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rachelh1018

After searching and searching, I have found the design I want for my tattoo. Now, I don't know where to start on finding a good tattooist. I know you should look for cleanliness, the artist's portfolio, look for quality and detail of their work, etc. My question is, how do you know they'll do a good job, that the ink won't fade or come out...etc. I have seen a lot of bad tattoos. I want mine to be of top quality. I am not one to just find a shop and let them do mine. Does anyone know a top quality studio in the tennessee area? The surrounding states? I will travel for a good tattoo. I don't want an artist that's good, I want one that's beyond awesome. Any suggestions??

sleewell · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 5:34 pm Post subject:

basically all you really need to do is listen to the voice inside your head. anytime during the process if you feel a red flag or don't feel comfortable find another artist. the artist should be more than willing to talk to you, make you comfortable and make you happy with your design. yes, of course, make sure the shop is clean, but also make sure there are current postings from the health dept. talk to as many people as you can on the internet too. also consider you get what you pay for. 20 years from now you will be more concerned with a crappy tattoo than saving some money. if you really want to work with a pro artist it is going to cost you, but you get what you pay for.

when your talking to them ask them things like, how long they have been doing it, what styles they like best, if this design is something they would be excited to do. to get a good tattoo you definitely need a skilled artist, but you also need that artist to be into your work. that way they will give give you their best effort and you will have a tattoo you will love for the rest of your life.

there are many things i am forgetting but basically listen to the voice inside your head and the vibe you get from the artist.

rowdy · Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 6:03 pm Post subject: ONLY HUMAN

Igot locked up once for hearing voices in my head.my advice read lots of tatt mags first go to the very best you can afford. unfortunately a lot of tattooists act like they are doin you a favour by tattooing you,dont forget we pay them!!,we keep them fed with our money so dont take any bull,let them know what you want make them draw it and most importantly of all if you dont like the design or their manners ,tell them so,dont forget you got what they want.MONEY.

Alvin · Tattoo lover Joined: 17 Mar 2007 Posts: 28

If you don't mind travelling a few hours there is a great studio in Charlotte, NC. Not sure how far up Tennessee you are, but it only took me about 6 hrs drive from Bristol area to Charlotte.

Not sure the name but its on South Blvd. If you go from East Woodlawn Road up South Blvd towards Charlotte City Center, its about 5 minutes drive on the rhs (the only tattoo studio on the road, you cant miss it!)

However the best thing is to find someone in your area with tattoos & ask them where they got it. Chances are if you have a tattoo studio in your area that has been around for a few years, they're pretty good.

Take a picture of your tattoo with you, so the artist can assess the work needed (she/he may not be too good drawing what you want, if that's the case bale & go somewhere else!)

Good luck.