13 Tattoo Artist Red Flags To Look Out For When Getting A Tattoo
There's a lot to consider when getting a tattoo. Like whether you should get it in the first place. But maybe the most important thing to look for is a good tattoo artist. IF you don't know where to begin, check out these tattoo artist red flags. That way, you'll have a better idea of what to avoid when looking for a tattoo artist.
- 113 VOTES
They Pressure You Into A Design
From Redditor u/jibber-jabber:
One of my biggest must-haves is being a professional artist. For example, you must schedule at least one (preferably more) meetings to talk about your piece. One meeting to talk ideas, show any picks/art/otter media to try and convey what it is you are looking for and another where the artist shows you what he has come up with, you should not at this point feel any pressure to yes or no it. It is going to be permanent... Dialog with the artist, once you both are happy then schedule a date. A good artist can be booked up for months.
- 213 VOTES
The Shop's Bathrooms Are Unclean
From Redditor u/Divineteeth:
Artist here. Definitely check the toilet and bathroom cleanliness. Especially the parts on the toilet that don't get cleaned often. It typically gives a good clue as to how clean the rest of the shop is.
- 311 VOTES
They Have A Weak Portfolio
From a former Redditor:
Super easy answer: Are the tattoos good?
If price is no issue, then let the quality of the work speak for itself. If someone has a weak portfolio, then odds are their work that's not worth going in their own books is even more sub-par.
In my opinion, whether it's a street shop or a custom shop, and whether or not the artists are *ssholes or really nice people, at the end of the day you're going to be walking around with a tattoo that doesn't come off. Make your decision by the quality of the work, and it doesn't hurt to choose someone whose favored style of tattoo is close to what you have in mind.
- 416 VOTES
They Insist You Remove Your Clothes Because They "Get In The Way"
From Redditor u/wildhuntressophelia:
If you're a girl and you're getting a tattoo anywhere but directly on your chest and they demand you remove your entire shirt/bra, that's a red flag. I had a friend who wanted a tattoo on her ribs. The guy tried to get her to lay their 100% topless cuz "clothes can get in the way."
- 510 VOTES
They Smoke Or Eat While They Work
From Redditor u/AdLatter:
If your artist is smoking while tattooing, red flag. If he is eating candy while tattooing, red flag. If your 2 hour tattoo takes 5 f*cking hours because your artist has to "get lunch" but instead he drives to another town to do an illicit deal and he comes back hours later, red flag.
In conclusion f*ck you joe. You are the worst human to ever hold a tattoo rig in your hand.
- 614 VOTES
They Keep Dogs In The Shop
From Redditor u/Divineteeth:
Dogs... Make sure there are no dogs in the shop. I used to work in a shop where there were two dogs brought in and had to sweep up a pound of their hair every day. It would get everywhere! Even in places, the dogs were never allowed in.