How to Choose the Right Tattoo Artist for Your Tattoo

If you’re getting a small tattoo on a whim, walk-in street shops are often perfect for that. Find one with good reviews, browse portfolios, and either pick an artist or trust the counter staff to match you with someone solid. I worked in those kinds of shops for years, they’re usually good at lining you up with the right person. Just be open to suggestions. Not every tattoo idea works as-is. They’re the pros, trust them.

But outside of that walk-in style

If you want something more professional, especially if it’s palm-sized or larger, or if it’s something custom-drawn, you’ll want to do a lot more research when picking your artist. At that level, there should be someone in your area who can bring your tattoo vision to life.

And if you’re planning a large-scale Japanese tattoo, a sleeve, a leg sleeve, a back piece, the stakes are even higher. If you’re in a small town, traveling might be necessary. The bigger the piece, the higher the stakes, and the more it will cost in every sense: more time, energy, effort, research, and commitment. Maybe even a plane ticket.

I’ve had multiple clients travel to work with me over the past few years. I’ve done the same. I traveled to get my back done, and I flew to Montreal to get tattooed by one of my idols. It was worth every penny.

Large-scale Japanese tattoos are complex. The style demands technical skill, fluency in composition and negative space, and design proficiency. Your artist needs to not just know how to tattoo, they need to understand how to design for your body, in the specific style you’re looking for.

Whether you’re in Vancouver or anywhere else, the rule is the same:

Find someone who specializes in the kind of tattoo you want.

Especially in a saturated scene like Vancouver, this matters. There are seasoned pros and amateurs playing dress-up, and it's not always easy to tell the difference. Here’s how not to get rinsed and end up with a permanent mistake on your body.

And do NOT, no matter how cheap they are or fast they can book you in, go to your cousin’s best friend’s old roommate who just bought a machine off amazon. That’s how people end up with infections and spend the next three years, and thousands of dollars, trying to laser off a tattoo they hate. If you think tattoos are expensive and hurt, wait till you try laser. I've been there. It sucks.

So here it is, a step-by-step guide to finding the right artist for you. Whether you want a small one-shot piece or a full bodysuit, follow this and you’ll thank yourself later.

Know Your Style

Before you start messaging artists or booking consults, you should get clear on the style you want. You don’t need to know the exact design, but you should at least know whether you want Japanese, traditional, blackwork, realism, etc.

That clarity makes picking an artist way easier.

If you’re after a large-scale Japanese tattoo, it’s helpful (but not necessary) to know what elements you like: koi, dragons, tigers, hannya masks, peonies, waves, windbars, Buddhist figures?

Black and grey or bold color? Bold and aggressive or delicate and subtle?

Knowing some of that gives the artist a starting point, but again, you don’t need to have it all figured out. Personally, I’m great at helping people come up with a plan, whether they know exactly what they want or have no idea what to get.

And do not, for the sake of everyone involved, pick an artist for your Japanese dragon back piece because they did a cool portrait on your friend. Very few artists are exceptional across various styles. Pick an expert in your preferred style. This discernment and distinction matters more than I can possibly express.

Browse Portfolios Carefully

Once you know the style you’re after, take your time browsing. Does the artist consistently produce the kind of work you want? Do the tattoos look clean, bold, well-composed? Can you tell they have real control over their technique?

Remember, portfolios are curated. You’re only seeing their best work, and a lot of the time fresh tattoos. Look for healed photos of their tattoos as well, and even better if you can see these healed tattoos in person.

You don’t want to just swipe past one nice tiger tattoo and assume they’re a Japanese specialist. You want to make sure their work ages well.

When I started tattooing, I tried to be good at everything. I tried so many styles. But I hadn’t mastered anything. For five years I split my time, 50 percent Japanese, 50 percent other stuff. But for the last ten years or so I’ve focused almost exclusively on large-scale Japanese work. That kind of consistency matters. Ideally, you want someone who’s all-in on the style you're after.

Experience Matters — Especially for Large-Scale Work

Tattooing takes years to get good at. Big pieces, sleeves, backs, bodysuits, take even more time and skill. The artist needs to understand flow, balance, negative space, and how to manage a client’s energy and pain over long sittings.

The right artist can make a massive difference in your experience during tattoo session, no matter how long it is.

A lot of newer artists are overly confident, and I get it. I was the same. With experience, you learn to say no. You learn what’s outside your scope. You learn to refer people to artists who are better suited to the style the client is looking for.

That’s what real professionalism looks like.

