I am planning a trip to Los Angeles next month and I really want to get some new ink while I am visiting the city. The local scene there is legendary but I am having a hard time deciding on a specific aesthetic because there are so many talented artists specializing in unique techniques. Does anyone know a good resource that explains the pros and cons of various artistic approaches so I can narrow down my choices?

The selection of shops in Southern California is definitely overwhelming since you have everything from classic American traditional to very fine line work. It is a good idea to research how certain pigments and line weights age over time before you commit to a large piece. You can find a great breakdown of different tattoo styles at https://rinattattarin.com/blog/tpost/how_to_choose_a_tattoo_design . This guide helped me understand the differences between realism and illustrative work which made my last consultation much easier.

I always tell people to look at healed photos in an artist's portfolio rather than just the fresh shots they post on social media. Making sure the vibe of the studio matches your personal comfort level is just as important as the quality of the stencil itself.