Choosing a tattoo artist isn't much different from going car shopping. Other then the end product is going to last a lifetime on your skin. Each artist has a different style in their art, even how they do the work. Many are skilled in multiple styles of tattooing. However, if you want a realism tattoo your best choice is not an artist that specializes in early American traditional style. Unless they are also skilled in the style you want, it will not come out the way you want it. So no not all of your "bad" tattoos are the artist fault. That is just something you will have to consider. Look at the artist portfolio's they normally have these books in the lobby for future clients to look at. They probably will ask if they can help you. In this case "just looking" wont really help, explain why you are there most artist will help set you up with an in house artist that can do what you are looking for.
Another is the way the artist treat their clients. True we all have our bad days, but if it seems to be the normal to treat them in a way you do no appreciate. Maybe that is not the artist for you. Simply going into a shop and requesting a tattoo done that day is not always possible depending on the piece. Many artist have free consulting for that reason. Rome was not built in a day, these meetings are to give the artist an idea of what you really want if you are asking for them to design you something. This is even a good idea for any big pieces and portraits, that way they have time to make the stencil and plan it out. Now this is a much faster process if they have a stencil printer. Obviously you need to think about the shops cleanliness. That goes for your artist, and you too.
Don't choose a shop or artist because of their popularity. Yes that normally means they do good work and are always busy. Unfortunately, you might be missing out on a great artist because their location is not well known or their fellow artist has a bad rep. Please keep in mind that allot of the end product depends on you, what you want, where you get it and how you care for it afterwards.
Maybe one of your concerns, is if they will do re-touches. Most shops do have a discounted or free touch ups. But don't abuse that fact, there are artist that do not offer that any more. Because someone did not do proper after care, and try to blame the artist for it. And most of the time they can tell, especially the more experienced artist. There are those times its at no fault of any one, all skin is different. Inks may not take well and fall out, or cause allergic reactions. Artist will normally say wait two weeks or more depending on the healing process before any re-work is done to the piece. You can go back in and talk to your tattooist and find out what the corrupt is, if it is an allergic reaction they will advice you to go see your regular doctor. There might not be saving the piece at all if its an allergic reaction to the ink. A new color or brand of ink may have to be considered for it to stick.
Experience is always something to keep in mind, but some times your less experienced are great artist. I have seen beginners that have better work then their more experienced counter parts. Some not all, this boils down to check the portfolio part.
Pricing, your wallet will thank you if you keep that in mind. And the old saying "you get what you pay for." Is not always applicable in the tattoo world. Due to the various reasons such as location, the popularity of the shop or and artist. It does not mean that a 1,000.00 tattoo is guaranteed to be good. The larger number of population in the location area really does drive a price. Along with the local completion. You will find artist that will argue against that, I've seen forums against learning tattooist. Smaller shops and much more, including the machines they choose to use or build themselves. This is where you have to be decisive. Kind of the whole cereal deal, you pay more for brand name when an off brand is exactly the same thing. No I am not saying go with the 30.00 for a 500.00 dollar piece, that most likely is a fantasy or you have a buddy that does tattoos. But I am saying do your research.
And as always, getting a tattoo is an enter at your own risk decision. If you know someone who is learning or is a newbie I am not saying don't give them a chance. But there is risk there, even at well known shops there is risk. Such as sanitation, your environment during and after you leave along with the aftercare. When dealing with newbies and learners, you will have more risk. Hopefully before they do anything on real skin, they have done some work on practice materials.
In the end, it all is up to you. Don't rush it, if you can not find an artist that fits your needs some times waiting is for the best. Besides tattoos really are not something to rush into, but as most of us who have ink done has at least one that was.
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