How To Choose A Tattoo Artist

According to Matt Lodder, a tattoo researcher at the University of Essex

O1 SEARCH THEM ON SOCIAL

Instagram is a better indicator than even Yelp, says Lodder. It allows you to more richly inspect and explore the artwork, as well as how the artist or shop interacts with customers.

O2 CHECK FOR AN AUTOCLAVE

This device sterilises equipment. Ask to see one. If they say, ‘It’s in a back room,’ who knows how sanitary the rest of the place is.

O3 PRIORITISE ORGANISATION

Clean, of course, is good, but how tidy are the inks and equipment? Does each artist have a designated station? Is the place cluttered or does it seem inefficient? The space where the artists work offers insight regarding the experience.

O4 TRUST IN GOOD VIBES

The space should feel welcoming, comfortable and trustworthy to you (even if what that means is different from one person to the next).