How to choose your tattoo artist: the criteria that matter

A tattoo is more than a drawing on your skin. It is an experience, a lasting mark, a personal commitment. For it to stay a good memory, it is essential to choose the right person to do it.

At Ray studios, we do not tattoo, we remove tattoos that are no longer wanted. And in many cases, it could have been avoided by choosing better from the start. Here are the key criteria for choosing your tattoo artist, and for avoiding the removal step later on.

Style: no tattoo artist does everything

A good tattoo artist does not do "everything well". They have a style they favour: fine line, old school, realism, blackwork, graphic, ornamental and so on.

Ask yourself:

• Does their style really match what I am looking for?
• Have I seen several consistent pieces in their portfolio?
• Do they turn down projects outside their style (often a good sign)?

At Ray studios, we often see removals linked to artists who took on a style they had not really mastered, to please someone or to fill their diary.

Hygiene and setting: an absolute must

A good studio is beyond reproach on hygiene. That point is not negotiable.

Check for:

• Gloves, masks, single-use needles, a clean environment,
• Furniture disinfected between each customer,
• Identifiable professional equipment,
• A calm and respectful space, not an improvised back room.

If you have any doubt: walk away.

We sometimes see removal cases on areas that are infected or badly healed, simply because the working conditions did not meet standards.

Listening and dialogue: a real human exchange

A tattoo is built by two people. You should be able to:

• Explain what you want (or what you definitely do not want),
• Be advised honestly (choice of design, size, area, how it will age),
• Feel that your tattoo artist listens without imposing.

Steer clear of artists who:

• Ask no questions,
• Hand you a project without discussing it,
• Push you to book on impulse.

Many tattoo regrets come from a lack of conversation beforehand. At Ray studios, we meet people who tell us:

"I did not dare say no",
"I let myself be talked into it, and I regret it."

Portfolio and reviews: look beyond a nice feed

An Instagram feed can look very flattering, but it is not enough.

Look for:

• Photos without filters, in real conditions, after healing,
• Projects that are varied within a single style, not just trending "flash" pieces,
• The customer reviews: do they mention technique? comfort? the human relationship?

A reliable portfolio shows pieces that are done and healed. What looks "nice in a photo on the day" can become blurred or uneven after a few weeks.

Time: avoid rushing

A serious tattoo artist:

• Offers you a consultation beforehand (even a short one),
• Does not push you to "come in tomorrow" if you are hesitating,
• Takes the time to draw, adjust and listen to you.

If you feel pressure or haste, take a step back.

At Ray studios, we welcome many people who were tattooed in a hurry, often after a flash appointment booked on impulse, or a session with no real preparation.

Key points

Choosing your tattoo artist is a major decision, not a box to tick quickly. Take your time. Ask questions. Listen to your instincts. Because what you are about to have inked will stay on your skin for a long time.

And if that choice no longer suits you, Ray studios is here to support you without judgement. Whether it is tattoo removal, lightening or preparation for a cover-up, we believe it is always possible to take back control of your body and your story.