And that’s why experience matters.

These days, I see fewer long-term pros and way more weekend warriors with iPads and ring lights. It’s plaguing the Vancouver tattoo scene, and many other cities around the world. The worst part is how normalized it’s become. Quality and standards are dropping fast.

If you’re getting a large-scale tattoo, do not trust someone who hasn’t spent years working in, and mastering, the style you want.

Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations

Check Google reviews. Ask your friends. Ask your barber, your barista, your gym buddy. Word of mouth still goes a long way.

That said, don’t believe everything you read online. Tattooing is personal. Someone else’s amazing experience doesn’t guarantee yours. Use your judgment.

And if you’re in Vancouver and not sure who to go to, DM me. I’ll tell you straight up who’s a good fit for what you’re looking for. No ego, no competition. I’ve got no problem pointing people toward great artists.

I’d rather spend five minutes to help you than to see you get a peony that looks like a cabbage and a staph infection.

I’ve seen both and it’s not pretty.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions (Pre-Consultation)

Getting a tattoo isn’t the time to be timid.

Ask what kind of tattoos the artist loves doing. Ask how long they’ve been tattooing. Ask about their process. Ask if they offer consultations. Ask how far booked out they are. Ask what they’re passionate about. Hell, even ask what their hobbies are.

You want someone who’s excited about your idea and confident in their process and isn't afraid to get to know you.

And if they get weird or defensive when you ask questions, thank them for their time, and just move along, my friend. There are plenty of tattoo artists out there that would be happy to sit down with you for a chat. Don't waste your time with unruly dickheads.

Book a Consultation

If you’re booking anything larger than palm-sized, especially a custom sleeve or back piece, you should absolutely do an in-person consultation. If you need to travel to do it, do it. If that’s not possible, a video call is the bare minimum.

Any artist willing to book you for a major piece without a consult is a red flag in my opinion.

You’re going to spend dozens of hours with this person. You want to see what they’re like in person.

Personally, I love consults. I love hearing people’s ideas, helping them narrow things down, figuring out what fits. Some of my favorite tattoo ideas have come out of those early conversations.

And for the record: I don’t expect anyone to book after a consult. It’s just a conversation. Most people do end up booking, because I’m clear, confident, and I make people feel comfortable. That’s how it should be. If you don’t feel confident and at ease after the consult, don’t book. Simple as that.

A Good Tattoo Is Worth Waiting For

Most good artists are booked out. They’ve got full schedules and lives outside tattooing. But if you’ve found the right person, someone whose work you truly love then waiting a few months or traveling a few hours is nothing in the long run.

I’ve flown across the country for a tattoo. I’ve spent thousands on travel, time, and sessions, and I’ve never regretted it. What I have regretted are the impulsive tattoos I got just because I didn't want to wait.

So if you’re thinking about getting a large-scale Japanese, blackwork, realism or traditional tattoo, take your time. Do your research. Ask questions. Book the consult. Trust your gut.

And if you’re in Vancouver and looking for a specialist, reach out.

I’d love to hear what you’re thinking.

FAQ

How much does a large-scale Japanese tattoo cost?

It depends on size, detail, and the artist’s rate, but most sleeves range from $4,000 to $8,000+, and back pieces are often $8,000 to $15,000+ over multiple sessions.

How long will it take?

Sleeves typically take 3–6 sessions. Back pieces can take 6–12. All depending on style, detail and the speed of the artist. Expect it to span months.

Does it hurt more than smaller tattoos?

Not necessarily, but the sessions are longer and more demanding. Stamina matters. The artist’s bedside manner and studio environment matter too.

Can I use numbing cream?

Yes, but it should be discussed with the artist. I prefer to avoid it until later in the session. I’ve got my own method for this. Numbing cream is a luxury, it's not some magic formula that makes tattoos never hurt again. But it can definitely dull the edge, especially at the end of longer sessions.

Can I bring reference images?

Yes. In fact, it helps your artist get a sense of what you’re drawn to visually. Just don’t expect them to copy someone else’s tattoo. The goal is inspiration, not imitation.

What if I don’t know exactly what I want?

That’s what the consultation is for. A good artist helps you figure it out, refine it, and build something you’ll love for life.

Final Thought

This isn’t just a drawing. It’s your body. You’re about to get something permanent and powerful, something you’ll carry every day. So take it seriously. Do your homework. Find the right artist.

If you’re looking a for a Japanese tattoo artist in Vancouver, feel free to reach out.

I’d love to hear about your ideas.