Critink
There are hundreds of thousands of tattoo pictures online. Maybe millions. But with this rise in popularity, it's getting even harder than ever to tell the difference between a quality piece of art and a piece that will fade into a black smudge. Learn to tell the difference now so you don't have to learn the lesson the hard way.
Displaying results for "choosing an artist"
So I’ve been looking for a artist for an upcoming piece and I’ve feel in love with Kelly Doty’s work (whom you’ve featured on this blog before). I’m wanting a bouquet almost and while she has a portfolio chock full of amazing work, she also has some really bad flowers on there. What’s you advice for a situation like that? How can I trust the tattoo I would get is a good one? (the attached pic is an example of a bad one she did)
Honestly, she’s only been tattooing for like 2 years post-apprenticeship and this picture looks like it’s WAY lower quality than other photos she’s taken. It’s probably from a few years ago but I know for a fact she wouldn’t be at Ink & Dagger if she wasn’t top-notch.
Circumstances like this, think about all the variables.
- What is this artist’s reputation over all? What is the shop’s reputation?
- Does this look like an old photo or something they did last week?
- Why are they putting this in their portfolio?
- Is it the photo quality or the tattoo that sucks?
- Is this quality I could live with?
Kelly Dotty is a strong artist, but with others who have some bad portfolio pieces I would think hard about the decision.
There are a fuckton of creeps out there. My roommate has an orchid on her hip (relatively well done), but the guy kept trying to have her put it on her crotch and wouldn’t listen to her when she wanted to go bigger. (This was before I knew her.)
For the most part, if you go to someone who is really good at their craft, they take the process seriously. The lack of bullshit is probably another benefit of going to a brilliant artist.
Basically though, once you’re in that position, everyone will react differently based on their comfort zone. Remember: you are paying him. If you don’t like what he’s doing, here are some options:
- Tell the shop owner you want someone else to finish it and why.
- If the whole shop is sketchy, get out of their asap and go to someone who knows what they’re doing.
- For people who aren’t as assertive, bring a friend. Take a break and go outside with them. Can they help you walk out?
- If you don’t want the confrontation, you can always say the pain is too much and you want to stop now. Pay, leave, and find someone else.
- Write an online review of the particular artist. Keep other women from falling into the same trap.
Whether it’s poor quality work or sexual harassment, it’s your body and you should feel the right to take control back in any situation.
What would other people do? Any suggestions?
omnomnompie92 Asks
So, this question isn't so much about tattoos as it is about... etiquette I guess. I can't draw for beans, which is a problem, since I have this awesome vision of a tattoo for my pop-pop in my head. Is it in bad taste to have an artist draw something up, get a quote, (it'll be pricey I know that) and then not set up an appointment within a few weeks? I just want to see it on paper so bad, but I feel it would be almost rude to go and have it drawn any time soon. Thoughts? :/
If the artist is going to draw something, you have to put a deposit for an appointment down. You wouldn’t ask a mechanic to change your oil to “see if you like it” and even though tattoos are most personal, tattoo artists are workers. Just like you and me. Usually it’s about $50-100 just for the sketch and appointment.
It just seems like your’e broke right now, which is fine. I know the feeling. But you gotta strap on your big girl pants and either save the money or put it on a credit card. Take the extra time to do some great research and you can always book your appointment like a monthish out from when you do your consultation and get the drawing so you can get in before you save that last $100.
I’ve always felt some level of apprehension (even fear) a few days before getting any of my tattoos. I don’t know if it’s normal or not, but it’s how I feel and I’m okay enough with that to be honest. It’s like that point of going up a roller coaster when you know what’s about to happen. There’s nothing you can do to stop it and part of you doesn’t want to stop it, but you’re about to take a huge leap of faith. But that’s what also makes it so thrilling.
Go make yourself a cup of tea or whatever you do to relax. Think about wearing a tattoo for a lifetime. Now think of spending the rest of your life without any tattoos because you were afraid.
Which is scarier?
teteroroma Asks
What's your opinion/suggestion about going to a doctor for a different medical procedure than what they are known for?
