The biggest mistakes when choosing a tattoo artist
- Marcu
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
Introduction
When I started searching for my first tattoo artist, I thought it was simple — just pick someone with cool designs on Instagram. But I quickly learned that choosing the wrong artist can mean bad tattoos, poor healing, or even regret.
Here are the biggest mistakes people make when choosing a tattoo artist, and how you can avoid falling into the same traps.
Table of Contents
1. Choosing based on price alone
I used to think cheaper meant smarter — but with tattoos, cheap often means corner-cutting. High-quality tattoos cost more because they involve skill, hygiene, and time.
2. Not checking portfolios of healed work
Fresh tattoos always look sharp and bold. What matters is how they heal. If an artist won’t show healed work, it’s a red flag.
3. Ignoring style specialisation
Not every artist is right for every tattoo. I once nearly booked a realism design with an artist who specialised in abstract work. Matching style to idea is everything.
4. Skipping the consultation
A quick chat can reveal if you feel comfortable with the artist. If you skip this step, you risk miscommunication and disappointment.
5. Overlooking studio hygiene
No licence, no gloves, messy station? That’s a dealbreaker. Safe tattoos depend on strict hygiene.
6. Ignoring reviews or word of mouth
Online reviews and personal recommendations often reveal things you won’t see on Instagram. I learned to trust consistent feedback over curated photos.
7.Conclusion
Choosing a tattoo artist isn’t just about liking their work online. It’s about safety, trust, style, and communication. Avoiding these mistakes helped me find an artist who didn’t just give me a tattoo — they gave me a piece of art I’ll love for life.
8.FAQs
Q: How do I know if an artist is too cheap?
A: If their prices are far below local averages, it’s worth questioning why.
Q: Is it rude to ask an artist for healed photos?
A: Not at all. A good artist will be proud to show them.
Q: Can I change artists if I’ve already booked?
A: Yes. Your comfort matters more than sticking with the wrong choice.
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