Los Angeles is world-renowned for its entertainment industry, but its tattoo culture has also risen through the ranks over the years as well. The art scene in Southern California is a special sight to behold, and the tattoo scene is no different. Yet, for every worthwhile tattoo parlor with some of the best tattoo artists in Los Angeles, ten others may not deliver the results you had in mind. That's why it's so important to do your research and understand the guidelines to find the right shop for your unique set of needs.

How Do I Choose a Tattoo Shop?

From the design and price to the friendliness of the staff, there are a lot of factors that go into finding the right tattoo experience in Los Angeles. Almost as important as the look is the tattoo shop and the overall experience as a whole. After all, that tattoo isn’t going anywhere once it’s been inked onto you. The Los Angeles tattoo artists will have the perfect blend of professionalism, skill, and comfortability to set your mind at ease and see you walking away with the perfect design. To find the right Los Angeles tattoo shops, you need to do some digging. This means checking reviews online, looking at previous work, checking rates, and speaking with the artists before you take the plunge. Make sure to double and triple-check their credentials, reviews, and health codes, so you don't end up with a lifelong mistake on your body. It doesn’t need to be as intimidating as it sounds, many parlors know how meaningful a tattoo is, that’s why they will work with you to find the best option. With that in mind, let's look at some of the best tips for finding the right shop for you in the City of Angels.

Get Referrals

Referrals are one of the best ways to find the right shop in Los Angeles. Who better to take advice from than a person who has worked with the tattoo shop before? Whether they were just getting a tattoo on a whim or worked with the artists for weeks trying to get the design right, both sides of the coin will be beneficial to your final decision. Both former customers and tattoo shops themselves can be a great source of information on where to find the best shop for your unique design. It is important to note that some people who refer shops receive some form of incentive for sending customers over. Most parlors want customers to have the best experience possible, that’s why when somebody enjoys their tattooing experience, they want them to pass along the good word. Just make sure there is not too much incentive for the person giving you the referral, as some people will do whatever it takes to get a good deal on some ink.

Seek Cleanliness

A tattoo can be a spiritual experience—just ask anybody who has had a meaningful design tattooed onto their body before. The last thing you need is a raging infection after you get done with the process of going under the needle. The importance of cleanliness can’t be understated in the entire tattoo process. If the shop has been scrutinized for being unclean before, there's a good chance it could happen again. It's not just about infections either, unclean needles or utensils can transfer deadly diseases if they are not properly cleaned. This is another important reason to look at their credentials and see their health code scores.

Meet with The Artists

It's important to put a face to the work. Taking time to meet with artists is a good way to get a better feel for a tattoo parlor. If they seem like they hate their job, maybe you should go to somebody with a geniune passion for the craft. These meetups will allow the artist to explain their experience to you and show you insights that you just won’t be able to find online. It will also give them a chance to bluntly tell you what they may or may not be capable of doing.

Check Artist Portfolios

Some tattoo artists specialize in certain types of art. One artist may be best at tattooing traditional Japanese pieces, while another could be best at doing blackwork pieces, and yet another may only be able to do your average traditional style pieces. By taking a more in-depth look at their artist profile, you can visibly see where they excel instead of just taking their word for it. After all, you wouldn't go to a high-class Mexican restaurant and order a cheeseburger. You need to go to the professionals to get their signature style.

Does the Studio Have a License?

The final tip has to do with making sure that the tattoo studio is accredited. While it’s not impossible to get a great tattoo from a freelancer without a license, you’re taking a higher risk. A license to operate shows you that they are who they say they are, and you came to a place you can trust. You want your tattoo to be done by an artist who has put the time and love into their work by doing their research and training to get to where they are today.