How to Find the Right Tattoo Artist for Your First Tattoo?

There was a time when society frowned upon tattoos. They did, however, gain widespread acceptability over time.

Today, people wear them with pride, thanks to celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Adam Levine, and Justin Bieber.

They are all aficionados of tattoos that are fueling the growth of this body art.

Do you want to get a tattoo like your favorite celebrities?

If this is your first tattoo, you may be unsure how to locate the best tattoo artist.

But It’s alright! Many people have been in your shoes before.

Things to think about before getting a tattoo

Getting a tattoo is more difficult than it appears. To begin, we’d like to remind you that tattooing is an invasive procedure.

It uses a needle to deposit indelible dye into the skin. It enters and exits the skin, causing trauma.

At this point, the damaged tissue is exposed to the air and may serve as a breeding ground for pathogens.

While aftercare may help reduce the risk of infection, it is not the only risk associated with this procedure. It must, however, be done in a sterile environment with previously decontaminated instruments.

This is why it is critical to work with a licensed artist who understands how to take safety precautions and protect clients from blood-borne diseases.

Now, here’s how to find the right tattoo artist for you.

How to find the right tattoo artist

1. Make use of maps and online directories

Both services are excellent for finding local businesses. Let us begin with Google Maps. It’s one of the most widely used navigation apps, and it’s loaded with useful features.

All you have to do is download it to your mobile device and search for it.

When you enter a relevant keyword, such as ‘tattoo studios’ or ‘tattoo shops,’ a slew of results will appear on the screen.

Given its broad reach, Yelp is an excellent substitute. It’s one of the go-to directories for businesses looking to raise brand awareness. And while browsing the site, you’re likely to come across many highly-rated parlors.

2. Go over the reviews

Whatever you’re looking for, reviews can always help you make an informed decision.

Don’t get too caught up in the positive feedback because it can be manipulated.

Determine whether the reviews are genuine that is, whether they were not posted using an automated technique. They should be relevant to the topic under consideration.

And don’t skip the long ones because they usually go into great detail about the service.

Reviews contain a wealth of information, including the artist’s expertise, professionalism, experience, personality, and adherence to safety guidelines.

3. Ask people with tattoos

Tattooed people can provide information about reputable studios or artists.

We’re sure many of them would love to tell you about the artists they’ve worked with. Just make sure to ask questions politely.

If someone refuses to share information, don’t be pushy. They are, after all, entitled to that option. And, for those who eagerly welcome you, express your gratitude by thanking them.

4. Search on social media

The majority of us are well aware of the influence that social media has on our lives. Simply put, they are the center of our daily activities.

Artists are similar in this regard; they also communicate with their fans via social media.

The benefit of using a platform such as Instagram or Twitter is that it is completely free. There are no upkeep costs, as there are when one publishes artworks on a website.

This method of promotion does not diminish an artist’s credibility.

While a website appears more professional, many talented artists prefer to promote through social media because it is quick and easy.

You should evaluate them based on the quality of their work, not the platform they use to make a name for themselves.

5. Don’t be too frugal

When you realize that your tattoo does not live up to your expectations, reality will hit you hard. This can happen if you are overly frugal.

It’s fine to save money on a tattoo, but going with the cheapest option could end up being a disaster.

Tattoos are not known for being inexpensive unless they are very simple with few details.

Medium-sized ones easily cost more than $300. That price will skyrocket as the artist’s popularity grows.

Well-known tattooists frequently charge higher fees, but they also deliver high-quality work, so this is justified.

6. Check out the portfolio

A portfolio of an artist can provide insight into the type of work they specialize in.

Looking at the tattoos, one has done will allow you to understand how he approaches them and whether the style is to your liking or not. Examine the outlines, shading, and techniques used to create the tattoos.

An established artist should have a substantial portfolio that reflects the amount of time they’ve spent on the job.

The more tattoos he gets, the more you’ll learn about his abilities and preferences.

Having said that, pictures can be deceiving at times.

Given how simple it is to manipulate photos with the software, you should probably double-check to ensure no parts have been doctored to hide flaws.

7. Make an appointment

If you don’t talk to an artist in person, you’ll never know them personally. That is why we believe you should schedule a consultation.

It doesn’t necessarily follow that you’ll get the tattoo with them. You are free to withdraw from it as long as no commitment has been made. Simply be available to avoid a last-minute cancellation.

A professional artist will respect your decision, even if it means that you will not work with them in the end.

8. Consider hygiene

The environment in which an artist works says a lot about their professionalism.

In the field of tattooing, sanitation should never be taken lightly because the procedure poses numerous health risks if not performed correctly.

You can pay a visit to an artist’s studio to see how they handle everything before the session begins to ensure that they follow safety protocols.

Take note of how they clean and disinfect the room, workstation, instruments, and so on.

Check if they use disposable equipment for each procedure and allow clients to see the packages being ripped.

To keep everyone safe, the artist must also wear protective gear such as latex gloves.

9. Tattoo Artist’s skill

Lines and shades make up a tattoo. Aside from the style, a tattoo artist must be skilled in both techniques. Their penmanship may shed light on their tattoo abilities.

Liners who have mastered the process will be able to complete it in a single stroke.

Even if it is necessary to go over the same area several times, it may be done differently.

A skilled artist also understands how to mix colors to achieve smooth shading.

10. Personality

Wouldn’t it be great to work with someone whose personality you admire?

The ability to build a good relationship with clients is one of an artist’s skills.

If you encounter an artist who irritates you, it’s probably best to politely decline and look for another option.

While an artist is not required to follow a dress code like a white-collar worker, it is still a profession. They must offer hospitability and act professionally.

The following are some questions you may have when picking The Right Tattoo Artist.

How do I find a good tattoo artist?

The tips outlined above can help you with that. Just scroll through the paragraphs once again if there are any points you missed out.

What to look for in a tattoo artist?

Personality, skills, and expertise are a few examples.

A skilled artist may be excellent at creating intricate tattoos, but the style they learn may not be in line with your preferences.

Aside from lining and shading skills, they must also incorporate your ideas into the tattoo.

What makes a good tattoo artist?

Consistency is key to becoming a good tattoo artist. And then, they should master linework given its importance in the creation of a tattoo.

Having a steady hand has a lot to do with it. You can tell if an artist is experienced or not from the way they handle a machine.

How to find a good tattoo artist in your area?

Try Google Maps or Yelp. These are two of the most popular services for discovering local businesses.

Both are also available as mobile apps, so consider installing them if you haven’t already. Use the search feature to locate nearby parlors.

How much do you tip a tattoo artist for a $200 tattoo?

There are no fixed rules on tipping, but many people go with the standard 20 percent of the total bill. Of course, a higher amount will be highly appreciated.

It’s a nice gesture to thank the artist for the effort he’s put into the work. If you’re elated with the outcome, consider leaving more.

Choosing Your Best Tattoo Artist Conclusion

If you’ve made it this far, you should have a good idea of how to pick the best tattoo artist.

Do some research because there are many gifted artists out there. It’s just that they might fly under your radar.

With the pace at which information is shared nowadays, it shouldn’t take long before you meet with reputable artists in your area.

Since many opt to promote services online, you can use your computer to locate them. Word of mouth is another effective tool for promotion.

An artist can gain wide recognition if their customers are constantly bragging about their good experiences with others.

If you’re into tattoos and there are high-profile tattooists nearby, it’s about time you’ll hear about them.

Good luck in your search for the perfect tattoo artist!