When you are out pounding the pavement and looking for the right tattoo artist for you there are a number of things you need to consider.

The Number One Thing to Look For

The first thing to look at in an artist is their reputation.

The only real way to checkup on your artist reputation is to speak to people that they have done work on. All though this is something that requires a bit of work and effort, compared to just walking into a shop and looking at portfolios, it will be worth every single second you spend on it.

The feeling of confidence you will draw from speaking to previous clients, and knowing that the artist does have both the technical skill and artistic talent to create and apply the tattoo you are after will be no end of comfort once you are in the chair. This is one of those things that can make the difference between you being a bundle of raw nerves in the chair or being cool, calm and collected and actually being able to enjoy your new tattoo experience.

The Number Two Thing to Look For

Second most important is their portfolio.

When you are looking through their portfolio you need to be looking for both the images of the tattoo designs they have drawn and created with previous clients and you will want to see photos of the tattoo's they have applied.

If they show you a portfolio of just one of the above make sure you ask to see the other in order the gauge their skill at both drawing & creating and at real life tattoo application.

Other Important Things to Look For

When you are chatting to the artist and talking to them about their background and experience you also need to make sure the artist hasn't suffered any broken fingers, hands or wrists lately.

You need an artist who's tools, be it their tattoo gun or hands, are in good working order otherwise you tattoo is never going to be spot on.

Are you still looking for your dream tattoo and the artist to apply it?