Choosing the Right Tattoo Studio

So you want to get a tattoo? If you already know what it is you want, the next step is to find the right studio and artist to bring your design to life. If you haven't quite figured out the design details, you can look at any number of tattoo flash websites (most can even be searched by keyword and category) for some inspiration. Armed with a little knowledge about what to look for in a quality tattoo studio, and a little bit of patience, you can make a very important decision a lot less stressful!

The first step to take is to talk with other people you know who already have tattoos. Find out where they went and what they thought of the overall experience. Has their tattoo faded, or is it still bright with color? Most people are more than happy to talk about (and show off) their tattoos when asked. You could also certainly check your local phone book or online directory for tattoo studios in your area, but seeing a tattoo that's more than a few weeks old in person is a strong indicator of the quality of work you can expect.

The next step is to actually go out and visit a few different area studios. It's great if you like the first place you go to, but it's always a good idea to have something to compare it against. When you get there, take a moment and notice the atmosphere; if you don't feel 100% comfortable being in the lobby, you're not going to feel any better once you get in the chair. If you feel awkward or pressured, try a different studio, every single one is different.

Take your time and look around. Don't be afraid to ask questions, either. Does the studio appear clean and professional? Does the studio have an autoclave for sterilization? Are the needles single-use? Are there artist portfolios available for you to look at? Look at the lines in the tattoos you see there; are they clean and sharp or are they wobbly looking? These may all seem like very basic questions to ask, but they are very important and too often are taken for granted.

You'll notice that different artists have different strengths. No two artists will do the same design in the exact same way. Each artist tends to have their own particular style which will be reflected in your tattoo. It's important that you feel comfortable with your artist-you're going to be spending a decent amount of time with that person in all likelihood, and you need to be able to communicate your feelings about the design concept so that you get exactly what you're looking for.