Choosing a tattoo artist that fits your requirements … and personality …  is crucial if you want to be sure of getting the highest quality work that will live up to your expectations. So don’t be shy to ask questions, because that’s the only way you’re going to find out what you need to know about your tattoo artist and whether or not they’re the right person for the job.

Among the questions that you should be asking, are:

1. Samples of previous work

Almost every tattoo artist will have some samples of their previous work, mostly in the form of pictures taken of previous clients. Looking at these samples will give you an idea of what you can expect from the tattoo artist that you’re talking to, and that makes it very important indeed. Also, you may be able to gauge from the samples as to whether or not their work is similar to what you had in mind.

2. Past experience

Without a doubt, you won’t want a complete beginner working on your tattoo, unless of course they happen to be a real genius or something. Tattoos are forever, so let’s leave that job to a pro. Still, asking about a tattoo artists past experience should give you an idea of how long they’ve been in the business, who they’ve worked on, and even the type of tattoos they’re familiar with applying. Generally speaking, more experienced tattoo artists would also have developed a reputation and so they probably would have tons of references and previous clients.

If for some reason a tattoo artist doesn’t appear to have done many tattoo’s over the last few years, it would seem rather suspicious, and you should query why.

3. Never pay a compliment without qualifying what you’re talking about!

Never walk into a tattoo parlor and compliment everything you see. The artist just might think that’s what you want.  That’s why it’s wise to walk in with either a drawing or picture of the tattoo you want or be able to clearly describe what you’d like tattooed on you. I once told a hair dresser I loved her haircut. And that’s what I walked out with. Her haircut. So now I say: “I love  your haircut… on you.” Get the picture?

Sometimes I think choosing a tattoo artist is easier than choosing a tattoo … that’s why you should check out my comrades at Tattoo Fever by Clicking Here! who’ve got almost 15,000 tattoo designs so you’ll never be at a loss for ideas.

So all things said and done, to recap what we said here, “recommendation” is the very best way to go about choosing a tattoo artist. Second best is reviewing his work and/or speaking to his clients. And number three… when you admire something, carefully explain whether you want it or not. This is not a time to be shy!