Mitch Wood

It's not so much name-dropping or that we want to be "part of it" We all get a lot of time-wasters who just want to talk about tattoo ideas, you know, just shoot the shit a little via email. When someone emails me and lets me know that they have travelled or put in whatever effort and are serious about getting tattooed, if I can tell that they have selected me based on my previous work and understand how much a tattoo of that size will cost - then they are way more likely to get a timely response.
Remember that if whoever you are emailing travels a lot they may not have enough time or internet connection long enough to give you a considered response.
Before we can email you a time/price/day/location for your tattoo, we need to figure out all that stuff first. Sometimes even have a couple of extra options of dates/times/tattoo subjects.
Personally I don't like being given "total freedom". Some days that may mean a portrait of Austin Osman Spare, other days it may mean a Baku backpiece or dagger and rose. I guess if your chosen tattooer is known for a specific set of subjects, it's a no-brainer, but it's something to consider. A couple of alternatives won't hurt either.
Something that comes to mind whenever I see/hear discussions like this, I wish I could remind collectors/customers/whatever that just because you see a tattooer post to instagram or whatever else on the internet, that doesn't mean they are also checking and responding to emails.

Key word almost. Now time to plan a backpiece!

So far I have 100% return rate on my contacts with artist. That being said, some took a decent amount of time to get back. One I waited 3 months for first response and another 6 until I heard again (then got tattooed shortly after). Another 3 months later second contact (more serious) and then finally another 6 months later I got my final REAL response back with dates. (still gotta wait till the middle of next year for my first in person consultation!).
It does take time, especially for artists that are in demand and busy. I know from my own job (I'm probably get 1% of the emails) that I get people reaching out all the time, and it becomes hard to get back to everyone. This with the fact that probably 80% are just testing the waters, maybe 10% will actually get work done.
My suggested approach (that has worked) is start with actually going to the shop (if you can). Some don't like this but do it anyway to show face. Then try to get them on the phone. 90% of the time they are never there or are busy working (they are at work!) Last resort is email as knowing my own email habits (read a couple, scan through a bunch, then never read the rest). @David Flores nailed it pretty good already but thought I would throw in my $0.02

Thanks everyone for giving such good advice. Maybe it would be a good idea to have a good amount saved up and then start approaching the tattooers? That way I can do things on short notice.

80 miles is about as far as i've always travelled to get tattooed... and it's as far as i commute every day for work (until i get a bit of money saved up and move back to town). my roommate and i in college drove a few times just to set up his appointments for a month later when we were about 2.5 hours away. if it's the best option, it's worth it.

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

http://youtu.be/U9xBJwkL3Oc

Really?
This shit's Bubbleberry all over again. Someone please swing the hammer and end this. I'm convinced that threads like these are the reason so many tattoo artists have stopped posting on this site. Do we really want to lose the few that have stuck around??

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Should be able to help......
Is it the Mike Malone Flash you've backlinked to twice so far on ebay?
Did you get a chance to read the Newbie Guidelines?
Also just food for thought, it may help you sell stuff on LST if you contribute to the site first. LSTers haven't been know to take to kindly to persistent sellers......
PM me and lets see if we can get this squared away

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Scott sylvia blackheart tattoo SF done in 2 sittings 4 hrs for outline of eagle and shading 7 hrs for roses and color its also going over old lasered stuff!

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas

Well, I was excited to post my tattoo, but the stuff posted here already is some serious shit. Hopefully I can still hang with you big dogs...
Proud to wear this piece from Josh Cruse, JP Cruse Professional Tattooing, Wichita, Kansas