Looking For a Tattoo Shop or Tattoo Artist
Tips to Finding an Artist That's Right for You
May 8, 2009
Even before you set foot in a shop, have an idea of the tattoo you want done planned in advance and bring a copy of the image or samples of something similar for the artist to look at. Knowing what you want done and having an idea of where you want the piece put on your body will help the artist plan out your tattoo. With your ideas in hand, you are ready to start checking out shops.
Talk to People Who Have Tattoos You Like
If you like tattoos on a friend or acquaintance, ask them where they got their work done. Listen to what they have to say about the experience, and which artist tattooed them. Take into account both the positive and the negative things they have to say, but reserve your judgment and check out the shop for yourself. These conversations can give you a short list of shops to check out, and are an excellent place to start your search.
Look at the Atmosphere of the Shop
When looking at a prospective tattoo shop, start right when you walk in the door. Is the place in good repair, clean and well light? Is it somewhere you're comfortable hanging out at for several hours? While these things might not directly affect your tattoo, the environment or atmosphere conveyed by the shop goes a long way towards the experience you will have being tattooed there.
Get to Know Your Tattoo Artist
This does not mean learning the intimate details of their lives, but the more you know about your tattoo artist, the more comfortable you will feel when you sit down in their chair. Are they friendly and professional? Do they show an interest in your piece and a desire to work with you to make the piece look as good as they are able? You and your tattoo artist don't need to become best friends, but you should get along with them and their personality, as you will be sitting with them for however long it takes to complete your piece.
Know the Styles your Tattoo Artist Likes to Work In
Many tattoo artists specialize in a particular style. Whether it's traditional, full-color, or gray-scale, getting work done in the style the artist specializes in makes for a better experience for both you and the artist, as they will be working in the style they most enjoy. Talk to the artist and find out what they are into. If the piece you have in mind does not fit the style the artist specializes in, talk to the artist about how they would do the piece. Ultimately this is your tattoo so after looking at an artist's portfolio and talking with him or her, if you don't agree with their vision of the piece, consider looking for another artist who does the style you want done.
Tattoo Shop Sterilization Techniques and Practices
Ashley Thomas, an artist at Precise Piercing and Tattoo in Newington, CT considers the most important things to find out about a tattoo shop are their sterilization techniques and practices. She says they are something "most clients, scarily enough, don't even think about or perhaps are too timid to inquire about." She encourages people to ask about blood borne pathogen training certificates and health code certifications, to verify they are up to date, and to check expiration dates on needles and to make sure needles are witnessed being taken from unpunctured packages to ensure safety. "This is your health we're talking about here," she says, "So don't be shy!"
Money Considerations When Being Tattooed
Some tattoo shops and artists quote the cost of a tattoo by the piece. Others charge a fixed rate by the hour, and can quote a rough ballpark figure based on the approximate size of the piece, but will charge you for the amount of time you sit in the chair. An initial deposit is taken when an appointment is set up, which varies from shop to shop but serves the same function, reserving your appointment and covering the time the artist invests in sketching and drawing up pieces in advance of your appointment, and giving them some money for the time lost on other appointments if you don't show up. Don't forget to bring extra cash to tip your tattoo artist.
