chipbz

What is the best way to do research on artists? Just ask them for how their tattoo's age? Dont want to be uncouth

New guy tattoo advice questions! Happy to discuss more. And happy to pay my tattoo artist what they are worth for helping design a great piece. 1. What should I consider in tattoo design to make sure I take full advantage of the area I want to tattoo? (I'm thinking I want to do a chest/shoulder/upper arm piece). 2. What should I keep in mind about the design of the tattoo to make sure the art holds up. I know that it will change with my skin over time, but I dont want to get something that will look bad in just a year or so. 3. Everyone mentions to research the tattoo artist. What all do you advise me to research? I follow many artists on instagram and love so much. What do I need to know besides if I like their work, and where they are?

What advice do you have for designing a tattoo that will still look good in a few years? I get that everything will change over time and am okay with that. But what are things I should be looking/asking for specifically so that it ages well?

Thanks for the advice JAC1961. I was thinking about that previously, but also think that the significance behind this is something I'll really want. And I dont want to get a tattoo that will take up space that could have been better utilized. Does that make sense what im trying to say? Dont want to have missed out on real estate if I wouldve preferred a large piece anyway. But will definitely consider your advice! Especially since I've never personally worked with any artist, much less the first one.

Thanks! I think I want a realistic, black piece (I'm okay with grays, but dont really want colors). I'm not 100% decided on the final piece design and am hoping to work with the artist on their ideas too. Happy to pay what it's worth (part of the reason I'm planning now is because I'm also saving up). What I'm currently thinking is doing a melting? cityscape type of tattoo starting on my chest that goes down over my shoulder to my arm. I'm open to different designs though. I just want the final product to have a significance of NYC and a sense of overcoming apocalyptic destruction. I've been looking at a bunch of artists, but really like all of the work by this one in terms of his lines and shadings and realism.

Hi everyone New to the site. New to tattoos. Currently planning my first piece and am joining for further inspiration, tips, advice. I've wanted one for a long time, but have always been of the mindset of never deciding on what I wanted it to be. Now I have some true inspiration and it feels right, so I'm all about planning a great first tattoo. Eager to join the discussions and get more knowledgeable. The biggest things I'm thinking so far that I'd love help with are: 1. I think I want my first piece to be chest/shoulder/upper arm. Do yall have any advice on this? I think I want it to be at least partially a cityscape. (open to changing/expanding this though). 2. I've found a few artists whose work and styles I really love. Anything I should really be researching before choosing someone specifically? 3. Anything else you think i should know as a first timer? I've been doing a lot of youtube and google researching, but i'm here to learn and get inspired! Thanks!