For so many years tattoos more specifically the RIP tattoo has been one of the number one tattoos in the industry. The RIP will always remain one of the top procedures in the industry. It's important that the artist be respectful to the clients wishes when doing the tattoo. A fine line exists when discussing the subject on how the person might of died or why this specific design of the tattoo. It is more easier for the artist to ask questions that will engage a customer to speak freely about the tattoo. After all getting the tattoo in the first place is a form of healing from the event in itself.
When an artist is doing portraits or other designs for an individual celebrating a birth or special event in ones life an artist should engage and show happiness for the individual. In this industry an artist has to do more marketing then in the old days. If the artist wants to have a successful career in the industry, friendships are going to be the number one way of getting the customer to return. By getting involved with the meaning of the tattoo the artist has the chance to really engage a relationship with the client. Remember every client that comes through the door is a possible lifelong client. RIP and Footprints tattoos are really a good subject matter to expand on the client/artist relationship. As long as the artist is tasteful and puts the clients feelings first then a solid future relationship can develop.