Choosing the right tattoo artist

Choosing the right tattoo artist involves researching their portfolio for style match and consistency, verifying hygiene practices, and ensuring good communication about your design vision.

Portfolio Review

Examine the artist's online portfolio or Instagram for solid lines, even shading, and consistent quality across multiple healed tattoos in your desired style. Look beyond flash designs to custom work, and request healed photos to assess longevity. Avoid artists whose work varies widely or lacks examples matching your idea, like bold skulls or fiery motifs.

Hygiene and Safety

Select studios with visible sterilization (autoclaves for tools), disposable gloves/needles/ink per client, and sanitized surfaces to minimize infection risks. Observe cleanliness during a visit, confirm single-use barriers, and check for bloodborne pathogen certifications. These standards align with professional practices essential for safe first tattoos.

Consultation and Reputation

Schedule a consultation to discuss your custom design, placement, size, and pain management—tailored to your research on preparation and styles. Read client reviews for professionalism and results, and trust artists who listen actively without pushing upsells. For tattoo conventions you're eyeing, scout artists there for live demos.