There’s a moment when the tattoo idea in your head gets loud. It stops being a vague “someday” and starts feeling like a “what about next week?”
And that’s when you start looking at tattoo shops.
Walking into a studio for the first time can feel a little intimidating. You have a vision you care about, and you want to put it in the hands of a professional who will do it justice. Choosing the right place is the single most important step. It’s about more than just art. It’s about your health, your comfort, and a result you’ll love forever.
This isn’t about being a difficult client. It’s about being an informed one. Arm yourself with these eight questions, and you’ll walk into any shop with the confidence to know you’re in the right place.
1. Are You a Licensed Tattoo Artist, and Is the Shop Certified?
Think of this as your first-pass filter. A license is the bare-minimum, non-negotiable proof that an artist and shop are legally allowed to operate. It means they’ve met local health department standards and understand the basic rules of safety.
What does that license do for you? It’s your first sign that you’re dealing with a professional, licensed tattoo artist in a legitimate space, not someone’s hobby room. A legitimate artist will have their license proudly displayed and will never hesitate when you ask to see it. If they do, that is your cue to walk out.
2. What Sanitation and Safety Measures Do You Follow?
A clean floor is nice, but it tells you very little. True safety happens in the details of the process.
The gold standard you’re looking for is a fully disposable setup. This means every critical piece of equipment is brand new, single-use, and opened from a sealed, sterile package right in front of you. This level of care is what separates the average studios from the best tattoo shops.
A few red flags your gut will notice immediately:
- Carpeted work areas not covered during procedures. (Floors should be protected with vinyl or rubber mats to prevent spillage and contamination.)
- A messy, cluttered workstation
- An artist touching their phone or a cabinet with gloved hands, then touching your skin.
You have every right to a sterile environment. Don’t settle for anything less.
3. Can I See Your Portfolio?
An artist’s portfolio is where you see their skill, not just their ideas. But looking at it the right way is a skill in itself. Pay less attention to what the tattoo is and more attention to how it’s done. Are the lines solid? Is the shading smooth?
But here is the real secret key: Ask to see photos of healed work.
A fresh tattoo is always swollen and shiny, which can hide a multitude of sins like shaky lines or blown-out ink. A healed photo, taken months later, tells the truth. It shows you the artist’s actual, long-term results. An artist who is confident in their technique will be excited to show you how beautifully their work settles into the skin.
4. What Tattoo Styles Do You Specialize In?
The days of the jack-of-all-trades tattooer are long gone. Today’s best artists are specialists. The skills needed for bold, American Traditional lines are completely different from the delicate touch required for fine-line or the soft blending of a watercolor piece.
Your first step is the fun part: getting crystal clear on the style you love. Once you know what you're looking for, your mission is to find the right tattoo artist who lives and breathes that aesthetic. You want to see a portfolio filled with consistent, gorgeous examples of that specific style, because that’s the truest sign you’ve found the right person for the job.
5. Do You Use High-Quality Ink and Equipment?
This question is about more than just getting a vibrant, long-lasting tattoo. It's a serious health question. The market is full of cheap, counterfeit inks that can cause infections and allergic reactions. Professional tattoo shops invest in inks from legitimate manufacturers and authorized distributors rather than unknown sources.
So, how do you know your artist is using the good stuff? You ask two very simple, direct questions:
- “What brand of ink do you use?”
- "Where do you source it from?”
A professional will name a reputable brand. For the second question, the only right answer is “Directly from the manufacturer or an authorized distributor.” If they get their ink from Amazon or eBay, they are gambling with your health.
6. What Is the Pricing Structure?
No one likes a surprise bill. Understanding how an artist charges is essential. It’s usually one of two ways: an hourly rate for big projects or a flat price for a single-session piece.
Expect every shop to have a shop minimum. This is the base price for any tattoo, no matter how tiny, because it covers the cost of a full sterile setup and the artist’s time. You should also expect to pay a non-refundable deposit to book your appointment. This covers the artist’s drawing time and secures your spot on their calendar.
7. How Should I Prepare for My Appointment?
You play a huge role in a successful tattoo session. Showing up prepared makes the process smoother for you and your artist. Your body is about to be put under stress, so give it the fuel and rest it needs to handle the experience well. A good meal stabilizes your blood sugar to keep you from feeling woozy, and being well-hydrated makes a world of difference for your skin.
What to Do:
● Eat a full meal about an hour before you go.
● Drink lots of water for a day or two beforehand.
● Get a good night’s sleep.
What to Avoid:
● The single most important rule: Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before your tattoo OR for 48-72 hours after. It thins your blood, which makes you bleed more during the session, and it inhibits healing during the critical post-procedure period.
● Don’t show up with a sunburn on the area.
● Avoid blood-thinning painkillers like aspirin.
8. What Is the Aftercare Process?
Once you leave the chair, the artist’s work is done, but yours is just beginning. How you care for your tattoo over the next few weeks determines how it will look for the rest of your life.
Your artist will give you specific instructions. These tattoo aftercare tips are not suggestions; they are rules for ensuring your art heals perfectly. The big, universal ones are simple but crucial:
- No Soaking: Do not submerge your new tattoo. That means no pools, hot tubs, or baths for at least two weeks. Showers are fine.
- No Sun: Keep your tattoo completely out of the sun while it’s healing. UV rays are its worst enemy.
- No Picking: It will get itchy and flaky. Do not scratch or pick at it. Ever. This pulls the ink out and can cause scars.
You Are the Curator of Your Skin
Choosing an artist is a big decision, and it’s one you should feel completely confident about. These questions are not an interrogation. They are a conversation that helps you find the right professional to bring your idea to life safely and beautifully.
Next time you walk into tattoo shops, keep this checklist in mind. You're not just getting a tattoo; you're commissioning a permanent piece of art. Make sure it's one you’ll love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if a tattoo shop is safe?
Look for three things: A state license, a spotless environment, and an artist who opens single-use needles in front of you.
What should I ask a tattoo artist before getting inked?
Ask about their license, sanitation methods, their portfolio of healed work, their specialty style, and where they source their ink.
How much do tattoos usually cost?
Expect a shop minimum. Established artists often charge by the hour. A small tattoo might have a set price.
Can I bring my own tattoo design?
Absolutely. Bring all your reference images. Just be open to your artist adjusting the design to ensure it works perfectly as a tattoo and flows with your body.
What should I do before my tattoo appointment?
Eat a full meal, stay hydrated, and get a good night's sleep. Most importantly, do not drink alcohol for 24 hours beforehand and for 48-72 hours after.
How do I choose the right tattoo artist for my style?
Your first step is the fun part: getting crystal clear on the style you love. Once you know what you're looking for, your mission is to find an artist who lives and breathes that aesthetic. You want to see a portfolio filled with consistent, gorgeous examples of that specific style, because that’s the truest sign you’ve found the right person for the job.
How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
The surface will look healed in 2-4 weeks. The deeper layers of skin can take up to four months to fully settle.
What should I avoid after getting a tattoo?
For the first few weeks, avoid sun exposure, soaking the tattoo in water (pools, baths), and picking at any scabs or flakes.
Can I get a tattoo if I have sensitive skin or allergies?
It’s risky. You must consult a dermatologist first. Skin conditions like eczema can be triggered, and ink allergies are a real possibility.
Do tattoo shops offer free touch-ups?
A confident artist often stands by their work. Some shops offer one free touch-up within a few months to fix any little spots that healed imperfectly. Since this isn't a universal rule, it's a smart question to ask about their policy before you commit.