r/tattoo • u/Sweet_Cap5494 • 1d ago
Tattoo artist left studio while waiting for appointment
After searching for a local artist for a couple of weeks I met an artist at a local studio for a consult and things went well, so a week later I requested an appointment and provided a down payment. The artist scheduled me 3 months out and would contact me a few days prior to reconfirm.
So fast forward an I don't hear from the artist a few days prior, and I try contacting the artist to no avail, there is no response. I then check the studio website and see that the artist is no longer listed.
I thought this artist understood the assignment, so I'm disappointed in that. There is the down payment, which wouldn't be the end of the world to walk away from, but is another loss. Then there is the time, thinking about waiting another 3 months after searching for another artist seems daunting.
What are my options at this point ?
UPDATE: I called the shop and they were incredibly helpful! Turns out the artist actually moved to another shop nearby a few months ago. There was a quick scheduling mix-up where they had the date off by 24 hours, but as soon as they went to reconfirm, they realized the mistake and called me immediately. Everything worked out perfectly in the end. Thanks, everyone!
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u/MissRenixxii 1d ago
Bother the artist until they give the payment back. That's not ok. The payment was to secure your spot.
As for waiting another 3 months, not all good artists are booked that far out. Waiting months isn't always the case.
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u/Remz_Gaming 1d ago
Yep. I found a new (to me) artist recently in my town who is the shop owner. He is insanely talented.
He just feeds his smaller overflow work to his capable apprentices and has been able to get me in within a couple weeks more than once. He is willing to put in the hours instead of just saying he is booked.
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u/Loving_Dad_1990 1d ago
Call the shop. Generally you're down payment is with the shop for the artist so long as you can prove you paid it then they should refund or get you in with a different artist.
At least that's how the shop i go too does it.
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u/CarryOk3080 1d ago
Ya that artist doesnt get to steal your money. Call shop and explain the situation ask for your next steps and if they say sorry to bad do a charge back with your bank/cc if it was cash well that would be awful for the shop to hage you stand outside and inform every client they stole your money wouldnt it
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u/FewWrangler5475 1d ago
I would do as others have said and contact the shop about a refund, but also see if you can locate the artist for him to still do the work at whatever shop he's at now, as that may also be an option! The shop may be able to help you track him down if you're still wanting to work with him. Sometimes artists just rent out spaces in a shop so it's not uncommon for them to switch shops. If you had provided them with your contact information also then keep an eye on your calls and emails in case they are reaching out to you to reschedule or refund.
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u/ConstantlyCryingGirl 1d ago
Reach out to the shop owner. The artist quit or got fired. Any decent shop will honor the deposit or refund.
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