Choosing a tattoo is an exciting but daunting process. Think of it as making an investment in yourself that can last forever, or alternately cost you a lot of money to have reversed. At the end of the day, a tattoo expresses something unique about who you are and serves as permanent body art for everyone else to enjoy. So if you’re thinking about joining the nearly 30% of people with tattoos today, make sure to go in armed with knowledge on how to choose the best one for your lifestyle and overall aesthetic goals. Read on for tips from experts on choosing a quality design, finding reputable artists, selecting safe materials and approaches – everything necessary before getting ink!

Do your research – look at different artists’ portfolios and find one that you like

Doing your research before you select an artist to create your artwork is essential. Looking at different portfolios can help you find an artist who fits the needs and style of your project. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, discuss materials, and make sure that their work aligns with the vision for your project. Get as much information as you can to make a well-informed decision. Researching multiple artists allows you to compare their styles and select the one whose portfolio stands out to you the most. And remember – it’s not just about selecting an artist whose art you like, but also one whom you trust and feel comfortable working with to achieve your vision.

Make sure you know what you want before you go into the shop

Shopping for a big purchase can be overwhelming, so before you head to the store it’s important to think critically about what you actually want and need. Make sure you have done your research, know the price range you should stay in, and have an idea of what features on the product are most important to you. Taking this extra step beforehand will save time and ensure that you make an informed buying decision when it comes time to check out.

Bring reference material with you to show the artist what you’re looking for

When you’re considering a new tattoo, you’ll want to make sure that the artist is clear on exactly what design you are after. It’s highly recommended to bring along reference material of the design when booking in your tattoo appointment. Not only will this help with communication, but it can also provide valuable visual references for the artist. This will increase the chances of them understanding your style and getting your desired outcome right the first time around. Bringing along reference material takes away a lot of problems further down the line and helps create a streamlined process – allowing everyone involved to have confidence in the process.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions – the artist should be able to answer all of your questions

Asking questions is an essential part of any art-buying process, whether you’re considering purchasing a piece from a gallery or from another artist. Not only does it help build confidence that the piece you are interested in is legitimate, but it also allows you to get to know the artist better. A confident and knowledgeable artist should be more than capable of answering any questions that you have about their artwork and the materials they use. Any hesitation from an artist raises flags, so don’t be afraid to ask those important questions! After all, if you’re investing money in something, it’s best to find out as much as possible about it before making committing to the purchase.

Trust your gut – if you don’t feel comfortable with the artist, find someone else

It’s important to have trust in the service provider when it comes to any sort of art that cannot be undone, such as tattoos and piercings. That is why it’s advised by experts to always listen and trust your gut feeling – if you don’t feel comfortable with the artist, move on and find someone else without a second thought. You must make sure you’re investing your emotions and hard-earned money into good hands; the results may differ otherwise. So, make sure to take into account all factors before deciding on who will do the job for you – investigate background knowledge, their experience, look at examples of their work as well as reviews from clients, etc. Trusting your gut could save you from major disappointments in the long term.

Make sure the shop is clean and sterile, and that the artist is using fresh needles

To ensure the utmost safety and health of both you and the artist, it is essential that all shops maintain a level of cleanliness and sterility. It’s important to make sure that the space is free from potentially hazardous dust particles or bacteria and that any tools used are not shared with other customers. Additionally, always check to make sure that a fresh needle has been used on your skin- this ensures one less potential infection risk as needles should never be reused. Adequate sanitation on each customer’s behalf is paramount- so don’t hesitate to inquire about their practices before committing!

Getting a tattoo is an important and personal decision that should not be taken lightly. Do your homework, bring reference material, ask lots of questions, and trust your instinct. You want to make sure both you and the artist understand exactly what you’re looking for so that when the big day comes you can walk away with a piece of art you’ll be proud to show off for years to come. While it’s good to choose an artist whose style you like, remember not to get too hung up on their portfolio; every artist is different, so find someone who will work best for YOUR piece. Above all else, make sure the shop is clean and sterile, and that the artist is using fresh needles- it might cost you a bit extra but it’s worth it in the long run! Taking these steps will help ensure your experience in the wonderful world of tattoos is one that leaves you feeling satisfied, excited, and confident. Click here to know more about tattoos.