Tips for Choosing the Best Tattoo Shop
So, you’ve decided to get a tattoo. Whether it’s your first or your 15th, we want to help you have the best experience possible, so you love your experience and your ink forever. And, because your safety is ultimately your own responsibility, it’s important to do your homework. Below are some tips for choosing the best tattoo shop:
Where to Start
- The internet is a beautiful thing. You can start with our site, where you can search for shops near you. Also, many shops have websites where you can see artwork, artist bios and history, and see shop information.
- Ask your friends! The best way to find great places, and ones to avoid, is by asking around. You’ll find that most people are more than willing to share a great or bad experience.
Cleanliness
This is by far the biggest, most important category to pay attention to. The answer to all of the questions below should be YES!
- Is the shop well-lit and clean? Yes, you want the shop to have a certain “vibe,” but the area where you are getting tattooed should be bright and spotless.
- Have artists taken a course in the prevention of bloodborne pathogens?
- Does the shop have an use an autoclave? Do they have an autoclave certificate?
- Do artists shave and disinfect the tattoo area on each client before beginning to tattoo?
- Does the shop have a disposable culture?
- Are inks poured into individual cups, then discarded?
- Are areas that come into contact with clients lined with a waterproof barrier and
discarded after each use? - Do artists use gloves and dispose them if they touch something unsterile? You don’t want your artists running to the restroom or answering the phone and coming back to you without putting on new protection.
- Are needles opened in front of you and discarded immediately afterwards?
- Are needles disposed in a sharps container?
Legalese
Different states and cities have different regulations, so make sure you are aware of what those laws and rules are and confirm the shop follows them. For example, is the shop licensed?
Shop Artists and Employees
- When you walk into a shop for the first time, you may be speaking with a receptionist, artist, or owner, or some combination of the three.
- Are the employees helpful and friendly? It can be intimidating to walk into a shop, especially the first time, but, remember, a tattoo shop is a business. They should be eager to earn yours!
- Is someone willing to show you around the shop? Shop employees should have no problem showing you around. But, help yourself out a little here and call ahead or visit on an off-day or time.
- Is there an easily-accessible portfolio? Great artists will want to show off their work, and you’ll get to see a wide variety of styles and work.
- Do you feel comfortable? Whether you get a good or a bad vibe, trust your gut.
- How does pricing work? Remember, you get what you pay for. If one shop is a lot cheaper than others around, there’s probably a reason.
Last, but not least, visit several shops. The best way to compare is by checking out a number of places. You’ll have a better sense of what feels right.
Spring 2015
March 21, 2015
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