10 Things to Look for Before Choosing a Tattoo Artist

Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but choosing the right artist is one of the most important decisions you'll make. A great tattoo isn't just about the design—it's about working with someone who understands your vision, prioritizes safety, and has the skills to create artwork you'll be proud to wear for life.

Here are ten things you should consider before booking your next tattoo.

1. Review Their Portfolio Carefully

An artist's portfolio tells you far more than their social media follower count. Look through recent work to see if they're consistent in quality, linework, shading, colour saturation, and overall composition.

If you're looking for realism, don't choose an artist who primarily specializes in traditional tattoos. Likewise, if you love fine line work, find someone whose portfolio is full of clean, healed fine line tattoos.

Ask yourself:

• Are the lines clean and consistent?

• Is the shading smooth?

• Do the tattoos look well-balanced?

• Do they regularly create work in the style you want?

  
  

  

2. Choose an Artist Who Specializes in Your Style

Every tattoo artist has strengths. Some focus on black and grey realism, while others specialize in Japanese, traditional, neo-traditional, fine line, lettering, or illustrative work.

Working with an artist who regularly creates tattoos in your preferred style will usually produce a much better result than asking someone to work outside their specialty.

Here at Puedmag we have a range of artists who specialize in different styles such as:

• Realism

• Colour

• Fineline

• Lettering

• Traditional

• Black and Grey

• Geometric

3. Check That the Studio Is Clean and Professional

A reputable tattoo studio should maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Look for:

• Single-use needles

• Sterile equipment

• Clean workstations

• Disposable gloves

• Proper aftercare instructions

• Professional licensing where required

  
  

Don't be afraid to ask questions. A good studio will always be happy to explain their sterilization procedures.

4. Read Client Reviews

Online reviews can give you valuable insight into what it's like to work with an artist.

Look for comments about:

• Professionalism

• Communication

• Comfort during the appointment

• Healing results

• Customer service

• Overall experience

  
  

While every business may receive an occasional negative review, consistent positive feedback is a good sign that clients leave happy.

5. Schedule a Consultation

A consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your ideas, ask questions, and see if you're a good fit with the artist.

During your consultation, you should feel comfortable discussing:

• Design ideas

• Placement

• Size

• Budget

• Timeline

• Any concerns you may have

  
  

A great tattoo artist will offer honest advice rather than simply agreeing to everything.

6. Don't Choose Based on Price Alone

It's natural to compare prices, but tattoos are something you'll wear for the rest of your life.

An experienced artist charges for their time, skill, creativity, and years of experience—not just the hours spent tattooing.

Investing in quality now can save you from expensive cover-ups or laser removal later.

7. Pay Attention to Communication

Good communication is often overlooked.

Your artist should:

• Respond professionally

• Explain the process clearly

• Set realistic expectations

• Be transparent about pricing

• Answer your questions honestly

  
  

Feeling heard and understood makes the entire experience much more enjoyable.

8. Look at Healed Tattoos

Fresh tattoos always look their best, but healed tattoos reveal the true quality of an artist's work.

If possible, ask to see healed photos. They show how the lines settle, how the shading ages, and how well the tattoo holds up over time.

9. Trust Their Professional Advice

You may have a specific vision, but an experienced artist understands what works best on the body.

They may recommend:

• Adjusting the size

• Changing the placement

• Simplifying details

• Improving contrast

• Altering the composition for longevity

  
  

Their goal is to create a tattoo that will look great not only today but years from now.

10. Choose Someone You Feel Comfortable With

You'll likely spend several hours together during your appointment, so it's important to feel comfortable with your artist.

A positive experience comes from working with someone who listens, communicates well, and makes you feel relaxed throughout the process.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right tattoo artist takes a little research, but it's worth the effort. Review portfolios, ask questions, read reviews, and choose someone whose experience and artistic style align with your vision.

At the end of the day, the best tattoo isn't just a beautiful design—it's the result of trust, collaboration, and skilled craftsmanship.

If you're thinking about your next tattoo, we'd love to help. Whether you have a fully developed idea or just the beginning of an inspiration, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Book your consultation and let's create something you'll be proud to wear for a lifetime.

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Cover-up vs Laser tattoo removal: Which is the better option?

When deciding between a cover-up tattoo vs laser tattoo removal it is important to know that both options effectively solve this issue of an unwanted tattoo. The difference between the two is that cover-ups transform your old tattoo into a new design, whilst laser removal gradually fades and/or completely removes the ink.

What is a cover-up tattoo?

A cover-up tattoo is a tattoo that is done on top of an existing tattoo, it is usually 2-3 times larger and significantly darker than the original in order the effectively conceal the existing tattoo. It requires a lot of planning and a skilled artist to achieve a good cover-up.

