"I want that exact tattoo, the same as that person's, like in the photo, and nothing else!"
We need to talk.
I am sometimes contacted to do "tattoos that have already been tattooed". This involves reproducing a tattoo exactly as it is, from a photo (often found on social media), without any modifications.
Ethical considerations dictate that we should not get the same tattoos. That's, first of all, out of respect for the artist who made the drawings and especially for the person who has the tattoo on her/him : if the design was a creation especially for her/him, with an intention behind it, she/he would not be pleased to come across someone who has exactly the same tattoo as her/him (even if there is a one in a million chance that it will happen).
There is also a lack of respect for my work: I'm not a copycat; I love to create, and copying is incredibly boring. If you like the tattoo work in the photo, contact the tattoo artist who did it and ask them to work on your project. We contact a tattoo artist because we like their work, their world and therefore their style, not just because they know how to tattoo…
So, the idea is not to have your own unique tattoo but to be like everyone else? That's a shame because, in my opinion, Tattoos are not a fashion accessory (because yes, it's the trend that gives rise to this kind of demand). It's a moment in our lives, it's a "snapshot" of who we are/like/think... at a significant moment in our past.
It's OK to get simple, so-called "classic" tattoos redone. (such as lettering or designs where there is no real artistic effort).
Legally, I can "copy and paste" if that's YOUR request, and it's up to you to accept that you're being copied.*. To be above board, ask the tattoo artist and the person who was tattooed for their consent before I can redraw the design on you.
