First tattoo - evaluating artists

[Metrical]

Hi there! I am a 20 year old student from South Africa, Port Elizabeth looking to get my first tattoo. I've been wanting one for a couple of years and have finally settled on the type and location of tattoo I want, and now just need help evaluating some local artists. I've been recommended to 2 different studios, one from a friend and one from one of my sparring partners. I'm looking to get a piece around my mid bicep similar (not exact though) to this:    

The studios' in question FaceBook pages display some of their work, the first being a Polynesian place that I've been to while another friend got their tattoo (https://www.facebook.com/pg/P.E.POLYNESIAN.TATTOOS/photos/?tab=album&album_id=779282985463249) and the second place, one that did my sparring partner's tattoo (https://www.facebook.com/pg/Tattoos-by-Kirsty-Iversen-615738291839133/photos/?ref=page_internal) . Which of these two are the better artists? I'm really eager to book an appointment perhaps even next week, and any input would be much appreciated!

 

Many thanks,

Metrical

[Stu]

Hi, recommendations are always good. I had some work done last year, over 15 years since my last tattoo so didn't really have any knowledge of local artists. I spent a morning driving around local studios, showed them what I wanted and had a look at there work. I found that different studios and artists had different preferred styles so meeting them first helped me decide on who I thought was right for me. In the end I went with the artist that made me feel the most comfortable and all worked out ok.

Good luck

[Metrical]

59 minutes ago, Stu said:

Hi, recommendations are always good. I had some work done last year, over 15 years since my last tattoo so didn't really have any knowledge of local artists. I spent a morning driving around local studios, showed them what I wanted and had a look at there work. I found that different studios and artists had different preferred styles so meeting them first helped me decide on who I thought was right for me. In the end I went with the artist that made me feel the most comfortable and all worked out ok.

Good luck

I reckon I will probably end up doing that anyways. Book some appointments with both of them and find a fit. Although I still would like to know who the better artist is in terms of skill.

[Tornado7]

If you want the dot work like your example, the second artist seems to have much more shown on Facebook.

[SStu]

agreed. 2nd one. 

[DJDeepFried]

Of those #2 but to be honest I'd hold out for a #3


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[Metrical]

3 hours ago, DJDeepFried said:

Of those #2 but to be honest I'd hold out for a #3


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There are 2 others here, but I haven't really heard much from them from others, or no one I know at least. 

https://www.facebook.com/pg/OTHERWORLD-TATTOO-STUDIO-136169523077889/photos/?ref=page_internal

 

https://www.facebook.com/pg/East-Coast-Kustoms-127860474535/photos/?ref=page_internal

[DJDeepFried]

At a glance I'd say Otherworld. I recommend going into the shop, looking at portfolios, and asking which artist is most into doing dot work.

[Metrical]

2 hours ago, DJDeepFried said:

At a glance I'd say Otherworld. I recommend going into the shop, looking at portfolios, and asking which artist is most into doing dot work.

Will do!

 

Thank you all for the help. I shall post some pictures when I eventually get it! 

[Devious6]

Looking forward to seeing the work! Welcome!!