How to Spot a Quality Tattoo Shop: Essential Tips for Clients
With hundreds of different tattoo studios coming up around us, it can be tough to choose the right one. We have compiled a list of things that you should look for when choosing a high quality tattoo shop. If you've never gotten a tattoo before or are new to Austin, TX, come check us out at Vice and Virtue Tattoo Studio. Browse through the portfolios of our talented artists and learn more about us from our website.
Here are the most important things to consider when you're looking for the right tattoo studio for you.
1. Hygiene and Sterilization
The first and most important part of the selection process is how clean the entire place is. Since tattoo involves needles inking subcutaneous layers of your skin, this is the most important factor in choosing a studio. The studio should be clean and airy with enough space to move around between tattoo stations.
Disposable needles and tubes should be mandatory and equipment that is reused like the tattoo machines should undergo proper autoclave sterilization. There should be an easily accessible hand wash area which all artists frequently use and also change of gloves whenever necessary.
2. Certification and Licenses
A critical part of tattooing that not many people talk about is certification and licensing. Every state has its own tattooing license, and the studio you're choosing should have it, preferably somewhere visible in the studio and on their website. In addition, they should also have health and safety certifications from their respective bodies on display too.
Any tattoo studio is only as good as their artists. Ensure that you check the certifications of the artist working on you and if they're from a recognized institution in the country. They should have bloodborne pathogens training to ensure that you have a safe tattoo session without risk of any infection. Finally, check their insurance coverage for customers.
3. Reviewing Their Portfolio
A great way to understand if a tattoo studio is for you is to browse through their portfolio. If you have a particular style of tattoo in mind, check if there are good examples of that in their portfolio. Some things to look for when reviewing a portfolio is the quality of their line and shading work. A portfolio should also have examples of healed tattoos of their clients as well.
Another thing to note in a portfolio is tattoo coverups. This is vital because tattoo cover ups are difficult and most often require creative solutions to execute well. Also ask them about custom tattoo designs that they've handled and check the execution as well.
4. Browsing Through Client Testimonials
Unlike online reviews, client testimonials offer a more personal view into the way the studio handles customers. It goes without saying that you should be looking at customer reviews that highlight their satisfaction with the studio.
There are important areas you should look into when reading through testimonials like cleanliness, professionalism, interaction, and communication. Another sign of a successful studio is if they have repeat customers which means that they are trustworthy and reliable.
5. Starting the Consultation Process
When you start on a consultation with the studio, you're looking for a straight line of communication with the artist who's handling your tattoo. If they're trying to get in on the discussion with the artist and you, it means that they aren't confident of their artist and this can be a bad sign.
The artist should have ideas of their own they can bring to the table. They should also be open and communicative during discussions related to the design and also be willing to accept changes. Professional tattoo artists take time to get to know the client and give them a detailed explanation of the process as well.
6. Judging the 'Feel' of the Studio
A tattoo studio should be a comfortable and welcoming space for the customer with a good vibe from the staff. It should be hygienic, organized, and spacious so people can move freely. The staff should be courteous and professional, willing to listen to your ideas for the tattoo and suggest constructive changes.
The feel of the studio is something that your instincts will help you understand. You should have a positive feeling in your gut when you visit the place. The client should feel respected and understood regarding their tattoo needs.
7. Evaluating Their Pricing
Last but not the least, pricing is an important factor when deciding on the right tattoo studio. What you're looking for is a price structure that is transparent and fits your budget. Compare their prices with other reputable shops in the vicinity.
If they're priced on the higher side, evaluate if the extra is worth paying for their experience and skill levels. Be wary of tattoo studios with bargain dollar prices as they may not have the best standards when it comes to hygiene or execution.
Vice and Virtue Tattoo Studio in Austin, TX is a professional studio helmed by experienced artists. We invite you to check out our studio and portfolio so you can get a better idea of what we can do for you. Get some Vice and Virtue ink on your skin that will turn heads!