A clarification regarding the reputation of tattoo studios
The profession of tattoo artist is not regulated by law, at least not in Germany. There are no set training programs or degree courses. Most tattoo artists learn their craft from colleagues. They see themselves as artists who learn from experienced practitioners through observation and close collaboration. This is why there is no point in asking for diplomas, master’s certificates, academic titles, or proof of completed vocational training. Not even a high school diploma is required. However, nowadays many tattoo studios offer courses that span weekends or even longer periods of time. Certificates of attendance and completion for such courses are therefore available.
Who knows what?
Certificates of attendance aren't enough to truly judge a tattoo artist or a tattoo studio. You can get a better sense of them by asking around among your friends and acquaintances. There are sure to be some people who will be happy to share their experiences with their tattoo artists. A tattoo studio’s good reputation precedes it. It is known among tattoo enthusiasts, featured in relevant magazines, and represented at trade fairs and exhibitions. Good work, executed neatly and aesthetically, gets around!
Just pop into the tattoo studio
Once you’ve caught the tattoo bug and found a studio that seems trustworthy, check it out. There’s usually a waiting area where magazines are on display. This gives you a first impression. How do they greet you? Do they make you feel welcome as a potential customer? Or do they just leave you in a corner with a pile of catalogs? What’s the atmosphere like? Do they ask about your preferences, your concerns, or your potential designs? What’s the studio like?
In many cases, the walls are adorned not only with certificates from past courses and training sessions, but also with photos of the best work. Do you like the style of the tattoos? Some studios specialize in a single style, while others see themselves more as a kind of intermediary between freelance tattoo artists and their clients.
References, exhibitions, and social media
References include everything a tattoo studio has to show. These range from thank-you notes from more or less well-known customers to awards the studio has won for artistic achievements or other accomplishments. Keep in mind that online customer reviews aren’t enough! It’s hard to tell what’s fake and what’s real. This applies both to reviews on Google and to testimonials that studios may post on their own websites.
Visit tattoo conventions
As mentioned earlier, tattoo conventions such as Tattoocon are a kind of trade show or expo for tattoo artists, tattooists, their clients, and anyone else interested in the field. In addition to small local events, there are large international trade shows and conventions that attract tens of thousands of visitors. For tattoo studios, these events serve both as a platform for promotion and as a place to find inspiration and network within the industry. No tattoo studio can be represented at every tattoo convention, but regular participation in at least some events is always a good sign.
Art wants to be on display!
Twenty years ago, it was common practice for tattoo studios to photograph their best work and display the photos in their shop windows. This is still the case today, although it’s no longer enough. Nowadays, artists also compete with each other online, which is why both individual tattoo artists and studios maintain their own social media channels. It doesn’t have to be a live session on YouTube—an aesthetically designed Instagram feed also speaks volumes. Just ask—you’re sure to get a card with a list of all social media channels at the studio!
Your tattoo in 3 steps
During your first consultation, you will receive personalized information about your tattoo. Contact us via email or SuperChat (icon in the bottom right corner).
Make an appointment.
Your dream tattoo will be created in a relaxed atmosphere.
Keep an eye on hygiene in the tattoo studio!
If you’re already at the studio anyway, take a closer look around. Maybe you can also ask someone to show you the rooms where the tattooing takes place. The reception area will also give you a good sense of the atmosphere, since it’s not certain whether you’ll even be allowed inside. Many studios still have an old-school vibe. Tattoo photos hang on the walls, you can just walk in, and rock music or heavier sounds echo through the rooms. A coffee machine is probably gurgling and hissing away somewhere, and there might be other tattooed people around. That’s inviting.
Modern studios look clean
Alternatively, another type of tattoo studio that has recently emerged is incredibly stylish and clean. You can’t even get your foot in the door without an appointment. Studios of this sort are furnished in a minimalist style, look almost impersonal, and you can forget about rock music and the smell of coffee. Nevertheless, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing, as what really matters is how clean the studio is, and music has little to do with it. A tattoo studio where you can’t just walk in has less foot traffic and is, therefore, easier to keep clean. The catch is that you can’t find out without making an appointment.
The key points
Ideally, treatment rooms are separated from the entrance area. If you are lucky enough to be able to see such a room, please note:
- Tattoo artists wear disposable gloves while working.
- Needles must be in sterile packaging and may only be left lying around in that packaging.
- Sofas must be disinfected regularly.
- Machines and appliances are hygienically packaged in plastic.
- Animals and visitors are not allowed in the treatment rooms, at least while treatment is in progress.
- Ideally (due to COVID-19), you should wear a face mask while working.
Whether only one person is tattooed in a room at a time or whether several treatment chairs or couches are set up in a single room is a matter of personal preference and has nothing to do with hygiene.
Professional services – advice, training, and follow-up care
Tattoo artists are artists indeed. However, simply getting a tattoo isn’t enough. Before you make an appointment to get your tattoo, get to know the artist. Let them show you their work and explain everything to you in detail. A detailed discussion of your desired design should be a given. Your consultation must also include information about potential risks. You will be told how to care for the tattoo before and after the procedure, as well as what to keep in mind regarding sleep, alcohol consumption, exercise, and swimming.
Check out the conversation!
In addition, a reputable tattoo artist will explain everything you need to know about aftercare. Taking care of your tattoo is just as important as dealing with the pain involved. Professional tattoo artists don’t get impatient; instead, they’re happy to answer your questions in detail, or they may explain everything to you before you even ask.
Don’t feel embarrassed to ask questions. A tattoo artist’s daily work isn’t just about doing tattoos. Other activities make up a much larger part of it. For example, cleaning and disinfecting tools and equipment is just as much a part of their job as drawing and redrawing designs in collaboration with customers. In the same way, conversations are important too, since every tattoo is an injury. Colors are injected under the skin with needles, which requires skill, experience, and concentration. As for you, you also need to be focused, because you have to endure pain and stay still, and this isn’t possible without trust—which is built through your discussions beforehand.
Minimize risks through proper aftercare
Your skin is punctured where the tattoo is located. A needle is used to inject ink under the skin. This is why a tattoo may bleed. If the tattoo studio maintains proper hygiene, your skin will be disinfected and no infection will occur. Nevertheless, the skin in this area will still be irritated for a while and may become inflamed. Color pigments are foreign substances that your body wants to eliminate, at least partially. Therefore, it is normal for your tattoo to bleed during the healing process, which means you will also see color on any bandage that is applied. Your tattoo artist will explain all of this to you. If you are unsure or have any questions, simply contact your tattoo artist!
Tattoo aftercare is all about promoting faster wound healing. Wounds should be kept clean, and the new skin should remain supple to prevent scarring. This is because scarring can detract from the appearance of a tattoo. A reputable tattoo studio will check the tattooed design after a few days and again after a few weeks. Sometimes the pigments under the skin shift during the healing process. In this case, touch-ups can be performed. All of this must be included in the cost of a tattoo and should not be explained only upon request!
Conclusion: Careful preparation is key!
A tattoo is a decision you'll live with for the rest of your life. Take your time, don't make it on a whim, and, above all, don't just look at the price. Pay attention to whether the studio takes good care of you and provides you with comprehensive support. References, a business license, and other formalities will help you evaluate the studio.