How to Choose a Great Tattoo Shop

This article will you give you some pointers on what too look for in both a tattoo shop and a tattoo artist.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Want a tattoo.
• Tattoo Shop
• Tattoo Artist
• Money

1. 
    
   Bad tattoos.

   First off, YOU should want a tattoo. If you have any doubts whatsoever, DO NOT get a tattoo. Your tattoo should be personal. Something that represents you. A tattoo is a statement of individuality. If you get a tattoo just for fun, or because everyone else is getting one, you should not be getting one at all.

2. 
    
   You can find a tattoo shop on the Internet.

   Identify tattoo shops in your area. This can be done through Google or Yellow Pages. I have found that the best way to find tattoo shops is by word of mouth. People who have tattoos usually get them from the same place by the same artist. Ask your friends, or random people where they got their tattoos done. They will be more then happy to tell you.

3. 
    
   A person has to be comfortable in their tattoo shop.

   Once you have found tattoo shops in your area, check them out. The great thing about tattoo artists, is that they are not sales people. If you want a tattoo great. If not, they will not bother you too much. Look at the shop. Is it clean? Is it in a good area? What do the artists look like? All of these things are important. You dont want an artist who looks like they are coming off a week long meth bender.

4. 
    
   A tattoo last forever. Your artist does not.

   Now you have found a shop you like. Now you need an artist. Look at ALL the portfolios of the artists your shop employees. Every artist has their own style and flair. I always go to the same shop, but have a different artist do a different piece.

5. 
    
   Own your tattos. Make them yours.

   No you have a shop and an artist. Now all you need is the tattoo. Find something YOU like. TattooJohnny.com has a lot of great ideas. If your artistic draw something up yourself. Or have a friend draw something. Look at the art in your shop. Find a design and build on it. Make your first tattoo YOURS.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a tattoo because you want it.
• Find a reputable shop.
• Talk to the artists.
• Get a tattoo in a shop where YOUR comfortable.
• DONT RUSH. Tattoo artists aren't going anywhere.
• Don't get a tattoo because everyone else is getting them.
• Tattoos ARE PERMANENT. Get something you are not going to regret.
• Tattoos ARE PERMANENT. Make sure you can cover it if you want.

[DianeD]

on 3/7/2009 I am a big baby - too scared of the pain!

[cwengre]

on 3/5/2009 Interesting article.