Tattoo Techniques: Client Positioning Tricks 3 Minutes to Better Tattooing
Client Positioning Tricks | 3 Minutes to Better Tattooing
Client positioning is a very important but often overlooked variable in the tattoo process. In today's episode, Jake offers a positioning tip for a common problem area.
This episode was made possible thanks to:
Video by By Jake Meeks —
Writing By Daniel Pushcarich —
Topics: Tattoo Client Comfort, Tattoo Client, Tattoo Arm Prop, Tattoo Chair, Back Tattoo, Tattoo Positioning
Better Living Through Client Positioning! Easy Stretch For Back Tattoos
“When you’re working in between the shoulder blades, and it gets intense or painful, the client tends to want to pinch their shoulder blades together. And, that’s just kind of instinctual, but it makes it very difficult to stretch the skin.”
- Jake Meeks
When tattooing the upper back, especially between the shoulder blades, tattooers frequently encounter a challenge—the client instinctively pinching their shoulder blades together.
This involuntary reaction, driven by discomfort or intensity, complicates the tattooing process, hindering the artist's ability to stretch the skin adequately and achieve consistent color without causing undue stress to the skin.
To address this issue, there's a clever positioning trick that tattoo artists can employ. Instead of the conventional position of laying them on the massage table, have the client sit backward in a chair or on a static padded stool and use an arm prop for them to rest their forehead on. But, the key element lies in instructing the client to drop their arms directly to their sides.
This positioning not only prevents the instinctual shoulder blade pinching but also encourages the client to spread their back, facilitating a more controlled and comfortable experience.
By implementing this positioning trick, artists create an environment that minimizes client discomfort and enhances the artist's control during the tattooing process. With the arms dropped to the sides, clients find it easier to manage their shoulders, eliminating the tendency to pinch the shoulder blades together. This not only improves the overall client experience but also allows the artist to execute the tattoo with greater precision and efficiency.
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Transcript for this video can be found (here). All transcripts can be found (Here)
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The Fireside Tattoo podcast is hosted by veteran tattooer Jake Meeks, check out our episodes where we discuss, argue and wax philosophical, from tips for all levels of artists to trends in the tattoo world. Many guest artists have sat down for interviews and in-depth conversations and many more are planned…check back often!
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Tattoo Techniques
Tattoo technique is, no doubt, an art of its own. Like any skill or trade, tattooing has been closely guarded by tattooers throughout modern history. We take a different approach here at Fireside. Our goal is to embrace the information age by making a conscious effort to help artists of all skill levels solve their technical tattoo challenges.
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