The Anatomy of Ideal Tattoo Forms

Tattooing as a profession is, indeed, a lucrative and creative choice. However, let’s not forget, it’s also the one that requires tattoo studio owners to have a close understanding of how to keep their customers and their business safe at all times.

At the end of it all, your customers are putting their body and skin in your studio’s expertise, and you are responsible for providing them extravagant, stunning tattoos with the best possible tattoo experience.

And in our so-called ‘litigious’ society, tattoo studio owners just cannot break ties with tattoo forms – not even in their wildest dreams – and not just any piece of paper to place their customers’ signatures at, but the ideal ones.

So, here’s our surefire guide on what you need to include in your tattoo consent forms, but first, let’s understand why you even need them in the first place.

Simply put, to avoid the gut-wrenching string of lawsuits.

If things go south, and your customer feels that your studio is responsible for any physical, personal, or even emotional injury, and they decide to sue you. An ideal tattoo form comes in as a lifesaver to fortify you and your business, along with many risk management practices.

To be honest, it’s not just about one or two, but there are thousands of cases in which a customer might choose to sue your studio. Luckily, all of it can be covered in an ideal tattoo form.

Additionally, it’s highly important to note that no matter how insubstantial the lawsuit, you can still face a legal fee, and tattoo forms can prevent a case from even getting it this far.

The anatomy of an ideal tattoo form consists of customer’s basic information like,

• Full Name
• Age
• Date of Birth
• Contact Details (contact number and email address)
• Address

And all the essential clauses that trace the risks involved in getting inked.

By signing the tattoo form, the client would thereby acknowledge that they accept, and entirely understand the risks involved. Most importantly, waive the right to sue your tattoo studio if any of those situations take place during the procedure.

Clause 1: Former allergies, conditions, and medication

First and foremost, this covers the list of any former medications and conditions and includes an acknowledgment that your customer has discussed it if they have any of them with the tattoo studio.

Some of the conditions might include,

• HIV
• Skin conditions
• Heart conditions
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Organ or bone transplant recipient 

NOTE: You can record allergies under a different section, that is allergies to soaps, metals, or latex, and your customer should acknowledge that there’s a possible risk of reactions to the materials and inks involved. 

Clause 2: Possibility of infection, and an agreement to follow the recommended aftercare measures

This clause traces the risk of infection whilst receiving a tattoo, and that your customer entirely acknowledges that by religiously following an aftercare routine they minimize the risk of a tattoo infection.

Clause 3: Durability of the tattoo

It doesn’t matter how obvious you might feel this is, it’s indispensable to hold a clause that mentions your customer acknowledges the durability of their tattoo.

Additionally, it needs to outline that the only possible way to get rid of the tattoo design is via laser or surgery, which cannot restore their body to its original appearance. 

Clause 4:  Variation of Tattoo Color and Design

Man in a tattoo salon. Guy working. Man create a new tattoo

Source

This clause holds the fact that the tattoo design and color might vary, and the tattoo is bound to fade over time.

Clause 5: Legal age and the being of sound mind

With this clause, your client acknowledges that they are of legal age to receive a tattoo, and are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Clause 6: Tattoo photography agreement

Here, your customers allow the artist and the studio to take photos of the tattoo designs and use them as promotional materials or as a part of their portfolio. Often this clause states a line mentioning that the customer has the right to not allow photography or discuss this beforehand with the tattoo studio.

Additionally, this clause can help while defending your tattoo copyright!

Clause 7: An exculpatory agreement

This is the most important one of them all, it states that your customer, their family (even their heirs!) waive the tattoo artist and the studio of all the responsibility, even in case of any injuries or damages. This clause waives the chances of your customer suing your tattoo business under any circumstances. 

Hand holding check symbol

Source

Phew! That’s all. No wonder tattoo forms are so time-consuming and tedious! Thankfully, tattoo studio management software can be your one-stop-shop to maintain and regulate ideal tattoo forms to help streamline your tattoo business! So, while we focus on keeping your customers happy and safe, you do you with the peace-of-mind that dives in knowing that you are fully secured!