think about persuing whatever legal action you might be allowed. You didn't say whether you got a copy of the original contract or not (if you did it's very good evidence, of course) and before you have any rework be sure to get photos of what the original work looked like or it could jeapordize (sp?) your case. If you want, send the pics to me, I assure you I'd have absolutely no problem exposing that place (after you're safely out of the area). Obviously, I'd suggest just staying away from THAT shop, doesn't sound like there's any good coming out of that and can't see any reason to risk further abuse. Hopefully, the 'new' place can repair the work but please,be very careful not to let your desperation to get it fixed/done cause you to make another 'mistake' or you could end up in even worse shape. Do email me that info (and pics if you can) and kindly keep us/me posted on how it progresses. Please do not allow this to give you a bad feeling about future work, I assure you what was done to you is far from the norm but, unfortunately, the popularity of tattoos has drawn some pretty disreputable people into it and it's giving the 'profession' a bad name to some degree, which saddens/angers me more than you'd understand....Doc

~Josey~----My husband pressed me to pursue legal action, but as we are leaving the province in two weeks, I am unsure what good THAT could possibly do. The fact that he threatened to harm my husband, IN FRONT of my daughter was completely out of line, but in the same light, I would have NO idea how to go about going into a legal dispute., especially since we won't be here for very long. I don't plan to truely "slander" him online. But, earlier in this post, before the most recent event occured (which was last night), I did NOT post his name, or shop info, or website, purely because I didn't want it online, and thought it unfair. However, I have had other customers complain to me about him- him refusing touchups, and blaming it on improper aftercare, to him telling off wives who come in with their spouses, etc etc. I have always given him the benefit of the doubt, and dutifully stood up for him, because I truely enjoyed his work, and liked HIM as a person. Even in light of THIS, i don't plan to post his info HERE... I was just looking for advice, earlier on... and was simply ranting, to rant, as it was terribly upsetting for me at the time. Doc- I emailed you.

Josey, while I do understand what you said and do agree that legal action is undoubtedly the best possible solution (but, remember, she IS moving, which may make that a major problem and the 'artist' is apparently aware of that fact), I would like you to explain some of the rest of your post. I'd like to have you explain what you meant with ' rather then give a one-sided story to these high horse jackals' and 'Giving anyone here a guys info isn’t doing anything positive, No super heroes post on this forum or any other one for that matter.', as I'd certainly like to know more about those comments and will reserve commenting until you do explain them more. As to your comment about 'But bitching & crying all over the net just reads like Slander to me.', naturally, I think I understand what you meant but I also think people have a right, if not an obligation to let people know if they have been taken advantage of by a 'tattoo artist' and to tell their side of the story. And I'm not so naive as to think there's not the 'other' side of the story. But, I would like to point out it is only slander if it is not true and I'd be more inclined to think that more of a possibility IF the person had been naming names openly, which is not the case here. Again, would you care to elaborate on those comments?...Doc

Well Doc its like this You said yourself “ Legal Actions “ are the best solution, Now with that being said by both you & I. You tell me what good it would do for her to post personal info. On someone “ she’ Had a bad experience with ? Absolutely Nothing , But feeding an already vicious group of posters. You said yourself 2 sides to every story, I have a hard time understanding your complaint with my post seeing how you agree with everything but the fact my way removed the Drama & left it to the laws of the land to decide if she has a legit complaint which I have no doubt she has, But then again if she had been happy up until that point maybe there is a exception to the rule. ( Pun Intended ) Either way a group of high horse riding tattoo snobs aren’t helping her or the Tattoo industry by Ranting with her. As I see it she has a right to Rant but then needs to follow the laws of the Land, If a judge agrees with her then by all means post his info & business practices until then bashing him equals a “ Net Lynching “ Trashing this guy in an open forum doesn’t make for a super hero only an accomplice in slandering a guy from only one side of a story. Hope that clears My Opinion up for ya.

