The problem with some portfolios is that some artists don’t feel the need to keep them up to date…. so in some cases you’re looking at older work. I checked portfolios for basic style and consistency, then called around, asked where I could see some recent work etc. Without seeing ANY of the artist’s work, hell no. That’s asking for trouble.

As far as proofs, do you mean sketches of the tattoo you’re looking to get?

I would say that a fair estimate would be 1 in 5 people that come into our shop off the street don’t care to look at a portfolio. Most of them just want a tattoo now and cheap.

Wow – I can’t imagine that! OK, I can imagin the “cheap” part :). But I won’t even go to a shop if I haven’t seen their website, and gotten an idea of the artists’ work in advance, and chosen a specific artist whose work I appreciate. I then find out everything I can about the artist online before calling or visiting the shop and seeing what kind of vibe I get from them. If I get a good vibe, I’ll book the appointment.

Case in point was my first tattoo. I’d picked the shop, but from online presence there were two artists there that I thought would do a great job, and I was having a hard time deciding. I called, and found they were both in on Sundays. I went in, figuring I’d choose whichever one greeted me – then it turned out I really instantly didn’t like him. He wasn’t willing to discuss the aspects I wanted, just wanted to book the appointment and send me on my way. The other artist was available for a walk-in, willing to discuss in depth what I wanted, told me to give her an hour to draw it up and come back. She did a great job, we had a good time chatting while she worked, and I remain thrilled with the tattoo.

So, my point is, for me even a portfolio isn’t quite enough. I don’t want to spend four hours with a talented asshole causing me pain eiither :).