All About Tattoos & Guest Spots: An Interview with Deanna James

In this industry, it’s not uncommon for artists to leave their tattoo parlors for a few days/week, travel to another parlor, and work there. These guest spots seem to happen all the time, but why? We sat down with our owner Deanna, fresh from her own guest spot at INKED NYC, to unpack our questions about tattoos and guest spots.

Why do studios ask other artists to come in when they already have a team of people?

D: Several reasons! First, it’s always great to meet new people. It’s a lot of fun to network and keeps the environment fresh. It’s normally a great learning experience for everyone involved as well because a lot of times with guest spots you get to see new techniques and compositions.

What do you look for in artists who come to do guest spots at Eden?

D: We definitely look for a certain level of artistry when people are guest spotting here, but more than anything, we love having good people in the studio! We find most of the time it’s best to book guest artists that have a specific style.

What do you look for in a studio that asks you to come in as a guest artist?

D: I’ve traveled so thoroughly during my tattoo career so at this point I really just want to go to studios where I respect the artists and they’re hospitable.

Do guest spots only benefit the artist? Or do they also benefit the studio?

D: Probably the primary beneficiary of guest spots are the studio because they get to have new clients make appointments, but it’s also a huge benefit to the clients as well! When I tattoo in New York it allows clients to drive instead of fly for my work.

Do you have to achieve a certain level of notoriety before doing a guest spot?

D: It definitely helps when booking clients!

What do you like most about tattooing as a guest at another shop?

D: I like to travel with my husband and experience new things. We spent a few days in New York when I was done tattooing and saw a couple of Broadway shows.