Thinking of getting inked? Start with a tiny tattoo

Artist Criteria

Choosing the right tattoo artist involves more than just liking their work; it's about ensuring they are certified and experienced. Noemi Barajas emphasizes the importance of knowing where an artist learned to tattoo and whether they maintain professional standards, like clean equipment and good bookkeeping 1. Experience is valuable, but Noemi notes that even artists with fewer years can produce exceptional work. She advises looking at an artist's portfolio and seeing their work on actual people, as word of mouth remains a powerful recommendation tool.

It's always best to get an artist that at least has ten years under their belt. But I've seen some phenomenal work from artists that have two years tattooing.

--- Noemi Barajas

   

Style Selection

Selecting a tattoo style that aligns with both personal preferences and the artist's expertise is crucial. Noemi Barajas discusses the importance of considering factors like placement, color, and size, as these elements will age along with your body 2. She suggests discussing design ideas and color palettes during consultations, taking into account skin tone to ensure the tattoo's visibility. Noemi also uses a practical approach by printing designs in various sizes for clients to visualize placement on their bodies.

I always print out a large, a medium, and a small. And then I cut it out, and I have them go stand in front of the mirror and say, hey, so put it on your body and kind of play around with it.

--- Noemi Barajas