How to Choose a Tattoo Artist (From an Artist's Perspective)

With thousands of tattoo artists on Instagram, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Having been on both sides — as an artist and as someone who has gotten tattooed — here's what I wish more clients knew.

Look Past the Portfolio Highlights
Everyone shows their best work. What you want to see is consistency. Look for:

- Multiple pieces in the style you want
- Healed photos (fresh tattoos always look good)
- Detail shots that show line quality
- Variety that demonstrates adaptability

Check Their Healed Work
This is the single most important factor. A fresh tattoo tells you very little about an artist's skill. Healed work — especially work that's 1+ years old — tells you everything. Ask specifically about healed photos.

Read Reviews and Ask Around
The tattoo community is small. If an artist is solid, people will know. Look for testimonials that mention the entire experience, not just the final result.

Consider Their Specialty
Artists who try to do everything often excel at nothing. Find someone whose specialty aligns with what you want. I specialize in black and grey realism, anime, and neo-traditional. If you want watercolor or geometric, I'll happily refer you to colleagues who do those styles better than I ever could.

Communication Matters
How an artist communicates during the consultation process tells you a lot. Are they listening? Are they making recommendations based on your best interest or their convenience? Do they explain their reasoning?

Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. Getting a tattoo is an intimate process. You should feel comfortable and confident in your artist.