My decision to get a tattoo from a particular artist is made long before I ever see the shop. Likewise, my decision to return to that artist is based upon the work they do and their general attitude as well. If an artist does great work, but they’re a total asshole, I won’t go back. That said, Joe Capo’s Hope Gallery is my favortie shop thus far. It just has a really great look and feel to it.

The shops that I like are all well maintained. Fresh paint, clean, well kept floors, framed artwork on the walls, warm colors. The shop where I work is all cool colors and it feels kind of like a doctor’s office sometimes. It is super clean though. I like shops where it looks like some time and money went into building it. I prefer ceramic tiles over commercial vinyl tiles. I also like hardwood cabinets over standard white. Stainless steel work surfaces, etc…

I guess I know what my shop is going to look like when I’m ready to go off on my own.

As everyone else said, the artist(s)!

I only have the one tattoo – so that means I’ve only been to one shop thus far – but I’m booked for my second at a totally different shop. The first shop was great, but the second just GLEAMS. Unlike a different poster, I’d prefer linoleum flooring – much easier to keep clean. Ceramic tile looks great, but Goddess only knows what’s living in the grout. Not that it should make that much difference – its the *floor* after all – but if it gleams its just extra points!

Private, or at least high walled, “cubes” in a multi-artist shop would be a nice touch, as would something besides acid rock as background music.

I love traveling to different shops and artists so I’ve experienced different atmospheres. My first tattoo was done in a shop/art gallery that could have passed for a doctor’s office with seperate rooms and everything so white and professional looking. Then I’ve been in street shops with flash lined walls, cramped quarters, little to no client privacy and artists and clients walking all about. To be honest I think I prefer the latter…they just seem more like a real tattoo shop the way they’re supposed to be and used to be. I really like the old school street shop environment.

My latest tattoo was done at Three Kings in Brookly, NY. A classic tattoo shop, I loved it!