(A Practical Guide for People Who Want Great Ink Without the Regret)
Let’s be honest — getting a tattoo isn’t the same as grabbing a latte. You’re committing to something permanent on your body. In ink. Forever. So if you’re in Orange County and looking for a tattoo artist you can actually trust with your skin, here’s a no-BS guide to making the right choice.
1. Clean Studio or Nope, We’re Not Doing This
The bare minimum is that your artist works in a licensed, health-compliant studio. That means:
Single-use needles and cartridges
Disinfected ultra-clean work surfaces
Gloves, barrier film, and solid hand hygiene
Basically, you shouldn’t feel like you’re getting tattooed in someone’s garage (unless their garage is also an Health Department compliant medical suite).
Feel weird asking about cleanliness? Don’t. A legit artist will gladly show off their setup — because clean work is safe work.
2. Style Match > Friend’s Cousin Tattoo Artist Who Dabbles
Not every artist does every style well — and that’s a good thing. Looking for bold American traditional? Fine line micro tattoos? Realistic pet portraits? You want someone who lives and breathes that style, not someone winging it from Pinterest.
Pro tip: Browse portfolios, not just the 'Gram. Look for healed tattoos, too — that’s where the real skill shows.
3. Read Reviews... Then Trust the Vibe
Yes, Google reviews are helpful — but here’s the truth: The vibe matters more.
You want an artist who:
Listens to you
Communicates clearly
Makes you feel safe and respected (especially if you’re LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, or have had weird vibes at shops before)
If you feel awkward bringing up your idea or asking about pricing, that’s a red flag. You deserve a space that feels good, not just looks cool.
4. Know the Booking Process
Good tattoo artists have systems — whether it’s a form, DMs, or an email waitlist. They’ll also outline:
How much the deposit is
What to do before your appointment (like eat. Please eat.)
How long the session might take
If their booking process is unclear or you’re left guessing... that’s not a great sign. You’re not just booking art, you’re booking a professional experience.
5. Go With Your Gut — It Knows What’s Up
Here’s your permission slip: If something feels off, weird, or sketchy — walk away. And if it feels right, if the artist “gets it,” if the vibe is solid and the work is fire? That’s your person.
Trust your gut. It usually knows before your brain does.
Ready to Book in Orange County?
I’m currently taking new clients for both flash and custom tattoos. My private studio in Orange County is ultra-clean, hella inclusive, and perfect for folks who want rad tattoos without the bro-shop energy.
I specialize in:
Neotraditional and traditional color tattoos
Pop culture-inspired pieces (yes, your favorite character is welcome)
Pet portraits and memorials that don’t look like a potato
Let’s make something you’ll actually love forever.
