Guide 7 min read 1 May 2025

How to Choose a Tattoo Artist: 7 Things to Check

The tattoo you get is only as good as the artist who makes it. Finding the right artist — someone whose style matches your vision, whose technical skills are solid, and who works in a clean, professional environment — takes more than a quick Instagram scroll. Here are seven things every client should check before booking.

1. Their Portfolio Matches the Style You Want

This is the most important rule in tattooing: always choose an artist who already works in the style you want. An artist who excels at traditional American tattoos may not execute fine line work well, and vice versa. Look for a portfolio full of work in your desired style — not just one or two examples. Versatility is overrated in tattooing; depth of specialisation is what produces great results.

2. You've Seen Their Healed Work

Fresh tattoos look great on almost everyone. Healed work tells the truth. Ask to see healed photos of their work — reputable artists often post these alongside fresh shots. Look for consistent line quality, colours that haven't blown out or faded unevenly, and clean negative space. If an artist only posts fresh work, that can be a warning sign.

3. Their Consultation Process is Professional

Good artists take time to understand your vision before designing anything. They'll ask about placement, size, your lifestyle, and how the design will work with your body's contours. They may push back on ideas that won't age well or won't work at a certain scale. This kind of professional input is a green flag — an artist who just says 'yes' to everything without questions is not necessarily serving your interests.

4. The Studio is Clean

Cleanliness isn't optional — it's a safety requirement. When you visit a studio, look for: single-use needles opened in front of you, an autoclave steriliser (ask if you don't see it), disposable ink caps, gloves worn throughout, and surfaces that are wiped between clients. A clean studio is well-lit, smells clinical rather than musty, and has no visible rust, dust, or clutter around the workstation.

5. They Have Genuine Reviews

Look for reviews on Google, not just curated testimonials on a studio website. Read the negative reviews too — they often reveal patterns around appointment reliability, communication, or aftercare follow-through. A high volume of consistent positive reviews over a long period is a much stronger signal than a handful of five-star reviews posted within the same month.

6. You've Had a Conversation Before Booking

Never book a tattoo without at least one conversation — in person, by phone, or via a detailed email exchange. This conversation tells you whether the artist listens, whether they understand your vision, and whether their communication style makes you feel comfortable. You're going to spend hours with this person. The relationship matters.

7. Their Pricing is Transparent

Reputable artists are upfront about their rates, minimum session fees, and deposit requirements. Hidden costs, vague pricing, or artists who refuse to give estimates before booking are red flags. A deposit is normal and expected — it protects both parties. Deposits that are non-refundable under any circumstances, or studios that charge excessive cancellation fees, should make you cautious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I pick an artist by style or by studio?

Always by style first. The artist's skill and aesthetic are what determine the quality of your tattoo. The studio matters for hygiene and atmosphere, but a great artist in a modest studio is better than a mediocre artist in a flashy one.

Is it okay to bring reference images?

Absolutely — it's encouraged. Bring as many references as you like, from multiple sources. Be clear about what you love about each image and what elements you'd like incorporated. Reference images help the artist understand your vision much better than verbal descriptions alone.

What if I don't love the design they produce?

Speak up before the tattoo starts. Reputable artists expect and welcome revision requests. Once the needle touches your skin, changes become much harder. If an artist refuses to adjust a design you're not happy with, that's a serious red flag.

How far in advance should I book?

For popular artists, 2-6 months is typical. Some artists have waitlists of 6-12 months. If you have a specific artist in mind, reach out early. Many artists also release last-minute appointment slots via Instagram — worth following if you're flexible.