Hi,
Back again to add a thought to the original post and would like comments.
As soon as you, the artist, create a work of art you own the copyright.

Even if the art is sold you still own the copyright to the original and can produce "derivative" works, such as prints, etc. unless you also sell the copyright in a separate transaction.

Here are the questions, who own all rights, including the right to use the tattoo design for other purposes? You or the tattoo artist? If it's the tattoo artist and he wants to publish a giclee print of the art on your butt, can he force you to be photographed?

Do you know any tattoo artists who give their clients a legal release to the copyright for original art they create on their bodies?

If you have a tattoo and have it photographed and printed as a giclee can the tattoo artist sue you or claim damages?

There are many questions artists and art buyers never ask - but should. I don't know the answer to the questions above, but will try to find out.

There's a great deal you should know on www.salestipsforartists.com (no charge for any of it) and I've just added a podcast about the best artist/gallery contract I've ever run across - along with a sample contract to print out.

Dick Harrison