Despite what you might think, tattoo artists don’t always work in every art style. Often times when you see a striking portfolio, it is usually in one style. That is because that artist has spent years developing their specific style and area of expertise. For example, an artist specializing in realism is not as likely to agree to an American traditional tattoo. That’s not to say that this is always the case, as some artists do work in multiple styles. So while deciding what you want is the first part of the battle, finding an artist who can deliver exactly what you’re looking for may require some research.

How To Find An Artist’s Portfolio?

Most artists will have a digital version of their portfolio, either on social media or their shop’s website. When viewing portfolios, it is important to keep time frames in mind. For example, an artist may have worked in one style years ago only to work in a completely different style now. With digital portfolios, unfortunately, it is also very common for artists to post photos that have been altered. Artists will sometimes edit images in ways that increase contrasts to make them look sharper or amplify saturation to make colors look brighter and bolder. Altered images often create false expectations for potential clients – it can sometimes be hard to tell what’s real or what’s been edited. Another key point to look for in a portfolio are tattoos that have healed. That way you have a good idea of what to expect in the long run.

Managing Expectations

Every artist has a different artistic process. The speed, creativity, experience, availability, pricing, portfolio – even tools that they use are all different from one artist to another. For example, say that you wanted to book appointments for a tattoo sleeve. One artist may quote less time or more time than another. Artists that charge more or are booked farther typically have more experience, clientele base or have a larger reputation. It is important to communicate with the artist or shop and trust the process that they abide by.

Conclusion

Doing your research is incredibly valuable, as many will say – “You get what you pay for”.