My personal experience has shown me that it's pretty pointless to use email. Granted, none of the tattooers I've tried to reach are on tv or web series, so I wouldn't know what it's like trying to get a hold of Ami James or KVD. Each time I would email tattoers, they would respond within in the week and tell me to come so that we can speak one on one.
I really can't blame asking someone to come in. I can't imagine the number of emails they receive, and I'm sure 90% of them are lookie-Lous or people who want a sleeve for $150.