Identifying a good tattoo artist who aligns with your vision can be tricky, especially if it is your first time getting a tattoo. It would be best to first decide on the style you want and then start your search for the ideal tattooist. There are so many talented tattoo artists, but how far are you willing to travel? Luckily you can identify a good tattoo artist near you by considering the following.
Page Contents:
Know your needs
First and foremost, identify your style to choose a tattoo artist that can deliver what you want. Different tattoo styles include traditional, realism, blackwork, fine line, watercolor, etc. A walk-in tattoo shop would be good if you don’t have a design in mind and can pick one in a book and have it done right away.
If you are into a more unique and creative design, take your time to research tattoo studios like https://inkdentattoo.co.uk/. You have to know you can completely trust your tattoo artist, especially if you want a custom design.
Ask around
If you have friends who have been inked, it is good to ask them for recommendations. Getting genuine opinions from friends who have been through the process can help you make a good choice. If they had a great experience with a particular artist, there is a good chance you will like them too if their tattoo style pleases you.
Better still, check how your friend’s tattoo has stood the test of time. If it has faded, you know that you need to search further. Even if you don’t identify a great tattooist through referrals, you may learn about negative experiences and know which tattoo studios to avoid.
Research online
Take time to research your prospective tattoo artist online to gain more insights into their style. You can check out a tattoo artist’s work portfolio and images on websites, Instagram, Facebook, ticktock, and other social media platforms. After all, tattoo artists use social media as their portfolio to display their work, style, and creativeness.
A good tip is to use hashtags on social media pages to search for tattoo artists depending on the style you like. A well-established tattoo artist will most likely have a reasonable number of following.
Evaluate the images
Take a closer look into an artist’s previous work and study the images of their work. See how fresh and perfect their tattooing is by checking for smooth, solid lines. Check the color and shading too. It should be consistent and smooth, demonstrating proper color gradients.
If a tattoo artist doesn’t blend the color well, they may lack in other areas. You will know you have found a good tattoo artist if their previous work inspires and excites you.
Prioritize hygiene
Last but not least, hygiene matters in tattoo studios. Poor hygiene in tattoo work can cause blood poisoning and infections. When working, the artist must wear gloves, all needles should be new for each client, the studio should be clean, and surfaces should be wiped after every client. If you are skeptical about the studio’s hygiene levels, leave.
