Bottom Line: Rich seems to want full control. Easily frustrated.
Full story:
Rich uses a third person to do all his communication, Sarah. She is very sweet, very caring and professional, so I didn’t mind.
I originally called to talk about getting a full-sleeve tattoo by Rich. After talking to Sarah for about an hour on the phone, I booked a full-day appointment for two weeks out for the outline. I told them I just wanted a spooky, dark, Halloween-feeling sleeve in neo-traditional style. This was wholly in the realm of what Rich does. Everything was fine at this point.
I emailed them one specific reference of something I liked, and a sketch of an arm to make sure we were on the same page as far as how it flowed, since I was confused. That was it.
Initially, I was told Rich isn’t “into that.” But Sarah said to take my time to think of some more things. They gave an idea of a gauntlet holding a mace and I said I wasn't sold on the idea.
It was then that, before I even replied, Rich himself popped in to email chain to tell me that he refunded my deposit and that he doesn’t need diagrams or references and, essentially, no longer wants to work with me. He was not disrespectful, but he came off as arrogant. He was totally annoyed that I dared to send him reference material. It put Sarah in a tough spot of having to defend his mood swing on the phone even though she clearly didn’t understand it.
Let me make this clear: I sent only one reference tattoo and he was done. Not to mention it was to Sarah because it was Sarah and I having the convo. I called the shop, and Sarah said Rich doesn’t like to work with customers he feels are controlling… I GAVE ONE EXAMPLE and was totally flexible! Not to mention, Rich himself didn’t speak to me one time! Bizarre! I am just dumbfounded.
What I want you all to take away from this is go to an artist that is willing to make you happy and is not easily frustrated by customers. It felt as if I was making an application to pay him over $100 an hour. Make no mistake—it is business and artists are applying to YOU and your skin. There are a lot of good artists in the greater Philadelphia area. He just had a sooner availability… I think I get why.