Quick! Where Do I Find the Best California Tattoo Artists?
Look, it's not like they're a secret organization that comes out only at night to draw blood, freak people out, then withdraw to the underworld before daybreak (although there are some tattoo artists like that!). Most tattoo artists are great people, highly accommodating and geniuses in their field. If you look in the right places you'll surely meet someone cool and talented enough to give you the tattoo you've always wanted.
But where do you look? Is it enough to just head downtown and knock on shop doors, poke your head in and say "HI!". In some cases, that's all you need to do. But here are a few other ideas for you to locate the tattoo artist just for you.
Websites and Online Forums. Yep, the same internet connection that helps you check email and look at dirty pictures (hey, denial is a river in Egypt) is the same connection that can take you tattoo artists who are cool enough to have their own websites. Check out their bio's, tattoo art, and work ethic, and make sure you copy the right address if you decide to go with any of them. The same can be said if searching on online tattoo forums. Leave polite messages that ask for recommendations and directions to the shop of tattoo artists. Or at the very least, links to his or her online bio and other pertinent information.
The Yellow Pages. Yes web geeks (for those of you who are), the Yellow pages still exist and are invaluable resources. Contained in their hallowed pages are probably all the names and numbers of the greatest tattoo artists in your area. So that's a good place to start. Check out the numbers and addresses and go from there to making your...
Real World Queries. Shut down your computer, take your nose out of the phone directory, and head into town to actually ask around for tattoo artists. Follow the signs and check out the body art shops. After all, you can't commit to an artist unless you've actually seen his work and the his tattoo process, right? So go on, get out there and do some snooping around. It'll be worth it.
The thing to remember is that once you've found a tattoo artist whose tattoo designs you really admire, you must ask him questions to really make sure he knows what he's doing. His art may be impeccable but if he's not up to standard with health and safety regulations, you might want to rethink your options. Don't ever go with a tattoo artist who doesn't use fresh needles each and every time or with artists who casually brush off your questions and are vague in their replies. You need people who are responsible and recognize the need to be clear and forthright in their practices.
It's not just about the art. Make sure your homework is as extensive as possible. That way you can get the tattoo of your dreams and not get infected with a terrible disease in the process.
Tattoo Websites and Tattoo Artists by California County |