Like Pevans312, I also am ready for my 1st tattoo but don't know where to go. I have been to a couple local shops and looked at portfolios but I am not seeing the "style" of artwork I want. I quess I have a misconception of what a tat artist is capable of after watching Miami Ink's masterpieces performed right there at their drawing station. I described in great detail to several artists what I was wanting and even showed them the style pointing to flash on their walls but their rough drawings didn't come close. Does a good artist have to copy something off a pic to make a tattoo look good? I have since printed pics of exactly what I am wanting to have done. I want my tattoo in what I would describe as color pencil drawing with no heavy lines. Am I using wrong terminology in talking with the artist? What I am wanting is something close to what Kat does but with color. Very delicate, thin lines. What questions should I ask? Someone once told me to ask if the artist could tattoo a potato with a single needle (?) without piercing the skin. This was to be a test of a good artist. Is this true? Do I have to bring a potato with me to find my artist? Does anyone know of an artist in the Houston, Texas area that I can talk with about getting the style I am looking for?
wow;i have a lot of ink and never heard of a potatoe as a test; anyway; have you tried inknation.com it has many many good artist and their work on there.you may find a great local artist on there or close by.not sure about your design but you seem to know what you want and should go for the best. you'll pay more but get what you want.good luck..
Other than sanitation of facility and seeing portfolio, what are questions a 1st timer should have answers to? What is the difference in the needles used? Are there different types of ink and if so, what should I be looking for or staying away from? Is there a source on these types of questions? I took your advise and visited the website but don't find answers to these types of questions. I have been researching for some time now. The piece will be very personal for me and my son. I want it now while he can look at it and know it was for him.So many people get their tats after someone close past on in memory of them. I want it before the fact. How does one know if an artist is good and trustworthy?
barnes and nobles has some really good books out now on tattooing and all kinds of answers and scenarios-try them- in cultural section if i remember correctly
ABOUT.COM has a nice tattoo/piercing area. Check that out. Pretty good info there.
Best advice... next time you see someone with a tattoo you think is cool, ASK THEM! Most folks like to show off their tatts. The ones they got that they like, they will most definitely let you know!
