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Tattoo Deciding
Tattoo Design
Tattoo Meaning
Finding Tattooist
Final Decision
Tattoo Science
Getting Inked
What Next
Tattoo Q&A Before
Tattoo Q&A After
Tattoo Safety
Becoming Tattooist

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Finding A Tattooist

Take your time to find a tattooist, don't just walk down the high street and in to the first shop you come across. Talk to other people who have been inked by local tattooists and make sure you see the finished article. When you've identified a likely candidate or three, go to the shops and talk to the tattooists.

There are no formal qualifications for tattooists but there are some trade organisations. Don't rely on these, though, as your common sense is often a far better guide. Try to get a feel for the level of experience and expertise that the tattooist has. Ask to see their portfolio -- photographs of their work. Bear in mind that the tattoos they show you will probably only be the best of the best but they will at least give you an idea of how good the tattooist can be.

Make sure to have a good look around the shop. The place needs to be clean in the most stringent sense of the word. Even check the bathroom if you can; you can learn a lot about a place by the level of cleanliness in there. Have a good sniff around; if the shop smells clean -- clean not fragranced -- then it probably is.

Ask to see the autoclave and the sterilisation certificate. An autoclave is basically a pressure cooker used for sterilising equipment. Make sure that newly sterilised needles are removed from the autoclave bag in front of the client. Used needles should be deposited in a sealed box (known as a sharps container) out of harms way. Ink, ointments, etc should never be reused. Small amounts of each should be poured out as needed and what's left should be safely disposed of. Nothing should ever be returned to the original bottle.

The tattooist should wear gloves at all times during the process of tattooing. Fresh gloves should be used for each person and they should be replaced if there is any possibility of a breach. This is more for the tattooist's safety than your own as s/he is more likely to come in to contact with your blood than the other way around.

Most medical gloves are made from latex. If you have a latex allergy or you think that might be a problem, let the tattooist know. Alternatives are available but the tattooist will need to know beforehand.

Some people like to ask if the tattooist is vaccinated for Hepatitis B. You might not feel too comfortable asking someone you've only just met a question like that but it is worthwhile knowing.

If you feel comfortable doing so, you could ask to watch while the tattooist works on someone else. This will give you a clear idea of what the process of getting tattooed involves and may serve to eliminate some of your nerves when you get inked. Some tattooists will say no outright and you need to respect that. The tattooist might agree but be unable to find a client who's willing to have someone watch. If you do get to watch, be respectful of the situation; don't badger either person with too many questions. Quietly sit/stand by and follow proceedings, ask the odd question if it seems pertinent and if you feel that the tattooist and client are OK with it. Whatever you do, don't faint! If you feel queasy, get out.

Ultimately, finding the right tattooist for you is as much about common sense and gut instinct as it is about following set guidelines and asking to see certificates. If something doesn't feel right, if you don't like the tattooist or if there's anything else that just doesn't sit right with you, then politely take your leave and find a tattooist that you do feel comfortable with. If you take the time to do a bit of legwork and think things through, you'll have a much better experience in the long term.

One more thing: When you've found a tattooist that you're comfortable with, one that does good work in a clean environment, don't haggle. This is really important. Getting a tattoo is one thing that you don't shop around for a good price. If you're serious about getting inked and you've done the right things to decide on a design and find a tattooist, you should be willing to pay the going rate. Ask how much it's going to cost before you get started so that you don't get a shock or, worse still, in to an argument after the fact. When the tattooist gives you an answer, don't try to knock the price down or barter for a better deal. Just accept that you are paying the going rate for the tattooist's experience and skill.

Go to Making The Final Decision