Choosing a tattoo artist is one of the biggest decisions you will make when it comes to getting tattooed. Your design is important, but the artist you trust with your skin makes all the difference. A good artist can turn your idea into something unforgettable. The wrong artist can leave you with something you regret.
I still remember what it felt like when I was first looking for a tattoo artist. I would spend hours scrolling through portfolios, checking out healed tattoos, and trying to figure out which tattoo studio felt right. It can feel like a lot, especially if this is your first tattoo, but once you know what to look for it becomes so much easier.
The truth is, choosing the right tattoo artist is about more than just liking their artwork. It is about finding someone whose tattoo style matches what you want, who works in a clean and safe environment, and who makes you feel comfortable during the process. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the most important things to look for so you can feel confident about your choice.
1. Decide on the Style of Tattoo You Want
Before you start booking consultations or sending messages, take a step back and think about what kind of tattoo style you want. Every artist has their specialties. Some focus on bold traditional tattoos, others on fine detail and realism, and some love doing full custom pieces that mix elements together.
For example, I personally specialize in black and grey tattoos, gothic-inspired art, and large-scale pieces like full sleeve tattoos. If someone came to me asking for colorful Japanese-style koi fish, I would probably point them to another artist who lives and breathes that specific style. Not because I can’t do it, but because you deserve someone who is fully in love with that kind of work.
This is why it is so important to study an artist’s tattoo portfolio. When you scroll through their Instagram or website, pay attention to the designs that repeat. If an artist consistently posts roses, skulls, or portraits, that is a big sign that this is what they love creating. And trust me, you want your tattoo to be made by someone who is passionate about the style, not someone forcing themselves into a category just to take the job.
If you are not sure what style you want yet, start by saving images of tattoos that catch your eye. Over time you will notice patterns, whether it is clean blackwork, intricate floral patterns, or dark gothic vibes. Once you know what you are drawn to, it becomes much easier to narrow down which tattoo artist is right for you.
2. Research Tattoo Portfolios Thoroughly
Once you know the tattoo style you are going for, the next step is digging into an artist’s tattoo portfolio. This is where you really get to see their skill, creativity, and consistency. A strong portfolio is the best sign that an artist can deliver exactly what you are hoping for.
When you are looking at tattoos online, do not just stop at the first few pictures. Scroll all the way back. Pay attention to details like clean linework, smooth shading, and the way the tattoo flows with the body. A good artist should have a portfolio full of tattoos that look solid from piece to piece, not just one or two lucky shots.
Another important tip is to look for healed tattoos. Fresh tattoos always look bold and bright, but how they heal shows you the real quality of the work. If an artist shares pictures of their clients after a tattoo has fully healed, that is a good sign they are confident in their technique. It means the tattoo will age well and still look beautiful years down the road.
Social media is a great place to start, especially Instagram, since most artists use it as their main gallery. But do not be afraid to ask an artist directly if they have more examples of healed tattoos or large projects like sleeve tattoos or back pieces. A true professional will be proud to show you.
Remember, your tattoo is permanent. Taking the time to really study an artist’s portfolio will help you feel confident that their tattoo studio is the right place for your next piece.
3. Read Reviews and Testimonials
After you fall in love with an artist’s tattoo portfolio, the next step is to check what other people are saying. Reviews and testimonials can tell you so much about the experience that goes beyond the art itself. Think of it like looking up a restaurant. The food might look amazing in photos, but the reviews will tell you if the service was great or if the waiter disappeared for 45 minutes with your tacos…
When you are choosing a tattoo artist, you want to know more than just “their tattoos are good.” Pay attention to what clients say about the atmosphere in the tattoo studio, how comfortable they felt, and whether the artist took the time to listen to their ideas. A good review often mentions things like professionalism, cleanliness, and how well the artist communicates.
Do not forget, a tattoo session can be hours or days long. You want someone who is not only talented but also kind, patient, and fun to be around. Nobody wants to be stuck in a chair with an artist who acts like they would rather be anywhere else.
Checking Google reviews, Yelp, Reddit, and even social media comments can give you a clear picture. If you see clients coming back for multiple tattoos, that is a huge sign that tattoo artist is doing something right. Tattoos are addictive, but people only go back if the experience is worth it.
At the end of the day, reviews are like having a friend whisper in your ear, “Yes, trust this person” or “No, run away.” Listen to them.
4. Check for Cleanliness and Safety
This part might not sound as fun as picking out a tattoo style or scrolling through a tattoo portfolio, but trust me, it is just as important. A professional tattoo studio should always make you feel safe and clean the moment you walk in. If you feel like you just walked into a sketchy garage instead of a place where someone is about to put permanent art on your body, that is your sign to leave.
Here is what to look for: single-use needles, fresh gloves, sterilized equipment, and a tidy work area. The chair you sit in should be wiped down before your session starts, and everything that touches your skin should come from a sealed, sterile package.
