How to Choose the Right Tattoo Artist for Your Vision
Getting a tattoo is a personal and permanent decision that deserves careful consideration and research. Whether it’s your first piece or an addition to a growing collection, the artist you choose plays a huge role in your tattoo's quality, longevity, and meaning. With the rise of social media and digital tools, finding a tattoo artist has become easier and trickier. Here’s how to ensure you’re picking the right artist.
1. Know Your Style
Tattoos are an art form, just like any art; different artists specialise in different styles. Before reaching out to anyone, take some time to figure out what style you’re drawn to. Some common tattoo styles include:
Traditional (Old School): Bold lines, limited colour palette, classic imagery.
Neo-Traditional: Similar boldness but with more dimension and detail.
Blackwork: Bold, all-black designs often with heavy contrast.
Fine Line: Delicate, minimal linework that requires precision.
Realism: Highly detailed and lifelike — portraits, animals, and more.
Illustrative: A mix of sketchy lines, storybook or fantasy elements.
Japanese, Tribal, Watercolour, Surrealism… the list goes on.
Once you know what style you’re after, look for artists who specialise in it — don’t assume every artist can do every type of work. A great fine line artist might not be the best fit for bold traditional, and vice versa.
2. Study Their Portfolio
An artist’s portfolio is your best insight into what they do. Don’t just scroll through their Instagram once — take your time to really look:
Are their lines clean?
Is the shading smooth and consistent?
Do they have a firm grasp of anatomy and proportion?
Do their healed tattoos look as good as the fresh ones?
And be cautious: the tattoo world is flooded with heavily edited and photoshopped images. Some tattoos posted online are filtered to the point of being unrecognisable from the real thing — overly saturated colours, fake glows, perfect skin, or designs that are impossible to execute on real human bodies. If the work looks too clean or “digital,” ask yourself if it’s even real. If you’re unsure, look for healed photos or videos that show tattoos in motion or under natural light.
3. Talk to the Artist
Once you’ve found someone whose style you love, talk to them. Ask questions. A good tattoo artist will appreciate that you’re taking the process seriously.
Here are a few things you might ask:
Do you take on this kind of project/style?
What’s your booking process like?
How long have you been tattooing?
Can I see healed photos of your work?
What should I expect on the day of the tattoo?
You should feel comfortable with their answers. If an artist is dismissive, vague, or unwilling to engage, that’s a red flag. Communication is a big part of the tattoo experience; you want to feel like your ideas are respected and your concerns are heard.
4. Remember: It’s on Your Body Forever
It sounds obvious, but it’s worth repeating: tattoos are permanent. Trends will come and go, but your ink stays with you. Take your time. Do your research. Choosing the cheapest or most convenient option can lead to regret, and laser removal is no fun.
Find someone whose work makes you excited. Someone whose art you’d proudly wear forever. Trust your gut. If something feels off — whether it’s the vibe, the hygiene, or the attitude — walk away. There are thousands of talented, ethical tattoo artists out there, and the right one will respect your vision and your body.
Final Thoughts
Tattoos are more than decoration — they’re personal, powerful, and permanent. Choosing the right tattoo artist isn’t about finding the most popular or cheapest person on Instagram. It’s about finding someone whose style matches your vision, who communicates clearly, and whose work stands the test of time, both on skin and in quality.
Take your time. Ask questions. And don’t settle. The right artist will want to earn your trust — and create something you’ll love forever.
If you want to start your tattoo conversation today, contact our Hectic tattoo artist, Lindsay Becker. For more information and how to contact him directly, you can find more on our website here
