by andy_g » Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:26 am
if you are only an hour away from LA then you will have no problem finding an artist good enough. just about every tattooist - apart from the odd throwback sailor's dive - uses transfers now, so that shouldn't be any kind of concern. even those who call themselves freehand artists will at least draw an outline first on paper and then transfer it to your skin.
the thing you need to bear in mind though, is that the ink spreads with the years. the beautiful tight lines you have at first will only last for about 4 or 5 years before they start to spread little by little. so make sure that the design you choose isn't so small and detailed that it'll just look like a smudge in a few years time.
find the design you like, then take the time to visit a few studios and discuss it with them. choose the one who shows enthusiasm for your design, offers suggestions spontaneously and has a portfolio full of neat work to show you.

Get up! everybody's gonna move their feet
Get Down! everybody's gonna leave their seat