We are being bombarded with so many choices. Choices of who to get tattooed by, where to get tattooed, etc. The options are limitless. But are they really? It seems so, but looks can be deceiving. Let’s dive in to find the value in tattooing.

Tattoo artists are people like anyone else. For the most part, they follow what they were taught and are products of their environments within the studios or shops they come from. (Assuming they have had a formal apprenticeship) Good shops create good artists. On the contrary, many tattoo artists these days are just self-taught with no direction given. Anyone these days, especially the local hobbyist, can purchase a “professional tattoo kit” and be on their way to stardom and wealth instantly. Just grab your *tattoo kit, and check! a guinea pig, check! and an Instagram account. It’s that simple. But do you want better for yourself? Both the artist and the client should. Here’s why.

Separating the pros from the amateurs isn’t too hard if you know a few things before looking for a tattoo artist. There are no requirements on who and who can not own and operate a tattoo studio in Texas. The consumer has to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff all on their own. When looking for a tattoo artist, ask yourself, how does the artist hold themselves? Are they professional? Do they do and say inappropriate things? Oftentimes people disregard the unprofessional behavior of a tattoo artist as they expect them to act that way. Sure, if you don’t mind, that is one thing, but it should not be a question of whether or not a client is comfortable with a tattoo artist, but the tattoo artist being professional at all times. Professional artists will generally also care enough about their art and tattooing because it is important to them, showing in the skin. The days of biker tattooing are long over. Applying a tattoo on the skin just isn’t enough these days. Tattooing has changed so much that what was considered “good”, is now considered mediocre. There are a lot of great artists tattooing these days, not all formally trained, but the common denominator is that they stay dedicated to tattooing, that it is a way of life, and that they are working at progressing their skills at every chance they get. Make sure to find someone passionate about tattooing.

The common “art” debate

Concerning tattooing, concerning the art aspect, and artists claiming that art is subjective, yadda yadda, I get it. The difference is when you are putting permanent marks on people’s bodies, there has to be the utmost respect for the client. You can definitely be expressive, but it’s not the time to get experimental. Some people will not like this, but people get the tattoos they deserve. A tattoo artist should constantly be trying to improve his artistry and tattoo skills—both separately and simultaneously. One without the other doesn’t cut it. I’ve often seen great artists make poor tattoos due to not knowing how to tattoo. I have also seen great tattooists make poor tattoos, due to the lack of art skills they possess. It would be best if you had both.

This is the formula:

TATTOO ARTIST – TATTOO = Artist (All tattoo artists should be artists, but not all tattoo artists can properly tattoo. Therefore, you can be an artist without being a tattoo artist.)

TATTOO ARTIST – ARTIST = Tattooist (All tattoo artists without art skills, are called tattooists. They are the ones that can copy and replicate tattoos, but have little to no ability to give you something original or from their minds.) They can not express art.

TATTOO + ARTIST = TATTOO ARTIST Someone who can both express their artistic skill and can properly tattoo.

Definition of artist

1a: a person who creates art (such as painting, sculpture, music, or writing) using conscious skill and creative imagination.

1b: a person skilled in any of the arts.

As a client, you should want better for yourself. You spend good money for that fancy watch, or fancy pair of shoes, only to settle for a tattooist that gives you a bad tattoo so you could save a few bucks. I’m not saying the more you spend on a tattoo, the better tattoo you will get, but what I am saying is the better artists charge on, the higher end of tattoo rates these days. They are worth it. (I will write another segment on picking the right tattoo artist for you soon.)

Back to my first point, you will ultimately have to decide on who the best person for the job is. Just be sure to look at their professionalism, and tattoo skills and make you comfortable during the process. It is your investment, and you deserve the best. Good day!

-Spiro Kambitsis

Links:

Definition of artist here

www.artisticimpressionstattoo.com