Communication Is a Love Language
Let’s be honest, tattoos are a bit like biltong: everyone has a specific taste, but not everyone knows how to ask for it.
Whether it’s your first ink or you’re building a full sleeve, one thing makes all the difference: communication. No, not sending a vague screenshot from Pinterest with the caption “kinda like this?” We’re talking real, honest, down-to-earth back-and-forth between you and your artist.
This isn’t about bossing the artist around. It’s about collaboration. Because at the end of the day, you’re not just booking time, you’re booking talent.
Start with the Why, Not Just the What
Sure, you want a lion on your chest. Or maybe your gran’s name in cursive. Nice. But what’s the meaning behind it?
In South Africa, tattoos are often deeply tied to family, heritage, memory, or personal milestones. And when you give your artist that context, even if it’s just “my cousin and I both love this design”. It gives us something richer to work with than “it looks cool.”
Whether it’s Ubuntu or just a tribute to your old school rugby coach, your story matters.
Pictures > Paragraphs
We’re visual people. If you want a tattoo of a protea, show us the kind of protea. Show us what you love, but also what you don’t want.
It’s like ordering a Gatsby: you have to be specific, otherwise you’re getting polony and chips when you really wanted steak and egg.
Bring 3–5 reference images. They don’t need to be perfect, just clear enough to start a conversation. And don’t be shy, we’ve seen it all.
Trust the Process, Boet
Look, we know everyone’s a planner. But you’re probably not going to see your full design three weeks ahead of time. And that’s okay.
Most artists, especially those doing custom work, sketch close to the appointment. It keeps things fresh and flexible. It also stops you from over-analysing the lines like it’s a Grade 12 English poem.
If you picked someone because you love their work, trust how they work as well.
Why your artist isn’t showing the design early — and why that’s fine
Speak Up (Respectfully, Please)
Tattooing is a back-and-forth. If something doesn’t feel right, say it. Don’t nod along like you’re happy and then sit through five hours of silent regret.
That said, respect goes both ways. Your artist isn’t your employee. They’re a pro, and they want to make something that works. Ask questions. Give feedback. Be honest, not bossy. This is South Africa, we don’t shy away from straight talk, but keep it lekker.
It’s a Vibe — Not a Transaction
We say it all the time at True Blue: it’s not just about putting ink into skin. It’s about understanding what’s going into your head and heart.
Our team isn’t here to copy and paste something off Google. We want to interpret your idea in a way that works on your body, with our style, for your life.
That means clear, upfront communication from you and clear, professional guidance from us.
Healing Is Also Part of the Chat
Don’t just ghost your artist after the tattoo like it’s a Tinder date gone wrong. Ask about aftercare. Message us if something feels off. Healing is part of the process, and your artist is part of that too.
We’re here before, during, and after the needle.
TL;DR — How to Be a Dream Client:
✅ Tell us what you want and why
✅ Show visuals. Lots of them. Don’t just vibe and hope
✅ Give feedback, respectfully
✅ Be open to suggestions. We’ve done this a few times
✅ Be chilled if the design comes close to the date
✅ Don’t be silent. Speak up, and check in post-tattoo
At True Blue Tattoos in Pretoria, we don’t just tattoo. We translate stories, emotions, and “you had to be there” moments into something permanent and personal.
All we need from you? A chat. A vibe. A reference pic or two. And a little bit of patience.
We’re open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm, and consultations are always free.
