Questions To Always Ask Your Artist Before Getting A Tattoo

Once you have chosen your perfect tattoo, it is critical to meet with the artist and have an honest conversation about the process. An appointment can take anywhere from one to several hours. You can ask if it is okay to bring a friend (via Read Inside Out). You'll want to know about the healing timeline, too; it can take weeks (via Healthline).

According to Tat Ring, make sure to ask about the total cost, which doesn't usually include a tip. Tattoos are expensive, so you want transparency about your budget and expectations. You expect a completed tattoo, not a half-finished one because you can't afford the final product. Also, clarify the method of payment they prefer before walking in.

Everyone can call themselves a tattoo artist, but you only want to trust your skin with a skilled and licensed professional (via Authority Tattoo). Check the studio for an up-to-date license; if you don't see one, Self strongly recommends asking about it. Good artists work for years to build a portfolio. Talk about their experience and check out their work. Also double check what their specialty is. A good artist will be honest about their strengths and weaknesses.

Did you know that tattoo ink is not FDA-approved yet (via Self)? Before injecting the colored pigments into your body, talk about what ink they use and ensure none of the ingredients are on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's Toxic Substances Portal.