The process

A consultation with a tattoo artist to look at the initial tattoo and talk you through the design options taking into account...

• Age of tattoo you are trying to cover

• Placement and size of initial tattoo

• Design you have in mind for the cover-up

What is laser tattoo removal?

Laser tattoo removal is a treatment that uses concentrated light pulses to break down tattoo ink particles beneath your skin. The process allows your body to naturally absorb/eliminate the ink over multiple sessions.

The process

• Laser treatment targets the ink particles in your skin

• The laser breaks down the pigment into smaller pieces

• Your body’s immune system gradually flushes out these ink particles

• The tattoo fades progressively with each session

Cost comparison between cover-up and laser tattoo removal?

The pricing varies depending on the institution you go, as well as the size, placement, design and colour of the existing tattoo. Generally small, faded tattoos are often cheaper to laser than cover, and bigger complex pieces may be cheaper to cover-up.

Cover-ups are best when...

You like the look of tattoos and are content with the notion that the final tattoo will be bigger and darker than the one you want to cover-up. And, you have a tattoo artist you trust that is skilled in cover-up tattoos. Another good reason coverups are better, is if you are planning future tattoos e.g a sleeve that may blend well with a cover-up.

Laser tattoo removal is best when...

You no longer want tattoos, you want to minimize the appearance of current tattoos without adding to it. Or, you have an already faded, small tattoo that makes the cost and time of laser favourable over a coverup. Or you have a tattoo in a place that is unfavourable to cover-ups e.g. outer ankle, face, fingers.

Combined approach - laser tattoo removal before a coverup

Using laser tattoo removal and the cover-up technique together allow for more creative freedom in terms of coverup design. After a few laser sessions the tattoo usually fades to a point where a coverup does not have to be exponentially darker than the original, this allows for more delicate cover-up designs, less solid colour and a less obvious cover-up (especially on a less tattooed person).

It is also a quicker approach than a full laser journey, and often cheaper.

Ready to make to decision?

Book a consultation with one of the experienced artists at Puedmag Inkpire to fix your old ink whether that be a cover-up or laser tattoo removal, we can help you feel comfortable in your skin again.

Book a consultation now

Tattoo Aftercare: How To Take Care of Your New Tattoo

You have gone through the process of deciding to get a tattoo, the consultation, waiting for your appointment, and the tattoo itself; now the hard part is over. However, it is important to still treat your tattoo with the care and attention it deserves to stay fresh and heal well.

What to expect straight after you get your tattoo

When your artist has finished with the needle-to-skin process, there are a few steps that will follow before you get out of the chair.

1. The artist will clean the tattoo with water or a gentle soap to get rid of the excess ink and prepare it to be covered.

   
   

2. Then they will usually spray the area with a form of antiseptic - common brands include Bactine and The Solution. These sprays often contain a numbing agent, which will calm the appearance of redness and ease any residual pain.

   
   

3. The artist will then take a step back to admire their work and capture photos of the tattoo in its final form.

   
   

4. Finally, the artist will cover your tattoo with a second skin to protect it from dirt and debris, and explain to you the aftercare best practices and how to ensure your tattoo heals well.

The tattoo healing process

Once you are off on your way, the next steps are up to you.

Day 1-3

For the first 3 days, there isn't much you need to do to keep your tattoo clean—due to the fact it is covered. However, it is advised to avoid swimming pools, saunas, baths, excessive sweating, and direct sunlight. These are all things to avoid throughout the entire healing process but ones that are particularly important in the first few days.

Day 3-5

Between day 3 and 5 post-tattoo, it is usually advised to remove the 2nd skin. This can be done by gently lifting the top corner to reveal a tab and slowly pulling the second skin off in an upwards motion to avoid unnecessary tugging/irritation on the skin. It is also recommended to take off the second skin in the shower to allow for the water to aid the removal process.

Day 5-14

Once your second skin is off, it is now up to you to clean/protect your ink. The way to do this, is to clean it, gently, using an unscented antiseptic soap - foam is best, and then follow it up with an unscented antimicrobial cream. This should be done twice a day to maintain the tattoo's cleanliness and to avoid infection.

Day 14+

After the tattoo is 2 weeks old the maintenance becomes easier, the tattoo must be kept moisturized and clean, but does not require the constant attention. However, it is usually recommended to wait 4-6 weeks after a new tattoo before sun exposure, and other activities that are harsh on the skin eg. facials, tanning beds, smoking.

Everyone's skin is different, so tattoo healing may vary. However, following these steps will reduce the risk of infection and help your tattoo stay fresh as it heals and settles into your skin.

Buy our tattoo aftercare kit, made by artists, for you.

PUEDMAG AFTERCARE KIT

CA$35.00

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