You've done it. After weeks of dedicated research, you've found the tattoo artist you've been dreaming of. Their style is perfect, their work is flawless, and you are ready to do whatever it takes to get a piece from them. You go to their Instagram page or website to find their booking information, and you're met with four crushing words:Â "My books are currently closed."
What does that even mean? Are they not taking new clients ever again? Did you do something wrong?
Don't panic. "Books closed" is a completely normal and very common practice for in-demand tattoo artists. It's not a rejection; it's a sign of a professional managing their time and their art. This is your guide to understanding what it means and, more importantly, what you should do next to eventually get that appointment.
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What "Books Closed" Actually Means
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In the simplest terms, "books closed" means that the artist is not currently accepting any new inquiries or appointments. Their schedule for the next several months (or even a year or more) is completely full with their existing clients and projects. They have literally "closed their appointment book" to new entries so they can focus on the work they've already committed to.
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Why Do Artists Close Their Books?
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It's not about being exclusive or difficult; it's a necessary business practice for a successful artist.
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To Avoid Burnout: A popular artist can receive hundreds of inquiries a week. Responding to every single email while also drawing for current clients and tattooing for 8 hours a day is physically and creatively impossible. Closing their books allows them to breathe and focus.
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To Manage Their Schedule: Most artists only book their appointments 3-6 months in advance. This prevents their schedule from becoming a chaotic, multi-year waiting list and gives them the flexibility to plan their lives.
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To Focus on Current Projects: Large-scale work like sleeves and back pieces requires multiple sessions over many months. Closing their books ensures they have enough time to dedicate to these massive, ongoing projects.
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To Curate Their Portfolio: Sometimes, an artist will close their books and then re-open them specifically for projects they are passionate about (e.g., "I'm only accepting new projects for large-scale floral work").
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What You Should Do When Books Are Closed (The Action Plan)
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This is your chance to be a perfect potential client.
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Follow Them on Social Media and Turn on Notifications. This is the most important step. Most artists will announce on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) when their books are about to re-open. Turning on post notifications for their account is the best way to be the first to know.
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Join Their Mailing List. Many artists have a mailing list on their website. This is often where they will make the first announcement about re-opening their books, sometimes even before social media.
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Have Your Idea Ready to Go. When their books do open, they might only stay open for a 24-hour window. The artists will be flooded with inquiries. You need to have your idea, your reference images, and your placement information ready to go in a clear, concise email. (Check out our guide on How to Email a Tattoo Artist to get it right).
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What You Should NOT Do
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Don't Email Them Anyway. If their bio says "Books Closed," sending an email with your idea is disrespectful of the clear boundary they have set. It will almost certainly be deleted.
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Don't Ask for a "Special Exception." Don't try to find a back door or ask them to squeeze you in. It's unfair to the artist and to the other clients who are patiently waiting.
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Don't Be Impatient. The wait for a great artist is always worth it.
The Verdict: "Books closed" is a sign of a successful artist who is in high demand. See it as a good thing—it means you've chosen a great artist! The key is to be patient, be respectful, and be prepared. By following their social media and having your idea ready, you put yourself in the best possible position to get that coveted spot when their books finally open again.