Choosing the right tattoo artist is one of the most important steps in getting a tattoo you’ll love for life. A tattoo is permanent, and while design and placement matter, the skill and professionalism of the artist determine how well it will look and age over time.

A great tattoo isn’t just about finding the most convenient shop or the cheapest price. It’s about researching artists, reviewing their work, and making sure their style fits your vision. Whether you want a small, simple tattoo or a large custom piece, the right artist will bring your idea to life with precision and care.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find a skilled, reputable tattoo artist—from researching their portfolio to scheduling a consultation. Take your time, do your homework, and make sure you choose an artist you can trust. This goes especially for those who are getting their first tattoo.

Decide on the Style You Want

Before searching for a tattoo artist, it’s important to know what style you want. Tattoo artists specialize in different styles, and choosing one that aligns with your vision will ensure the best results.

If you aren’t sure which style fits your idea, spend time looking at different tattoos online or on social media. Once you’ve settled on a style, you can begin searching for an artist who specializes in it.

Ask Family & Friends for Recommendations

One of the easiest ways to find a great tattoo artist is through word-of-mouth recommendations. If you have friends or family with tattoos you admire, ask them:

• Who did their tattoo?
• What was their experience like?
• Would they go back to the same artist?

If you see someone in public with an amazing tattoo, don’t be afraid to ask them where they got it. People are often happy to share their experiences, and this can lead you to an artist with a proven track record of quality work.

Research Tattoo Shops in Your Area

Not all tattoo shops are the same, and finding a clean, professional environment is just as important as choosing the right artist.

• Make a list of shops in your area that seem reputable.
• Check out their websites and social media pages to get a feel for the atmosphere.
• Look for shops that maintain high hygiene standards and have professional setups.

A great shop should feel welcoming, clean, and organized—if a place looks unkempt or unprofessional, it’s best to look elsewhere.

Look at Reviews for the Shop

Online reviews can give you insight into the customer experience, cleanliness, and professionalism of a tattoo shop.

When reading reviews, look for:

• Positive experiences with customer service and communication.
• Mentions of specific artists—this can help you find the best talent at the shop.
• Feedback on shop hygiene and professionalism.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Complaints about dirty or unsanitary conditions.
• Negative reviews about artists rushing through tattoos or being dismissive.
• Multiple mentions of bad communication or poor customer service.

A few negative reviews are normal, but if you see consistent issues, take them seriously and consider looking elsewhere.

Check the Shop’s Website & Validate the Business

A professional tattoo shop should have a website with clear information about its artists, services, and policies. While not every great artist will have a personal website, most reputable shops will provide:

• A list of resident artists and their specialties.
• Booking policies and how to schedule an appointment.
• Health and safety guidelines for the shop.
• Contact information and location details.

Checking the website can help you confirm that the shop is legitimate and give you a better sense of the environment before visiting.

Look at Artist Portfolios on Social Media

Most tattoo artists showcase their work on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest. Social media is one of the best ways to see an artist’s style, consistency, and skill level before booking an appointment.

What to Look For in an Artist’s Portfolio:

• Clean linework: No shaky, uneven, or wobbly lines.
• Smooth shading: Colors and gradients should look blended and intentional.
• Consistency: All tattoos in their portfolio should reflect a solid skill level.
• Healed work: Fresh tattoos look great, but healed tattoos show how well the ink settles over time.

If an artist only posts fresh work and never shows healed pieces, be cautious—it could mean their tattoos don’t hold up well over time.

Schedule Consultations with Artists You Like

Once you’ve found a few artists whose work you love, the next step is to schedule a consultation. This is your chance to discuss your tattoo idea, get professional input, and see if the artist is a good fit.

Questions to Ask During a Consultation:

• Do you think this design works well for the placement I want?
• What size would you recommend for the best long-term results?
• What is your booking process, and what should I expect on tattoo day?

Pay attention to how the artist communicates and engages with you. If they seem rushed, dismissive, or uninterested, they may not be the right fit. A good artist will take the time to listen to your ideas and provide thoughtful feedback.

Things to Consider When Picking a Tattoo Artist

Not all tattoo artists have the same experience, skill level, or professionalism. Before booking, take the time to evaluate a few key factors.

