Tattoo Artist: An Important Decision

First and foremost is the cleaniness for me. If I don't see the artists being clean and sterile I couldn't be bothered. Another is their talent themselves. I have seen some awesome work and some really horrible shady work. It has taken me a long time to find an artist that I like. But I have finally found one and she does all my work and alot of friends and family have gone there as well too. She is fast, neat, clean and very talented. She is a 10 and will always be a 10 in my books. Will always go to her for further additions as well.

My requirements (I have two tatts and preferred artist I go to): 1. Registered with the Health Department 2. His portfolio 3. Recommendations from others who have his work on their skin 4. Disposition and personality 5. Clear and concise after care discussions (if they don't bother to tell you about after care and emphasize after care, they don't care about the customer, it's just money to them) 6. The types of ink they use, what brand names, their knowledge on inks 7. Cleanliness of the shop 8. How they treat the customers (I watch the artist, are they friendly, do they make eye contact, are they honest and try to talk a customer out of a crappy tattoo choice?) Those are my 8 requirements for a tattoo artist and tattoo shop.

The artist's work and their disposition. As long as they are nice, clean, and do good work, that's a good choice for me! Although shop location is always a good thing. But if the artist was worth it, I'd drive WAY out of my way.

For me it's word of mouth. If a tattoo parlour is unhygienic or the work quality is poor, word will get around quickly. I got my first tattoo at a parlour near my house that has been there since I was a kid. I took this as a good sign and went in and had a chat to them. I asked them if they could do what I wanted and the artist seemed confident and genuine. I got my tattoo there and have been completely happy with the results. I have since gone back there twice and and I have been equally happy. I have reccommended the parlour to my friends and that is how an artists gets a good reputation.

My decision was based on friends who have used the artist that I used to do mine. I trusted them and the art I saw on them- which was the ONLY reason I let this guy touch me with a needle...lol