How do you choose an tattoo artist? - That fully depends on why you want a tattoo, what design you are looking for and what quality you are after.
For my previous ones I had a design ready and just wanted the tattooist to copy it.
Now I wanted a custom shoulder / back piece and I wanted it with incredible details.
I contacted Black Orbit through Facebook with some of my inspired ideas and their response was great. They looked at my ideas and recommended the best artist they have that could create a design out of that: this was Darren. I sent him my wish list, descriptions, pictures and photos of my desired features for this tattoo. He created some rough designs based on that and together we came to a wonderful, detailed and, most importantly, workable tattoo.
I had several visits going over the design and to meet up with Darren. He is a very capable artist and looking over his portfolio, incredibly suited for my wishes.
Just yesterday I have been getting the first outline on my shoulder and back. It is a big one. Better still, the detail is outstanding. If I had any doubts, these were gone after applying his skilled artistry work on my body.
Don't kid yourself that a tattoo is relatively painless, it is not. The way Darren works is to calm you and offer you breaks. Letting you to see the results at different stages. He explains the process very well. People do react differently to the process. I knew what to expect and prepared myself for it, but it was still quite painful. I had several breaks, only a few minutes though, as I was explained, do not take too long on breaks in between otherwise my built up of endorphins and the moment would be gone.
He works thorough. For this piece he supplied me a set price. Thus no clock-watching and a more relaxed body (or 'canvas') to work with.
The place itself is tidy and very clean and they operate in an hygienic environment.
They have got their designs on their computer and with a bit of photoshop they are able to customise to make things more personal.
Their prices range from cheap small pre drawn stock designs about £20 - £60 to the more pricy large custom design pieces around £400 - Prices vary depending on the tattoo and placement of course.
So far I have been very pleased with the service and skills they offer and will update this review once my full tattoo is done.
*Edit* - I have just learned that Darren (my Tattooist) is looking to get his own studio. So he will not be available at Black Orbit. But they have other artists available. read more