How do I know whether or not a tattoo artist is a good one?

Answer 1

They usually have there work on display,check it out and see if you like!!

Answer 2

A good, experienced artist will be willing and able to show you his/her portfolio and examples of their own work. Don't necessarily go by what's hanging on the walls, art wise, unless they confirm they did complete it themselves.

Are they friendly and easy to talk to? You should feel comfortable talking to them, as you will be doing much of this throughout the tattoo process. A friendly artist can put you at ease.

Ask around about them. Usually good artists are well known. If their previous customers are happy, chances are, you will be too.

Is the shop clean? Even just walking into a parlor, it may look decent, but pop in while they're tattooing and observe. Don't linger too long, as you may be a distraction to the artist at work, but are they wearing gloves and taking all the necessary precautions to keep everything sterile? Go with your gut! You're not obligated to stay somewhere you're not comfortable.

Answer 3

Usually they have a personal book with tons of images of past work they've done. You can tell a lot about their attitude towards people too. If they seem like snobs or very rude, they aren't going to be gentle and nice on you, and they probably will rush the job too.

It's best to go into a tattoo place a few times before hand in order to see how busy this person is, and, to see your other options. Talk to other guys, get a quote on the work, then make your decision.

If you go through with it and you are happy with the work, then you have your guy. Usually once you find a good one you stick with it, and as time goes on the deals get better.

Answer 4

Its not enough that they have a huge portfolio. Yes having one is a very good sign, but when you are looking at the images, look at the lines and colors and shading and the overall quality. Are the lines even in size overall and clean, not wobbly and jagged? Is the shading even and toned well? Does the artist have a lot of different styles or do all the tattoos look 'similar'? Do they do a lot of custom work or just work on flash and things you bring in?

Some times when you go to shops, you'll find tat groupies lounging around. I don't always suggest asking them for their opinions because they can be bias. If you see good work on someone, stop them and ask where they got it and who did it.

You'll be able to tell if you want that person inking you or not and if you have questions about something ask them. Trust your gut about it. There are plenty of artists.

Answer 5

First his business license
is posted where you can
readily see it.
His Tattoo License also.
His portfolio is open to
the public and he is more
that willing to answer any
and all of your questions.
A good artist not only has
talent, he has the ability to
know exactly what you are
trying to say about what it is
you are looking for or want,
because he has done this
a million times. The reason
you feel at ease is because
he truly knows what he is doing.

Answer 6

the best way to judge an artists talent is by viewing their work. not what they say they can do or how much they will charge for it. in the case of tattoos, seeing tattoos that the artist has done is the only way to know for sure if they are right for you. too often people just assume that any tattoo artist is just as good as another. that is just not the case.

Answer 7

Ask for their portfolio, pictures on the tattoos they did on people. Also if the tattoos were their own creation or another. If you besides their work, like how clean their work is look around. See if they wear gloves, fresh needles, new ink, and how clean the area is around them. IF they don't meet anyone of these things I wouldn't trust them.

Answer 8

a good reputable artist should have a portfolio of his/her work for you to see beforehand. Plan on visiting the shop and ask others who are getting tattoo'd if they have others and who did them. word of mouth goes a long way in the tattoo business.

Good Luck.

Answer 9

You don't....The best thing to do is look at a portfolio if one is avail so you can see their work, if they don't have one go with your gut feeling or give them an idea or pattern you want a s your tattoo and a day or two to come up with a design you love and go from there so you have an idea of their inbound talent.

Answer 10

ask people you know have gone there and look at a book/portfolio of their work. Study both of these carefully to make sure they are a skilled artist and produce desirable results.