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How To Find Tattoo Shops Near Me?

(Updated 2024)

Made by Alex Aureo @aureoroma

A tattoo has a degree of permanence. If there are second chances, they come very few and far between.

Getting it done perfectly is just as important as an impeccable tattoo design. 

Finding a tattoo shop near me is one question; another question is whether this tattoo shop best suits what I’m looking for in a tattoo. 

Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide in how you can find tattoo shops that are convenient enough to get to, but also how to do good research to double check whether this tattoo shop is best for you.

Step ONE: Ask Around

Finding an amazing artist or an amazing tattoo shop near you could potentially be easy or extremely difficult depending on where you live. But, a good first step is always to simply ask peers (or even a cool neighbor) where they get their tattoos done.

Word-of-mouth has always been, and still is, one of the most honest and genuine forms of advertising. The experiences they will share is most likely going to be bad ones, but at least you will be aware of which tattoo shops to avoid.

Nonetheless, once they are done with their rants, they will proceed to talk about artists that truly satisfied them and gave them a great experience. Once you start hearing something that rings your ears in a good way, make sure to take note.

Gather a list of a few tattoo shops that are near and convenient enough for you to reach. Now, it’s time to do some more research. 

Step TWO: Do a Simple Google Search

Perhaps not many people around you have tattoos, then a quick Google search will be a great alternative or a substitute for Step 1. Great tattoo shops have a significant amount of online presence be it in tattoo websites, online publications, or even Instagram.

Entering “tattoo shops near me” will pull many relevant articles that can lead you to the right direction.

At this point, you may have erased or modified items from your list. But, nonetheless, browsing online can provide a clearer vision of what to expect and what you’re looking for in a tattoo shop (which will prove very useful once you embark on Step 4).

Step THREE: Check Out Instagram & TIK TOK

Two things can happen while doing research on Instagram. First, you may find more tattoo shops near you. Second, you will also be able to check out what these tattoo shops can do for you.

Many Instagram accounts, especially business accounts, now display their addresses in their bios. Also, when doing a search, an option “place” appears as an option. 

Selecting this will show a little map that reveals exactly where it is, and you can scroll down to browse some of their works. Not only will you be able to identify the shop’s proximity to where you live, but you can also browse their virtual portfolios.

Which brings me to my second point… Instagram will help you identify whether the tattoo shop (or the artists that work there) will be able to deliver the product you envision.

This is a great way for you to check out some of the tattoo shops that you have included in your list. When canvassing different artists’ abilities, you should already have a tattoo design in mind. 

The quickest way to see whether the artist can deliver the goods is to identify artists’ specialty. 

If they specialise in the kind of tattoo you are looking to get, then you have hit the jackpot - my friend!

Step FOUR: Open Google Maps and Hit the Road

The second last step would be to finally meet the artist in person. Now, why is this important? 

Knowing that the artist is capable of creating a great piece of tattoo is only a small part of the entire process. A great deal of communication and collaboration will have a significant impact on the final outcome of your tattoo.

Meeting the different artists in person will give you an impression of who they are as individuals, but more importantly how well and accommodating they can be towards their clients.

What does this mean exactly? By meeting the different artists in person, you will be able to identify who clicks with you the most. This is especially important because being able to communicate comfortably with your tattoo artist means you can express exactly what you want to him/her without any reservations. 

Also, you can determine whether you will be at ease while they work on your body. 

Step FIVE: Make a Decision

Now… Here comes the best part. You can finally make an informed decision! Go with the artist who you know can deliver the goods! Most especially, pick an artist who you will be a hundred percent willing to return to when you start wanting more tats!

FAQ About Finding a Tattoo Shop Near You

What if I am not satisfied with the tattoo shops near me?

Many people decide to go the extra mile to visit an artist outside of where they live. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. 

What’s most important is that you will get a product in which you are a thousand percent happy with. Don’t settle when getting a tattoo.
What if the tattoo artist near me is not so confident with the style of tattoo I want?

It’s always a good idea to look through their portfolios. Pay attention to the different aspects of tattoos that they had already done. Look at the shading, their ability to create perspective, and their line work.
If their ability in those areas look solid (and those are some factors that will make your tattoo stand out), then convince them that they will be able to deliver with your tattoo design. It’ll be a fun experience for both you and your tattoo artist.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide will be the only thing you need to read to find a great tattoo shop near you! Asking around is always the best place to start. When you hear something you like, then dive in and do some research online.

Great tattoo shops and artists all have a strong online presence. Browse through their work, and go meet them to have a chat.

If it feels right, then you have found the one! Happy hunting! If you enjoyed reading this article, we’ve got more in store for you. Stay Tuned.

Written & Curated by: Aureo Roma

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