Josey--I can assure you, i have NO plans to "slander" this individual. I haven't posted ANY information that could lead anyone to assume who he is, my location, HIS location, or any pertinent information that could lead to the discovery of his identity. Nor do I plan to. If i WAS going to, I would have, and I haven't. (Mind you, someone with a mind to do so, could probably easily discover who he, or I was, I just don't see the point:) I think this is enough to quickly stop any ideas you have of me doing anything that could possibly injure his business, online, or off. I haven't even told other customers, or neighbors OR friends of mine, who may go to him in the future. I was simply ranting, when I arrived home from meeting with him, I was stressed, and needed a release. I apologize for doing so.- Gilly

You don’t need to apologize, This is a perfect place to Rant about such despicable behavior. My comments was mostly to the professional community looking to fly you’re your rant like a Flag of Ethics, Making themselves some kinda super hero by bashing another “ professional “. I am sorry you was a victim, sometimes bad things happen to good people. I for one know you don’t blame the Tattoo industry as a whole. But in time I’m sure being the classy person you are by only venting & nothing more, Will pay off for you in the end. Good Luck & God Bless.

Lol, well, my HUSBAND hopes it will turn me off of the tattoo industry as a whole;) I cost him a fortune, and he is afraid I will turn into one big tattoo:) (He doesn't, and won't ever have a single tattoo:) As it is, I plan to FINISH this part of my sleeve, and then... take a goooood looonnng break:) Until I latch onto a VERY good, well known artist, that isn't going to rip me off:) (good looking is a plus too... hmm.. Are there any of those around?) Anyways, thanks for everyone's input... if I ever get this thing finished I will post a before and after pic:)- Gilly

Josey, while legal action may well be the 'best' solution, if you recall, she IS moving, she said that and there is the fact that the 'artist' knew that well ahead of time so while legal action is the best solution, it may well not be a real option if she has to travel a great distance to attend the court action. So if that is the case, that she is moving too far for that to be a real option, are you saying she should just shut up and let him get away with it? I'd also like to state she sent me pics of the work involved and I sincerely believe anyone who could see it would understand, it really is shabby and substandard. I compared it to work the person did before, on her and others,and again, she has every right to be upset and it would certainly look like she was ripped off and taken advantage of. I'm not at liberty to post the pics for folks to look at without her permission but now that I have seen them (and his previous work) I think I'd have to suspect a serious drug problem, it really is crappy and is really going to need alot of repair work to ever look good. As to what you said about 'You tell me what good it would do for her to post personal info. On someone “ she’ Had a bad experience with ? Absolutely Nothing , But feeding an already vicious group of posters.' I'm not entirely sure I'd agree with the 'vicious group of posters' part and aside from that I believe anyone with a legitimate complaint has the right, if not a responcibility to state it, providing, of course, that they can backup their accusations. I've been involved in Tattooing for a very long time and have never belived in 'badmouthing' anyone just to be an asshole. But I've never thought it to BE 'badmouthing' if the accusations were true, in fact, rather believe that if you don't speak out about something you know to be wrong and help spare others the same fate, you really aren't much better than the person that did the wrong in the first place. It is neither 'badmouthing' or slander if the accusation is TRUE. I'd also like to point out, nobody has mentioned this 'artist' name so I'm not too sure I understand the 'Trashing this guy in an open forum doesn’t make for a super hero only an accomplice in slandering a guy from only one side of a story.' part, let alone the 'superhero' reference. So, overall, no, you did not 'clear up' your opinion, I'm still unclear as to what you're trying to express based on the information at hand but I do know you'd have a different opinion if you saw the work she got and gave some thought to the way she says she was treated, let alone had the expierience she's had to get what she's wearing. Naturally, I do not know if you are a tattoo artist, collector or what, but believe me, the work is way fucked, plain and simple and I can't think of any legitimate excuse for it. plain and simple....Doc

Josey, apparently you posted another comment while I was trying to put mine together which I'd like you to explain, if you could/would. Naturally, I'm refereing to the 'My comments was mostly to the professional community looking to fly you’re your rant like a Flag of Ethics, Making themselves some kinda super hero by bashing another “ professional “. May I ask just what the hell you meant by that, especially since I think I'm the 'professional' who replied to her most...Doc

