What the...?

So here's the thing: Years ago in my infinate wisdom I carved a letter into my upper right arm. Last year I decided to go and get it covered. I went to a good shop and was approached by the apprentice who helped me through the whole process. Cool so far- I was happy with the end result but went back to have it checked by another (more experienced) artist at the shop who said the color was over worked and needed touch up. Cool- I booked in and the apprentice fixed it. I was happy with this so went back with a large design for my left upper arm and asked if it could be done- "sure, no problem, it'll cost about $350" This shop charges 150 per hour but because the apprentice was doing it they reduced it- cool. Went back and had the outline done- it took 3 hours. Not as quick as the other guys having work done in the shop but this was the apprentice so fair enough. At the end I'm told that it will take two sessions to finish it as it is big- hmmmm...well fair enough I guess. "Oh and it will cost 450 not 350" Right ...walk home with the shits...why didn't they tell me this to start? Back I go for session 2 but before I start: " I have to talk to you about pricing, it's 150 and hour so I can do the shading today for the total we discussed but you'll have to book in by the hour to get it finished!" So I'm standing there thinking is this right or am I being ripped of- this person is way slow due to learning and now they want me to pay for the practice? OK so I got the shading done. Another 3 hours! Other guys are having way more work completed in the time mine is done. Hey everyone has to start someplace right? I dont usually say much when I get stuff done because I figure the artist needs to concentrate- just a few plesantries here and there. But halfway through I look away for a second then look back to bust my person and the girl doing someone in the next cubical rolling their eyes at me! They look embaressed and both get back to work. Hmmmm this is a great experience thinks I. Anyhow, it's 3 weeks later now and the shading is full of patches and I have areas that have severe scarring (looks like a healed cut with ink around the edge) and a half done picture with the prospect of paying 150 an hour for slow work- interupted (I forgot to mention) by numerous phone calls and attendance to the walk ins at the front desk. This is apprentice world! So, my question is: Is it acceptable to got to another artist to finish a job that someone else started or is this in bad taste as the tattoo was designed by this particular artist?

....should also mention: I am NOT one of those loud, obnoxious types that come in and give orders, tell sexist jokes and treat people poorly. I also ALWAYS leave an extra $10 for the person to get a drink with and thank them for the hard work!

I feel for ya. Go to another shop explain this to them (after you get prices and such) youre paying good money and not getting your moneys worth. Did anyone come by and check on the so called apprentice to see how it was going? Doesnt sound like it.Definitely find another artist. I just started at a shop and the person I replaced was not good in any manor. I had a customer come in over a drawing for a Tattoo to be done,that the other artist was working on. this was like 6 weeks ago! the artist draged his feet and stalled off this person.So we discuss what he would like he saw a piece with some changes yada yada and such. Now a perspective client comes back in 2 hours I presented him with a completed drawing of what he wanted. He was estaticlly happy! booked a appointment for the next day! NOW heres my kicker.I do the tattoo thinking it is for a set price. we discuss the amount and he brings up the fact of layin a drawing deposit down already,thus reducing the set agreed price.( so i thought) I immedately agree with him on the balance owed from the other artist.I technically loose money here. The clent hands me the cash rolls up his sleeve and ask what can you do with this? throws down a deposit for me to draw something up and will come by Monday to discuss it.I sort of take one for the team sort of speak,but make a once unhappy customer into a happy client. so i guess my point is you the client needs to be treated fairly and most important be satisfied and happy with what you have spent. Sounds like none of this was really met for you.

The owner only checked the first job done- maybe this person needs a sign with "I only produce the goods when the boss is watching"! I think your story here indicates that you'll do extremely well in your industry! I don't know much about tattoos but I know about business- unfortunatly you have to let a few things slide but the end result will be well worth it- happy (and returning) customers who will spread the word which will send your reputation through the roof and make you lots of money! It's apparent that not only do you need to be good at what you do but also need an ounce of business sense! Thanks for the advise- I will go elsewhere, and best of luck to you- sounds like you've got EVERY aspect of your career nailed!