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Hi all,
Have decided on a tattoo, which is fairly intricate (mostly because it will be small). Obviously, I'd like to have it done well, but I've no idea how to decide whether an artist is good or not.
So, how do I tell, and/or any recommendations for artists in Bristol, Cardiff, or within a sensible distance...?
Thanks in advance.
look on the net, find tattooists with good galleries in your area (some look they have been finger painted by a chimp!) Talk to mates with tattoos etc... the most important things to remember are:
A. Find a tattooist that's good at what you want, some are ace a colour and free hand work, but iffy at intricate black work and vice versa
B. A good tattooist will do a free consultation where they will look at what you want, see how it works with your body and give you advice on if how it needs modifying to work. ( a good picture doesn't always translate into a good tattoo without a bit of work)
C.Don't be afraid to see a few places until you find one you feel happy with. It's going to be with you for a long time so make sure it's done by someone you are happy with.
as an example I've just had some major cover up work done and although there are loads of tattoo studios near me, having talked to them and seen their work I wouldn't trust them to do a painting by numbers. I ended using a brilliant studio about 50 miles away and it's been worth the time to find them as they have been fantastic over the 20 odd hours so far getting inked with them.
most important thing......Bepanthen is your friend, forget tattoo goo or other healing creams.
+1 for the bepanthen..
I've been quite scared by some of the pics some tattooists put in there galleries Taz, makes me think if that's your best stuff i'd hate to see some of the shit ones..
+1 for the bepanthen.
it also helps if the tattooist is attractive and female, although paying a lady for pain wasn't quite what i was expecting, no gimp suits or owt 😀
Running the bepanthen under a hot tap makes it a bit easier to apply if your tat is very sore...
obviously while its still in the tube!
Good stuff (and not just the bepanthen advice, tho' I'll definitely get some of that!), thanks all.
Anyone with any experience in the south west/south wales...?
Atlantic coast nr Newquay used to be very good.
just asked an inked mate from south wales, he reckons physical graffiti in cardiff are pretty top
it also helps if the tattooist is attractive and female
Mine was both...
"just rest your arm across my legs..."
*whimper*
Mine was both..."just rest your arm across my legs..."
*whimper*
yes, I also ended up with a jumper bunny resting in my hand whilst she tattooed my inner arm....took my mind of the needles and everything 😛
Where was that Taz, i need some more ink 😆
kinda666, I shall tell you next time I'm out with keefy n you chaps, you can admire my armful of ink. May have a full moob coloured in by then as well
Other thing to bare in mind is waiting times and even someone with awards in the industr the one I'm using on the south coast has nearly a 6 month waiting list due to being so good/sort after. When I had my first big one done I walked into a local place and with out even looking at the image I wanted as the main art the guy just said yeah we can do that when you want to book in!!! I said I'd let him know and walked out. Luckily after a net search I found Neil of tattoo fx and am due my second one in 6 days time. Good luck.
Bats.
I'd echo the above about good people generally having waiting lists. You might get lucky and get a cancellation or try going to a convention and seeing if you can get a slot there. I'd also recommend travelling if you find someone you like - it's better than 'settling' for someone because they're local...
😯 😆jumper bunny resting in my hand
Good thing I wasn't drinking or eating anything when I read that! An expression I've never heard before, and I think has now become my new favourite. 😀
dont be afraid to travel to find an artist you trust and love the artwork of 🙂
i used to drive 240miles round-trip to yeovil for mine, then he moved to brighton and now he's working in lewes near brighton, well worth the journey as i can happily spend 8+hours at a time sitting watching films and chatting whilst he works away... complete trust to let him get on with what he thinks will look good based on the designs he's drawn up for me. only ever does custom work 🙂
in fact i'm off down on thursday to get anohter days worth of work on my dinosaurs 😀
Kustom Kulture in Weston Super Mare
[url= http://http://www.kustomkulture.co.uk/ ]Kustom Kulture[/url]
Have had work done by Wendy & Dave the others are all really good too, they all specialise in different styles etc. All are really friendly & knowledgeable and offer sound advice too.
Good luck!
dont be afraid to travel to find an artist you trust and love the artwork of
Yup... Completely agree. I was lucky for my leg, as it was done locally, but I'm now looking for someone who is good at Japenese style...
So, if anyone knows of am artist?
Any 3D tattooists that anyone knows of?
I reckon that trial and error is still the most accurate way to find a tattooist..
Jumper bunny??
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jumper bunny?
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The best in the area probably John Treharne at Skin Creation or Quadey at No Regrets.
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you can even see their cute little noses poking out 🙂