At Remington Tattoo, located in North Park, San Diego, we take pride in creating unique custom tattoos.
When I began my tattooing journey over 20 years ago, I quickly realized the challenge of guiding people on selecting a tattoo artist. While I once assumed the answer to be self-evident, it appears that it’s not as straightforward as I believed.
Here are some essential guidelines to help you choose the right tattoo artist:
1. Can the tattoo artist draw and paint?
2. Is their tattoo portfolio professional and visually appealing to you?
3. Do you appreciate the style of their work?
4. Are their outlines clean, smooth, black, and consistent?
5. Is their shading executed smoothly?
6. Are their colors evenly saturated?
7. Do they have positive online reviews?
8. Have you received recommendations from others or seen their work in person?
9. Are they likable? Yes, likability matters!
10. Do they design tattoos that age well?
11. Do they have examples of work similar to what you desire in their portfolio?
When I emphasize the ability to draw, it goes beyond merely tracing or reproducing images. While it’s common for tattoo artists to replicate existing artwork, what truly sets an artist
apart is their drawing skills and creativity. A genuine artist uses references to enhance their work, infusing personal expression and interpretation into their designs.
Consider longevity when choosing a tattoo artist. Look for tattoos with bold black lines, readability from a distance, and solid colors, as these tend to age gracefully over time. While intricate and delicate designs can be appealing, bold and simple tattoos with high contrast are more likely to stand the test of time.
At our shop, we prioritize skilled custom artists who take pride in creating tattoos that not only look great now but also age well. Your satisfaction and the longevity of your tattoo are of utmost importance to us.
– Terry Ribera
