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The Best Tattoo Designers in 2024
I searched for the best tattoo designers and created a list of top choices based on their portfolios, experience, and reviews. My number one pick is Mecandon due to the detailed and realistic nature of their black-and-white tattoo design. I’d also suggest taking a look at the rest of these top 10 tattoo designers:
I Hired 3 Tattoo Designers To Test
There are over 4,000 tattoo design gigs on Fiverr, with options ranging from basic lettering to complex scenes with several figures. Many artists offer gigs with multiple tiers to allow for a range of complexity in the design. The cheapest package often offers basic linework, while the more expensive options typically include shading, color, or complete tattoo sleeves.
To compare the value of the various packages, I hired three creators at very different price points: $25, $50, and $120. I asked all three to create the same thing: an orchid flower design for a shoulder blade tattoo.
My Experience Working With These Fiverr Freelancers
Before purchasing any gigs, I messaged the sellers to discuss the project. I told each one I wanted an orchid tattoo design and sent two reference photos of flowers. Here’s how the communication process went:- The $25 artist: Within a minute, Patriajasa had responded, asking where the tattoo would go and if I could provide a more detailed brief. After explaining that I wasn’t very artistic and was open to their design ideas, they encouraged me to book the gig. I really appreciated their efficiency, as I was able to discuss and purchase the gig within about five minutes.
- The $50 freelancer: Within five minutes of my message, Mecandon had responded too, asking about the location for the tattoo. They also confirmed that I didn’t need a color design – which cost $15 extra – and invited me to book.
- The $120 designer: Within about 15 minutes, Selcha wrote back asking me what style and colors I wanted and where I planned to place the tattoo. I asked for a style similar to a floral tattoo design in their Fiverr portfolio and requested purple and white orchids. They also asked if I wanted additional details. I clarified that stems and leaves would be nice, but I didn’t want the design to include other flowers or extra details.
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Comparing the Final Results
All three freelance artists created beautiful designs and were easy to work and communicate with. Although one designer stood out as a personal favorite, I’d happily hire any of them again.
I’d paid extra to speed up this project, so I already anticipated a quick turnaround. Yet Patriajasa worked even faster than I expected, delivering the tattoo design in about 16 hours. Because I’d purchased a minimal design package, I really just expected a basic line drawing. However, the design included much more detail and shading than I thought it would. I also appreciated that this designer sent me a mockup of the tattoo on a model’s shoulder blade, which helped me visualize exactly how it would look. That showed me that they’d taken extra care and thought to ensure the tattoo would work on the body and not just as a standalone sketch. Overall, Patriajasa went above and beyond, providing much more value than I anticipated from an inexpensive gig.
Mecandon – $50 Tattoo Design
Mecandon also delivered my design way ahead of schedule. The gig included a five-day turnaround, but I received the final design in just three days. I hold the belief that the cheaper and midrange pieces exhibit comparable levels of skill. Nevertheless, it brings me pleasure to note that investing extra in a tattoo design produces greater value. As promised, this piece presents improved shading and intricate details, culminating in a more realistic portrayal of the flowers.Selcha – $120 Tattoo Design
Unlike the two other freelance artists, Selcha sent me a preliminary sketch halfway through the process so I could review the composition and shape. Since this gig was significantly more expensive, I liked that I had a chance to request changes and ensure I was getting what I wanted. They delivered the final product within six days, so one day ahead of schedule. Once again, I was pleased to see that purchasing a more expensive gig offered more value. The composition and linework are a level above the others, and the stunning colors really brought the tattoo design to life. Since this was my favorite piece, I didn’t mind waiting longer to receive it. It’s easy to see that you can get great work on Fiverr, even if you can’t afford to spend much. The cheapest tattoo designer produced lovely work, and they added value with a helpful mockup and a quick turnaround time. But I’d recommend paying more if you want a design in color or a specific style. If you liked the work of Patriajasa and Mecandon, they both offer different, more premium packages, too, which would allow for more detail and color. You can always contact a seller directly to discuss your specific needs and get a custom order. After all, tattoos are relatively permanent decisions, so you want to ensure you have a unique piece you’ll love for years to come. The most expensive tattoo designer delivered gorgeous work that was worth the price.How To Hire a Great Tattoo Designer for a Good Price
Finding a skilled tattoo designer at a reasonable price is very straightforward on Fiverr. Here’s how to navigate the process:
1. First, go to Fiverr’s homepage and register for a buyer account. Simply click the Join button and sign up through your email or via your Google, Apple, or Facebook account.
2. After creating your account, use the search bar to enter terms like “tattoo design” or “custom tattoo.” Then, select the most relevant one.
3. Next, a bunch of gigs will appear but don’t feel overwhelmed because you can easily narrow down your search using Fiverr’s advanced filters. You can customize your budget, tattoo style, color type, etc.
4. Browse through the listings and click on those that catch your interest to view detailed information, including the designer’s portfolio (1), client reviews (2), and service packages (3).
5. To get a comprehensive view of what each package offers, select the Compare packages button (3). Pay close attention to client feedback and reviews (2) to gauge how reliable the designer is and their quality of work.
6. Use the Contact me button (4) to reach out and discuss your tattoo design needs with the designer. Clear communication is key to ensuring that your vision is understood and can be properly executed.
7. Once you’ve made up your mind, click Continue (5) to purchase your chosen service. Consider any additional options the designer offers, like faster delivery time or extra revisions to enhance your final design. Follow the payment instructions on the platform to complete the hiring process.
5 Tips To Get a Great Tattoo Design
Getting a tattoo that you love involves more than just choosing a design. It’s about collaboration, vision, and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you end up with a tattoo design that resonates with you:- Work with vetted creators. For instance, you can discover proficient freelancers on Fiverr by searching for Level Two Sellers or Top Rated Sellers. You may also consider sellers with five-star ratings and great reviews from their previous clients. This approach ensures that you hire the ideal tattoo designer for your project.
- Communicate clearly with your artist. Be precise about what you want, including color, size, and placement details. Good communication can prevent misunderstandings and ensure the final design meets your expectations.
- Consider the design complexity and placement. Some designs may be too intricate for certain body parts. Discuss with your artist about how the design might need to be adjusted for size and placement.
- Be open to professional suggestions. Experienced designers can offer valuable advice on enhancing your design while staying true to your original idea.
- Review and revise. Don’t hesitate to ask for revisions. Some Fiverr tattoo designers, for instance, offer unlimited revisions of your tattoo design project. A great design may require tweaking, so review the drafts carefully and provide constructive feedback to achieve the perfect tattoo design.