Finding The Right Artist

Most of today's tattoo professionals are far more skilled and highly trained then ever. It is your responsibility to make sure you are working with one of these quality professionals.

Getting tattooed is intimate and personal. So how do you know who is right for you?

There are three basic elements to consider when choosing:
Experience, portfolio and attitude.

It's always good to find an artist who has a few years of experience and is seasoned with the style of artwork you have chosen. Ask to see their portfolio of finished tattoos. Reputable tattoo artists will have a portfolio. If portfolios are not available, this is a bad sign.

Look carefully at the pictures. Check for the quality of the black outlines. Are these lines clean and crisp, or are they shaky and irregular? Also, look at the color or shading. Are the colors bright and solid or are they dull, with missing patches? Do the colors blend smoothly? Is the image easy to understand? Do the tattoos contour properly to the body? If the portfolio meets your requirements, you will want to get to know the artist.

Because tattoos are personal and somewhat painful, it is good to work with someone who's chair-side manner gives you great confidence. The artists should be open to answering your questions. They should share in your ideas and enthusiasm for your tattoo. If the artist does not like your ideas or tries to steer you into something you are not looking for, then you might be in the wrong place.

Find an artist whom will to give you what you want. Stay true to your instincts. Not all tattoo artists are the same and it might take several trips to different tattoo studios before you find the right one. No tattoo artist is perfect, but there is a tattoo artist PERFECT for you!