Although it's not necessarily a permanent commitment anymore, making the decision to get a tattoo is still a big one when it comes to the world of body art. But equally as big is making the decision on who's going to do the deed.
But how do you know if you're choosing the right tattoo artist? Is it a matter of trial and error, or is it something you can suss out ahead of time? We asked tattoo artist Jonathan Shaw – who has been trusted to mark Iggy Pop, Marilyn Manson and Johnny Depp, just to name a few – for his top tips on how to find the right man or woman for your ink job.
How do you find the right tattoo artist if you've never had a tattoo?
Do your homework, like anything else. There's so many resources out there – books, internet, word of mouth, etc... Word of mouth may be best, but I guess it depends on whose word you're gonna listen to. You eyes may be your best guide in the long run. If you see someone with a tattoo you like and think is well rendered, ask 'em where they got it.
What about for someone who's had one, but had a bad experience?
Maybe they didn't do their homework. There's a lot of impulsive behavior going through people's minds, especially when they suddenly get a 'whim' to just run out and get a tattoo. This sort of impulsive action can lead to disappointment. Get proactive and make an informed decision about what you wanna wear for the rest of your life on earth. Take your time and think carefully before running out and jumping into the first tattoo chair you stumble across on a drunken whim, and you will considerably reduce your chances of having a ''bad experience."
What matters more: the tattoo artist, or the parlor they work from?
That's a kind of a trick question, in that a good tattooist usually doesn't work in a shit hole tattoo shop, and shitty tattoo artists don't usually find work in reputable places. But there's always a lot of factors at play. A good artist is a good artist, even if he's working in the back of a motorcycle shop. By the same measure, a scratcher's still a scratcher even if you find him scratching away in the king's palace. Most decent tattooists have photo albums of their work which they will proudly show you, if their work is any good. Just make sure you see their book.
Check out Jonathan Shaw's blog at scabvendor.com/blog.
