Is there a way to find out who is the best tattoo artist in your area?

Answer 1

Ask around your town. Shops are rated
but that doesn't always mean you will find
the best. Word of mouth can be pretty
reliable. A poorly executed art work has
profound implications, when it is part of
your epidermis for the rest of your life.
Tattoo magazines carry a list of shops.
Dates, times and cities, where conventions
will be held. There will be a wide variety
of artist there for you to talk with. Also some
of their clients and a good deal of their work
on display. It's a good place to gather the
information you need. Think Before You Ink

Answer 2

Not really Dave. There is no "contest" or award that will say "BEST TATTOO ARTIST". What you're going to have to do is your own legwork. Locate all the tattoo shops in your area and check them out one by one. Look at other peoples tattoos and find out who is doing their work. Chances are there will be somebody in your area who's work impresses you. If I were you I wouldnt limit myself to tattoo artists in your area. There isn't a tattoo artist within a 100 miles of me that I would let touch me. My dragon was done by a guy who works in a shop 10 hours drive from me. My second tattoo was done by an artist from New York (I live in Louisiana). Do what I did and find out where and when the nearest tattoo convention is, look at the list of attending artists (and their portfolios). Once you find one you like call or email and get some time booked.

Rider (Inked)

Answer 3

Check out www.inkednation.com.. it is like a my space for tattooed people and artist..you can look up artist in your local area and look at their profiles on line...you may be able to at least eliminate some this way..Good luck

Answer 4

sure there are ways. there are easier and more difficult ways but here are a few.
look in the yellow pages and find all tattoo parlors and view each artists portfolios to see which one suits you the best (probably more feasable in a smaller town)
word of mouth. ask around. look at other people's tattoos. everybody is always proud of their tattoos and proud to tell who their artist is. not that every artist is goor or that every tattoo should be shown proudly but you will recognize good tattoos when you see them and you should ask about those artists.
there are also resources on the internet for finding good tattoo artists. i found my next tattoo artist on the internet and am extremely excited about getting tattooed by him.

i hope you'll find who you are looking for.

Answer 5

Look around for tattooed people and ask where they got their tattoos. If their work looks bad then you'll know to avoid going to the place where they got it done. Hmmm.Maybe not. People might think you're a bit strange.

Answer 6

yes. your "area" should have yearly tattoo contests where artists are awarded 1st place 2nd etc etc for half sleevs, full, etc...if not your area then at least your state. My artist has won 5 awards in Texas. Not too shabby. also if you have an Observer they name just about every business as good great or whatever.

you can also go to a heavy metal concert and ask one of the dudes in black shirts where they got theres...lol...

Answer 7

I usually checkout magazines, websites, maybe a couple of tattoo shows.

Answer 8

ask people you know who has got a tattoo done.