While I am now working at Sacred Rose Tattoo in Berkeley, I’ve spent the previous 6 years or so in a private studio, and approximately nine years before that as owner/operator/artist at Sugarfoot Tattoo in San Mateo. Before tattooing, I worked at Whole Foods Market for 13 years, where I helped manage the whole body department, was responsible for ordering in multiple sections, and acquired plenty of experience with customer service.
Just for the sake of accuracy, I’ve been working for Karen off and on since 1998 at Sacred Rose Tattoo.
Usually, the process starts at the consult, gathering information and images to develop art for the eventual finished piece.
Ultimately, applying a clean and artistic tattoo to my client, and keeping them as comfortable as possible through the process is the most important aspect.
Customer service is huge, and a bit of the gift of gab is helpful.
Maintaining cleanliness standards in the tattoo studio, and awareness of blood-borne pathogens are always part of the job.