• Are they licensed? A reputable artist should be certified and meet local health and safety regulations.
• How many years of experience do they have? More experience often means better technique and knowledge of how tattoos age.
• Do they specialize in the style you want? Artists excel in different styles—choose someone whose work aligns with your vision.
• Is their work consistent? Every piece in their portfolio should reflect a steady hand, clean lines, and solid execution.
• What is their process? Some artists work strictly with stencils, while others freehand designs directly onto the skin.

A good artist will be happy to answer these questions. If they seem annoyed or unwilling to explain, that’s a sign to keep looking.

Consider Pricing

Tattoo pricing varies based on the artist’s experience, the tattoo’s size, and the level of detail. While cost is a factor, don’t base your decision on price alone.

• Quality tattoos aren’t cheap. Artists charge for their skill, experience, and the time it takes to create a great piece.
• Avoid bargain tattoos. Cheaper prices often mean rushed work, poor quality, or unsanitary conditions.
• Save up if necessary. If the artist you want is out of your budget, it’s better to wait than settle for something you’ll regret.

Tattoos are permanent—pay for quality work the first time to avoid expensive touch-ups or cover-ups later.

Don’t Worry About Location

If you find an artist whose work you love, but they aren’t local, consider traveling for the right artist. Many people book with artists in different cities or even countries because they specialize in a particular style.

• If the artist’s portfolio stands out and aligns perfectly with your vision, the trip is worth it.
• A tattoo lasts forever—it’s better to travel for the best work than settle for what’s nearby.

While convenience is nice, quality should always come first.

If the Artist Isn’t Excited About Your Tattoo, Move On

Your tattoo artist should be just as invested in your design as you are. If you share your idea and they seem uninterested, dismissive, or reluctant to take on the project, that’s a sign to look elsewhere.

• A good artist will show enthusiasm and offer creative input.
• If they seem bored or unwilling to collaborate, the final result may not be their best work.
• Your tattoo should be a collaborative process—find an artist who respects your vision.

If an artist doesn’t seem excited about your idea, don’t take it personally—it just means they may not be the right fit for your project. Move on and find someone who genuinely wants to bring your tattoo to life.

Always Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, listen to your gut. Whether it’s about an artist’s attitude, skill level, or professionalism, your instincts are often right.

• If the shop feels unclean, unprofessional, or disorganized, walk away.
• If the artist dismisses your questions or rushes through the consultation, find someone else.
• If you’re feeling unsure, take more time to research before committing.

A tattoo is a permanent investment in your body. If you have doubts, don’t ignore them.

Take Your Time

Choosing the right tattoo artist is not something you should rush. You are preparing to get a tattoo which is is an important decision. Taking the extra time to research, compare artists, and schedule consultations can mean the difference between a tattoo you love and one you regret.

• Be thorough and patient—don’t book an appointment just because you’re eager to get tattooed.
• If you need time to save up for the right artist, wait—it’s worth it in the long run.
• Remember, the best tattoos come from careful planning and the right artist, not impulse decisions.

A little patience now ensures that you end up with a tattoo you’ll love for life.

How to Spot a Bad Tattoo Artist

Not all tattoo artists produce quality work, and some may lack professionalism or proper technique. Knowing the warning signs can help you avoid a bad experience.

Signs of a Bad Tattoo Artist:

• Inconsistent portfolio – If some tattoos look clean while others are shaky or uneven, their skill level may be unreliable.
• Poor linework – Uneven, wobbly, or blown-out lines (where the ink spreads under the skin) are signs of inexperience.
• Patchy shading – Good shading should be smooth and blended, not blotchy or rough.
• No healed tattoos shown – Fresh tattoos always look sharp, but an artist who avoids posting healed work may be hiding poor long-term results.
• Dirty or unprofessional shop – If the studio looks unsanitary, it’s a major red flag.
• Bad attitude – A good artist should be respectful, patient, and willing to answer your questions. If they’re rude, dismissive, or rush through the consultation, find someone else.

If you notice any of these red flags, trust your instincts and look for a different artist.

Choose One of Our Amazing Artists at Eternal Devotion

If you’re searching for the right artist to trust tattoo, look no further than Eternal Devotion Tattoos in Orlando. Our studio is home to a diverse team of award-winning artists, each specializing in a variety of styles—from bold traditional to intricate custom work. We believe that getting a tattoo should be a collaborative, empowering experience, especially for first-timers. Whether you’ve done your research or are still figuring things out, we’ll meet you where you’re at and guide you every step of the way. When you’re ready, we’ll be here to turn your vision into art you’ll wear proudly for life.