Doc---Lots of repair work to look good? Oh gawd, you are killing me. I am hoping, that because it is JUST the outline, and not even finished, at that... that what the OTHER artist told me is true.. that he can fix it, with some effort, but that he CAN fix it... do you disagree with that? But, you did look at other work of his? And, even compared to my other work, which may not be perfection, but this new stuff IS terrible compared to it. Can you respond to my email with your opinion? In another shocking and pissy twist.... I was looking around on the other artists website just now..... (another guy who works for THIS guy, who did a few pieces for me, BEFORE he went to work for this guy)... and found out that he copied a custom piece of MINE, onto ANOTHER girl, and has it on his personal website, along with some pics of other pieces he has done for me (coverup work). Mind you, it is just one small piece of my tattoo.. it IS STILL my tattoo.... and it is on someone else. I am just at the end of my rope with these guys... Are you REALLY supposed to reuse pieces of custom work on OTHER people!? I mean, how many people HAS he given MY tattoo to?! I know I was the first, because I brought him an actual photograph of what I wanted.... so, there is NO other way, someone went to my house, and photographed that same thing:).... ok, here is me signing off of tattoos forever. See ya

Doc---Lots of repair work to look good? Oh gawd, you are killing me. I am hoping, that because it is JUST the outline, and not even finished, at that... that what the OTHER artist told me is true.. that he can fix it, with some effort, but that he CAN fix it... do you disagree with that? But, you did look at other work of his? And, even compared to my other work, which may not be perfection, but this new stuff IS terrible compared to it. Can you respond to my email with your opinion? In another shocking and pissy twist.... I was looking around on the other artists website just now..... (another guy who works for THIS guy, who did a few pieces for me, BEFORE he went to work for this guy)... and found out that he copied a custom piece of MINE, onto ANOTHER girl, and has it on his personal website, along with some pics of other pieces he has done for me (coverup work). Mind you, it is just one small piece of my tattoo.. it IS STILL my tattoo.... and it is on someone else. I am just at the end of my rope with these guys... Are you REALLY supposed to reuse pieces of custom work on OTHER people!? I mean, how many people HAS he given MY tattoo to?! I know I was the first, because I brought him an actual photograph of what I wanted.... so, there is NO other way, someone went to my house, and photographed that same thing:).... ok, here is me signing off of tattoos forever. See ya

I hate little manky pricks like that. people who really just dont give a shit at all at what theyre doing its just a job to them they might as well be bussing tables or doing construction for the love they seem to have for the art theyre doing. If you paid to have a custom tattoo it should be just that Custom. The fact that they had the gall to put it on another girl is very low class and completely unprofessional. Ive had some bad experiences with an artist or two but nowhere near what youve had to go through. I just hope you dont give up on tattoos because of one asshole. ive had the luck to go to a couple artists who made the experience so awesome and i could really tell that they wanted my tattoo to rock not only so tha i would love it but also its something they can stand behind. i have my artists tattoo their signature or mark on the bottom right of nearly every tattoo i have. lol and not because i want them to know that if they screw up theyre names on it forever but as respect to the artist and the art i get to carry with me the rest of my life. anyways again im sorry you had such a shitty experience. but dont give up for good on tattoos. there are way too many great and good spirited tattoo artists out there to let one little shit steal your hope like that. god bless your patience too, had it been me id have burnt the fuckers shop down a long time ago.

Gilly, already replied via email but if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask. And, of course 'Custom' work should not be duplicated, it's not really 'custom' if copied or done again the same way. But, if it's of any real comfort, remember the saying 'imatation is the most sincere form of flattery'. Yeah, I know it's weak but I'm trying. And 'ohsilly' I don't think you're name is really accurate, your comments are dead nuts right, good post...Doc

