top of page

How to Choose the Right Tattoo Artist for Your Style

Getting a tattoo is a significant decision, and choosing the right artist is crucial in ensuring you’re happy with the result. Each tattoo artist has their own style and specialisation, so finding someone whose work aligns with your vision is the key to getting the tattoo you’ve always wanted. Whether you’re looking for intricate fine line work, bold blackwork, or realistic portraits, here’s a guide to help you find the perfect tattoo artist at Hammersmith Tattoo London.

Tom @stalstattoo
Tom @stalstattoo

1. Understand Your Style

Before selecting an artist, it’s important to determine what style of tattoo you’re after. Here are a few of the most popular tattoo styles:

  • Fine Line Tattoos: Minimalist and delicate, fine line tattoos focus on thin, precise lines to create intricate designs. These tattoos are often chosen for their subtlety and elegance.

  • Traditional Tattoos: Known for their bold outlines, vibrant colours, and timeless designs like roses, skulls, and anchors, traditional tattoos are classic choices.

  • Realism Tattoos: Realistic tattoos focus on creating lifelike portraits, animals, or objects with intricate shading and detail, mimicking photographs or real-world scenes.

  • Blackwork Tattoos: Bold and striking, blackwork tattoos use only black ink to create high-contrast designs that are often geometric, abstract, or tribal in nature.

  • Neo-Traditional Tattoos: A modern evolution of traditional tattooing, neo-traditional tattoos feature bold outlines but incorporate a wider range of colours, shading, and more detailed imagery.


Once you know the style you want, you can find an artist who excels in that particular form.


2. Meet Our Tattoo Artists

At Hammersmith Tattoo London, we have a diverse team of talented artists, each specialising in different tattoo styles. Here’s an introduction to our team:

  • Marcelina (@marcelina.tattoo) Specialises in fine line and ornamental tattoos, with an eye for detail and a soft, elegant style. Her work often features delicate floral designs, intricate patterns, and stunning minimalism, perfect for those looking for subtle yet detailed pieces.

  • Tom (@stalstattoo) An expert in neo-traditional and realism tattoos, Tom’s portfolio includes highly detailed portraits, lifelike designs, and bold, intricate shading. His ability to capture realism with fine precision makes him an excellent choice for those wanting lifelike representations.

  • Rob (@klamanistattoo) Rob brings a mastery of traditional and blackwork tattoos. His bold, colourful traditional designs are perfect for those who appreciate the timeless appeal of old-school tattooing, while his blackwork pieces are striking and visually impactful.

  • Archie (@noodles_tattoo) A specialist in black and grey realism and dotwork tattoos, Archie is known for his ability to create smooth, detailed shading. His work often features lifelike portraits and geometric dotwork patterns, combining precision with creativity.

  • Carl (@not3bad_tattoos) For fans of Japanese and oriental tattoos, Carl’s artistry stands out. His designs blend traditional Japanese motifs with contemporary techniques, creating tattoos that are bold, meaningful, and rich in cultural symbolism.

  • Emily (@bemtattoos) Emily excels in blackwork and traditional tattoos, creating powerful designs with strong contrast and timeless appeal. Her attention to detail and expertise in bold outlines make her a great choice for those looking for classic yet modern pieces.

  • Robin (@redrobintattoos) Robin specialises in dotwork and stippling tattoos, offering intricate designs made up of tiny dots to create beautiful shading and texture. Her designs are perfect for those seeking something unique and carefully detailed.


Marcy @marcelina.tattoo
Marcy @marcelina.tattoo


3. Review Their Portfolio

Before committing to a tattoo artist, it’s essential to review their portfolio. This will give you a sense of their style, skill level, and consistency. A strong portfolio should showcase the artist’s range and ability to execute various designs with precision.


At Hammersmith Tattoo London, our artists’ portfolios are available online and on their Instagram pages, where you can view a range of their work across different styles. Pay close attention to how clean the lines are, how well the shading is blended, and whether their work resonates with the tattoo style you’re looking for.


Robert @klamanistattoo
Robert @klamanistattoo

4. Book a Consultation

Once you’ve found an artist whose style matches your vision, the next step is to schedule a consultation. This meeting allows you to discuss your design idea, get professional input, and determine the best approach to your tattoo. During the consultation, you can ask questions about the process, placement, and aftercare, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident moving forward.


During the consultation, you’ll also get a sense of the artist’s communication style and professionalism, which is important for building trust and ensuring a smooth tattooing experience.


Emily @bemtattoos
Emily @bemtattoos


5. Consider Your Budget

Tattoo pricing can vary based on the artist’s experience, the complexity of the design, and the size of the tattoo. While it’s important to have a budget in mind, remember that tattoos are a long-term investment. Choosing a highly skilled artist who specialises in your desired style will ensure that you’re happy with the result, even if it costs a little more.


At Hammersmith Tattoo London, we believe in transparent pricing, and during your consultation, your artist will provide an estimate based on your design and the time required to complete it.


Carl @not3bad_tattoos
Carl @not3bad_tattoos

Long story short...

Choosing the right tattoo artist is a crucial part of the tattoo process, ensuring that your design is executed with skill and precision. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist fine line piece or a bold traditional design, Hammersmith Tattoo London has a diverse team of experienced artists ready to bring your vision to life.



Archie @noodles_tattoo
Archie @noodles_tattoo

Ready to book your tattoo? 




Contact Hammersmith Tattoo London today to schedule a consultation and find the perfect artist for your style. We’re here to help you create a piece of art that you’ll love for a lifetime.



31 views

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page