How to choose a tattoo artist in Georgia and not regret it: tips and recommendations

You don't want to sit there with a burnt ass, looking at a crooked wolf on your forearm, do you? Then let's figure out how to choose a tattoo artist in Georgia, so as not to run into a blocking or laser.

Tattoo culture is just developing in Georgia, and finding a good artist is not so easy. Here, no one will tell you honestly: "Dude, I don't do that" or "Listen, this is not my level." Instead, they will simply tell you the price, and the fact that the result is not what you expected is your problem.

So, how to avoid falling into a trap and choose an artist who really knows how to work? Let's go!

What Distinguishes a Great Tattoo Artist from a Mediocre one?

They create, not copy. A real pro can take your idea and turn it into a unique sketch, not just download a picture from Pinterest. He has an artistic mind, he knows how to adapt the image to the body so that it looks cool even after years.
They will not let you do a "crap". If the artist silently agrees to any of your ideas - this is a red flag. A good tattoo artist will explain why your sketch may not work, and offer the best option so that the tattoo looks cool not only in the moment, but also in 10 years.
They work in a studio, not in Aunt Lyuba's kitchen. Seriously, if the artist works at home - run. Do you even know that in such conditions it is impossible to ensure sterility? You do not want to catch something unpleasant, right?
They know the value of their work. A good artist will not dump and sell himself cheaper than mulled wine at a ski resort. If you are offered realism on half a forearm for 500 lari, stop and think: where is the catch?

Which Tattoo Styles are Popular in Georgia?

Before the war, one of the most common styles in Georgia was "homemade tattoo" - a specific style that was characterized by rough execution, minimal detailing, and often careless lines. This is not about tattoos made at home, but about the aesthetics of such work.

After artists from neighboring countries (and not only from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus) arrived in the country, the market began to change. Clients saw the difference in the level of work and began to be interested in more complex styles. At the moment, realism most likely takes first place - there are more good artists, and clients are ready to pay for quality. Of course, this is a subjective opinion, since there are no detailed statistics, but the trend is obvious: quality is becoming more important, and styles that require high qualifications are becoming more and more popular.

The Main Problem of the Tattoo Market in Georgia

Here, no one will refuse you.

Let's say you write to the master: "I want a wolf in realism, how much will it cost?"

You get an answer: "300 lari".

What's wrong?

And the fact that no one will tell you: "Listen, I don't do that" or "I don't know how to work with details."

Instead, the artist will simply get to work, and then you will leave the studio with a blurry silhouette of an incomprehensible beast that will haunt you in the mirror. The result is either a cover-up or a laser that is 10 times more expensive and takes longer.

The Most Common Mistakes When Choosing an Artist

Focusing only on price. Remember: cheap = risk. If a tattoo artist is ready to do a complex project for pennies, he either doesn’t have clients or doesn’t value his work. Now think about it, do you want to be injected by such a person?
Ignoring healed work. A fresh tattoo and a healed one are two very different things. A good tattoo artist will always show what his work looks like in a month, six months, a year. If there are no such photos, think about it.
Refusing a consultation. Meeting with the artist before the session is important. It shows how interested he is in making a cool tattoo, and not just “anyhow”.

What Questions Should You Ask The Artist?

✔️ Do you work in this style?

✔️ Can you show examples of similar works?

✔️ How are your works healing? (Yeah, about healed tattoos again.)

✔️ When can I come for a consultation?

If the master avoids answers or sends only fresh photos - red flag.

How To Check Sterility?

Needles should be disposable and opened in front of you.
Gloves should be changed very often.
The work area should be wrapped in disposable barrier materials.
The studio should look like it doesn't make you want to run away at first sight.

If you walk in and feel like you're in a basement, you better turn around and walk out.

When Should You be Wary?

The artist does not ask about your health. He should be interested in your chronic diseases, skin condition and general well-being.
The reviews are uniform, without details. If everywhere there are just 5 stars without a description - it is suspicious.
There are no photos of healed works. If the portfolio only has fresh tattoos - this is a reason to think. High-quality work should look good not only on the first day, but also after years.

Tips for Beginners

Don't get a small tattoo "for a try". If you want a big job - do it right away. In 90% of cases, small tattoos either turn into a cover-up or you have to figure out how to expand them.
Consider the anatomy. Beautiful tattoo placement is an art. The best works are built on dynamic lines of the body, and not just stuck anywhere.
Don't be afraid to ask the artist everything that worries you. It's your body, your money, your tattoo.

Conclusion

Choosing an artist is not just a question of price or convenient location of the studio. There are still too many in Georgia who do not know how to work with quality, but are not ready to refuse clients. Therefore, your task is to check the master, ask questions, study the portfolio and make an informed choice.

If you do not want to spend 10 times more on a cover-up, approach this issue with your head.

Good luck, and let your tattoo be your pride, not a mistake!