BRing, Bbbring, Ring Robin: Holy red ink BatDoc, A customer in another country is in need of venting. BatDoc: No Problem Robin I have a Plan. Robin: Great BatDoc, Will it be positive to the Industry ? BatDoc: You tell me, I will stand on a soapbox, Warning customers in that area of this dope sick artist. Robin: How will that Help BatDoc. ? BatDoc: If by my posting 100 negative things about this tattoo artist and exposing his bad business practices saves even one person the pain of being a victim then the 1000`s of tattoo customers across the country that was turned off by it was worth the cost. Robin: But BatDoc how’s that help her ? Batdoc: Oh she wanted help ? Doc, if you want to start a negative campaign off of one person venting then go right ahead, If you think 2 wrongs make a right go right ahead, But your not “ Pushing anything Up “ Your just keeping the old image alive within our industry. There’s a right way to do things and a wrong way. I have posted the right thing to do. Brrrring, Brrrring Robin: Holy Lemons BatDoc !!! A person is sitting on a curb after buying a car from a car lot. BatDoc: Don’t worry Robin I have a Plan….. Grab my soapbox !!! Robin: Ah Fuck it Batdick, I’ll just take the bat-mobile & give them a ride home.

Josey, as I kinda suspected, you're a moron. Does the phrase 'If I have to explain, You probably wouldn't understand anyway' have any meaning to you? 'Nuff said, I see no point in pursuing this conversation further unless, of course, if you'd prefer to do so in person, I'll gladly send you my address if you want...Doc

Yea josey leave funny to the comedians as that little batman routine, made no sense, apart from being asinine and having nothing to do with the subject. Gilly had half a tattoo by a blackmailing thuggish little shit. bitching and crying all over the net? slander? hows this for a deal josey. Stop by, give me 600$ and i'll give you half a shitty tattoo that will need to be covered and then i'll get a few of my friends and threaten to beat your spouse and tell you to fuck off and keep your cash. nope you wouldnt mind at all, wouldnt at all try and let someone know about the experience you had in order to save someone else the hassle of dealing with the little shit. The way you talk it makes it seem like your the one who gave her the shitty tattoo or just as bad sympathize for the prick artist who did. oh and one more little nugget of info for you. Libel is written. Slander is spoken.

Libel is written. Slander is spoken, Thanks for the definitions Dutch True Story… Just last month I hired a Painter to paint my house charged $1600.00 Paid up front ( Supposed Friend ) He did half the job. Just never came back, Didn’t even leave the paint I paid for. Now I could do what about it ? Bitch & Cry , No I did the same thing and just Vented. Carrying on with my life, What makes the Tattoo industry so personal that you are going to grand stand making yourself seem important while destroying another mans life based on one side of the story ? There is so much damage being done to the Tattoo Industry just as Joe said by Artist Themselves, But for studios or artist to Lynch each other is primitive to say the least. She has the same opinion I had with the painter, the legal way. You shouldn’t be acting so high & mighty as if the tattoo industry had any morals that’s as Joe said once again all “ rules “ are based on personal experiences, If this guy is brought to any type of Justice it should be though proper channels not by badmouthing or public slamming. Such actions is the reason the tattoo world is so hostile & immature, The best way to “ Push Up “ This industry is too grow up & be respectful. The way to carry that out is to leave the superhero Justice to the people trained to retrieve the truth. I Believe her as most of you do, The only difference I see is you guys want a piñata to swing at & I sympathize with her. Did Doc just Threaten me ? If so That’s just the type of Behavior one can Expect from most Artist/Studios, Not Unlike what Gilly encountered.

Just an update..... As I wrote earlier... the tattoo artist refused to even give a PARTIAL refund... (I only asked for half of my money back... so, half of 600)... but told me I could come in on wednesday, but be forced to sign a waiver, saying it was my fault if HE screwed it up.... well, I did NOT plan to come in..... hell, give him permission to ruin it MORE?! Either way, the shop just called, and told me that he cancelled my apt, and that he refuses to do it. I replied "But, i move next week... so, you are just going to take my money, and not do the work? "And they said, "yes. NO REFUND".... and still, no apt.... Then, they hung up on me when I started to ask again. So, at least before they OFFERED to ruin it more.. this time they said that he simply refuses to see me again. Sad, after Half of my upper body is covered with this guys work. just freaking wonderful.

tell em you'll talk to the better business bureau. get your half of your money back, you deserve it. DO NOT let them finish it anyway, after all the bullshit do you really want him touching your skin again? sorry for his work partially done on your skin, but unfortunately you are a passive and good customer who was treated very badly. teach these assholes a lesson...and when it's time for you to finish the work, let the next artist know what happened to you, they should be a lot more understanding than this asshole. who i think you should name, i would NOT want to be stuck with a jerk like that.

gilly, you need to get some guts, he threatened your husband? who the fuck does he think he is, the godfather? i'd call the cops. watch the druggie sweat when the cops get involved. i would call and file a report right before i leave. get the 5-0 smelling around, just in case i don't get my money.

