Choosing the Right Tattoo Artist for Your Vision (Even If It’s Not Me)
Choosing the right tattoo artist is more than just scrolling Instagram for someone with a cool aesthetic.
It’s an act of deep trust. Read that again.
A collaboration with someone who will literally leave a permanent mark on your body. And when your tattoo holds meaning—spiritual, emotional, ancestral, transformative—it’s even more important to choose someone who can hold that for you.
As someone who specializes in sacred, intentional, and embodied tattoos, I want to say something that might surprise you:
I might not be the right artist for you. And that’s okay.
Because this isn’t about me—it’s about you, your body, and your truth.
Whether you’re booking with me or someone else, here’s what I want you to know about choosing the right artist for your vision:
1. Choose Someone Who Sees You as a Whole Person
Your tattoo isn’t just a design. It’s a reflection of you—a story, a phase, a healing experience, a moment in time. You want someone who understands that—and treats you with care, curiosity, and presence.
Does the artist you’re considering take time to understand your vision?
Do they ask about your intentions, your emotions, or your energy behind the piece?
This goes beyond customer service. This is about energetic alignment.
2. Make Sure Their Style Matches What You’re Envisioning
Not all artists do all styles—and they shouldn’t. Every artist has their own creative lane, and the best tattoos happen when you find someone in theirs.
Ask yourself:
Does their portfolio reflect what you’re envisioning?
Does their visual language resonate with your aesthetic?
You can respect an artist and still choose someone else because their style aligns more clearly with your vision. That’s not rejection—it’s discernment.
3. Consider Their Process—Not Just Their Product
Some artists work fast and transactional.
Some (like me) work slower, more intentionally, more intuitively.
Some sessions are all about speed and efficiency.
Others are ritualistic, embodied, spacious, and deeply personal.
Neither is “better.” But one might be better for you.
Trust what you’re craving in the process—not just the outcome.
4. Prioritize Nervous System Safety
This one matters so much, especially for highly sensitive people, or anyone using tattoos as part of a healing journey.
Ask:
→ Do I feel safe in their presence?
→ Do they offer grounding practices, breathwork, or somatic approaches?
→ Do they respect boundaries—physical, emotional, and energetic?
Your body knows. If it feels tense or hesitant, listen. There is no “should” when it comes to where and with whom you place your trust.
5. Choose Someone Who Honors Your Autonomy
You are the expert on your body.
A good artist will collaborate with you, not bulldoze you.
They’ll offer professional guidance—but never override your voice, your intuition, or your sovereignty.
Pay attention to how they respond to your questions.
Do they explain things clearly? Make you feel empowered?
Create space for you to feel into it?
That’s who you want in the room with you.
And If That Artist Is Me…
Then I’d be honored to walk that journey with you.
But if it’s not, I want you to know:
I’m still cheering for you.
Because your truth is more important than my booking calendar.
This work is sacred. And your body deserves to be met with reverence, no matter where you go.
Ready to Explore Intentional, Soul-led Tattooing?
If you’re feeling drawn to a slower, somatic, and intentional approach to tattooing—I'd love to explore whether we’re aligned.
My signature service The Art of Alignment is a 28-day somatic journey that concludes the program with an intentional, embodied tattoo experience—designed to honor who you are becoming.
→ Book a discovery call here to feel it out. No pressure. Just presence, curiosity, and honest conversation.
I also offer custom single-session tattoos, designed with the same care, presence, and soul-aligned artistry. Learn more about my style, journey and more in the tattooing space and fill out an appointment request form here.