How to Get a Quality Tattoo

Tattoo shops in this day and age are a dime a dozen, so when getting a tattoo there are many tips on how to get the tattoo you want and how to get one you will not regret in the future. I come by these tips mainly because my husband is a tattoo artist and he constantly deals with people who come in and need an unwanted tattoo covered or changed in some fashion or another. Here are some tips that will better your experience when shopping for a tattoo and an artist.

1. ALWAYS look at a portfolio. - This tip is very important because you want to know what the artist's work looks like. If you do not look at a portfolio you really do not know what you will get. If there are many great photos showing off the artist's work you are more than likely going to get a decent tattoo. People do research when buying other large items such as a car or house but don't think to do the same kind of research when getting something permanently attached to their bodies. This baffles me to no end.

2. Get to know your artist before you get work done. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH - It is important to know your artist's personality, ect. before you get tattooed because if yours clashes with theirs then it really will not be fun sitting in a chair with your skin in their hands for hours. Finding out what others think of this artist is important because if this person has a bad reputation for being unclean or just being a jerk, you will already know and will not have to find out the hard way. A plus side to getting to know your artist is that they will be more likely to help you with a design you want and will probably be more willing to help create a unique design for you.

3. Know what you want before stepping into the shop. - I'm not saying you have to know exactly what you want, but having a good idea is very helpful for the artist and gives them something to draw from. They can draw up something similar and if you like it then you are set. If you have no idea what you want, then there is more of a chance that your tattoo will be spur of the moment and you will probably regret your tattoo down the line. This is never a good route to take because getting the tattoo removed hurts worse than getting the tattoo itself.