How to Choose the Right Tattoo Artist for Your Style
Finding the right artist isn’t just about booking whoever’s available- it’s about finding someone whose vision & skill match what you want on your skin forever. Here’s how to make sure you find your perfect match:
1. Know What Style You Want
Before you start searching, think about the overall vibe of your tattoo:
realism: designed to look like a photograph, with lifelike shading & depth, there are two main types:
portrait realism: focused on faces- celebrities, loved ones etc. requiring incredible precision to capture expression & emotion
Animal realism: lifelike depictions of animals or pets, often showcasing fur texture, reflections in eyes & natural lighting
american traditional (old school): bold lines, solid colors & iconic imagery. a timeless, classic tattoo style
Neo-traditional: a modern twist on traditional tattoos. still bold and colorful, but with more depth, shading & illustrative detail
blackwork: uses only black in to create striking, high contrast designs
fineline: minimalist, delicate lines with subtle details
anime: Inspired by Japanese animation. think vibrant colors, expressive characters, and bold outlines. Perfect for fans of anime, manga, or pop culture art
New School: Cartoonish, exaggerated, & full of color. often featuring pop culture, fantasy, or surreal imagery. It’s playful, loud, & packed with personality
Colorwork: Focuses on vibrant hues & smooth blending. It’s not a single “style,” but rather a technique, perfect for bold, eye-catching designs where color is the main attraction.
Watercolor: Mimics the soft, blended effect of watercolor paintings, with splashes of color & brushstroke-like flow, often without outlines.
Japanese (Irezumi): Traditional Japanese motifs like koi fish, dragons, tigers, or cherry blossoms. often large-scale and full of symbolic meaning.
Geometric: Focuses on shapes, symmetry, & precise linework. ranging from simple outlines to detailed mandalas or sacred geometry
Script/Lettering: Centered around words, names, or quotes. where font style, flow, & placement make all the difference.
Once you know your preferred style, you can narrow your search to artists who specialize in it.
2. Research Artists by Style
Every artist has a specialty, & that’s a good thing! Check out portfolios on Instagram or your local shop’s website. At Esperanza Ink, for example, we have artists who focus on everything from color realism to clean linework. Look for consistency: do all their tattoos in that style look strong and healed well?
3. Read Reviews & Shop Vibes
You’re not just picking an artist; you’re picking an environment. A professional shop should feel welcoming, clean, & organized. Reviews often mention communication, cleanliness, & professionalism. things that matter just as much as the art itself, which is why we work hard to make sure each client that walks through our door is met with a welcoming environment!
4. Communicate Clearly
Once you’ve found someone you like, message them with details:
Placement & size
Reference photos
Budget or flexibility
your availability (pro tip #2- look at the artist’s availability to coordinate possible dates that work for you both)
a good artist will help refine your idea, not just copy a picture. at esperanza ink, we always take time to talk design & make sure your tattoo feels personal to you!
5. Trust the Process
Tattooing is collaboration. When you trust your artist, you’ll get better results. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but also be open to their suggestions — it’s what they do best!
✨ Final Thought:
The right tattoo artist doesn’t just give you a tattoo, they give you an experience. Find someone whose art makes you feel something, & whose energy makes you comfortable. That’s when the magic happens.