If you’ve decided that the time is right for you to get a tattoo, but need a few pointers on finding the right artist, subject, and style, you’ve come to the right place. This tattoos guide for men will answer questions, provide helpful advice, and assist you in choosing the best possible options to suit your individual needs.

When you’re finished reading take a glance at the top 50 best men’s tattoos to get some inspiration and ideas.

1. Tattoo Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness

One of the primary points to consider before getting tattooed is the parlor or studio where the art will be completed. Cleanliness cannot be stressed enough. As well, the place should be orderly and convey a sense of organization. While this may not seem to have anything to do with the quality of the art, it does impact the quality of your experience and indicate what sort of artist you’ll be dealing with.

As soon as you walk into the shop, check to make sure the floor is clean and the countertops are free of clutter. Even examine the artwork on display for a sense of order and coherence. These details are important indicators of a clean and orderly business, and should not be disregarded. Another positive feature you should expect in a well-run studio is a prompt, polite, and business-like greeting.

You should explain your visit and feel comfortable asking as many questions as you need to in order to assure yourself that a particular studio is a good choice for you. Furthermore, whether the individual greeting you is an assistant, apprentice or the artist, they should be comfortable answering those questions, some of which should follow these general guidelines:

2. Tattoo Shop Guidelines

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• What are the shop hours?
• Can you see their latest spore test results?
• How do they sterilize their equipment—Autoclave or Statim?
• Is the artist available for a brief conversation?
• Do they prefer custom or flash work?
• Do they have portfolios you can browse?

A studio should be using an Autoclave or Statim to sterilize their tools, and should undergo a spore test no less than once a month, though statutes for this will vary given your state or province. Furthermore, much like a safety and health inspection rating in food service, they should either display their most recent test results or have them ready to present upon client request.