Just an update..... As I wrote earlier... the tattoo artist refused to even give a PARTIAL refund... (I only asked for half of my money back... so, half of 600)... but told me I could come in on wednesday, but be forced to sign a waiver, saying it was my fault if HE screwed it up.... well, I did NOT plan to come in..... hell, give him permission to ruin it MORE?! Either way, the shop just called, and told me that he cancelled my apt, and that he refuses to do it. I replied "But, i move next week... so, you are just going to take my money, and not do the work? "And they said, "yes. NO REFUND".... and still, no apt.... Then, they hung up on me when I started to ask again. So, at least before they OFFERED to ruin it more.. this time they said that he simply refuses to see me again. Sad, after Half of my upper body is covered with this guys work. just freaking wonderful.

Sorry that posted again, my hubby picked up the laptop, and hit "back", and boom, there it went again. Sorry I sound "gutless".... I just would rather not have to deal with them again... I was scared, and hurt, and shocked... I really trusted them... I paid him upfront because he asked for it, because he "had a bill to pay", and I was fine with that, simply because I was coming in, in two days anyways, to have it done, and he had agreed to a flat rate, instead of hourly.... I think the minute he had my money he planned to screw me over. No, i was NOT planning on coming back in to have him ruin me more.... but i booked the apt. anyways, planning to not show.... Lol, so his girlfriend just called me, on her cell, to tell me that he would NOT be doing the work, NOR would he refund ANY of the cost, and for me to "f" off.... So, yes, I am "passive" and gutless... but, legal action would be very hard to pursue, with me moving to quebec, being in another province, and with my husband being military makes the whole thing difficult to take action on. What would calling the cops and having them snoop around accomplish? Hell, I have been there, late, and watched him buy drugs from guys coming in... but he always claimed that they were for the other guy.... So, I am gullible, and stupid... or at least feel that way. I trust everyone. That is who I am... well, I trust them, until they prove I should do otherwise... which he just did... I would figure it would be easier for him to refund 300 dollars of my money, than to cause himself trouble.... but, I guess he knows I am gutless too. I truly feel like one huge idiot. If you were all the other tattoo artist, in the same small city, who is in direct comp. (the other shops here are terrible, to be honest, except these two) with MY artist... would it be BAD for me to explain what happened? Would yoU WANT to fix another guys work? Esp, someone's work who you know? I have a consult tomorrow, and am unsure how to broach this issue. Thanks:)

So, I have an apt. for friday, from 2:00 pm- 9:00 pm... The artist seems pretty sure that he can fix the errors, and make it better, and FINISH it, no problem before I move. Luckily, he doesn't know the original artist, and seems pretty pumped to remedy my problem. I feel pretty secure with this guy, which is a HUGE relief, and load of stress off of me. Dealing with packing and moving, and new schools for the kid, and all of that is bad enough... having this half finished piece of crap was driving me nuts:) If at all interested, I will take pics of it before, and post finish pictures of the entire thing. Thanks for the responses- it helped a lot:)

Gilly, I, for one, am very much interested in seeing the finished work and am hoping the best for you. Good Luck...Doc

Gilly, sorry I called you gutless. that guy is a piece of shit in regards to the industry. respect to you for not naming him, but if it was me i would let everyone know to not deal with this drugged out asshole, especially since i was moving. make lots fo trouble. $300 can buy lots of diapers and babyfood in my neck of the woods. but that's just me. :) but i know having something substandard and unfinished on my skin would drive me nuts. glad you have found someone excited and willing to help you. i ould be interested in seeing the finished product! good luck with your move. i