Guest Author: Darren Wilson
Looking for a tattoo studio in the middle of the most populous city in Australia can be difficult if you do not know where to begin. You can’t just walk inside a random shop along George Street as there are some aspects you should look for when you are deciding the best studio to do the job. The tattoo you are getting will be with you for life and choosing a shop is not a choice you can take casually.
Here are some questions you need to ask yourself to find the best tattoo studios in Sydney:
What tattoo do you want?
It seems obvious, but deciding what specific tattoo you want is essential in determining the tattoo shop that you will go to, and that is why you need to ask yourself this. You have to consider the workplace restrictions (if any applicable) about the tattoo’s visibility. Going into random tattoo studios in Sydney works if you have already got several tattoos. You could even risk an on-the-spot ink that you might not end up liking. Alternatively, think carefully on what you will get, pick an image for the artist to use as a reference, save it on your phone, and then follow the next steps.
What is the most challenging part of your tattoo?
When the tattoo you want has intricate linework, perhaps an image of the Sydney Opera House, then you should go to a studio who specializes in intricate linework. If you would like a realistic portrait, go to a studio which deals with portraits and if you want ink with geometric art, go to a parlour who is known for this style. It sounds like a simple choice; however, the takeaway here is that every studio and artist are different, so make sure that your tattoo design is what they do well.
Do you have any recommendations?
You can scan a portfolio at the parlour or their finished work on their social networks to see what type of tattoos they specialize in, but the ideal way for seeing somebody’s craft is to see how they work personally. Sydneysiders with tattoos enjoy talking about them, so when you see anyone out there with some cool art on their skin, ask them for a recommendation. If you have already spotted a parlour you like, it is more than likely that the assistant who booked your appointment had some work by anyone there, so tell them you need personal advice which artist will be best to go.
Is the shop sanitary?
Running a tattoo shop in the state capital of New South Wales is a business like that of a beauty parlour or a barbershop, and you will not get a spa treatment in a location that does not appear hygienic. A tattoo parlour should not be dirty regardless of the concept most shops have, and its people should also be professional. When you get the wrong vibes once you step in, odds are you will not be pleased with the result.
Do you personally like the artist?
It is great if you appreciate their craft and skills, but you also have to like them as an individual. The most significant aspect of having a tattoo is the process of getting it, and if you are having a hard time with someone while you are still discussing the design, keep exploring the unlimited options that Sydney has to offer. It is essential to keep in mind that they understand what is best in terms of design details and placement, however, if you think you are being forced into anything you do not want, know that it will be tattooed on you and not on their body.
Finding a tattooist and studio in Sydney that satisfies these questions is not always straightforward. However, it is worth extra effort and time especially for something that you will have on your body forever, so you have to get one that you will love. You should not only be comfortable with your tattooist’s skills, but you should be satisfied with their work area and cleanliness standards as well.