In this article, tattoo artists are confronted with the issue of tattoo copying and provide their reactions and thoughts on the matter. The artists express their opinions and share their experiences with clients who have requested copied or plagiarized tattoos.

Tattoo copying is a controversial issue within the tattoo industry. Many artists view tattoos as unique and personal expressions of art, and they believe that copying someone else's tattoo is unethical and disrespectful to both the original artist and the individual who got the tattoo.

Some tattoo artists understand that certain designs, such as traditional or popular symbols, can be commonly requested and replicated to a certain extent.

However, they emphasize the importance of adding a personal touch or modifying the design to make it unique to the client. This allows the client to have a one-of-a-kind tattoo that still incorporates elements they like from the original design.

One artist, for example, recounts a story of a client who brought in a copied tattoo design and requested an exact replica. The artist felt uncomfortable with the request and explained to the client the importance of originality and individuality in tattoo art. The artist offered to create a modified version of the design that still captured the essence of what the client wanted, while adding a personal touch.

The compromise resulted in a tattoo that the client loved and felt more connected to, and the artist felt satisfied that they had respected the integrity of tattoo art.

Another tattoo artist expresses frustration with clients who bring in copied tattoos without fully understanding the significance or meaning of the design. They emphasize the importance of thoroughly researching a design and understanding its cultural or symbolic context before getting it tattooed. This not only shows respect for the art form but also ensures that the client is making an informed decision about the tattoo they are getting permanently inked on their body.

Overall, the consensus among tattoo artists is that copying tattoos is a contentious issue. While some designs can be replicated to a certain extent, artists emphasize the importance of added personalization and modification to make the tattoo unique to the individual. They also stress the importance of understanding the meaning behind a tattoo design and respecting the art form. Tattoo copying is seen as a lack of creativity and appreciation for the original artist's work and the art form as a whole.