Glad to see someone gets it around here.
solisnia Asks
What's your opinion/suggestion about going to a tattoo artist for a different style than what they are known for?
Unless that artist specifically wants to work in that new style (I’ve seen Guen Douglas asking for more traditional commissions) why would you do that?
There are so many artists out there. Get one who specializes in what you want.
Thought I’d share this robot tattoo artist from the recent episode of Futurama.
Remember—your artist is not a xerox machine or robot! They are artists! Instead of having them mechanically put something on your skin, let them make art. It’ll be more original, more creative, and more of what you want.
thetequiladiaries Asks
Where can I find things in a style like Xoil and Aurisch in america? I love that style, but no one I have found in my does this.
I swear it’s just the Europeans. And there’s a ton of them throughout the continent. David Hale comes close which is why his waiting list is like 8 months. Some people see Amanda Wochob as having a similar style although I disagree, and she charged $300/hr.
So yeah.
I probably won’t consider that artist. When everyone starts out they have shitty pieces, except for maybe like Seth Wood who, legend has it, was given a tattoo machine forged from molten rock by Zues himself.
But even so—why are they putting shitty pieces in their portfolio? Do they really think they look good? Their portfolio should be their best work ever. I’m not sold on the idea of this at all.
Also, I’ve seen instances where shit artists were taking other people’s work and putting it in their portfolio to make themselves look good. Not to really freak you guys out or anything, but if some pieces are total scratch and some are really mint, then you might have probable cause to second guess that artist.
simmerdown Asks
Let's say you find an artist to draw up your ideas. What if, in the final sketch, you just don't like it? How could someone go about telling the artist they don't want that tattoo anymore/want to go to a different artist? Is that rude? (Sorry for so many questions today!)
Well you already put down a deposit for the drawing I’m assuming. I have a whole post about getting them to change the sketch, but wanting to go to a different artist? If you researched your artist’s style well enough this probably shouldn’t happen. But, as always, its a decision you have to live with forever—they don’t. If you put down the deposit that should at least pay for their time, but if not i’d offer to pay for the drawing.
maryinjune Asks
Let's say you want to get tattooed by a certain artist but they're from another country that primarily speaks another language such as Germany or France... What would one do about the obvious language barrier if they really wanted a tattoo by that certain artist and no one else?
Whenever I visit family in Poland I’m often surprised at how many people there speak English! Even though I speak Polish, my brother doesn’t and he’s had no trouble navigating around all of Europe. That said, when you contact the artist about getting work done, I’d send an email in English and explain you’re planning on traveling from abroad to be tattooed. Ask if anyone in the shop could help translate if they don’t speak English. Before you travel, also try to pick up on some basic phrases, get a pocket dictionary, and remember how accomidating they’re being! Modesty in such situations will go a long way. I think you’ll be surprised. Monolingualism is the illiteracy of the 21st century, and most non-English speaking countries are years ahead of us…
simmerdown Asks
Just because an artist can draw something perfectly, does that always mean that they can tattoo it the same way?
Sorry this got lost in my inbox!
No. Just because someone can draw perfectly doesn’t mean shit about their ability to tattoo. I’m an awesome illustrator, but I wouldn’t know how to even turn on a damn tattoo needle.
When choosing an artist, look at their portfolio! Look at their line work, their ability to shade, their illustrations, and their over all style. Then you’ll know what to expect when you get tattooed.
Their work should be good enough for you to trust them with your body. In this case, trust that they will do as good of a job on the tattoo as they did with the sketch.
Anonymous Asks
How much would it cost to get sample tattoo designs from multiple shops, so I can see which one I like the best?
Last week I went to every car mechanic in the state and asked them to give me a sample oil change before I decided who would fix my alternator. It’s a big decision for me, so they should do it for cheap or free, right?
NOPE. If you go around and ask everyone this the good artists will close the door in your face, the bad artists will give you something for free. Remember: artists are workers too. If you want good work then respect their craft.
Step 1. Go through everyone’s portfolios in the area and get the best artist.
Step 2. Tell them what you want for a tattoo. If you don’t like it the first time, ask them to change it.
Step 3. Get a tattoo.
