The best way to understand what makes a bad tattoo parlor is to understand what makes a great one.
If there is anyone’s opinion you might trust, it’s his.
Remember, the tattoo needle penetrates the skin, soeverythingmust be sanitized.
To become a professional tattooer, a person needs to apprentice with an established artist for several years.
“There’s a lot of stuff it’s possible for you to’t learn online.
Kind of the only way to know that stuff is to have been around.
And don’t be afraid to straight up ask an artist you’re thinking of working with, either!
“You probably shouldn’t get tattooed, just walking into a shop,” Mahoney advises.
“You should ask around a little bit first.
But don’t just read reviews, either.
Look for reviews that also show images of work that the particular artist has done.
Every artist has a different style, so check that you have the answer to that question.
“Photographs can lie,” he says, “Make stuff look better than it is.
Popularity on Instagram doesn’t really mean a person is a great tattooer.
Word of mouth is always the best way.”
If there’s a shop that you’ve heard people buzzing about, go check it out for yourself!
Additionally, if you spot someone with tattoos you like, ask them where they went!
Most professional shops will have sketches or other artwork by their tattooers displayed on the walls.
If you don’t like what you see, that place might not be the right one for you.
You should also always take the time to sit down and thumb through each artist’s book.
“We work in fine line all the time and we can do that stuff.”
If they have, take a look.
Great tattoos come with hefty price tags.
You pay for what you get.
Some shops go by hourly rates, or will estimate a price based on the complexity of your design.
Bad vibes
Never get a tattoo from someone you don’t like.
“It’s more than just the tattoo,” Mahoney shares.
“It’s the experience.
You want to be treated well.
You want to have a memorable experience.”
Getting a tattoo should be a special, unique moment for you.
If you don’t like the attitude or atmosphere of a certain parlor, turn around.
A tattoo isn’t something you want to rush into, or regret later.
