The Essential Guide to Choosing a Tattoo Artist in Nashville
Looking to get a tattoo in Nashville, TN? Whether it's your first piece or another addition to your collection, selecting the right artist and studio can be overwhelming. Luckily, our city is rich with talented artists and unique styles. The team at Los Inks is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you find the perfect match for your artistic vision.
1. Choosing Your Style
The first step in getting any tattoo that will resonate with you for years to come, should be choosing your style. The style should reflect your own taste, as well as your story. Inspiration can be found everywhere. You may choose the obvious and scroll through Pinterest, Instagram and Tiktok or you can search art galleries, history, and even nature.
Think about the styles you’re drawn to:
American Traditional is timeless with its iconic imagery and strong, clean lines.
Realism is intricate and delicate, bringing subjects to life.
Fine Line work, minimalist designs, or sophisticated geometric patterns show appreciation for precision and sophistication.
Don’t forget to explore unique styles like Neo-Traditional, Abstract, Watercolor, or Japanese.
Choosing a tattoo style provides a clear direction for your search. Think about it like finding new music you love by knowing what genres you’re drawn to.
2. Research Your Artist
With a style in mind, your next step is to research artists. Social media platforms and studio websites are both great resources. Look through artist portfolios and carefully examine their previous work.
Portfolio Review Tips:
Consistency and Quality: Does the artist demonstrate a high level of skill and consistent quality across all their work?
Healed Tattoos: Pay close attention to photos of healed tattoos. While fresh tattoos are vibrant, healed work demonstrates the artist's skill over time and how the tattoo will truly appear once settled.
Style Specialization: Does the artist's portfolio showcase the style you prefer in a competent and consistent way?
At Los Inks, our artists specialize in a diverse range of styles:
Carlus brings over a decade of professional tattooing experience and a profound artistic background to his work at Los Inks. With a degree in Art from Middle Tennessee State University and a passion for art ignited at a young age, Carlus possesses a deep understanding of color theory and diverse skin textures. His extensive experience in the Middle Tennessee region, including Madison and Smyrna, coupled with his commitment to continuous learning (having attended workshops with renowned artists like Andrea Afferni), ensures a knowledgeable and skilled approach to your unique tattoo.
Gabriel is a vibrant and talented artist who has been tattooing for two years while concurrently pursuing a degree in Fine Arts at Middle Tennessee State University. As a social media influencer, he stays connected with evolving artistic trends and is dedicated to honing his craft by constantly learning new skills and techniques. Gabriel brings a fresh perspective and a strong foundation in fine arts to his tattoo work.
Check out our portfolio and testimonials page to see the range and talent of our artists.
3. The Importance of the Tattoo Consultation
Once you've identified an artist whose work aligns with your vision, the next step is the consultation. This shouldn’t be an intimidating process, but rather a collaborative discussion designed to bring your ideas to life. During the consultation, you will:
Share your concepts and ideas in detail.
Discuss placement, size, and how the tattoo will flow with your body.
Gain clarity on the estimated cost and timeline.
Most importantly, establish a rapport with the artist. You'll be collaborating closely, so a comfortable and professional connection is beneficial. A good artist will listen attentively, offer expert advice, and share enthusiasm for your project.
At Los Inks, we value the consultation process highly. It’s where your ideas begin to transform into tangible art. Call now to learn more.
4. What to Look For (and Avoid) in a Studio:
Hygiene Above All: The studio should be impeccably clean. Artists must use new, single-use needles, opened in your presence. Sterilization procedures should be evident and thorough. Your health and safety are paramount.
Professionalism and Respect: Avoid studios where you feel pressured, rushed, or that your ideas are not being fully considered. The environment should be welcoming, and the artists should be respectful and communicative.
Transparency: Ensure clarity on pricing. Reputable artists will also readily share images of their healed work and discuss the healing process.
Trust your judgment. Nashville has a wealth of skilled, professional artists, so there's no need to compromise on quality, safety, or comfort.
5. Why Los Inks Could Be Your Ideal Nashville Tattoo Studio
In addition to our team of highly skilled artists, who cover a diverse spectrum of styles, Los Inks is dedicated to creating exceptional art in a welcoming, professional, and safe environment.
Our passion for tattoo artistry drives us to create custom designs that authentically tell your story. We are committed to collaboration, guiding you through each step of the process to ensure you receive a tattoo you will cherish for a lifetime, right here in the heart of Music City.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Feeling inspired and ready to move forward with your tattoo idea? We’re eager to discuss your concepts and help you bring your vision to reality.
Book your tattoo online, by phone, or visit our studio to schedule your consultation. Let's collaborate on a piece of art you'll cherish for a lifetime.
We look forward to working with you!
