When is the Best Time to Get a Tattoo?
When planning your next tattoo, it never hurts to think ahead of the schedule. Here are some helpful tips to assist you in navigating around the best time to get tattooed to match your budget, lifestyle, and readiness.
The best time to snag a great deal on a tattoo is when your artist posts a last-minute opening due to a cancelation or reschedule. Pay attention to your artist’s social media feed, or sign up for their email/text list, if you have flexibility in your schedule to get tattooed on a whim. Artists may also post their flash or premade designs to their websites, social media, or send an email campaign with upcoming deals and discounts. These discounts are especially popular around the summer and winter seasons when we see an uptick of cancellations.
During the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years), many artists offer tattoo gift certificates* that include extra perks ($50 more towards your next tattoo) or better discounts (50% off if you use this certificate) on your next tattoo. Watch your shop’s social media for any walk-in deals and specials they may host. These are especially popular for Friday the 13th deals, black Friday deals, or specific days of the week that they cater to walk-in traffic.
The best time to get couples or best friends tattoos is in February, around Valentine’s Day. Lots of shops offer BOGO (buy 1, get 1) specials and/or special flash sheet designs for you and a loved one. Another great time to get matching tattoos, especially small ones, are during spring break season (March) and the summer months (June to August).
For those who are traveling across the state, country, or world to get tattooed, weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) are going to likely be the best time for you to get in your artist’s chair. One downside is that nearly everyone wants to get tattooed on the weekend because those happen to be many people’s only days off. If you want to get tattooed sooner rather than later, take a personal day (PTO) to book your tattoo, or ask for weeknight or early morning availability (based on your schedule). Many of us have flexible schedules and are able to come in early or stay late to help you out, just ask us!
Be mindful of your lifestyle, travel plans, and escapades when you’re booking your next piece. As a reminder, no swimming or tanning for 2-3 weeks after getting a fresh tattoo! So, if you plan a vacation to Mexico or a backpacking trip across Europe, maybe wait until after you’re back to work on your sleeve. With that being said, the best time to get tiny tattoos and linework pieces is in the summer. Small, linework only tattoos heal faster than medium to large full color tattoos do.
The best time to budget for a new tattoo is to book it during tax return season (February to May). The sooner you file your taxes, the sooner you get your return. Keep in mind, this is by far the busiest time for most tattoo artists (who usually book out months in advance). We will have the least availability and flexibility during these times, but it’s the best time for you to be able to afford some new ink and heal it before summer rolls around.
My personal, absolute favorite time to get tattooed is late September to early November. In Wisconsin, the weather is at those cool 50 to 60-degree temperatures, which makes it easy to cover up fresh tattoos and shield them from the sun. Keeping in mind the Wisconsin weather, where snowstorms may occur, the winter months (December to February) are my second favorite time to get tattooed. These months are right after the holidays, so many students have their Christmas or back-to-school money and can get in quickly for a tattoo.
Tattoo conventions are a great way to scope out your next artist, to book a tattoo from an artist from far away, or to get a last-minute flash tattoo or GWYG (get what you get) design from a gumball machine. Artists come from all over the country and the world to show off their skills and to compete their work. They also have unique entertainment and vendors if you like oddities and curiosities. Tattoo conventions are hosted all around the country all year round. So, do a little "Google," and be sure to check out a tattoo festival and exhibition near you!
Tattoos are perfect for a birthday present, to celebrate an anniversary, to memorialize a pet or a family member, as a graduation gift, or just because. You can get a tattoo because it means something deeply meaningful to you, or just because you thought the art looked cool. Matching tattoos are great for you and your best friend, you and your family member (mother/daughter, sisters, etc.), or a random Tinder date you matched with.
All in all, there is really no “worst time to get tattooed,” only ways that work better for you and your needs. I hope these tips and tricks help you determine the best time for you to book your next tattoo with your artist! As a reminder, my books never close, and I work every day of the week. So, if you want to get tattooed, send me a consult form and let’s get you booked up!
*Always be vigilant about these types of deals, as they are very popular among scammers, con artists, and bot accounts that impersonate tattoo artists. Learn more about popular tattoo scams.