How to Get a Great Custom Tattoo

First, i'd like to tell you about tattoo flash. Tattoo flash is the collection of designs that you usually find on the walls of a tattoo shop, or on websites like tattoofinder.com. Some people who are new to tattooing are under the impression they need to choose a design off the wall, or the internet. This is simply not the case. Good tattoo studios have flash to help inspire ideas, not to limit or define the tattoo to only the designs available on the wall. If you're having trouble coming up with exactly what you want, you can look through tattoo flash to get some ideas. Your artist should then be able to use that as a starting point to create something unique. If you get a piece of flash tattooed as-is, there's always that nagging suspicion in the back of your mind that someone else could be walking around with the exact same tattoo.

The process of getting a fully custom tattoo is a bit different. The best starting point is to browse different artist portfolios to find an artist with a style that you like, or that would look the best for the type of tattoo you want. Don't forget to use a bit of common sense. An artist who specializes in portraits, for example, would be a poor choice to get a Japanese tattoo from, and vice versa. Attending a tattoo convention, if there is one that comes to your city, is also a great way to experience many different artists and their work. Once you've picked an artist, call their shop and set up a time to come and discuss your ideas. It's also a good idea to bring some reference material with you, especially if the subject of your tattoo is obscure or very detailed. Talk with your artist. Tell him your ideas, show him your reference material, and ask for his opinions. He may have an idea or an angle on the tattoo you haven't thought of yourself. After all, both of you have a vested interest in the tattoo - you want it to look great and be proud to show it off, he wants it to look great so people will ask "who did that?" and come to him. The tattoo business lives and dies by word of mouth recommendation. By the time you've come to an agreement on the design, you should ask about setting up an appointment.

Scheduling is different for every artist. The more well known and liked an artist is, the longer it will likely be before you can get an appointment. Also, don't be surprised if the artist asks for a deposit to reserve an appointment - there are quite a few people who don't show up for their appointments, and that's time wasted that could have been spent tattooing someone else. Most artists understand if something comes up, and will work with you to reschedule if given enough notice. The deposit you put down is applied to the price of your tattoo. It is at this point where the artist should show you a line drawing of your tattoo. A line drawing is a basic version of what your finished tattoo will look like, minus color and shading. This is the point where you have to place your faith in the ability of the artist you've chosen, and trust that they will produce a work of art that you can enjoy for a lifetime.

That's it! All you have left to do is show up, sit through a few hours of pain, and you'll have your very own custom tattoo. Here are a few links you might find useful:

Ink & Dagger Tattoo Parlour - everyone who works at this Decatur, GA based shop has their custom tattoo portfolio on display. Images in this article used with permission.

Tattoo Finder - a good place to browse and get ideas

Getting the Perfect Tattoo - another useful article on the tattoo process

Hell City - hell city tattoo convention