Finding the Right Tattoo Artist

It took me awhile to find the right tattoo artist in the small area in which I live, but it's not because there is a lack of tattoo shops in the area. There's actually a surplus. That surplus makes it more difficult to find the right one for you, especially for those of you living in large metropolitan areas.

Like most things-clothes, shoes, cars, bikes, and so on-you have to find the right fit. My first tattoo was a spontaneous endeavor while serving in the Army. It was a spur of the moment thing and I simply took something from a book. I learned later that while I am happy with the design of the tattoo, I am not happy with the workmanship. Although on my right shoulder blade and out of the sun, the ink faded significantly within a year and ran together to the point the original dragon is hardly discernable. That's when I learned the importance of "fit."

To find the right artist you should do the following things first:

1) Don't simply walk in and get any ol' one. Tattoos stay forever, unless you want to spend the cash to have it burned off with a laser. So, even if you take one from a book, make sure it's one you'll be happy with for the rest of your life. It should be a personal investment, and you need a good artist to help you through the process. I've seen people, for example, who have sleeves and shouldn't. A seasoned, experienced tattoo artist will stop you from doing something stupid or that you will most likely regret later.

2) Go to multiple shops. Don't assume that just because you like one shop that you're done. This is like shopping for clothes or cars. You generally don't buy the first thing you see. My main tip for this is to look for shops that also advertise themselves as an art gallery or that have more than just tattoos to them. These types of shops (for those of us who can't afford the exceptional work of such greats as Kat Von D, Kevin Quinn or Paul Timman) are your best shot at locating those who do art and not simply copy. But again, don't go to just one.

3) Ask around. Friends and people you meet on the street are always happy to tell you about their art work. I've stopped plenty of people at fairs and such things to ask who did their work. I have yet to have a person ignore me or be upset. It's a matter of pride for most of us. I went to several shops to no avail, but then I began asking my friends and my students about their work. I would estimate that roughly 40% of those I asked pointed me to one parlor, one I had not yet visited. And it's now the place I get all of my work done. And both artists have art backgrounds and have a small art study in the front of their shop.

4) Ask questions of the artists; make inquiries:

a. "Do you design your own work?" You want an artist who is actually an artist. Nearly anyone with a book of tattoos can tattoo. But one who can design their own is more trustworthy and will take pride in their work. It's their reputation on the line.

b. "How long have you been doing this?" If they just started, then you may want to wait a while until they get more experience. It's one of those things we all hate: "You need more experience" but how do you get it if people aren't willing to come. If you really do like the new artist, then see about negotiating the price of the work. They are trying to build a good reputation that will keep them in business after all.

c. "I'd like to see some of your personal designs." Nearly all artists I know who design their own tattoos have some hanging around their shop. By looking at those tattoos you'll also get a sense of their style. My artist has a nice flare that I enjoy. It's hard to describe, but I just like his work better than even his partner's work (which can be somewhat gruesome, though very good).

d. "Do you have set prices or are they negotiable?" I kind of negotiate with my artist. Some. He'll do the work a bit cheaper for me, but he also knows that I am a generous tipper, so I think he goes down some knowing that the tip will make up any difference. (And tip well-20% to 30%--if you love their work.)

e. "What are your credentials?" I know this seems a bit odd of a question for tattoo artists, but some actually have degrees in graphic design and/or art in general. Those are the kinds of tattoo artists you need to find. They know design and how that design will fit on your body. They see the body as their canvas. They tend to extra care in their designs and want the design to be perfect on the body too. And if you find one with this experience, you'll end up with someone who will tell you what or how you should wear. My artist has no problem telling me what he thinks about my next idea for a tattoo if it is detailed (there are a couple that just don't require anything because I brought in the exact design I wanted). I recently asked him for a dragon that wraps around my leg and he looked at me as though I was insane. He then sighed, shook his head, and said, "I'll do it if you really want it, but it's stupid to do that, especially on the leg. When you wear shorts no one will see the whole thing and it'll look like a tire wrapped around your leg. It's just stupid. You need it on the side on the calf so it shows all of it. And, if I do it right, the dragon will move some when you walk. But if you really want that tire look, I'll do it." You can guess my response, right? A stunned "Um. Oh. Ok." I decided to go with the expert on that. He has a bachelor degree in art and is starting an advanced degree in graphic design.

Once you've gone through these steps, your work isn't over. Far from it. There remain ways to whittle down your choices and ensure you have the proper fitting artist/client relationship, but these will get you headed down the right road.