7 Helpful Tips For Finding A Tattoo Artist!
Updated: Nov 16, 2022
With so many amazing tattoo artists in Austin Texas and other cities it can be tough to find the best one for you. What makes the “best” tattoo artist for one person can be completely different for another.
Below are 7 helpful tips + extra info to ensure you get the absolute best tattoo possible! You've been dreaming of a new tattoo, and now its time to turn that dream into a reality. So what should you take into consideration when trying to find an artist for you? Let dig in!
1. Ask A Friend
The easiest and possibly best place to start your search for the best tattoo artist in Austin Texas is to ask a friend or relative with great ink!. More than likely, they’ll be happy to give you advice about finding an artist you love. This is particularly true if the work they got from their artist is the kind of work you're looking for. And seeing an artist’s healed work in person is even better than seeing pictures of it. In the tattoo world, word of mouth can be incredibly helpful because if they had a great experience, you probably will too!
2. Choose A Tattoo Style
Once you’ve decided what you want tattooed,
you have to figure out how you want it to look.
There are a ton of different tattooing styles, and so many Austin Tattoo Artists, you’ll want to go to an artist who’s skilled in the look you’re after.
Some of the most popular styles include:
American traditional. Characterized by clean, black outlines and the primary color palette, this style commonly features skulls and roses.
Traditional Japanese. Inspired by traditional Japanese artwork, this style’s clean lines and minimal shading are often used to create tigers, koi fish, and flowers.
Realism. The goal of this style is to recreate subjects using shading and color contrast, as they appear in real life.
Illustrative. By combining aspects of traditional tattooing and realism, this style is about bold outlines and intense color saturation.
Neo-traditional. A modernized take on American traditional imagery, this style leans heavily on shading and color to create realistic portraiture.
Minimalism or geometric. With a focus on crisp black lines and negative space, this style is about precision. The results are often simple and symbolic.
But you don’t need to be familiar with the lingo to get one of these styles. Browsing Instagram is incredibly helpful, as most artists post their work on their own channel and to a hashtag feed. If, for example, you’ve decided you want to get a tattoo of a cat, a quick #cattattoo search pulls up over 880,000 results.
Save the images you like most and show them to your artist during your consultation. They can use these as inspiration to create a one-of-a-kind piece of your own.
3. See For Yourself
You’re probably familiar with Instagram – if not, its a great place to start your search! After all, most Austin tattoo artists tend to use Instagram as their portfolio nowadays as it’s the easiest and fastest way to showcase their work.
You’ll quickly get an idea of an artist’s style from their social media pages and will know whether or not that’s what you’re after. Once you know what style you like, you can use specific hashtags to find more artists. For example, #meticuloustattoo #austintattoos or search #traditionaltattoos and #traditionalartists for more traditional styles, #blackwork and #dotwork for blackwork and geometric artists, and #neotraditionaltattoo for more current, bolder style tattooing trends.
Don’t forget to do your research on Google too. Look into online reviews and see what people have said about an artist’s work. You’ll want to know about their hygiene as well as their talent.
4. How To Contact
Once you’e found an artist you like, get in touch. Most will state how they prefer to be contacted on their Instagram page, or website (and it’s normally via email). Start by explaining what it is you want and give as much detail as possible. Talk about the size, style and where on your body you would like the tattoo to be. When the artist responds, you’ll get a good idea of whether they’re going to be right for you. They’ll either love your idea and build on it or they’ll be completely honest and say they don’t think it’s quite their thing.
Don’t be afraid to speak to a few different artists too. Email them with as much information as possible but try not to lead with "Whats The Price?" "How Much?" or "I Need A Sleeve" as not including enough info or basing your message only around pricing can turn alot of austin tattoo artist off.
Keep in mind that The Best Austin Texas Tattoo Artists are generally very busy and responding to emails can take a little while. So, cut them some slack if it takes them a bit to reply!
There is always the old-fashioned face-to-face method too. If they’re local, pop in and say hello.
(Many of best Austin tattoo artists work in private, appointment only tattoo studios so it is best to look at their policies before hand.)
A first-time tattoo customer is understandably a bit more nervous than a seasoned collector, so meeting your tattoo artist can put you – and them – at ease with what you’re wanting.
5. Ask Questions
It's a great idea to ask your tattoo artist questions. Either during your email, your consultation, or at your first appointment. Your tattoo artist will be able to answer any questions you have about setting your tattoo appointment, what you will need the day of your appointment, how to care for your new tattoo, and any other questions you may have about the tattoo process. with the amount of amazing Tattoo Artist In Austin Texas you are sure to find the one that makes you comfortable, is able to answer your questions and is excited about bringing your vision to life!
