Chapter 2 - Part 1 - Finding a Tattoo Studio or Artist 

If you still want a tattoo, now you have to find an artist and make sure the tattoo studio is safe.

Finding a Good Tattoo Artist

Finding a tattoo artist is a five-part procedure.

• Get a list of artists in your area
• Check his or her studio
• Make sure they are licensed or have met your state’s requirements
• Look closely at his or her artwork
• Check his or her recommendations

Finding an Artist in your Area

I live in New York tri-state area and like most major cities you can find plenty of reputable tattoo artists. If you live in a small town with no tattoo studio and artist, or, in a state that doesn’t allow tattooing, you are going to have to travel to get your tattoo done.

Get recommendations – inquire which artists your friends used, ask people on the street with tattoos you like, and check on-line groups with large memberships who post close-ups of their tattoos. It’s relative easy to join them, and they always have members who are willing to give you up to the minute information on different tattoo artists.

My personal suggestion is you ask someone who has a tattoo that you like. If the artist is located close by, you’ll be able to check them out. And don’t be hesitant to ask someone who has a tattoo for information. People who have tattoos are extremely proud of, and want talk about them.

If you live in the back end of nowhere or in a state that does allow tattooing, be prepared to wait. On-line groups will prove to be invaluable to your search. You’ll be able to post the name of the artists and their studio, and you will typically get a response back in a couple of days on what members think of that artist and the sanitation of their studios. A good establishment might have a bad few months, or a rocky opening, it happens. Online groups keep up with these chances.

Look in a phone book, if you don’t have anyone you trust. But, if you select a studio from the phone book, be prepared to request references and make sure you check the reference out. Actually, you should ask for references anyway. A good tattoo artist will have satisfied customers that will be happy to recommend him or her.

Do not let a friend or relative give you a tattoo!

Beside the health risks of blood diseases, infections and scarring, your tattoo is permanent mark on your body. Your cousin John may be a nice guy, but you wouldn’t let him deliver a baby, pull a tooth or diagnose what’s wrong when you’re running a fever. Why would you let him put amuthing on your body…permanently?

You will need time to check out various tattoo artists.

1. Make sure you feel comfortable with them.
2. Make sure you like their work and ideas.
3. Make sure you watch them at work.
4. Make sure their studios are safe.
5. Make sure their other clients are happy with their work.
6. Can you afford their work? Never haggle over prices with a tattooist!
7. Take the time you need to find a tattoo artist. Tattooing shouldn’t be an impulse decision.

Once you have a list of tattoo artists, it's time to look at the tattoo parlor or studio to make sure it's up to your standards.