Thinking about getting a tattoo? Before you go and get inked, know what
to look for in a tattoo shop by taking a look at important tips from
the pros.

Check the Tattoo Shop Appearance

If I was going into a shop, the first thing I would do is appearance –
the very, very first. When you’re looking for a shop, you want to
definitely go in and make sure it’s a nice clean studio and that
they’re certified with the local board of health, which do inspections
to make sure everything is up to par. If it smells bad, or looks bad, I
would definitely turn around and leave.

That means no food, no drink, no cosmetics, no animals, anything. No
smoking. And make sure that’s always kept clean – you want to bag your
machines, keep your area clean. After one customer is done, you dispose
of everything that’s disposable – you get rid of it, you throw it in
the trash. And then you clean your room with betacide and let that
soak, and you just want to make sure it’s safe and well-lit for the
next person.

Ask About Tattooing Equipment

Everyone has their own
particular equipment they think about – needles and tubes, the
machines, power supplies, and supplies – all of our razors are
throwaway razors. The ink-caps are throw away, the aprons and baggies
are all one single use. The inks are different – a lot of them are
organic inks that are safe that they use. They always put it into a
cup and it’s thrown away when they’re done.

Find Tattoo Shops Through Referrals

Referrals are really
important to me because that’s how you build up your clientele base. If
you’re not very good, and you’re not good people, people aren’t going
to refer you. And sooner or later, if you’re not any good – if you’re
bad with people – they’ll know that.

Note the Tattoo Artist’s Demeanor

You should look for people
being courteous, kind, and help you with any kind of questions you
might have concerning your tattoo. I would think that they’d be very
knowledgeable if you have questions about your after care and that type
of thing. And they should be willing to work with you and draw, and be
able to help you out with whatever you want.

Don’t Assume Anything

When you’re looking for a shop, it’s
really important not to assume anything until you go in. Check for it
being clean, and well lit, and they have really nice artwork, and seem
compassionate about what they do, then I would say that would be the
way to go.

source: About.com