Are you ready to get your first—or 50th—tattoo? Tattoos can be gorgeous works of art that represent who you are, where you come from, and what matters most to you.
However, they are also pictures on your body that last forever, so you need to be careful when choosing the artist to design your tattoo and put it on your body.
Here are some tips and considerations to find a great tattoo artist near me who will turn your vision into a work of art.
- Watch for Tattoos You Like
There are plenty of testimonials for good tattoo artists walking by you every day—you just need to keep your eyes open. If you see someone with a tattoo you are impressed with, stop them and ask who did their artwork, if they’re local, and if they recommend them. Most people are more than happy to talk about their experience and the artist they used—especially if they were happy with them.
- Know What Style You Want
Though you don’t need to know the exact tattoo you want to get as a good tattoo artist will help you arrive at a design you love, you should at least know the style. That’s because a tattoo artist near me will likely specialize in one or several styles and you want the artist to match up with the style you have in mind. Some styles to consider are: traditional, tribal, Japanese, realism, black and grey, new school, scripts and lettering, and watercolor.
- Read Online Reviews
It’s easy in this day and age to find out what people think of their tattoo artist and their experience getting a tattoo—all you have to do is read online reviews. Look up reviews of the tattoo artist near me you’re considering on Yelp, Facebook, and Google and see what others have to say. Try to choose an artist who has a majority of 5-star reviews.
- Call Artists and Ask Questions
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of possible tattoo artists, call each of them and ask a few questions. You can usually get a good feel for their customer service skills over the phone. You may also want to ask for a free consultation to see what their suggestions are for your tattoo and how much they will charge for it.
- Visit the Shop
Don’t book an appointment with a tattoo artist without visiting the shop where they work out of. You’ll want to check for cleanliness and safety standards, visit with others who work in the shop, and gauge the overall feel of the atmosphere. Do customers seem comfortable and happy? Do they walk out looking satisfied with the work that was done? How does the support staff treat customers and others they work with? You always want to choose a shop you feel comfortable in and an artist who is respectful and forthcoming.
Choosing a Tattoo Artist Near Me
Whether it’s your first tattoo or you’re an old pro at getting inked, finding the right tattoo artist near me is a vital consideration. The right artist will help you choose a design, answer any questions you have, and create a masterpiece on your skin you can be proud of for years to come.