6. Plan Ahead (7 extra tips)
Moisturize Your Skin in Advance
Using body lotion to keep your skin hydrated a few weeks prior to your tattoo is a good practice and may help the ink apply better during your tattoo appointment.
Stay Hydrated By Drinking Water
While drinking plenty of water on the day of your tattoo appointment is recommended, it’s also beneficial to stay hydrated in advance. Drinking plenty of water improves the quality of your skin.
Get Plenty of Sleep
If you have a tattoo appointment scheduled, don’t spend the night before partying and staying up until dawn. Getting a good night’s rest will prepare your body (and your mind) for what’s in store.
Eat a Meal Before Your Tattoo Appointment
This tip should never be overlooked, and you should eat a hearty breakfast or lunch on the day of your tattoo appointment. Even if you’re nervous or don’t feel particularly hungry, try to get some sustenance into your body. This will help keep your blood sugar up and help you avoid feeling dizzy or faint during your appointment.
Bring Snacks and Drinks to Your Tattoo Session
To prepare for a long tattoo appointment, make sure that you have plenty of water, healthy snacks, and other drinks. Your artist will likely need to take a few breaks during your tattoo to stretch, eat, or drink. Use this time to do the same.
Wear the Proper Clothing
Consider the area you plan to get tattooed and wear clothing that makes it easy for the artist to access. If you are getting your leg tattooed, shorts may be the best option. A tank top may be a better option for an upper-arm tattoo.
For backpiece tattoos, consider bringing a zip-up hoodie or button-up shirt so that it’s easy to cover-up your front torso if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or splattered with ink. While artists are generally careful and try to protect client clothing during the tattoo process, getting ink or stencil on your clothing during a tattoo—especially a large piece—is a very real possibility. Additionally, blood or plasma may seep onto your clothing following your appointment, so it’s best to wear something that is easy to wash.
Inquire About Payment Options
Prior to your tattoo appointment, reach out to the shop or your artist to ask what forms of payment they accept. If you know that cash is the only accepted payment method, visit your bank in advance and take out enough cash to pay for your tattoo. Try to do this a day or two in advance, to avoid stress or running late on the day of your appointment.
If tattoo studios do accept credit card payments, they may charge an additional processing fee. Understanding this in advance will help you avoid costly surprises when you are asked to pay for your tattoo.
Consider Your Entertainment Options
Some people can zone out during their tattoo appointments and the majority of artists will talk and converse with clients throughout sessions. But tattoos can last a long time, so if you’re someone who gets bored easily or feels uncomfortable carrying on lengthy conversations you may want to bring along your own entertainment.
If your tattoo is in an uncomplicated spot, you may be able to read a book during the session. You can also bring headphones to listen to music or watch something on your phone or iPad, which can help pass the time.
Just remember to have respect for your artist and other clients who may be in the shop at the same time as you.
7. Take Your Time!
Finally… don’t rush. This is probably the most important. Enjoy the experience of finding the best tattoo artist in Austin Texas or wherever you may be and make sure that you’re completely happy with whoever you do choose!
Keep in mind that a lot of top tattoo artists will be booked up for a few weeks/months in advance or might not be taking on new work at the time you’re enquiring.
A tattoo – and the right tattooist – is always worth the wait
You may be itching to get your new tattoo right away, but it takes time to get the details just right. The last thing you want is to cut corners on price or location and wind up with a shoddy tattoo — or an infection!
Patience will pay off in the long run, so be sure to explore all of your options until you find what works for you. And if you have a great experience, your first tattoo doesn’t have to be your last! Keep adding to your canvas and embrace the confidence that it gives!
That sums up our tips for finding The Best Tattoo Artist in Austin Texas.
What are one or two tips that you hadn't thought of yet? Have your own tattoo tips to add? We 'd love to hear them in the comments!
The Best Tattoo Artist in Austin Texas
The Best Tattoo Shop in Austin Texas
This article is presented by Meticulous Tattoo an Appointment Only Tattoo Studio in the Austin Area.
A multi Award Winning shop with some of the best tattoo artists in Austin Texas. We have been featured in various blogs and online publications, as well as numerous magazines and Television.
If you are interested in booking an appointment or have any questions about your next tattoo you can contact one of our artists today by filling out a consultation form using the link below
