Finding the best tattoo artists in Fayetteville NC can be tricky if you do not know where to start. There are various things to look for when picking the best artist. Tattoos are for a lifetime, so choosing an artist is a decision that you should not take lightly. Take enough time and pick an artist that you will be comfortable with. Before getting started to make sure you have confidence in their abilities. The first thing you can do is start your search from an online resource. There are sites that help you to search for your local area or an area of your choice and provide results for tattoo artists and parlors. After shortlisting some of the tattoo parlors, then you need to consider the following factors to help you find the artist of your choice.
Online Reviews and Word of Mouth
The first step you should take is to ask around. Speak to your family members or friends who got inked. Also, ask them to ask their family and friends too. A perfect place to start is getting direct advice from people. If they had a good experience with a specific artist, then you must contact that artist for more information. Even if a particular artist does not excite you, it is still worth asking as you can get information about bad experiences and artists to avoid.
When searching online for artists you can get good insights into their previous experiences that are displayed on the site. Follow the artists on social media you are interested in and read the reviews as well as comments. Message the clients who have already been inked by the artist and know their opinion. When it comes to online reviews, be aware of the information you are reading. There are sites that do not provide the exact information as they are posted anonymously.
Work Images and Portfolio
You should check some previous work of the artist or follow them on social media. Many artists have social media accounts where they post their latest work. There are some key things to look for when choosing the best tattoo artists in Fayetteville, NC. Look for solid and strong lines that are smooth and make sure they have been made in a single stroke. Look at the shading and color of their work. Check for consistent and smooth colorwork. An artist with better skills and enough experience can able to demonstrate proper color gradients. If he/she is unable to blend colors well, they do not have the right skill levels. Finally, how do you feel when looking at the artist’s work? Does it excite you when looking at their previous tattoos? Would you be happy to get inked from their portfolio? If you feel excited and inspired by their work, you will be feeling more comfortable having them tattoo you. If you are confident in their ability, you will have a better experience with them.
Hygiene
An important thing to consider is the hygiene standard of the artist and the studio they work in. Poor hygiene will lead to hepatitis A, blood poisoning and infections. While working, the artist must wear sterilized gloves. The studio must be clean and the surfaces should be wiped regularly after completion of each client. Any plastic on beds or chairs must be changed after each client. The artist’s seat, ink box, and bench should be organized and clean with plenty of new ink, paper towels, and ink pots. All pots, inks, and needles should be new for every client with the needles coming from a sterilized package. The new needle should be opened in front of you for confirming it is sterile. If you are concerned about the artist’s hygiene or the studio, please leave. Do not feel obliged to stay as you have booked an appointment. It is the responsibility of the studio to maintain optimal hygiene at all times. If your prospective artist has hygiene certificates, it indicates that the artist works hard to maintain certain standards.
Studio
The final thing you have to consider is the studio location that your chosen artist works. Check that the studio you will be choosing must be at a reasonable distance from your house.