How to Find a Good Tattoo Artist and Tattoo Shop: A Guide to Great Tattoo Experience
Getting a tattoo is an exciting and personal experience, but finding the right artist and shop is essential to ensure that your tattoo is not only beautiful but safe. Here’s a guide to help you find a great tattoo artist and shop that aligns with your needs and expectations.
FIRST THINGS FIRST: RESEARCH
Finding a tattoo artist can be overwhelming, there are a lot of tattoo shops and tattoo artists to choose from. Before setting foot in a tattoo shop, take the time to do some research.
A quick Google search of "tattoo shops near me" should bring up a list of all of the tattoo shops in your area along with photos, customer reviews, contact info, website and social media links. Shop reputation is important but keep in mind that every artist at a tattoo shop has a different set of skills and experience. So finding the right artist for your tattoo idea is just as important as finding the right tattoo shop.
Social media platforms, especially Instagram, are great places to see current portfolios of tattoo artists. Check for consistency in their work and the style you are looking for, whether it's traditional, realism, geometric, or any other type.
Tip: Look for tattoo artists who specialize in the style you want. Not all artists excel at every style, so finding someone who’s passionate about your specific design will yield the best results.
VERIFY REPUTATION
Word of mouth can be incredibly helpful when it comes to finding a reputable tattoo shop or artist. Ask your friends, family, or social circles if they can recommend a good artist. Alternatively, check out reviews online—sites like Yelp or Google Reviews often feature detailed feedback from customers.
Tip: Look for patterns in the reviews. Consistently positive comments about cleanliness, professionalism, patience and friendliness, and quality of work are good signs.
Things to consider:
Client Feedback: Look at online reviews on Google, Yelp, or social media.
Word of Mouth: Ask friends or past clients about their experience.
Red Flags: Be wary of multiple complaints about infections, poor customer service, or rushed work.
Social Media: Keep in mind that social media likes and followers can be purchased and some social media accounts can be scams, bots, or filled with stolen images or AI. Double check at the tattoo shop's website or local Google business page for more evidence of an artist's work and reputation.
HYGIENE AND SAFETY STANDARDS
The shop you choose should be clean, well-lit, and inviting. It should also adhere to high standards of hygiene and safety. A reputable shop will have all required licenses and proper sterilization techniques in place.
It is important to feel safe, comfortable, and welcome in a tattoo studio, after all, you may be spending many hours there!
Things to look for:
Clean Studio: The shop should be clean and organized, with all tattoo work stations sanitized before and after every client. Client beds, chairs, etc and floors should be non-porous for proper cleanability. The work station should be similar to a medical or dental work environment.
Gloves & Sanitation: The artist should wear disposable gloves and change them frequently, maintaining proper cross contamination protocols.
Sterile Equipment: Needles should be single-use and come in sealed packaging. All reusable tools and equipment should be covered in disposable plastic coverings. Inks should be dispensed in single use cups.
Proper Disposal: Used needles and other materials should be disposed of in designated biohazard containers.
Autoclave Usage: Ensure the studio uses all disposable equipment or an autoclave to sterilize reusable equipment.
Health Department Compliance: Ensure that the studio has the required facility health permits and follows local regulations. California tattoo artists are also required to have a Body Art Practitioner License issued by the local health department annually. These permits or licenses should be posted in a visible place.
Bloodborne Pathogen Certification: Tattoo artists in California are required to complete Blood Borne Pathogen Certification every year.
EXAMINE THE ARTIST'S PORTFOLIO
Once you’ve narrowed down potential tattoo artists, take a close look at their portfolio. A professional tattoo artist will have a collection of their past work available for you to view. Pay attention to the details of their tattoos, such as:
Consistent Work: Look at the artist’s portfolio for clean lines, smooth shading, vibrant color, and well-drawn designs that fit well on the body.
Healed Tattoos: Ask to see pictures of healed tattoos to gauge long-term quality.
Specialization: Ensure their style matches what you want (e.g., realism, traditional, fine line). Some artists only include select styles in their portfolios, this may be because they prefer to work in that style or it may be because they do not have experience in other styles. If you don't see the style you want, you can ask to see other examples of their work. Most experienced artists have hundreds of additional tattoo photos that aren't posted online.
Years of Experience: While time alone doesn’t define skill, experienced artists tend to have better technique, versatility, and safety practices. Experienced artists might also work more efficiently and have longer wait times and/or higher hourly rates.
