What makes the “right” tattoo artist and tattoo shop for one person can be entirely different for another. Finding a Tattoo Artist and Tattoo Shop that you’ll end up writing a five-star review for is what you’re looking for. So, what should you consider when trying to find an artist for you? Below are some questions to ask yourself when starting your search for the right artist for you.
The easiest and possibly best place to start your search for a tattoo artist and a tattoo shop is to ask a friend or relative with great ink for a recommendation. Chances are, if you love the art on their skin, they’ll be happy to advise you about finding an artist you love. This is particularly true if the work they got from their artist is the work you are looking for. And seeing an artist’s healed work in person is even better than seeing pictures. In the tattoo world, word of mouth can be beneficial because if they had a great experience, you will, too!
When deciding on a tattoo artist, be sure to research and check out their reviews and examples of their work. Individual tattoo artists are just as incentivized as studios to promote themselves online and ensure a positive reputation. Be sure to look for their website or social media as well as the website and social profiles of the studio they work at. If there is any reason to be concerned about a potential artist, you should be able to find that within the comments left by clients.
Once you’ve decided on a potential artist (or a few tattoo artists), reach out and ask questions. Whether you have a small piece or a sleeve in mind, you’ll want to find out their rate and their schedule. For larger pieces, you may even like to schedule a consultation to discuss your idea. You want to make sure they are a good fit for you. Be sure to ask:
Remember that getting a tattoo can be a personal experience, so it’s important to feel completely at ease with your artist and be confident they will do the desired work.
Depending on the scope of the piece you want, you may be with this artist for quite some time throughout multiple sessions. After you talk with a potential artist, you might consider them a new friend at the end of your consultation or decide to keep looking. Either way, it’s a good idea to take the time to talk before scheduling an appointment.
And, perhaps most importantly, meeting with a potential artist is the best time to ask them all the questions you might have. Don’t be shy! The more questions you have, the better. This is your chance to eliminate any doubts or unknowns you may have. Asking questions is also an excellent way to get to know the artist and vice versa!
Looking at an artist’s portfolio is the key to picking a tattoo artist and a tattoo shop that’s right for you. You want to ensure the tattoo artists you are considering have the right skill level and can create the piece you want in the style you want. An artist will likely specialize in one or maybe two styles, like realism, sacred geometry, blackwork, script, dotwork, illustration, or watercolor. If an artist specializes exclusively in abstract designs, they may not be the right person to create a photorealistic portrait.
Be sure to research, search for their social media, and check out pictures and comments on their work.
For some people, getting tattooed is all about location, location, location. You’ll want to make sure you feel comfortable in the tattoo shop. Getting tattooed can be an even more painful experience if you feel uncomfortable even before your tattoo artist puts a needle on your skin. If you’re worried about the vibe of a shop, we’ve got some things for you to consider.
Sometimes, your friends and family are the best resource for finding a good shop. If you know anyone who is tattooed and had a great experience, it’s easiest to ask where they went and start researching that place to see if it could also be a good fit for you! It can also be a great way to preview the kind of work a shop can do, especially if you know more than one person tattooed from the same place.
And if it’s your first tattoo, asking a friend or relative about their experience can also be a great way to know what to expect.
Have you considered becoming a Tattoo Artist yourself? Did you know Ink Different runs the only nationwide trade school for the tattoo industry? Did you know about the Guaranteed Job Offer waiting for you when you complete your apprenticeship?
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If you don’t know anyone who has tattoos or knows a shop they’d recommend, you can always look to the internet and social media for help. Most shops work hard to establish their reputation online. So, you can expect to find plenty of information about a studio via Instagram, Facebook, Google, or Yelp.
If you find a studio with great reviews and does the kind of work you’re looking for, perhaps you’ve found the right place! Of course, before you make that decision, it’s a good idea to see the place for yourself.
Although it may not matter what the shop looks like if they have the right attitude and the artists that do the work you’re looking for, it’s still something you should check out before you decide on a shop for your tattoo.
For many, part of choosing a studio is finding a place that matches their aesthetic and makes them feel the most comfortable. If you don’t feel comfortable or out of place because your style is entirely different from the studio’s, you may not have the best tattoo experience.
Perhaps more important than checking out the studio’s style or aesthetic is ensuring the shop’s clean, sanitary, and well-maintained interior. As you walk through a shop, ask yourself the following questions:
If you see needles scattered about and stains everywhere, these are red flags, and you should proceed at your own risk.
A step further into looking at a studio’s interior is checking out its equipment. Every legitimate tattoo parlor needs equipment, including a tattoo bed, sterilized needles, sterilized ink, gloves, and other tools to ensure a safe, risk-free environment.
You also want to look around and try to spot tattoo artist licenses and certificates. It helps boost your confidence about a place if you know they only hire qualified and trained artists.
Did you know Ink Different runs the only nationwide trade school for the tattoo industry? Did you know about the Guaranteed Job Offer waiting for you when you complete your apprenticeship?
GO HERE NOW to learn more!
Consider Ink Different Tattoo School for your next tattoo. Our studios are clean, safe facilities, and we promise to give you the most stress-free experience as you get your new tattoo. Please don’t feel shy to stop by and get a good look at one of our outstanding studios.
Becoming a Tattoo Artist is not just about learning technical skills but also about discovering your unique artistic voice and style. As you progress through your apprenticeship, you can experiment with various designs, techniques, and tattooing styles. Embrace this creative exploration, as it will shape your identity as an artist and set you apart in the industry.
We have talented tattooists at each of our shops. Our artists come from different backgrounds and specialize in different styles, yet have one thing in common: they love tattooing. If you’ve got a design in mind, we have an artist capable of bringing your design to life. All of our artists are friendly and professional and will ensure you are satisfied with your new high-quality tattoo. Stop by one of our locations to get more than just a quality tattoo, but a wonderful experience!
Ink Different Tattoo School – Los Angeles, California
2815 West Sunset Blvd. Ste. 202
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Ink Different Tattoo School – New Haven, Connecticut
920 State Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Ink Different Tattoo School – Brooklyn, New York
95 Morgan Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11237
Ink Different Tattoo School – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
810 Garrett Road
Upper Darby, PA 19082
Ink Different Tattoo School – Tampa, Florida
1602 3rd Ave
Tampa, FL 33605