1. Decide on your style first
Before you look for an artist, get clear on the style you want — fine line, traditional, realism, blackwork, watercolor, lettering and so on. Most great artists specialize. An incredible realism artist may not be the right choice for a delicate fine-line piece. Browse tattoo ideas and save the ones that match the look you're after.
2. Search local shops and artists
Once you know your style, find shops near you and look at who works there. You can browse tattoo shops by city on FindTatts and explore each studio's artists. Make a shortlist of three to five artists whose work consistently matches your taste.
3. Study their portfolio carefully
A portfolio tells you almost everything. Look for clean, confident line work, even shading, and — most importantly — healed photos, not just fresh ones. Fresh tattoos always look sharp; healed work shows how it ages. If you're unsure what to look for, read our guide on how to read a tattoo portfolio.
4. Check reviews and hygiene
Read recent reviews and look for mentions of cleanliness, professionalism and how the shop handled any issues. A licensed studio with a clean setup, single-use needles and clear aftercare guidance is non-negotiable.
5. Reach out and book a consultation
Message your shortlist with a short brief: your idea, placement, rough size, and a few reference images. Pay attention to how they communicate. A good artist asks questions, sets honest expectations, and is transparent about pricing and deposits.
Red flags to avoid
- No healed photos or a portfolio full of only fresh tattoos
- Pressure to book immediately or pay in full upfront with no deposit policy
- Willingness to copy another artist's work exactly
- Vague answers about hygiene, licensing or aftercare
- Prices that seem too good to be true
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a tattoo artist near me?
Start by searching local tattoo shops and browsing their artists' portfolios online. Filter by the style you want — fine line, traditional, realism, blackwork — then shortlist artists whose healed work matches what you're after. On FindTatts you can browse shops by city and explore tattoo ideas by style to find artists who specialize in your look.
How do I know if a tattoo artist is good?
Look for clean, consistent line work, solid color saturation, and crisp healed photos (not just fresh tattoos). A good artist has a focused portfolio in a few styles rather than a little of everything, clear hygiene practices, and honest communication about what will and won't work on your body.
How much should I budget for a tattoo?
Most reputable artists charge either a flat rate for small pieces or an hourly rate (commonly $120–$250/hour in the US). Many have a shop minimum. Never choose an artist on price alone — a cheap tattoo you regret costs far more to fix or remove.
What should I ask before booking?
Ask about their experience with your chosen style, deposit and cancellation policy, aftercare instructions, hourly or flat pricing, and whether they're comfortable with your placement and size. A professional will happily answer all of these.
Ready to start?
Browse tattoo shops near you or get inspired with tattoo ideas on FindTatts.