Tips To Find The Perfect Tattoo Shop For Your Next Tattoo

 

Nowadays, getting a tattoo is a form of self-expression. Before, the process was more of a rite of passage. Ancient people had been getting inked for cultural and spiritual purposes. Interestingly, there’s even a mummy that had a tattoo of the archangel Michael.

Today, though, tattoos allow you to become a walking canvas. You don’t even have to flaunt them by wearing revealing clothes all the time. You can just get one for your pleasure and enjoy it in private.

Tattoos can become a bit addicting. A lot of people don’t just stop after getting their first tat. Often, they come back with more designs in hand, as well as a less nervous disposition because they’ve been through the process, and they already know what to expect.

If you’re one of those people, here are some tips to find the perfect tattoo shop for your next tattoo:

  1. Have A Solid Idea Of What You Want

Before you research for the best tattoo shop, you have to know what design you want. With this, you can narrow down your search and find an artist who specializes in the style that you prefer.

Some are proficient with the traditional style, while others are a master at realism, which are the people you turn to if you want to get your loved one’s face inked on your skin. Other types of tattoo styles include watercolor, tribal, Japanese, and neo-traditional.

  1. View The Artist’s Work In Person

After you’ve determined the design that you want, you can then find a shop in your locality and review their artists’ portfolios. If you’re in New York, go for the reliable Brooklyn Tattoo Shop that has established a reputation for high-quality service.

Aside from checking their artists’ portfolios, you should also ask if you can view their works in person. This allows you to see first-hand the final output and assess their skills.

Another way to view an artist’s work in real-life is to ask family and friends who’ve already gotten a tattoo. If you see that their design is done well, and according to the style you want, you should visit the shop where they had it done.

These are some factors that can help you evaluate an artist’s ability:

  • Lines – The tattoos’ single lines should be solid and straight. Remember, artists have to do this freehand and without a ruler, so accomplishing a clean line takes skill. Also, the stroke should be done with one pass, and shouldn’t have dots in between.
  • Colors – Colored tattoos should have even shading and should never have blotches or darker patches, unless they’re part of the initial design. Consistency is crucial in designs that involve colors and shades.
  • Outlines – There must be no gap between the outlines unless, again, it’s what the client wants. The color must stay within the lines.
  • Script – Text tattoos seem simple and easy to create, but doing them actually requires practice and skill. You have to consider the font that you want and ask the artist if they can show you their work in a similar style.
  1. Be Mindful Of Hygienic Practices

Hang around the shop and watch how the artist works. Are they wearing disposable gloves and changing them in-between or after each session? Do they have needles packed in sealed, single containers and use a new one for each client?

If the shop doesn’t allow you to watch the process, you can observe the waiting area and other rooms that are available for your perusal to check for signs of unhygienic practices. Your safety should come first, so make sure that the shop you hire upholds high standards with regards to cleanliness.

  1. Check The Shop’s License

In the movies, tattoo parlors look dingy and shady. However, in real life, these shops are clean and bright to ensure that they provide the best services to their clients. Moreover, health regulations require these businesses to maintain sanitation and hygiene to protect consumers.

The shop’s license should be displayed prominently in its interior. Often, it’s hung on a wall in the waiting area. If you don’t find this document in the vicinity, you can ask the staff to show it to you. If they can’t provide it, though, better find another establishment.

  1. Talk With The Artist

Schedule an appointment with the artist to have a thorough talk with them on the design you want and other specifications. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their previous works so that you can get an idea of their ability to deliver quality outputs.

Conclusion

The perfect tattoo shop must have talented artists and uphold the highest standards of cleanliness. First, have a clear, definite idea of the design you want, then you can ask for referrals from people who have the same tattoo style you want.

Once you’re already in the shop, look around the area and check if they work with hygiene in mind. You should also ask for their license to ensure that the shop you’re hiring is legitimate. Of course, you must talk with the artist about any questions you have to avoid future complications.

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