Inside the Box

What I liked

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What I didn't like

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My overall impression

Before my first tattoo, I genuinely thought all tattoo shops were basically the same. Walk in, pick a design off the wall, sit down, done. It wasn’t until I started asking friends for recommendations that I realized how wrong I was. Some shops specialize in walk-ins, others focus entirely on custom work, and the pricing, hygiene standards, and booking process can vary a lot from one place to the next.

The biggest mistake I almost made was choosing a shop based purely on location, just because it was close to my apartment. A friend who’s covered in tattoos talked me out of that pretty quickly. She explained that the right shop depends on what you actually want done, not just convenience. If you already have a specific design or style in mind, you need a shop with artists who specialize in that, not just whoever happens to have an opening that week.

Once I understood that, I started looking at portfolios instead of just reviews. This matters more than people expect, because a five star rating doesn’t tell you anything about whether an artist’s style matches what you’re picturing in your head. When I was scrolling through options, I came across Logan Square Tattoo https://www.logansquaretattoo.com/chicago-tattoo-shop, and what stood out was how clearly their site separated custom work from walk-in availability, so I could actually see examples of both before deciding which route made sense for my situation.

Booking process is another thing first timers overlook. Some shops require a deposit to hold your appointment, which is normal and protects the artist’s time if someone cancels last minute. Others take walk-ins on a first come, first served basis, which works better if you’re flexible on timing but want something done the same day. Knowing which category a shop falls into before you show up saves you from wasted trips or awkward conversations at the front desk.

Hygiene is something you should never assume, even if a shop looks clean on the surface. Ask about needle disposal, whether they use single use ink caps, and how they sanitize their stations between clients. A reputable shop won’t hesitate to explain their process, since it’s a normal question every first timer should ask.

If you’re getting your first tattoo, take the time to actually research the shop, not just the design. Look at real portfolios, understand their booking system, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about cleanliness. It makes the entire experience far less intimidating, and you’ll walk out with something you’re actually happy with.