Because the only thing sketchy at your tattoo appointment should be the drawing.
Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, walking into the wrong shop can turn a dream piece into a permanent regret. The truth is, not every artist—or studio—is created equal.
Here’s what to look for before you hand over your skin (and your cash).
1. The Shop Feels Dirty or Disorganized
Tattoo studios are legally required to follow strict hygiene standards.
If you walk in and see cluttered workstations, dust, carpet, pets, or dirty floors, that’s your first red flag.
Professional artists use barrier-protected surfaces, disposable cartridges, clip cord covers, and hospital-grade disinfectants.
If it doesn’t look or smell clean—leave.
2. No Gloves, No Barriers, No Thanks
If your artist touches their phone, face, or anything non-sterile mid-tattoo without changing gloves, that’s a massive no.
Cross-contamination is one of the fastest ways to get infections, allergic reactions, or worse.
Every touchpoint—machine, bottles, cables—should be covered or disposable.
3. The Consultation Feels Rushed or Vague
You should never feel like an inconvenience for asking questions.
A professional tattooer will:
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Discuss size, placement, color, and design clearly.
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Be upfront about pricing.
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Ask about allergies, medications, or conditions that could affect healing.
If you’re being rushed, talked over, or guilted for wanting adjustments, that’s not “confidence”—it’s ego.
4. The Portfolio Doesn’t Match the Work You Want
Every artist has a style. A realism artist isn’t your best bet for fine-line flowers, and a traditional artist shouldn’t be pressured to do micro tattoos.
If the artist’s feed or portfolio doesn’t show the type of tattoo you want—don’t expect them to magically nail it.
Instead, look for portfolios where you see consistent linework, healed results, and the kind of design you love.
5. They Don’t Use Professional Products
If your artist won’t tell you what products they’re using—or they’re sketchy about brands—that’s a bad sign.
Cheap ink, random stencil creams, and generic wraps are not only unsafe but can wreck your tattoo long-term.
Pro artists trust professional-grade tools like:
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Electrum Stencil Primer – to keep stencils crisp and smudge-free.
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Electrum Cleanse – to keep skin prepped and sanitized.
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Electrum Fire Cartridges – for consistent precision.
These aren’t extras. They’re the standard.
6. They Offer Home Tattoos or “Deals”
There’s a difference between a new artist practicing and a self-taught “tattooer” running a living room operation with Amazon ink.
If they can’t show sterilization logs, autoclave spore tests, or a proper license—it’s not worth the risk.
Home setups often skip sterilization altogether, leading to infections, blowouts, and unsafe practices.
7. Gut Feeling Says “Run”
Trust your instincts.
If you walk in and feel uneasy, if the energy is weird, or if the artist seems irritated that you care about cleanliness—just go.
There are too many talented, professional artists out there to gamble with your safety or your art.
A great tattoo starts with great hygiene, communication, and professionalism.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, walk away, or pay more for someone who actually gives a damn about your skin.
Because good tattoos aren’t expensive—bad tattoos are.
