Choosing the right tattoo artist is essential to get the results that you want. Perfect design doesn’t mean perfect execution and because your tattoo is there to stay, you better spend some time researching who will do it for you. Remember not all tattoo artists are equal; here is a checklist to help you find the perfect tattoo artist for your next body art.
Check their portfolio
The first and most crucial step is examining potential artists’ portfolios. Every reputable artist maintains an updated portfolio, usually on Instagram or their studio’s website. When reviewing their work, consider:
- Their level of expertise in the tattoo style that you want.
- If they have images showing tattoos on your skin tone. If not they are either inexperienced in tattooing your skin tone or they do not feel proud of the work they have done on clients with your skin tone.
- Look at healed tattoos, not just fresh ones. Fresh tattoos always look vibrant and sharp, but healed pieces show the true quality of the artist’s work.
- Pay special attention to line work. Clean, steady lines are fundamental to good tattooing. Look for smooth curves, consistent thickness, and symmetry where intended.
Pay attention to the Studio hygiene standards
Always check the studio first and make sure the hygiene is taken seriously following the right standards.
- Pristine, clean and organised.
- Single use needles or cartridges used for each client.
- Beds and or arm rests wrapped before tattooing on them.
- Professional in appearance and atmosphere.
- Artists who are willing to answer your questions thoroughly
- Licensing should be on show in the studio.
Clear communication
You should feel comfortable speaking to your artist.
- Discuss your ideas in detail with the artist.
- Have a clear understanding of their pricing structure.
- Assess their communication style and professionalism to ensure you feel confident in working with the artist or studio. Remember, a good artist will be honest about what will and won’t work for your tattoo idea.
Pay attention to these red flags
As said before, not all tattoo artists and studios are equals, here are some red flags you should pay attention to:
- Low prices: while low prices may appear attractive, compare them with other local artists, if the price tag is lower, question yourself whether this studio or artist is legit or good enough. Tattoos, depending on style and size, can vary in price so beware prices that seem too good to be true.
- Healed work: if tattoo artists are unwilling to show healed work, then perhaps that means they are not super confident in what they can execute. Avoid.
- Pushing you to get tattooed immediately without proper consultation. Don’t get rushed into any tattoo prior to assessing or discussing with your tattoo artist about their process, work and so forth.
- Dismissive attitude toward your questions or concerns: if the artists avoid questions, patronise you, just generally display poor communication with you, follow your gut and go.
- Poor hygiene practices or cluttered workspaces.
Check Reviews
Check people’s reviews. If their clients are willing to leave good reviews, this is a genuine testimony of the great experience they had with these tattoo artists. This can be a great sign to engage with them then.
How about testing Outliers Ink for your next tattoo?
At Outliers we have created an amazing community in Birmingham in no time since our relocation from London. We are building long-term relationships with our clients and we could not be more happy. If you are searching for the perfect tattoo studio, just stop by, we won’t disappoint. Book your free consultation with us, and check us out on instagram.
