You want the best tattoo artists in Toronto you can get. You want authenticity. You want body art other people can only dream about. Read on to learn 5 tips for finding your Toronto tattoo artist. In this post, we discuss:

• Finding a tattoo artist from a trustworthy shop.
• Workplace hygiene: clean place, clean tatts.
• Reading artist and shop reviews.
• Reviewing the artist’s portfolio.
• Discussing your tattoo with the artist ahead of time.

How Do I Choose a Tattoo Artist?

Finding a good tattoo artist can be a challenge if you don’t already know someone or have a friend who can give a referral. These tips can help you choose a Toronto tattoo artist who can realize your tattoo vision.

Choose a Tattoo Artist from a Trustworthy Shop

Your solo tattoo artist may charge substantially less than the best tattoo shops in Toronto, but what aren’t you getting? You want a tattoo artist who is licensed and insured. You want a tattoo artist who abides by local health and safety protocols for reducing tattoo infections. What if something goes wrong? Your options are limited if you’re not working with a reputable artist from a trustworthy tattoo shop.

Workplace Hygiene

There’s no harm in asking to see the artist workstations at a tattoo shop. A reputable shop would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate that they take your health and well-being seriously. You should expect a tattoo artist’s workspace to be free of any unnecessary clutter that could lend itself to contamination. The only things within the artist’s workspace should be those needed for tattooing. Beginning in February 2019, the Safe Body Art Act took effect. It requires tattoo shops in Toronto to meet standards for cleanliness, infection control, and record-keeping. The new rules require operators to obtain training on infection prevention, provide written and verbal instructions to clients on body art care, and keep detailed records about clients and sterilization for equipment used during each procedure. Staff must meet standards for personal hygiene, barrier use, and skin preparation. Also, facilities must have adequate lighting, sinks, and water. If a shop has their permit suspended or revoked, it must close, and a closure notice must be posted publicly. Solo artists are not necessarily following these safety rules. You want to use a shop you can trust to create your tattoo where your health and safety is high among their primary concerns. Chronic Ink is a shop you can trust.

Read artist and shop reviews.

Take a few minutes to read reviews of the shop and its artists. Specifically, look for particular artists being called out for their skills and artistry, or comments on an artist’s demeanor. Was it a great tattoo? Did they love working with the artist? Look for consistency in the comments, too. These are all indicators of how positive your experience with the artist could be. Chronic Ink is one of the most reviewd tattoo studios globaly.

Review the artist’s portfolio.

The best way to assess the caliber of an artist’s work is to see their portfolio. Do they work within your preferred tattoo genre? Are their tattoo designs well-rendered? Do their skills align with the type of tattoo you’re seeking? These are all pertinent questions that a solid tattoo artist should be able to answer with examples from their portfolio. Don’t take this basic but elemental step for granted. Take the time to review the artist’s portfolio before meeting in person. It will probably save you both a lot of time.

Discuss your tattoo ahead of time.

Make an appointment or call to talk with the artist ahead of time and discuss your tattoo. Be sure you have a clear idea of the questions you want to ask and other discussion points before speaking with them. This conversation is your opportunity to talk about the body art that will live permanently on your skin. Speaking directly with the artist can give you any reassurance you may need that you’re choosing someone who can realize your tattoo vision.

You deserve the opportunity to choose from the best tattoo artists in Toronto. Be sure to check out your tattoo artist thoroughly. Chronic Ink specializes in custom tattoos that inspire the mind and are therapy for the soul.

How Much Should You Tip a Tattoo Artist?

It is commonly accepted to tip your tattoo artist a minimum of 15% of the total bill before taxes (like in restaurants), while 20% is considered the norm. You may certainly tip more, depending on your experience and satisfaction with the tattoo you received. There really is no correct answer.