A good artist is half of what makes a great tattoo. Even the strongest idea loses its power if it is done by someone who works in a different style or does not pay attention to detail. Here is what to look for so you can choose your artist with confidence.
Where to look for an artist
- The studio's website. It brings together the work of all its artists, so it is easy to compare their styles. You can filter the Sagma Tattoo Gallery portfolio by style.
- The artist's Instagram. It shows recent work and how the artist is developing.
- Reviews. Read reviews of the studio on Google — ours are collected on our Reviews page.
- Recommendations. If friends have tattoos they are still happy with years later, ask who did them.
Start with the style
First decide which style you want, and only then look for an artist. A portrait of someone close to you, a realistic scene, microrealism or watercolour are different techniques, and each takes its own experience. An artist who is strongest in graphic work will not necessarily do a portrait as well, and vice versa.
Look for an artist whose portfolio includes plenty of work in the style you want. If you want a portrait, the portfolio should show portraits — and exactly the kind you are after.
What to look for in a portfolio
How the work is done matters more than how much of it there is:
- Gradients and depth. In realism, shadows blend smoothly, without patches or harsh edges, and the image looks three-dimensional.
- Crisp detail. Small elements read clearly and do not merge into one another.
- Proportions and faces. In portraits, mistakes in proportions and the gaze stand out at once — a strong artist captures both the likeness and the character.
- Composition on the body. The piece follows the shape of the placement and does not look like a sticker.
- Consistency. A good artist keeps the same high standard across all their work.
Realism: what to look for in particular
Realism is one of the most demanding styles, and differences in skill are especially visible in it. Pay attention to:
- light. In a strong piece it is clear where the light comes from, and the shadows across the whole image match it;
- eyes in portraits. The gaze is alive, both eyes look at the same point, and the highlights are where they should be;
- skin and textures. Skin, hair, fabric and metal each have a texture of their own;
- depth. There is a foreground and a background, and the image does not look flat.
Photos, videos and healed work
A fresh tattoo looks brighter in a photo than after healing, and photos are often edited as well. That is why it is worth watching videos too, not just looking at photos: they show the work from different angles and in ordinary light. If an artist shows photos of healed work, that is a good sign — they are confident in how it holds up over time.
Experience and recognition from peers
Years in the trade alone say little, but regular participation in tattoo conventions is a good indicator. There, experienced artists judge the work in person, and awards go to those who consistently work at a high level. You can see our artists' awards on our Awards page.
The artist and the studio: both matter
The artist is responsible for the tattoo itself, the studio for everything around it: comfort during a long session and support while it heals. In a good studio the artists work as a team, learn from each other and stay in touch with you after the session until your tattoo has healed.
The studio: hygiene and materials
It matters not only who does your tattoo but where. Notice how clean the studio is, whether single-use materials are opened in front of you, and what equipment and materials are used. In a professional studio such questions cause no awkwardness — they are answered straight away.
The consultation: how the artist listens
A consultation tells you a lot about an artist. A good artist asks questions, takes a real interest in your idea and is honest about how it will look in the chosen placement and size. If they suggest changing the size or position, it is not a whim: it means the piece will still look good years from now.
At Sagma Tattoo Gallery the consultation is free and comes with no obligation.
What to watch out for
Think twice if an artist:
- cannot show work in the style you want, or shows only one or two pieces;
- agrees to any size and placement without questions, even when the details will clearly come out too small;
- rushes you into a decision;
- avoids questions about hygiene and materials;
- is ready to copy someone else's tattoo exactly.
A strong tattoo starts with a design created especially for you and your body.
How to prepare for the conversation with an artist
To get the most out of the consultation, think in advance about the subject, placement and approximate size, gather a few references and decide what budget feels right for you. Feel free to ask anything — a good artist will answer every question calmly and in detail.
Price
The price of a good tattoo reflects the artist's experience, the complexity of the work and the materials. You will find guide prices on our Prices page.
How to choose an artist at Sagma Tattoo Gallery
On our artists page you will find each artist's style, their work and a few words about them. Look through the portfolios and choose the one whose style feels closest to you. If you are unsure, message us or come in for a consultation: tell us about your idea, and we will point you to the artist whose work is closest to what you want.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask an artist at the consultation?
How many sessions the piece will take, how it will look in the chosen placement years from now, what size is needed for the details to read well, and how to look after the tattoo after the session.
Can I choose an artist based on Instagram alone?
Instagram shows an artist's style well, but the photos are often edited. Watch the videos and look at the portfolio on the studio's website too — and better still, meet the artist at a consultation.
Is it normal for an artist to suggest changing my idea?
Yes, as long as they explain why. An experienced artist can see how a piece will behave on the skin and suggests a solution that will look good for years.
