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[John Frieh]

Tattoos are due for a touch up... thinking about some additions so I am looking for leads on who the best local artist(s) are... willing to pay and travel for superior work.

[fenderfour]

Tattoo artists tend to be better at one thing or another. i.e. color, or portrait work. What are you looking for?

[John Frieh]

Portrait

[fenderfour]

Rich is a badass, and reasonably priced since his shop hasn't been featured in any big magazines.

[J_Kirby]

Rich is a badass, and reasonably priced since his shop hasn't been featured in any big magazines.

 

Saw a sign in Northern Idaho - All the tattoos you can stand - $200.

[powderhound]

I can do a sweet job, give me a needle and some colored sharpies and I will do a fablous job

[Blake]

John, get it changed to say "I did the approach to Gunsight Peaks FOUR times... and all I got was this lousy tattoo."

[whidbey]

I so do love Tramp Stamps I can do it with a Sharpie.

[mythosgrl]

Anyone know of any good tattoo artists close to or in Bellingham? I don't need them to specialize in anything in particular because i just want a word written, but i'd like a safe, clean, not-so-sketchy person to do it.

[fenderfour]

Finding a decent artist isn't too hard these days. Go to an established shop that has been around for a while. Ask to see the artist's portfolio. If they don't have one, don't get a tattoo from them. They either suck, or are brand new. If you like what you see in the portfolio, go for it.

 

Checking for cleanliness is pretty easy. Ask if they have an autoclave on sight. If they don't, don't get a tattoo there. It doesn't make them unsanitary, but it makes it more difficult for them to sterilize their equipment, and they will be more likely to use less than sterile needles.

 

Also spend some time chatting with the artist. This person will be leaving permanent marks on your body. You don't want to look at your tattoo and be reminded of the asshole who put it there.