How to Choose a Tattoo Artist

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:ChooseTattooArtist
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How to Choose a Tattoo Artist

Introduction

Tattoos are a permanent part of any body that wants one. It is important to know who is doing the work before the ink flows.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

  • Your Brain
  • Your Skin
  • Your Time

Steps

1

Step One

Decide on the tattoo you want BEFORE you go to the parlor. This is something that you will carry with you for the rest of your life and can not easily be erased.
2

Step Two

Talk to your friends with tattoos. Ask where they got it and who did it. As most tattoo artists are freelance/contract workers they tend to move around a lot. If your friends trust a specific artist, try to get their personal phone number and not the number to the shop they work at. It is very possible if not likely that the artist is no longer there.
3

Step Three

Visit multiple shops and ask questions. Important things to know are: How long has the shop been open? How long as the owner had the shop? How long has the "veteran" of the shop been with them? How long has he/she been "slinging ink"? How young is the shop rookie? Is he/she up for the next customer?
4

Step Four

What is the hourly rate for a tattoo?
Never ask a specific price for a tattoo. I have never seen a shop that does not charge by the hour. So the example goes like this: If the hourly rate is $100 (typical for this area) and an artist quotes $200, it should take 2 hours. But if it only takes 1 1/2 hour to complete it should only cost $150. This just makes economical sense.
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Step Five

Tip your artist accordingly. He/she only makes a percentage off of the work they do. The rest goes to the shop owner. Tips are a good way of building rapport with your artist and it helps his income as well. Use the same rules as you would a restaurant. 20% is max unless they are just out of this world.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • If this is your first tattoo pick up a copy of a tattoo magazine and look through the adds in the back (careful, there can be some "adult" content). There should be some local shops in there if you live in a major metropolitan area. Call those shops and ask the questions listed above. It will give you a good gauge of what to look for and you may even decide to use that shop. Trust me, if they made it into the magazine they are WELL worth the money.
  • Young artist are typically just out of their apprenticeship. While it is fair to give them business as they are just cutting their teeth, be careful. Many young artists have a tendency to rush the work in order to get to the next customer. Don't be afraid to be critical of their work and press them for accuracy and perfection. It is after all, your body, and it will help them in the long run.

Photo/Video Credits

  • Tattoo Courtesy of Jeff at Tru Tattoo

Post By :
Anonymous
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How to Choose a Tattoo Artist

Introduction

Though you can simply walk into a tattoo shop, choose a piece of flash and then take the first tattoo artist that who seems decent, a tattoo is a permanent addition to your body. Giving your choice of artist a little thought will help make sure that your tattoo will come out just the way you want it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Talk to your tattooed friends about who they would recommend. Ask who worked on each of their tattoos and where they got them done. Find out what they thought of the experience.
2

Step Two

Visit tattoo shops and examine portfolios. Most larger shops now have artist portfolios available online. If your chosen shop doesn't, you can find a portfolio of each artist's work in the shop.
3

Step Three

Meet with tattoo artists whose work you admire. Let them know that you are looking for a tattoo artist and describe your idea. If you have a sketch, photograph or other source material, bring it along. Even if you want flash, ask the artists what kind of custom work they specialize in.
4

Step Four

Travel if necessary. If you aren't happy with the tattoo artists or shops in your area, expand your search. Pick up a few tattoo magazines at a bookstore like Barnes and Noble and mark the artists whose work you like. Look them up online and send an email or give them a call. Traveling to their shop could be a good investment!

Tips & Warnings

  • Just because someone is a good artist doesn't mean that she is the best tattoo artist for you. Make sure you like her personality and aesthetics for the best tattoo experience.
  • To better understand their aesthetics, ask artists about the work they think is their best or favorite. Even if you have chosen a piece of flash, the artist's aesthetics will show through.
  • Make sure the tattoo shop is clean when you visit. Avoid tattoo shops that are dirty; they may be dangerous!
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