How to choose my tattoo artist?

Before we go under the needles

The appearance of the tattoo in recent years has contributed considerably to the development of the tattoo profession, there are more than 5,000 in France according to the SNAT (French National Syndicate of Artists).

However, it is clear that when it comes to tattoos, talent is not ambiguous, and that behind the word "tattoo artist" there are very heterogeneous levels as well as different styles and universes.

In this article, we will discover some good practices to adopt in order not to make a mistake when choosing your future tattoo artist.

Knowing how to recognize a good tattoo

For some, the feeling is the first of the arguments to choose their tattoo artist. Unless you don't care about aesthetics, it will be hard to encourage you to apply this rule. Even if, of course, having a good feeling with your tattoo artist is important, the most important thing is to appreciate their work.

Here are some tips that will allow you to appreciate – objectively – the quality of the work that your tattoo artist does.

the line of work

It's about drawing lines. When it comes to tattoos, it's very simple: the lines must be regular. This is the basics, but it's still not that simple! Linework is therefore the regularity of the lines that will determine the outline of your tattoo. In fact, this is where your tattoo will begin. So learn to look at the contours of a tattoo, to see if the lines are of regular thickness, if they are straight when they should be. That's the beginning, Padawan!

Also, let us point out something important: we often hear that knowing how to draw a straight line is the foundation. So yes, it could be, but that doesn't mean it's easy. If in doubt, take a pen and try to draw a straight line on a piece of paper. Now imagine that the tattoo artist has to do this, but with a dermographer and on the skin. All this to say that in tattooing, the slightest achievement requires a lot of work (and talent)!

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Let's take two tattoos that have purposely been hailed on Facebook (not in the same proportions, but still). On the left the lines are smooth, the tips sublime, and it almost gives the impression that the tattoo was done in pencil. On the right, it's less obvious. Some lines are fickle, the lines are irregular, the symmetry imperfect. This is not an eyesore, but looking closely you realize that the tattoo is riddled with blemishes. FYI, and it's not a bad thing, it was done by a tattoo artist who is liked by almost 3,000 people on Facebook.

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Shading

A beautiful shading makes beautiful tattoos! They are found in all tattoos and are also not easy to get. In a nutshell, the beautiful shading is characterized in two ways: a gradual evolution of nuances and clearly defined contrasts.

saturation and brightness

In colorimetry, saturation refers to the visual sensation. In tattoo we can translate it as follows: are the colors light? Regular? Dense? It is very simplified, but allows you to quickly grasp the concept. Here are two examples of good and bad practice!

Which study to choose?

Specialties

Most tattoo artists have a specialty. You will also have to define the style of tattoo you want to achieve and contact a tattoo artist specialized in the genre. You can usually love the work of a great old school tattoo artist, but if you want to get a portrait tattoo (realistic tattoo), you don't need to apply.

In TattoosYModa.com , we offer a search engine that allows you to filter based on a style. This will allow you to make a first filter before looking in detail at the work of the tattoo artists that may interest you. You can also browse our Facebook page , it will also help you get their attention!

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The distance to go to find the right tattoo artist

In France we are lucky to have enough talented tattoo artists that you don't have to cross the country to find, in the style that suits you, a tattoo artist capable of performing your tattoo. This does not mean that you have to go to the tattoo artist on the corner of the street with the pretext that he says "specialist in such and such a style" in the window of his studio.

That being said, you may have showcased the work of a particular tattoo artist and they live across the country. In this case, take the time to contact them first to explain your situation. Many tattoo artists are "guests" in France and abroad, that is, they take their bags for a few days and move to another studio. So it is possible that the tattoo artist in question comes to prick you in your area during the year, and that he has space to take care of your skin! Also ask about the convention program. Conventions are gatherings of tattoo artists and are open to the public. There are all year round and throughout France. The best known being Le Mondial du Tattooin Paris and the canthal ink in Chaudes-Aigues. But hey, there are many conventions , and in almost every city in France!

Well, it may sound like a boat, but you will keep your tattoo for the rest of your life and if the above solutions don't work for you, it might be worth investing in train tickets and possibly a hotel night to get stung by the tattoo artist. of your choice. Take it as a weekend getaway and a chance to discover a new region!

Hygiene

This is a Important topic to which we usually dedicate articles. And here are two rules that we recommend you follow: never work with a tattoo artist at home (by home we mean those who come to your house; not to be confused with tattoo artists who work in a private studio), and don't be afraid to enter a study to inspect the premises.

Finally, know that your tattoo artist should wear gloves when stinging you and that the equipment should be sterilized or disposable. If these conditions are not met, do not risk it, go your way. It should be noted, however, that the vast majority of French tattoo artists are impeccable in terms of hygiene, and that the hygiene and sanitation certificate is mandatory for every tattoo artist. TatuajesYModa now provides this precision.

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Traps to avoid

Now you will have to look at as many tattoos as possible to get used to them and quickly recognize a good or bad tattoo. But there are, however, some pitfalls to avoid before committing!

Communities in social networks

Do not trust the Facebook community of the tattoo artist whose work you are viewing. First, because many pages are artificially inflated with advertising, and second, the most followed jobs are not necessarily the best. Keep in mind, for example, that the artwork tattoos we feature at the top of the article are done by tattoo artists with over a thousand Facebook followers (including the ones to be avoided).

union members

Being unionized does not mean having talent. French tattoo unions are doing an extraordinary job, especially compared to our European neighbours, but they don't select their members based on qualitative criteria. So make no mistake: Being unionized doesn't mean being talented.

However, note that the SNAT imposes on its members a letter in which the tattoo artist undertakes to respect current hygiene regulations (although French law requires it) and to produce creative work. . It's not enough to break all three of a duck's legs, but it's better than nothing.

rates

As we told you before, a quality tattoo is relatively expensive. Relatively because more than a month's salary hurts, but for a lifetime it's nothing! Prices they vary according to several criteria: the qualification of the tattoo artist, of course, his geographical location, the prices are not the same in Paris, in the provinces or in the countryside (you will not notice the rents either). The tattoo artist's own estimate of his work also comes into play.

In France, many tattoo artists work by the hour. It generally varies between €60 and €150 depending on the aforementioned criteria. But careful ! Just because a tattoo artist charges €150 an hour for a service doesn't mean it's good!

Any other tattoo related questions?

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