tattoo etiquette?

Hey professionals out there, I have a question for you all on proper tattoo etiquette. So here's the deal, I thought that I had found the perfect artist to do my first, custom tattoo. Then I saw another artist who's work I love as well. I think both of them are amazing, but both have incredibly different artistic styles. I can find pros and cons for both, not because of their skill, but because of my personal artistic preferences. By the way, I found both of their names and art on thie website! THANKS! Anyhoo, I don't know how to decide and was wondering if it would be ok to ask them both to draw up a design for me so I could decide which I liked better. I'm sure they are both busy so I don't want to waste their time, and I don't want to offend them for asking. What do you all think I should do? Oh, and by the way I'm considering both Dana Helmuth and Brian Murphy for a tattoo of a white swan (my spirit guide, inner resources, and more), with water, and a swirling orb type thing to represent life's challenges and internal struggle.

I doubt either artist has time to draw a design before getting a deposit. Both artists are great, with different styles. You should be able to decide which artist youy want without them drawing a design. Dana will do a beautiful traditional japanese style swan and Brian will probably do a more realistic style. I know Dana well (he tattooed my neck) and Brian seems very cool from the interactions I have had with em. So, yes, it is a bit rude to try to get an artist to draw something custom if you aren't 100% sure you want them to do the tattoo, but it doesnt really matter, for the most part they are too busy drawing for their current clientel to do such things. Let us know how it goes, Im always happy when people get bird tattoos from great artists! :-)

Thanks...I didn't want to offend anyone. I'll figure out who I want before I go. I appreciate your input!

Its great that you asked first. More people should be as thoughtful.

Thanks for the compliment!

Gabe, I meant to ask before, but do you have a picture of Dana's work on your neck? I've looked at his work on his website so often that I basically have his images tattooed in my brain, and would love to see something new from him (new to me that is)!

Its posted I think. Most of my tattoos are birds... :-)

Hey Gabe, Sorry, I couldn't find it, I'm technologically impaired. If you have a pic of it, or can maybe direct me to it (directions are needed for the technologically impaired you know), or if not, then don't worry about it. Thanks! Oh, and by the way, I've decided to go with Dana...he was my first choice and I think he's right for what I want, and hell he has the same name as me so it's meant to be! Thanks again for your input.

You won't go wrong with either artist...will ya show us pics when you are done/? Pretty please?...TAz

You bet! I can't wait to get it done! But unfortunately I have to wait until September, which is going to kill me. I won't be able to take good care of it this summer, so alas, I must wait.

its the bluebird and cherry blossoms image #20 on solid states website ;-) birds birds always look for the birds. . .

wOW!!! LOOK! ITS gABES wIFE!!! We NEVER see Kim on here anymore!! HIYA KIm!!!!

*schools out for summer*