In May 2023, TikTok was rocked by a scandal now widely known as #Tattoogate. It began as a personal dispute between a client and a tattoo artist but quickly escalated into a viral phenomenon that sparked widespread debate about transparency, pricing, and communication in the tattoo industry.
The Origins of Tattoogate
The drama began when TikTok user Courtney Monteith (known as @running_mom_of_boys) shared her negative experience with a Canadian tattoo artist, later identified as Lindsay Joseph of Lucid Tattoos. Monteith, a mother of three, had admired Joseph’s work on Instagram and decided to commission her for a custom tattoo featuring a fox running through flowers—a meaningful design she had carefully envisioned
.
The Consultation Process
Monteith booked a non-refundable Zoom consultation with Joseph for $180. During this consultation, Joseph presented her tiered pricing options:
- $1,500 plus tax for one sketch and a minor revision.
- $3,500 plus tax for two sketches with moderate changes.
- $6,000 plus tax for multiple sketches and unlimited revisions.
Monteith chose the least expensive option, assuming the fee would be deducted from the final tattoo cost. However, she later discovered that the design fee was separate from the tattoo itself
.
The Dispute
After selecting the first tier, Monteith received a concept sketch from Joseph that was drastically different from her original vision. Instead of a full-body fox surrounded by flowers, the sketch depicted a partial fox in a style she hadn’t requested. When Monteith pointed this out, Joseph responded that additional changes would require an upgrade to the second pricing tier, which would cost an additional $2,260
.
Monteith shared screenshots of her correspondence with Joseph, showing that she had sent clear reference images of a full fox. Despite this, Joseph insisted that the design miscommunication was Monteith’s fault. The artist also refused to refund the $1,000 deposit for the tattoo session, prompting Monteith to take her story public
.
The Internet Reacts
Monteith’s first TikTok video, detailing her experience, garnered over 5 million views within days. Viewers were outraged by the tattoo artist’s lack of transparency and accused Joseph of unethical business practices. The hashtag #Tattoogate began trending on TikTok and Twitter, with many users sharing their own negative experiences with tattoo artists who failed to meet their expectations
.
The controversy sparked discussions about:
- Transparency in Pricing: Many viewers argued that tattoo artists should clearly communicate all fees upfront, especially for custom designs.
- Client-Artist Communication: Some defended Joseph, emphasizing the importance of clients providing precise instructions for custom tattoos.
- Artistic Integrity vs. Client Satisfaction: The incident highlighted the tension between an artist’s creative freedom and a client’s expectations
.
Resolution and Aftermath
As the backlash against Joseph grew, other tattoo artists reached out to Monteith, offering to complete her tattoo for free. In response, Monteith decided to donate the money she would have spent on the tattoo to a fox charity, turning the negative experience into a positive outcome.
Meanwhile, Joseph faced significant damage to her reputation. Although she defended her actions in emails, insisting that the design fee was optional and the terms were clear, many potential clients expressed hesitation about booking with her after the incident
.
Broader Implications
Tattoogate is a cautionary tale for both clients and tattoo artists. It underscores the importance of:
- Clear Communication: Both parties must ensure that design expectations are thoroughly discussed and understood.
- Transparent Pricing: Tattoo artists should disclose all costs associated with custom designs, including consultation fees, design fees, and revision costs.
- Client Research: Clients should research tattoo artists’ policies and reviews before booking consultations, especially when significant money is involved.
Conclusion
Tattoogate has left a lasting impact on the tattoo community, sparking conversations about ethical practices and client satisfaction. For many, it serves as a reminder to approach tattoo consultations with caution and clarity, ensuring that both artists and clients have a positive, mutually beneficial experience.
As social media continues to amplify personal stories, incidents like Tattoogate highlight the power of public platforms to hold businesses accountable and drive industry-wide chan
.
