How you can choose the perfect tattoo artist

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tattoo artist
tattoo artist

The easiest and possibly best place to start your search for a tattoo artist is to ask a friend or relative with great ink for a recommendation. Chances are, if you love the art on their skin, they’ll be happy to give you advice about finding an artist you love. It will also be nice to have an easy rapport too with the tattoo artist on the way in too.

Once you’ve revealed a few personal details, most tattoo artists can help you brainstorm a few designs based on what you tell them. Getting through the first session is very much the most important bit. After all, they need to get a feel for what it is you want and need when it comes to design and style. Budget too is something to be clear of too.

Style – know in your mind what it is you want

There are many tattoo styles: Traditional, neo traditional, blackwork, realism, watercolour, fine line… the list goes on and knowing what you’re looking for is a good starting point. The artist will differ depending on what kind of tattoo or experience you want. If you want to simply pick a design from a book and have something done there and then, a walk-in shop may be the way to go.

But, if what you’re after is a more creative and unique design, then it’s worth doing a bit more research into what you want and who you want to do it. If you’re after a custom piece you’ll need to fully trust the artist’s style. You’ll be approaching them to ask them for a piece of their work, so you don’t want to be asking them for something different to that, or going through multiple rounds of amends on a design with them (they definitely won’t want that either).

Get in touch and discuss what it is you want and need from the design and look of the tattoo

Once you’e found an artist you like, get in touch. Most will state how they prefer to be contacted on their Instagram page (and it’s normally via email). Or do they have a website you can take a peek at? Is there any info detailed there on their preferred methods of contact? Don’t be afraid to speak to a few different tattooists too. Email them with as much information as possible but try not to lead with “How much will XYZ cost?”, as asking about the price from the outset can sometimes put artists off. Start by explaining what it is you want and give as much detail as possible.

Talk about the size, style and where on your body you would like the tattoo to be. When the artist responds, you’ll get a good idea of whether they’re going to be right for you. They’ll either love your idea and build on it or they’ll be completely honest and say they don’t think it’s quite their thing.

Colour – this is very important

Do you want your tattoo in black or grey? Do you want a full-colour tattoo? White? Will the colour fade faster in certain places on your body? Consider the pigment of your skin and how well the colour goes with it. Consider how colours will inevitably fade.

Overall

Be sure to choose a design you like so you don’t have to resort to removing your tattoo. Laser tattoo removal is very expensive, painful, and time-consuming and it might not even work completely. Remember: don’t be afraid to take your time in choosing a tattoo design so you won’t regret it later. A tattoo cover-up is cheaper than removal, but make sure you find an artist who specialises in it.

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