How to find the best tattoo shop
I do a lot of touch-ups and cover ups for folks. I also do a lot of first tattoos. One question I get asked by both groups of clients is: “how can I make sure I’m picking the right tattoo shop or tattoo artist ?”
There are a few things I focus on in my own business, with the goal of making Hurricane Violet Tattoos the best tattoo studio in Seattle. Here are some of the questions you should be asking yourself:
Q: Do they represent themselves professionally?
TATTOO SHOPS:
Does the shop have a website? What does it look like? If it’s a multi-artist shop, are all of their artists prominently represented on the website? Do they have tattoo portfolios available for view?
If you go to the shop in person, does it look clean? Do they have their license’s posted on the walls? In most states, artist shop owners are required to have both an artist license as well as a separate shop license. These should both be readily available for clients if they ask.
TATTOO ARTISTS:
Are they postin pictures of them partying constantly on their instagram, or are they posting their art, tattoos and flash events? How do they talk about their clients/pieces? Are they excited about what they do?
Do they have their booking policies displayed publicly? Are they transparent about what they expect from you during the consultation, scheduling, tattooing and aftercare stages?
More importantly: do they offer touch-ups? I offer a free touch up within the first 6 months of being tattooed by me. I do this because I want to be proud of my work and offer my clients the best possible experience.
Tattoos (and tattooing) can and should be fun, but it’s important for shops to represent themselves first and foremost as a business. Unprofessional behavior should always be a major red flag!
Q: Do they do the kind of work you want?
This may seem self-explanatory, but it’s easy to be swayed by cheaper prices or open availability when other artists who are doing the work you like charge more or always seem to be booked up. It will be cheaper and more cost effective long-term for you to go with an artist that you are excited about from the get go rather than “settling” for someone newer, cheaper or less busy if they don’t do the kind of work you’re looking for.
Q: Are they accessible long-term?
Let’s say you’re want to get a large, multi-session sleeve. Would you book with the artist who has been in the same Capitol Hill tattoo shop for a few years, or the guest artist who lives 1000 miles away and only comes back once or twice a year? What happens if you need a touch-up? Guest artists are great for smaller pieces that can be done in a day or two. For bigger pieces, you’ll want to look local.
I want to make Hurricane Violet Tattoos the best tattoo shop in Seattle, (or at least in Capitol Hill!) and these are the things I think about to make it happen. Have other questions about what to look for in an artist, or just want to talk tattoos? Text the studio phone at (458) 544-2714 and let’s chat!