How to Pick The Right Tattoo Artist

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

miami ink

There was a time when tattoo' s conjured up images of gangsters, thugs and Hells Angels. Now for the most part they have become socially acceptable. Walk down the street and you will see moms and dads pushing strollers with ink all over them. If you have come to a point in your life where you are considering your first tattoo congratulations! This is an exciting yet somewhat overwhelming place to be. You are probably asking yourself questions like, "what do I want"?, "will it hurt?" and "where should I go?". These are all important questions but this articles is only going to address the "where should I go?". Tattoo' s have become so popular and mainstream that you can have some serious problems/remorse If you choose the wrong tattoo artist. It's important to understand that these people are human beings first and foremost and artist second. They have apprenticed and trained under other tattoo artist. Some of them specialize in what is referred to as "traditional or old school" some in "Japanese" some strictly in "black and gray" or "portraits". All of these guys and gals have a preference for one or more of these categories but because the tattoo business is booming(these people are making $100K plus a year)they will tell you, "yea, I can put a Japanese Coy on your back, eve though I HATE that kind of work/tattoo. Do you really want someone putting something on your body that is going to be there for the rest of your life just because he/she won't be honest with you and tell you it's not really their thing?
Step 2

LA Ink

So what's the answer? Start by looking up tattoo shops online. Any shop worth it's weight will have their artist featured with pictures of their work. Looking at their portfolio online will not only give you an idea of the type and style of work they do but also the quality of their work. You may even get some new ideas that you hadn't thought about.
Step 3

Kat Von D

Once you've narrowed down a few shops to visit, and I would recommend at least 3-5 get in your car and go visit them. Call first though to make sure the artist you are interested in speaking with will be there. Once there spend some time looking at his portfolio. Each shop will have photo albums with all of their artist work printed out on photo quality paper. This will give you the opportunity to see their work in greater detail. You may find once your there that there is another artist you would rather work with. Don't be afraid to ask them If they like tattooing the piece you want to have put on your body!!! Like I said these people have a preference for a specific style and genre of tattooing but have sold out for money. Ask them how many coy fish, roses, portraits they have done since they have been a tattoo artist. Once you are comfortable with their answer shift the conversation to something more casual and ask them questions so they will talk about themselves. Some of these guys have zero personality or just aren't very friendly. There's nothing worse than sitting in a chair with someone for 45 minutes to 3 hours silently while you are being worked on. Your relationship with your artist should be the same as the relationship you have with your therapist, chiropractor etc.
Step 4

Tattoo Johnny

Now assuming you are comfortable with them as a person as well as their feelings about the work you want to get ask them when their next appointment is. Ask them If it would be OK If you came to observe their client getting worked on. This is the ultimate test because you will be able to see how they interact with their clients. Good luck and don't be scared. It only hurts while your sitting in the chair!! :)

Comments

dasbootjoe said

on 12/20/2008 Great article! Thanks for sharing*****

on 12/19/2008 Good advice Mike, thanks for sharing this important information. I want some ink, but haven't really gone after it bcuz I haven't picked out what I want as of yet. When I do figure it out, I will definately visit this article again. 5ive *tars and a recommendation. woohoo!

01Bri-Guy said

on 12/19/2008 Good advice, I've always wanted to get a tatoo but have been too chicken.

sneedc said

on 12/19/2008 Tattoos and the stigma have both come a long way, I agree! I love mine, it's an addiction! I am in corp. America so I have to be somewhat conservative; I have 4 tats, which I adore!!! great article.