Getting a new tattoo is a big deal for many people. You’ve considered all the different tattoo styles, found the design, and now you’re ready to book the appointment. Which tattoo shop should you select? These are five factors to consider when choosing a tattoo shop.
How Is the Shop’s Cleanliness?
Quality tattoo shops will have visibly sterile and clean environments. It’s incredibly important. You could get infected if the shop doesn’t believe in sterility and cleanliness. The artists should treat their tools like a surgeon or dentist would. They must keep all their items individually sterilized and packaged and dispose of tubes and needles after use.
Before you book an appointment, ask about the shop’s sterility and cleanliness. Are the artists wearing disposable gloves? Does the place feel clean? Take a look around the tattoo parlor yourself. If you get bad vibes, it’s not the place for you.
Is the Shop Open and Communicative?
Does the shop respond to your messages promptly? Do they call you back when they tell you they will? These are signs of an open and communicative shop. Collaborating with an artist to create a tattoo is challenging, and it’s a red flag if the artist or shop doesn’t communicate openly.
You should also be open with the shop. Be forthcoming about the tattoo type, style, and design you’re looking for. If you don’t like the artist’s design, tell them. It will create an overall better tattoo experience when everyone communicates.
What’s the Vibe Like in the Shop?
Your body is going through a lot when you get a tattoo. Choosing a shop with a relaxed and professional vibe is necessary. How do they sound on the phone? Are the people you’re talking to kind and polite? Do they seem helpful? Or are they quick to get you off the phone?
You shouldn’t feel on edge after talking with the shop on the phone or reading an email. All of these details tell you how they run the shop. The artist should listen to your ideas, make you feel relaxed, and get to know you. These are all signs of a good shop.
Do You Get Along With the Artist?
You should have a memorable experience while you get the tattoo. The artist should be kind, courteous, and professional while you spend the hour(s) in their chair. When you make the appointment, talk with the artist to understand their personality and interest.
What Kind of Accomplishments Do the Artists Have?
Now, not every artist will have many accomplishments, but trusted online reviews can say a lot about an artist. When you see that many tattoo enthusiasts have taken the time to write positive things about a shop, it’s a good sign. You can trust you’re looking at a solid professional business.
If the shop is new, look at the individual artists. Great tattoo artists typically band together to form incredible shops. Look at us, InkNation Studio. We’re a tattoo parlor in Manhattan that started in 2021. But don’t take our two-year opening for inexperience. We have amazingly experienced and knowledgeable artists.
With these five factors, you can choose the perfect tattoo shop and artist for you. It’s important you take your time because a tattoo is forever.
