Advice on Choosing a Tattoo Studio and Artist

The first thing you need to do before actually getting your tattoo, is to do your research. I say this because as much as I love the art of tattoos, I have also heard too many stories of disappointment and tattoos gone wrong. All of which could have been easily avoided by doing some research.

Apart from the fun and exciting part of searching for or designing your very own special tattoo design, you need to spend time researching various tattoo studios and tattoo artists.

It is very important that the tattoo studio that you go to has a reputation for keeping high standards of hygiene and cleanliness and is professional about their business. If you walk into a tattoo parlor and the staff are drinking beers while tattooing, then that's a sure sign for you to walk out the door straight away.

However, if you find you are having to pay a little more for going to a tattoo studio that uses quality machines and needles, and high grade inks, then it is definitely worth it. The last thing you want is to get a skin infection or disease because the tattoo equipment was not sterilized properly or the inks were of a low grade.

As for the tattoo artist, you also want to make sure they have high standards of personal hygiene and artistic skill. You're basically allowing them to stick a whole bunch of needles into you, so it would be a good idea to ask him/her about their experience with tattooing. Find out how long they have been doing it and ask to see a portfolio of their work. Seeing examples of their work will help you with choosing the right tattoo artist, as each artist has their own style, which may or may not be what suits you.
There are not lack of directories of tattoo studios and tattoo shops. So it is not hard to "find tattoo studio" per-se. However, it is difficult to tell which one has good tattoo artist and equipment.

After you've flipped your list of tattoo studios, the next thing to do is to visit them. Before you even enter a studio, get in your head that you are THE customer, and don't let anyone or the atmosphere intimidate you. A lot of tattoo studios are a small, a little dark and the people inside has all sorts of fierce looking tattoos. Go in confidently and look around. If you meet with mean artists, leave immediately. Getting a tattoo should be a pleasant event.

Next, do take a look around the shop. Akin yourself to window shopping. Look at the neatness of the stop. It is likely that there will be pictures and Flash (tatoo designs) all over the walls. There may also be price list and regulations. Look for signs that indicate sanitation. This is important in an age of infectious disease

Tattoos Studio Safety and Aftercare

There is a lot to consider when selecting a tattoo parlour. Of paramount importance is heath and safety, hygiene and sanitation. Furthermore comprehensive tattoo after care advise should be addressed as far too many places don't give accurate advise on tattoo after care.

Most are mindful of the hazards with visiting an unsanitary tattoo studio, so finding a good artist and a hygienic studio it's very important, probably more so in places like Thailand, as there are lots of horror stories floating around. So selecting a good studio is your main concern before even considering your tattoo designs. The risks are infection, contracting a disease, or skin damage can be a possibility when you choose a bad tattoo studio with poor practices. There are a few hazards that no one should overlook when you choose a tattoo artist irrespective of discounts, flexible booking times or convenient location so keep in mind that you take your time identifying a good tattoo artist.

All tattoo studios should have a sharps container for disposable needles or any objects that come in contact blood or any other bodily fluids. An autoclave is a device for heating fluids above boiling point of water for sterilizing tools, all good studios should have an autoclave. Before choosing your tattoo designs also make sure the tattoo studio uses disposable needles. Often in asian countries this is not always practiced. Do not hesitate to request a viewing of the sterilised instruments in any tattoo parlour as your safety should be of high concern. All sharps should be single use only and then placed in the sharps container promptly. Also single throw away ink receptacles should only be used once and then placed in the sharps container so any risk of disease is eradicated.