Fayetteville Tattoo Shops | Sacred Raven Blog
7 Tips to Finding the Best Tattoo Shop [Update 2022]
Updated May 3rd, 2023
Whether you are looking to get your first tattoo done or are new to the area and are looking for the best tattoo shop, today’s blog is for you. We are going to discuss a few tips to help you find the best tattoo shop for you.
Getting a tattoo is something you should take time and really put some thought into. This does not only apply to the tattoo itself, but also to the tattoo shop you want to go to, and which tattoo artist you want to work with. Call Sacred Raven Tattoo today to learn more about our tattoo shop!
#1 Ask For Tattoo Shop References and Check Reviews
Don’t hesitate to ask your family and friends about their experiences with tattoo shops and different artists. They will give you the best insight possible about their likes, dislikes, and overall experience. Then, check out local reviews through Google My Business, Facebook, and Yelp, and read through people’s experiences. Reviews can give you a great sense of the tattoo shop atmosphere, the tattoo artists, and the quality of the tattoos you can expect to receive.
Another way to get great tattoo shop referrals is if you see someone with a quality tattoo that is the style that you are looking for, simply ask them where they got it done and if they are happy with how it turned out. The majority of people are more than happy to share their experiences and refer people to their favorite tattoo artists.
#2 Don’t Settle for the First Tattoo Shop You Walk Into
Listen, the best tattoo artists don't have to advertise because their work speaks for them. In other words, when you see someone with a great tattoo, ask them where they got it. Ask them who their tattoo artist is. Remember, when you're looking for a great tattoo, you don't simply walk into any old tattoo shop and expect to get a great tattoo. If you want the best tattoo, you have to think about what you want, and know who can deliver.
Note: once you've chosen your tattoo shop make sure you're ready when you arrive by preparing for your new tattoo, and making sure to avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before getting your tattoo.
Once you have a good list started of tattoo shops, go visit each one to see the atmosphere of the shop, meet the artists, and get a first-hand look at their tattooing process. See if your references and reviews add up. The most important advice we can give is to not just settle on a tattoo shop because you heard it was good, read some reviews, or don’t know where else to go. Bottom line: If the ink shop you visit isn’t exactly a fit, move onto another shop and continue to visit shops until you find the one that fits your needs and that you feel confident with. Of course, whenever you’re in Fayetteville, NC, you’re invited to Sacred Raven Tattoo!
#3 Get A Tattoo Quote
Receive quotes from multiple shops. This will not only give you a good idea of what your tattoo is going to cost but can help you gauge the quality of work that you are going to receive. Warning: cheap tattoos are a bad idea. A great tattoo artist is worth their weight in gold (as your tattoo will be with you forever), and you want a tattoo artist who understands how your tattoo will adjust with your body through the years. With tattoos, you get what you pay for, and though pricing is important to take it into account when choosing your tattoo shop, make sure you understand what a good tattoo should cost. Then get your quote/estimate and start saving! You can get a free quote for your custom tattoo online anytime.
#4 Take Note Of Shop Cleanliness
While you are visiting the different tattoo shops, be sure to take note of how clean they are. Keeping a sanitary environment is extremely important for tattoo and piercing shops, especially amidst the Covid pandemic. When you get a tattoo or piercing, multiple doors are opened to bacteria that can lead to severe infections. Start by looking at the general cleanliness of the shop, then watch closely to see what type of precautions the artists take to ensure that bacteria and viruses are not being spread. Here are some of the major precautionary actions that should be performed:
- Sterilizing the tattoo table in between clients
- Wearing gloves the entire time and putting on new gloves for each client
- Covering all surfaces near the tattoo and tools with clear plastic
- Using individual disposable containers for ink
- Cleaning the skin prior to tattooing and continuously during the tattooing process
- Using new, sterile needles for each client
- Practicing Covid-19 Guidelines
#5 Check For Tattoo Artist Licenses
Verify that both the shop as well as the individual artists have the licenses that they are required to have for tattooing. Bottom Line: Never let a tattoo artist that is not licensed tattoo you. At Sacred Raven Tattoo, all of our artists are licensed and professional. With great knowledge in the art of tattooing as well as the proper process of tattooing, we take great pride in our tattoo shop and ensure that you will receive high-quality service during each and every visit. Contact Sacred Raven with further questions or concerns!
#6 Look At Tattoo Artist Portfolios
Now that you have confirmed that the tattoo shop is sterile and licensed, it is time to find the right artist for your tattoo. At this point, you should have a pretty good idea of what style of tattoo you are wanting. Looking through the portfolios of the artists you are choosing from is a vital step. You will want to choose an artist that specializes in the exact style of tattoo that you are looking for to receive the best end-result.
At Sacred Raven Tattoo, you can find just about any style of tattoo from one of our six extremely talented tattoo artists. Here are the main tattoo styles that they specialize in:
- Black and gray realism tattoos
- Color realism tattoos
- Full-color tattoos
- Water-color tattoos
- Traditional black and grey tattoos
- Neo-traditional tattoos
- Traditional Japanese tattoos
- Anime tattoos
- Maori style Polynesian tattoos
Check out some tattoo artist portfolios to see exactly what their previous work looks like!
#7 Get To Know The Artist
Take some time to have a conversation with the artist that you choose before your tattoo appointment. Get to know a little bit about them, and share with them a little about yourself. This will help you both be more comfortable when it comes time for you to get your tattoo. Some tattoo shops even allow you to upload and submit a custom tattoo design idea in advance, so you can get pricing and pick the artist who is best suited for your tattoo style. Letting the artist get to know you opens the door for them to get a better idea of how to personalize your tattoo and really bring your vision to life. The artists at Sacred Raven Tattoo take pride in building strong relationships with customers and with these 7 Tips to Finding the Best Tattoo Shop, your next tattoo will be your best.
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