Tattoo artists are not created equal. Some are truly awesome with their work and some truly suck! Before getting a tattoo, the best thing you can do to see if the tattoo artist is good or not is to check out their portfolio. This is a book that contains work they've done. It should tell you pretty quickly if you want a tattoo by them or not. When looking at the pictures, check out the line work of the tattoo. If there's shading or color blending, look to see if this done evenly - so one color flows into the next, instead of a noticeable line.

Tattoo artists usually have their own style. Some like inking tradition tattoos while others might be into new school or portrait work. If an artist hates doing tribal tattoos and it’s what you want, well, chances are you should search for an artist that enjoys doing that type of tattoo. Tattoo artists also have their individual flow - some move right along and others tend to work slower.

Actually seeing a tattoo being done by them is another way to see if they're any good or not. Not all artists do this, so ask first.

They should be more than willing to honestly answer any questions you may have. After all, they may have you as a customer. A tattoo artist should also explain the proper aftercare procedures. They don't really have to be friendly - though it does help and some artists like to chit chat when they ink and some would rather focus on the tattoo rather than talking.

Be wary of tattoo artists that demand a large deposit - The amount will vary depending on the studio - ranging upwards of $50. Tipping isn't required - but if you receive a great tattoo, you should tip. Remember that artists don't receive 100% of the cost of your tattoo.

Make sure the tattoo artist is wearing gloves and is changing the gloves often. Make sure needles and tattoo equipment come from sterilization pouches before they're used. Make sure ink is dispensed into ink cups and not used straight from the bottle.

Some tattoo artists are known as "heavy handed". This means they really drill the skin. Other's are light handed. Some tattoo artists will ask how you're doing, or if you'd like to take a break. Other's won't say a thing, leaving it up to you. Some areas require tattoo artists to be trained in first aid/CPR and to take classes regarding blood borne pathogens and diseases.

As you can see, finding the right artist can take a lot of time. Use good judgment and you should have no trouble at all finding an artist that will make you feel comfortable and give you an amazing tattoo.

The Apprentice

An apprentice is an individual who is learning the tattoo trade. If you want to become a tattoo artist, this is what you must do. There's no school to go and learn. An apprentice will be under the watchful eye of the tattoo artist. Over time, they will teach the apprentice the art of tattooing. This can be a very long time period.

When the tattoo artist decides that the apprentice has learned well, they may decide to have them tattoo "volunteers". Usually, it starts with the apprenctice themselves. It could also be the tattoo artist that taught them. Then they may move on to others - like their friends. The more tattoos they do, the more comfortable and familiar they become with the process. The tattoos they do usually go on the leg area...or another area that is often hidden. Often, the cost of getting a tattoo by an apprentice will be less than the shop rate.