Red Flags to Watch Out for in a Tattoo Artist or Shop
Getting a tattoo is a permanent decision, and choosing the right artist and shop is crucial for both the quality of your tattoo and your safety. Unfortunately, not every artist or studio upholds the high standards necessary for a safe and professional experience. Here are some major red flags to watch out for before getting inked.
1. Lack of Proper Licensing and Certifications
A reputable tattoo shop and artist should have all necessary licenses and certifications displayed. If a shop refuses to show proof of health permits, bloodborne pathogen training, or tattooing licenses, that’s a major red flag. Proper licensing ensures that the artist has been trained in hygiene and safety protocols.
2. Unsanitary Environment
Cleanliness is a non-negotiable priority in any tattoo studio. An unsanitary environment can increase the risk of infections and other health complications. Some specific things to watch out for include:
- Dirty floors, workstations, or restrooms: A professional studio should have clean, disinfected surfaces in all areas.
- Porous furniture: Furniture such as chairs or couches that cannot be properly sanitized should not be used in a tattoo studio. Any furniture that absorbs liquids, such as fabric or carpet, can harbor bacteria.
- Carpets and Rugs: Carpets are extremely difficult to clean and should not be present in any area where tattoos are performed. They can trap contaminants and bacteria, leading to an unsafe environment.
- Animals in the Studio: While pets are beloved in many environments, they have no place in a tattoo studio. Animals carry dirt, fur, and bacteria, which can easily contaminate sterile work areas.
- Artists not using fresh gloves or changing them between tasks: Gloves should be changed after touching anything non-sterile, including surfaces, ink containers, or the client’s skin, to avoid cross-contamination.
- Reused needles or ink caps: Single-use needles and ink caps should always be disposed of after each tattoo session. Any reuse can cause serious health risks.
- Cross-contamination: Artists should not touch their phone, clothes, or other surfaces while tattooing. Every item and action should be part of a sterile process.
- Artists not washing hands: Handwashing is essential before, during, and after a session. Artists should wash their hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer to ensure proper hygiene.
- No food in the work area: Eating food while working on a tattoo or in the same area as clients can introduce contaminants. No food or drinks should be present in the tattooing area to maintain cleanliness.
A professional tattoo shop should be spotless, with tools and equipment that are either single-use or properly sanitized. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to look for another shop to ensure your safety and well-being.
3. No Portfolios or Poor Quality Work
A skilled tattoo artist should have a portfolio showcasing their work. If the shop lacks a portfolio or the examples are inconsistent in quality, it’s a warning sign. Look for well-healed tattoos (not just fresh ones) and check for signs of poor linework, patchy shading, or blowouts.
4. Pushy or Dismissive Attitude
A good tattoo artist will listen to your ideas, offer professional advice, and work with you to create a design you love. If an artist is dismissive of your input, rushes you into a decision, or pressures you to get a design you’re unsure about, walk away. A professional artist values client satisfaction and will respect your preferences.
5. Unrealistically Low Prices
Tattooing is an art, and quality work comes at a cost. If a shop offers prices that seem too good to be true, it usually means they’re cutting corners—either on equipment, ink, or artist experience. Cheap tattoos can result in infections, poor-quality work, or the need for costly cover-ups later.
6. No Aftercare Instructions
A responsible tattoo artist will provide clear aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. If a shop fails to explain how to take care of your tattoo or provides vague or outdated information, it indicates a lack of professionalism and care for client health.
7. Artists Willing to Tattoo Minors or Intoxicated Clients
A reputable shop will strictly follow age restrictions and require valid identification. If an artist is willing to tattoo a minor without parental consent (or at all, depending on local laws) or allows intoxicated clients to get tattooed, they are not prioritizing ethical practices.
8. No Consent Forms or Waivers
Before getting a tattoo, a professional studio should require you to fill out a consent form, acknowledging the risks and verifying your health information. If a shop doesn’t provide paperwork or asks you to sign something without explaining it, that’s a sign they might be cutting legal and ethical corners.
9. Negative Reviews and Word of Mouth Warnings
Always check online reviews and ask for recommendations. If you notice consistent complaints about infections, bad attitudes, or poor quality, take those warnings seriously. A shop with a solid reputation will have satisfied clients who speak highly of their experiences.
10. Artists Who Don’t Respect Boundaries
Tattooing requires close contact, but artists should always maintain professionalism. If an artist makes inappropriate comments, touches you unnecessarily, or makes you uncomfortable in any way, leave immediately. A professional artist will prioritize client comfort and respect at all times.
11. Lack of Sterile, Sealed Ink and Supplies
Tattoo ink should always be poured into new disposable caps, and artists should never dip into a shared ink supply. If an artist reuses ink, it raises contamination concerns. Similarly, all needles should be individually packaged and opened in front of you.
12. No Proper Consultation Process
A professional tattoo artist should have a consultation process where they discuss your design, placement, and expectations. If they skip this step or rush you into the chair without ensuring you understand the design, that’s a major red flag.
13. Artists Who Don’t Have a Solid Knowledge of Skin and Ink Interaction
A skilled tattoo artist should understand how ink interacts with different skin types, how placement affects longevity, and how to adjust techniques for various tones and textures. If an artist seems unsure about these basics, they may lack experience or training.
14. Tattoo Schools and Apprenticeships
Tattoo schools are not an industry standard and are not condoned by most professionals in the tattoo community. These institutions often focus more on turning a quick profit rather than offering comprehensive training. Tattooing is an apprenticeship-based craft, and a true apprenticeship involves years of mentorship under a seasoned, reputable artist. A tattoo school’s lack of hands-on experience with real clients and proper guidance will leave you with an artist who hasn’t learned the craft properly, which may lead to subpar or dangerous work.
15. PMU Artists Are Not Trained in Regular Tattooing or Paramedical Tattooing
Permanent Makeup (PMU) artists are trained to tattoo makeup, such as eyebrows, eyeliner, and lip color. They are usually not trained in regular tattooing techniques, which are required for larger, more detailed designs or tattooing on different types of skin. Additionally, PMU artists are not typically trained in paramedical tattooing, such as scar camouflage or areola reconstruction. These are two distinct areas requiring specialized knowledge and skills. When considering a tattoo or paramedical procedure, it’s essential to check the artist’s credentials and inquire about their training and experience. Be wary of PMU artists offering services outside their scope of expertise, as their training may not cover these areas.
Final Thoughts
A tattoo is a lifelong commitment, so never settle for anything less than a professional, clean, and reputable artist. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s better to walk away and find an artist who meets high safety and artistic standards. Your health and the quality of your tattoo are worth it!
Researched and written by
Kate Connors
Professional Tattoo Artist | Skin Safety Educator | Advocate for Safe Tattoo Practices
Kate Connors is a seasoned tattoo artist with over 20 years of experience specializing in creating custom artwork that celebrates individuality while prioritizing client safety. As the co-owner of Studio68 Inc. Kate Connors is dedicated to elevating industry standards by promoting education on safe tattooing practices, including the importance of skin health.
With a passion for continuous learning, Kate Connors actively researches and collaborates with professionals to ensure the highest level of care for clients. Recognized for their attention to detail and commitment to client well-being, Kate Connors has become an advocate for educating both the public and fellow artists.
Whether in the studio or the classroom, Kate Connors combines artistic expertise with a mission to inform, inspire, and protect the tattoo community.
