How to Find a High Quality Tattoo Shop

Researching tattoo artists and shops is the most efficient way to get a high quality tattoo. A good tattoo artist can make the difference between a high quality service and comfortable procedure and the opposite.

Things You'll Need

• Research for tattoo shops in your area
• References
• Safety rules and regulations for tattoo shops

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Instructions

• 1

  Don't make a comparison based off of prices. Using cheaper services can be risky, as a good artist knows their services are worth the money. The Government requires every single tattoo shop to have a license, so always keep this in mind and make it the first thing you check when in any shop, especially if a shop seems non-credible or seedy. Choosing a shop or artist based off of price can result in body artwork you are not satisfied with, and possibly risking more pain from an inexperienced artist who may push down harder than necessary when doing the tattoo.

• 2

  Usd the Internet to find a good tattoo parlor in your geographic location. Typing in something as simple as "high-quality tattoo shop" or "good tattoo artists" along with your area can reveal opinion blogs, forums, chat rooms, websites and/or names of tattoo shops and artists. Finding different information, pictures and opinions in areas such as these should be double-checked and researched. Websites such as US Tattoo Studios give yearly ratings of the Top Ten Best Tattoo parlors in the U.S. Check the link below.

• 3

  Visit numerous shops to look at the portfolios of different artists. Research artists' work through friends, family and people you see on the street. Look into shops that have awards and certificates of health approval codes displayed on the walls. Remember that the government requires every tattoo shop to have a tattoo shop license, and it should be hanging on a wall in the shop.

• 4

  Buy and review local and national tattoo magazines such as Savage Tattoo, Tattoo Magazine, Skin and Ink Magazine, Tattoo Flash and International Tattoo Art Magazine. These publications sometimes list the best tattoo artists and parlors in different featured regions, with examples of their body art, customer work and drawings.

• 5

  Keep an eye out for clean, smooth lines with now broken, jagged or smeared edges when searching through an artist's portfolio. Check out the artists' black and white tattoos, portraits, color tattoos, and large pieces on the back, chest or arms to view the commitment and detail of her work.

• 6

  Ask questions about how to maintain the tattoo. For example, "What sort of after-care do you ensure me after my tattoo is completed?" Ensure that the artists always wear gloves and that all equipment is single service, meaning all the needles and tube sets are individually packaged and thrown out after each use.