Getting the Best Custom Tattoo Possible (pt. 1)

The tattoo world has changed considerably over the last 30-40 years, and that has created a lot of confusion for people about getting tattooed, and the process by which to go about getting the best tattoo possible with as little frustration on your part as possible. 

So I've compiled a list of things to keep in mind so that you can be more informed about how the process works. You want a great piece of art that will last the rest of your life, and a few simple considerations could make all the difference when it comes to getting there.

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Part 1: Do your Research and Have a Consultation

Do some research on your end. This is a crucial first step that so many people overlook. You’re going to need to do some work on your end during this process to get the best outcome. Getting the right tattoo requires looking into the process, finding reputable shops and artists, exploring different styles, and finding great references. 

Key here—find the right artist. Your best friend may know one of the most talented tattooers in your town, but does that mean they are the right person for the tattoo you want? Not necessarily. Friends are a great place to start, but it’s always best to do some research on your end.

Look into the style of tattoo you want and become knowledgeable about your local tattoo shops and who does what kind of work. You may need to look outside of your town. Don’t limit it to there if you’re not finding what you like. It’s worth it to travel to get a great tattoo. 

Most, if not all, reputable shops have a web presence with online portfolios that show the quality of work they do. Scour social media feeds. Look at artist's work. Different artist's focus on different styles. It is always best to find an artist that excels at the kind of work you are wanting. 

Educating yourself is key. Know what artists you want to work with and what shops do great work before you walk into the experience and you’ll be way ahead of most. Ask your friends. Look at other people's work. Visit local studios. A little research on the front end is crucial to having a good tattoo experience. 

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Set up a consultation, and be prepared. Once you've figured out what artist you'd like to work with, contact them or the studio they work at to set up a consultation. Some prefer certain modes of communication over others, but usually this will all be clarified on the studio’s business materials.

A face to face consultation is always best, but not always practical if you're working with an artist that lives a good distance away. Many artists who have a large out of town clientele often have websites with form fields to fill out and the option to upload artwork or reference images. 

If the artist is in your town, try to set up something in person, but definitely realize that if you want to have a good consultation, this is also something you should set up in advance. 

You want an artist's undivided attention during this phase, so walking in unannounced is not the most realistic approach. Sometimes they can stop to talk to you, but it's always best to set up a time for this as well. 

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Be prepared when you get there. Know what kind of project you would like to do and be as specific in describing it as you can-- what type of piece, the placement you’re considering, and any budget limits. Bring any relevant reference materials. 

Printed out references that you can both look at and discuss sometimes work better than tiny pictures on your phone, but it just depends on the artist, some can work digitally and won’t need prints. They can tell you this when you enquire about a consultation. 

Being prepared helps have the best consultation possible, which is one of the most important parts of the whole tattoo process. Consultations are most often free, so take advantage of that to get the most out of it.

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During your consultation, be specific about what you are wanting, but also be as flexible as possible. If an artist offers a suggestion about possible changes, it is typically because they know it will make your tattoo look the best it can, so try to be as open as possible. 

Sometimes if you are too rigid about letting an artist interpret your idea, that artist you have sought out because you like what they do, may turn down your idea all together because you're not giving them the freedom to do what they do. Something to think about.

Most responsible artists will do whatever they can to keep your tattoo as close to your original idea as possible, but giving them some free rein with your idea can help turn it into something beyond what you could have imagined— in a good way. 

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An artist’s job is to envision things in a way many people can’t. Never let the idea get out of control and become wholly different than what you want, but definitely don't be too rigid and uncompromising either. 

Sometimes a discussion of the possibilities can lead to different ideas altogether, even better than what you might have first intended, and you may find that they work better or are way more interesting or fitting than what you first intended. 

If it feels right roll with it, but if it starts to stray from something that feels authentically you, or more toward what the artist wants to do than what you might want, feel free to hold off and keep exploring. You can’t regret a tattoo you didn’t get, unless you just missed the boat on something amazing.

If you can't get on the same page, it's always best to just walk away. Just tell them you’re not 100% on it yet, and that you still want to think through it based on the feedback they gave you. Any real professional will respect that. Don’t feel pressured into doing something you don’t want to do, that’s a sure fire sign the situation isn’t a good fit. You can always find another artist or revisit the same artist, but it's best not to move forward with anything that doesn't feel right. Please don’t ignore your intuition at this phase.

On the other hand, if you are both good to move forward, your artist will typically set a date to begin the work, and take a deposit to start preparing the design, and you get to bite your nails in the meantime, waiting in anxious excitement for the day to come.

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Doing your research, finding the right artist for your particular project, and having a solid consultation is over half the battle when trying to get a great custom tattoo. If you've nailed all this you are well on your way.

But what comes next? Check out Part 2 of this article to find out. I'll give you a hint, it requires a lot of trust and some bravery, but in the next installment, we'll give you all the knowledge to slide into your appointment like a seasoned pro.

until next time you weirdos,

lin