| There are not lack of directories of tattoo studios | | | | by illustrations. They are usually purchased from |
| and tattoo shops. So it is not hard to "find tattoo | | | | other artists who might not even do the tattoo |
| studio" per-se. However, it is difficult to tell which | | | | job itself. You need to verify the work of your |
| one has good tattoo artist and equipment. | | | | artist. The portfolio is a collection of photos of the |
| After you've flipped your list of tattoo studios, | | | | artist's work. If they don't have one, beware. |
| the next thing to do is to visit them. Before you | | | | Another way is to watch the end product live. If |
| even enter a studio, get in your head that you | | | | you're lucky, you might see a new customer with |
| are THE customer, and don't let anyone or the | | | | his or her new tattoo done. That's the best |
| atmosphere intimidate you. A lot of tattoo studios | | | | assessment you can get. |
| are a small, a little dark and the people inside has | | | | Some people think that it is bit rude to ask to see |
| all sorts of fierce looking tattoos. Go in confidently | | | | the artist's work. Rest assure, all good artist will |
| and look around. If you meet with mean artists, | | | | be more than happy to show you their work. If |
| leave immediately. Getting a tattoo should be a | | | | you're proud of your work, why would you be |
| pleasant event. | | | | upset. Remember this is a piece of art that is on |
| Next, do take a look around the shop. Akin | | | | Your body, and will last a long long time. |
| yourself to window shopping. Look at the | | | | When looking at the pictures, check a few things |
| neatness of the stop. It is likely that there will be | | | | 1) The lines should be clean and well-defined? 2) |
| pictures and Flash (tatoo designs) all over the | | | | Are the borders uniform in width? 3) Are the |
| walls. There may also be price list and regulations. | | | | colors realistic and bright? 4) Are the proportions |
| Look for signs that indicate sanitation. This is | | | | correct? |
| important in an age of infectious disease | | | | If the tattoo artist has passed all these, and most |
| If your have a good general feel, speak to the | | | | importantly, you feel good about the artist. It's |
| tattoo artist. Most of them are very helpful, | | | | time to go ahead with your first piece of art. |
| especially when they know that you're having | | | | P.S. As I've mentioned before, do you research |
| your first tattoo. Do note that however, they | | | | before visiting your artist. Get some designs and |
| should not be your source of information for | | | | choose roughly what you want. Better still, if you |
| everything. You should have done your research | | | | like a design, print it out and show your tattoo |
| on general tattoo stuff before you look for an | | | | artist. Most people need at least a few hours |
| artist. | | | | before they choose the design for such an |
| If you're convince that you've found a nice artist, | | | | important event. |
| do ask to see their portfolio. Do not be impressed | | | | |