How to Choose a Tattoo Artist

It's no secret that getting a tattoo is a commitment. While selecting or dictating the design that you want is exciting, it is very important to choose the right artist. An artist's style, skill, and professionalism can determine whether your tattoo is a work of art that you treasure for the rest of your life, or that you regret. in this article we will provide you with some tips for selecting the right tattoo artist for you.

Tips for Finding a Good Tattoo Artist

Before you start searching for a tattoo artist, you should have an idea of what kind of tattoo you want. Do some research on various tattoo styles, and see what speaks to you. most tattoo artists specialize in one or two different styles. Some tattoo styles include American traditional, realism, fine-line, and Japanese traditional. Knowing your preferred style can help you focus your search on artists who specialize in that style of tattooing.

The best way to get a feel for an artist's work is to look through their portfolio. Most tattoo artists share their work on social media, or have an online portfolio. You can browse through our artists' portfolios on the American Vintage Tattoo website and on the American Vintage Tattoo Instagram page. When looking through a portfolio, you should pay attention to how clean and consistent their line-work is, and how smooth their shading is. Look for consistency, and for any photos of healed tattoos.

Choosing a Tattoo Shop

Any legitimate tattoo shop is clean, safe, and professional. Before visiting a tattoo shop in person, you can look at their online presence. Do they keep their website and social media pages up to date? Look for online reviews about the shop, and the artist that you're looking to get tattooed by. Do they have a reputation for being professional and reliable? If not, you may want to continue your search.

If you find an artist that you like, you can schedule a consultation with them to discuss the tattoo that you want. Take note of their communication skills: are they approachable? Do they offer input that enhances your vision for your tattoo? They're the expert, after all, and should help you make decisions based on placement, and design. You can also ask about pricing, and estimated session times.

What Are Safe Tattoo Practices?

While you are in a shop, you should also take a minute to look around and pay attention to their hygiene practices. Artists should be wearing gloves, and properly sterilizing equipment. Look for licenses and certificates displayed on the walls. You should also get a general feel for the space. The shop should be clean, and the artists should have organized workspaces. Learn more about safe tattoo practices by reading our article on how to make sure a tattoo shop is safe. 

Schedule a Consultation at American Vintage Tattoo

If you are looking for a safe, skilled, and approachable tattoo artist, look no further than American Vintage Tattoo in Orange County, California. Our artists specialize in a range of styles, and our shop is a clean, safe space for everyone. Get started on your next tattoo, and schedule a tattoo consultation at American Vintage Tattoo today!