According to Gitnux, there are an estimated 225 million people with tattoos globally, proving how popular they are.

However, when clients’ body types pose problems for their designs, tattoo artists occasionally have to make tough choices.

A tattoo artist recently posted on Reddit, asking for advice from the online community following an altercation with a client who was plus-sized. After first deciding on a geometric/jewelry tattoo design for the client’s stomach/underboob area, the artist ran across some unanticipated difficulties.

As soon as the artist described the customer’s torso as “a series of folds,” she understood that the suggested design might not look good on her client.

“Her entire body was just a series of folds, especially where the tattoo would go—around her ribs and in the middle of her stomach—and underneath all of those folds, there was clearly evidence that it had not been cleaned in a long time—the smell was off-putting,” the Redditor commented.

The artist tried to treat the situation carefully, outlining the restrictions and offering suggestions for better locations or patterns that might fit the client’s body type.

“I had previously sketched the design, but after examining her upper body, I concluded it would not be feasible. The tattoo would need to cover or enter her (unclean, odorous) indentations, meaning significant spaces would remain in the design in the event of her weight loss,” the Redditor added.

According to her, I told her that I was unable to complete the tattoo. She asked why, and I tried to explain to her politely that her stomach folds prevented me from creating a nice tattoo in that style, but that we could choose a different location or something more natural for that area.

The client, however, took offense and charged the artist with fatphobia. The tattoo artist subsequently rejected to continue, stating that the client’s actions had the final say over her choice.

Credit: Getty.

The artist questioned whether their response was appropriate, particularly in refusing to work with the client following the outburst.

Responses from fellow artists and Redditors generally supported the artist’s decision, with one person writing: “You gave her professional advice and she attacked you verbally. Good riddance.”

Someone else added: “You’re an artist. And if the ‘canvas’ is such that it would leave your artwork looking shoddy, I can understand why you’d be hesitant to do it or outright refuse to do it. Also, she was extremely rude to you. I think you have the right to refuse further service on a usable surface of her body. Plus, body odor revulsion is a real thing, and she wasn’t even considerate enough to come in to the appointment, CLEAN.!”

A further person chimed in with: “Trying to get a tattoo on unwashed folded skin doesn’t even make sense. That’s disgusting and unsanitary. Sounds like a recipe for infection that she would’ve also blamed on you.”

“You provided better service than some kitchen wizard just willing to slap anything on and take the money. Tattoos are for life, and I wish more artists and clients remembered that. You did this lady a service,” another comment read.

What do you think? And what would you have done in this situation? Let us know in the comments!