Looking for the best tattoo parlour

Whether you’re considering getting a tattoo, looking to add another, or if you are here just for the art work, it is key to do your research. Look and see who is available locally. See how they work, what their offering is and see too what types of tattoos they are able to make also. There are the geometric tattoos, text tattoos and no end of other types of tattoos also.

You can be sat with your chosen tattoo artist, one on one, for an extremely long time and chances are you’ll discuss everything from what your favourite biscuit is to what your lifelong dreams are. So yes, who and what you choose is an important decision to make and not one that should be taken lightly. You should remember that the tattoo will be on your body for a long time to come. With this in mind, choose your design carefully and with a great deal of thought.

Make sure you are clear on the style of tattoo you want

There are many tattoo styles: Traditional, neo traditional, blackwork, realism, watercolour and fine line among others. The list goes on and knowing what you’re looking for is a good starting point. The artist will differ depending on what kind of tattoo or experience you want. If you want to simply pick a design from a book and have something done there and then, a walk-in shop may be the way to go. But, if what you’re after is a more creative and unique design, then it’s worth doing a bit more research into what you want and who you want to do it.

Custom tattoos

If you’re after a custom piece you’ll need to fully trust the artist’s style. You’ll be approaching them to ask them for a piece of their work, so you don’t want to be asking them for something different to that, or going through multiple rounds of amends on a design with them (they definitely won’t want that either).

Take time to do some good research

You’re probably familiar with Instagram – the one and only social media platform for tattooing! Start by searching there. After all, tattoo artists tend to use Instagram as their portfolio nowadays as it’s the easiest and fastest way to showcase their work and what they’re capable of. You’ll quickly get an idea of an artist’s style from their social media pages and will know whether or not that’s what you’re after.

Once you know what style you like, you can use specific hashtags to find more artists. For example, search #traditionaltattoos and #traditionalartists for more traditional styles (think Sailor Jerry), #blackwork and #dotwork for blackwork and geometric artists, and #neotraditionaltattoo for more current, bolder style tattooing trends. You’ll also be able to see their following, and well-established, trusted tattooists tend to have a higher one.

Be sure to get in touch with the tattoo parlour

Once you’e found an artist you like, get in touch. Most will state how they prefer to be contacted on their Instagram page (and it’s normally via email). Or do they have a website you can take a peek at? Is there any info detailed on their preferred methods of contact?

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In fact, go and visit the parlour and hear more on how they work and what they will be able to do for you. You need to look at more than just their price list. Look at their portfolio of work. Also, have a good look at their reviews and get a feel of how busy their order book may be.

Be clear on what you want

Start by explaining what it is you want and give as much detail as possible. Talk about the size, style and where on your body you would like the tattoo to be. When the artist responds, you’ll get a good idea of whether they’re going to be right for you. They’ll either love your idea and build on it or they’ll be completely honest and say they don’t think it’s quite their thing.

Ask around to find out who’s good

Word of mouth is another great marketing tool. Ask your friends (who are familiar with the industry) if they can recommend anyone, specifically anyone who does the style of tattoo you’re wanting. Think about what’s important to you when finding an artist and see what others say about that person. What’s important to you can be anything from how good the artist is to how patient they are. If this is your tattoo, you might want someone who’s going to make you feel at ease.

Do your due diligence

Finding an artist is easiest if you know what you want, but there are still a couple of variables. If you already have the exact design you want chosen and it’s not very complex, you can pretty much take it to any tattoo parlour. Same goes if you want classic bold lettering or simple shapes. While only some states require tattoo artist licensing, the field is largely unregulated, but don’t stress about it. You can trust any reputable shop to do basic designs. If you know what you want and it is complicated, you’re going to have to do some research. Instagram is the best place for this. Every reasonably popular tattoo artist has an Instagram presence.

Take time to look at their presentation

The look and presentation of the tattoo parlour itself speaks volumes about the artists in the shop. You won’t find a great tattoo artist in a dingy, dirty shop. Remember, this is technically a minor medical procedure, so run from a dimly lit, cramped, and dingy shop.

Overall

As you navigate the tattoo scene in your area, remember it’s important for you to find a tattoo parlour and an artist you’re comfortable working with. Game out what aspects of a tattoo shop is most important for you and let that guide your search. With those things in mind you’ll be able to find the right fit for you, and in the process get some great ink and hopefully find a shop and artist you will work with for years to come.