Tip: Don't hesitate to ask about specific details of tattoos in the portfolio. A great artist will be happy to explain their technique, tools, and creative process.
CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION
A good tattoo artist should listen to your ideas and offer constructive feedback. The tattooing process is collaborative, and you want to make sure your artist is understanding your vision. If you feel rushed or your concerns are brushed aside, it may be a red flag.
Things to consider:
Professionalism: A good artist should listen to your ideas, offer professional advice, and explain the process.
Aftercare Knowledge: They should provide clear aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. If you have any questions about the aftercare process, your artist should be responsive and helpful.
Comfort Level: You should feel comfortable asking questions and voicing concerns. A respectful tattoo artist understands that the tattoo will be on your body for life and will be patient and helpful with your questions or concerns.
Professionalism: A tattoo is a commitment, so it’s important to choose a place where you feel comfortable and respected. The artist should show professionalism, not only in their work but in their behavior. They should be punctual, respectful of your personal space, and able to explain the process.
Red Flags: Tattoo desposits are non-refundable, so never pay a deposit to an artist until you are 100% committed to the tattoo and 100% sure about the artist you have chosen.
Tip: Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation before committing. This is your chance to see if the artist is someone you can communicate with easily and if they understand your design and vision.
TIME AND PRICING
If you've ever contacted a tattoo shop or artist for a price quote, chances are the first questions they will ask you are "what do you want to get, how big, and where at?". This is because the price of the tattoo will depend on the style of the tattoo, the level of detail in the design, the size, and the placement on the body.
While the price is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the deciding one. Good tattoos are an investment, and choosing the cheapest option can lead to regrettable results. Consider the shop’s location, hours, and pricing structure, but make sure that these factors align with the quality of the artist’s work. Some artists charge an hourly rate, while some charge a flat rate by piece or by day. Be sure you have realistic expectations of the cost and time commitment for your tattoo. Some tattoos can be done in minutes, some in hours, and some take many months or even years to complete.
Things that affect the price of a tattoo:
Size of the Tattoo: Larger tattoos are typically more expensive than smaller tattoos. Some large tattoos may take many hours to complete or many sessions of many hours each to complete.
Level of Detail: The more detailed or intricate the design, the longer the tattoo will take to complete and the higher the price will be. Some small detailed tattoos take the same amount of time as a large yet simple design.
Tattoo Style: Some tattoo styles are more simple and can be done more efficiently (such as traditional style tattoos), whereas realistic or full color tattoos take more time to complete and will cost more.
Tattoo Placement: Some parts of the body (like ribs, stomachs, necks) are more difficult to tattoo than others (like arms and legs) and will usually cost more.
Shop Location: Tattoo shops in prominent tourist destinations or big cities may have higher prices than a tattoo shop in a smaller town.
Experience or Popularity of the Artist: Busy artists often have longer wait times and higher rates.
Shop Minimum: Tattoo shops and artists usually have a minimum or starting price. This is the lowest price that a tattoo of any size can be. A common minimum is usually equal to one hour at the shop or artist's hourly rate. The minimum is per person, so if 5 friends are all getting one tiny dot, each friend would each pay the minimum amount. The minimum covers the tools and equipment and extensive cleaning and sterilization process for each person getting tattooed.
Tip: Be wary of incredibly low prices. Tattoos are a form of art, and quality work often comes with a higher price tag. A bargain tattoo might save you money upfront, but it could cost you more in the long run if you need a touch-up or cover-up. Or worse if the incredibly low prices mean a shortcut in the hygiene process which could lead to infection and costly medical treatment.
TAKE YOUR TIME
Your tattoo is a lifelong decision, so don’t rush the process. Ultimately, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s the artist’s attitude, the shop’s atmosphere, or even your level of comfort, don’t be afraid to walk away. You should feel confident and at ease in both the artist’s ability and the shop environment. A good tattoo artist will ask for your consent before beginning, discuss aftercare with you, and ensure you’re comfortable throughout the entire process.
Finding a good tattoo artist and shop requires time, research, and trust. By following these tips, you can ensure that you get a tattoo that not only looks great but is also done safely and professionally. Remember, a tattoo is a form of art that will last a lifetime—take the time to choose the right artist and shop, and you'll be happy with the results for years to come.