Advice wanted - Premade design used for tattoo

[synviver.livejournal.com]

I've never had this particular situation come up for me before, so I'm not entirely sure how to proceed with it.

I received an email today about a tribal-inspired rabbit image that I have posted to my DeviantArt account. The email reads:

Hi Syn,

I hope you are well.

This is just email to let you know that I'm really interested in getting your tribal bunny as a tattoo but it won't be on display unless I'm topless. :p

Just wondering if you would be okay with this? (I'm not familiar with how people deal with artists and their artwork they wish to have tattoo'ed, sorry!) but I just wanted to ask how you felt about this and let you know that I will not be taking any credit for your artwork.

But on another note I would not be surprised if I wasn't the first person to want it as a tattoo :) really do love the design..

It will however be in the memory of my pet rabbit that I had for over 12 years. And I would love to have this as a tattoo.

Hope to hear from you soon

Now, this is where I'm baffled on how to proceed. I've done tattoo work with people before, but it's always been for custom work - the designs I've made have specifically been for the commissioner. This is the first time that I've been approached about using a pre-made design.

I do plan on insisting on full artistic credit for the design (though I'm not sure how to go about ensuring I get it), and I don't feel comfortable letting the design go without compensation. However, I don't know what would be appropriate as a royalty - should I give just a flat amount or a percentage based on the quote for the cost of the tattoo? Also, how would I go about ensuring full credit - would that be something I discuss with the person's tattoo artist directly?

Any feedback is appreciated.

ETA: So, firstly - thank you to everyone that left advice and feedback, I greatly appreciate it!

I've sent a response to the person that contacted me, which reads as follows:

Hi Millie. It's lovely to hear that you're interested in my art!

I've been considering your email over the course of the day and I would like to offer a proposal to you. You mentioned that you would be getting this tattoo in memory of your pet rabbit and I wonder, instead of using a pre-made design, if you would be interested in having a custom design made instead. I have done custom tattoo design work in the past and, if you are interested, would be delighted to work with you to create a design that's more personalized to you and the bond you shared with your companion.

I look forward to discussing this idea with you further.

Syn

Hopefully the person is receptive to the idea of a custom piece. :)

Comments

[ursulav.livejournal.com]

I usually just say "Go for it, as long as it's non-commercial and you mention the original artist if it shows up on your website/the tattoo parlor's website."

Mind you, that's easy for me to say, because I don't have anything like the time to go around making original pieces for people as tattoos, and I've fallen in love with existing designs before myself, so I'm pretty laid back on the matter. Sometimes I ask 'em for the price of a print, but as far as I'm concerned, I don't have to do any more work, the original is usually long sold, and they're obviously fans. Goodwill has its own value.

Your mileage may vary, of course, and lots of people ask a license fee on that kind of thing--absolutely nothing wrong with that, either.

[synviver.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the feedback. :)

(Also, entirely off topic, but I wanted to say that I have been a fan of your work for YEARS and I always love seeing your new creations.)

[ursulav.livejournal.com]

Aw, thank you! And your tribal bunny is very elegant, BTW.

[synviver.livejournal.com]

*stammers and blushes*

Thankee-sai!

[nambroth.livejournal.com]

This is exactly what I do, too. :)

[spiffystuff.livejournal.com]

Yes, I kinda consider this falling under "fair/personal use", myself.