Tattooing is an art, but it is also a medical procedure in a way. You are opening up your skin, and that means your artist should treat it with the same respect and care. The last thing you want is a tattoo that comes with an unwanted “souvenir” like an infection.
I always tell people: if an artist gets annoyed when you ask about safety, that is a red flag. A good tattoo artist will be proud of their cleanliness. They will explain their process without hesitation because they care about you and your health.
Think of it this way… you wouldn’t eat sushi from someone’s trunk (I hope), so do not get tattooed in a place that does not put hygiene first. Your future self will thank you.
5. Communication Matters
Getting a tattoo is personal. It is your body, your story, and your choice. That is why good communication with your artist is everything. You should feel comfortable asking questions, sharing your ideas, and even expressing your nerves if it is your first tattoo.
Unfortunately, some tattoo artists act like answering questions is an inconvenience. You know the type… they give off that “too cool” vibe, roll their eyes when you ask about placement, or rush you through the consultation. To me, that is a big ASS red flag. No one should make you feel small for wanting to understand what is going on with your skin.
The best tattoo artists will take the time to listen and explain. They will talk through the design, the process, the healing, and even the little things like how to sit comfortably during a long session. A good artist knows that this is a partnership, not a one-sided transaction.
I always tell my clients that no question is too small. If you are wondering how the tattoo will look in ten years, or if you need advice on whether your design works better as a forearm piece or a shoulder piece, you deserve honest and thoughtful answers.
When you find an artist who makes you feel seen, heard, and respected, you are in the right place. Tattoos are not just about ink. They are about trust.
6. Don’t Choose Solely Based on Price
Let’s be real for a second: tattoos aren’t cheap, and they’re not supposed to be. But if you’re choosing your tattoo artist only because they offered the lowest price, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. It’s like buying the cheapest parachute on Amazon. Sure… you saved a little money, but do you really want to gamble on that?
A tattoo is forever. You can’t just return it if you change your mind. I’ve seen too many people go for the “budget option” and end up spending way more later on laser removal or cover-ups. And honestly, cover-ups are way harder than starting fresh.
Here’s the thing: good art takes time, skill, and years of practice. An experienced artist charges based on the value they bring to the table, the quality of their work, and the safety of their tattoo studio. When you pay for a tattoo, you’re not just paying for ink on skin—you’re paying for creativity, precision, and an environment where your health comes first.
That doesn’t mean you need to drain your savings or skip rent to get tattooed. But if an artist’s work makes your jaw drop, it’s worth waiting, saving up, and booking with them instead of rushing to whoever has a “$50 special” on Facebook. Tattoos aren’t flash sales. They’re investments in art you’ll carry with you for life.
So instead of asking, “What’s the cheapest option?” try asking, “Whose art do I want to wear forever?” That’s the real question. Because when the tattoo is healed, years have passed, and you’re still showing it off with pride, the price tag won’t matter anymore.
7. Trust Your Gut
When it comes down to it, the most important part of choosing a tattoo artist is trusting your gut. You can spend hours looking at portfolios, reading reviews, and researching every tattoo studio in your city, but the real decision comes from how you feel.
Think about it. You are going to spend hours with this person while they create permanent art on your skin. That means you need to feel comfortable, respected, and heard. If you sit down with an artist and feel like they understand your vision, answer your questions with patience, and treat you with kindness, that is a sign you are in the right place.
On the other hand, if you feel rushed, ignored, or like your questions are being brushed off, that is not something to overlook. Your instincts are there for a reason. If an artist makes you feel uneasy or if the vibe of the studio feels wrong, trust yourself and walk away. Tattoos are forever, so you should never settle for anything less than a situation where you feel confident and safe.
Tattoos are more than ink on skin. They hold meaning, stories, and memories. They mark chapters in your life and celebrate parts of who you are. The process of getting one should feel just as meaningful as the final result.
So trust your gut. If you feel excited walking into the shop, if you can see yourself sitting in the chair for hours without stress, and if you leave your consultation feeling inspired, then you have found the right tattoo artist. That connection will make your tattoo even more special, and it will stay with you every time you look at it.
Closing Thoughts
Figuring out how to choose a tattoo artist isn’t just about scrolling through pretty pictures online. It’s about finding someone whose style fits your vision, who works in a clean and safe tattoo studio, and who makes you feel comfortable from the first message to the final wipe down. When the vibe feels right and you’re genuinely excited to sit in their chair, that’s when you know you’ve found the one.
For me, tattooing is personal. I’ve been on the client side, searching for the right artist, and now I get to be the one creating. I put my heart into every piece, whether it’s a soft floral tattoo, bold black and grey, gothic-inspired artwork, or a full sleeve tattoo that tells your story. I want you to leave not just with a tattoo you love, but with an experience you’ll always remember.
If you’re in Salt Lake City or planning a trip out here, my books are open. And I’d love to create something special with you. You can check out more of my work on Instagram @osytattoo, or head to my booking page to save your spot. Let’s turn your idea into something unforgettable.
