How to find the best tattoo shop artists?

If you’re planning to get your first tattoo, you will be very skeptical about every aspect of tattooing. This means, from looking for the best tattoo artists to finding the perfect tattoo design, you will leave no stones in turn.

Both were finding the perfect tattoo design and finding the best artist is tricky. Many aspects go behind, looking for the ideal way to get a tattoo. It involves research, reviews, and understanding what it takes to go through the process.

You must take time to look for the best artist and make yourself comfortable with him. You need to be confident enough to ensure that you can go through the pain and commitment it takes to have a tattoo.

How to ensure you choose the best tattoo artist?

Check out some of the aspects you will need to consider when choosing a tattoo artist:

1.    Locating an artist

The first thing you generally do is type best tattoo artist near me on Google and check the names. Although this is a smart thing to do, it will not give you absolute assurance. You need to look through their reviews and ratings to figure out if a specific person suits you best or not. When you find a local tattoo studio, you can always visit them and check out their work before making an appointment. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family who have tattoos.

You might want to look for an artist within your local area, but you should try to keep options open around the city. The best tattoo shop artists could be on the other side of the town, but they’re so good that you’d happily take a drive to reach them.

2.    Word of mouth

Don’t just read online reviews but also listen to word of mouth. They work as the best testimonials and can clear all your doubts. There are people around you who have done tattoos. They can recommend you which people to turn to or if your suggestion is right or wrong.

People who have got themselves inked can also share their experience with you. From how comfortable they were with the artists to how smooth/rough their process went – you will know it all.

For example, someone who has a tattoo on their feet can tell you that there’s no other pain as excruciating as having a tattoo on bones. Someone who has a tattoo on their back will know that it was much less painful.

3.    Portfolios or images

With social media, most people are active in their work online. Instagram lets tattoo artist reflect some of their best work photos online.

From images taken on the phone to proper work portfolios, you need to look for different types of designs an artist has done. Only then will you know how intricately the artist does his/her task and how beautiful the models come out.

You might also take inspiration from designs that you find online to create a unique pattern that no one else has. It will help you explain the artist better and let him add more creative ideas to things he has already done.

4.    Awards

There are several award functions for tattoo artist all across the US. You can look for artists who have accolades under their name to be surer of the kind of work you expect.

If you have a big budget, you can hire a celebrity tattoo artist who is well known for his chain of clients and is famous for his job. Note that such tattoo artists will likely be booked up and stay busy. You need to match their dates to get your tattoo done. Many of them will also ask for an advance so that you have the least chances to cancel.

5.    Hygiene

Entering into a hygienic symbol, the parlor is one of the most crucial aspects of getting a tattoo done. It is as important as choosing the best hospital because you risk your life to get a tattoo.

Every corner of the parlor needs to be cleaned, and artists need to be well maintained and hygienic. Bad hygiene at a tattoo parlor can lead to blood poisoning, infection, hepatitis A, and more. Safety is crucial when choosing to get a tattoo. You must ensure where you are getting the tattoo done before selecting the artist.

6.    Skill and expertise

Since tattooing is a creative art form, an artist has to be extremely careful towards doing what he does. For example, there are times we have a terrible day and goof up at work. But if a tattoo artist goes wrong, it can be a permanent blunder.

You need to ensure how skilled your tattoo artist is to be able to deliver his job with absolute precision and safety. You also need to know how experienced he is and how long he has been in business. These will help you rely on him better.

7.    Understanding

Seldom people get their tattoo done on their first meet when they set an appointment with an artist. When you first meet a tattoo artist, you need to discuss what you want and how the artists can offer that to you. It is similar to consulting a doctor to know what he prescribes for you and how he will go about your treatment.

If you already have a set design and the artist has time to do the task, you might get a tattoo done instantly. But both these cases are rare as people take a lot of time to research the perfect tattoo they want to do. Even if you come with complete research, the tattoo artist might have other engagements after meeting you.

It is crucial to understand how well both of you figured out what you expect from each other and then start the creative process. It reduces confusion and ensures maximum utilization of time and creativity.

Final thoughts

Committing to having a tattoo is itself a big step, but getting the best artist makes it easy. He will have the best suggestions for you and put on his thinking cap to deliver something unique. Just make sure that you’re satisfied with his work profile, his skill, hygiene, and all other aspects, and you’re good to go. Also, ask the artist about aftercare and how he will help you go through the process.