Saying No as a Tattoo Artist

Article

Saying No as a Tattoo Artist

A guide for tattooers on the power of no: how refusing certain jobs protects your craft, energy, and boundaries—delivered through Pamela Carvalho’s perspective.

In collaboration with Pamela Carvalho

June 27, 2025

Not every tattoo request is worth taking. Pamela Carvalho knows this firsthand. As an experienced tattoo Artist, she’s built her practice around one skill many Artists avoid: saying no.

She turns down work regularly. Not because she’s ungrateful for the demand, but because being selective keeps her focused. “I just can’t tattoo everybody,” she told us. “So I prioritize the work that’s going to make me a better tattooer and things that I’m excited about.”

That’s not a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Boundaries Are Not Optional

Clients who text at midnight. Design requests that don’t align with your strengths. Projects you know you’ll regret halfway through. These are the moments that test your boundaries.

Pamela’s advice is direct. Don’t ghost. Don’t justify. Just say no, clearly and professionally. “It can sometimes be difficult or uncomfortable to say no at first,” she said. “But it’s definitely a skill that gets easier the more you practice.”

Clarity protects your time and your energy. If a project doesn’t align with your goals, turn it down. If a client oversteps, tell them. The more you practice it, the less personal it feels. It becomes part of how you work.

Saying No Prevents Burnout

Pamela has more demand than she can take on. That’s not rare for skilled Artists. What matters is how she handles it. She says no to keep her standards high and her interest intact.

If you’re burnt out, your work suffers. So does the client experience. Enthusiasm isn’t a bonus; it’s part of the job. When Artists stretch themselves too thin, everyone loses.

Say No. Keep Going.

Saying no doesn’t make you rude. It makes you professional. You don’t need to be everything to everyone. You need to do your best work, with the right clients, under the right conditions.

Pamela’s approach is simple: choose work that challenges you, protects your time, and keeps you engaged. The rest can wait.