Choosing the Right Tattoo Studio in Hackney

Hackney's got no shortage of tattoo studios these days, which is a good problem to have, but it also means picking the right one isn't as simple as walking into the first shop you pass. I've been tattooing in East London since 2005, and I still get people telling me they wish they'd known what to look for before they got their first piece somewhere else.

So here's what I'd actually tell a mate.

Start with the portfolio, not the shop front. A studio can look beautiful and still have artists whose work doesn't suit what you want. Look at healed photos, not just fresh ones — fresh tattoos look good on pretty much anyone with a steady hand, healed work tells you the truth. If you're after something specific, like Japanese-style work, find an artist who actually specialises in it rather than someone who'll "give it a go."

Hygiene should be obvious, not something you have to ask about. Single-use needles, proper sterilisation, a clean set-up you can actually see. Any decent studio will be completely open about this, and you shouldn't feel awkward asking.

Check they're licensed with the local council too. Every tattoo studio in Hackney has to be registered with Hackney Council, and it's a legal requirement, not a nice-to-have. It's a quick way to confirm a studio meets proper hygiene and safety standards, and any legitimate studio will have no problem telling you.

Consultations matter more than people think. We don't do online booking here — every tattoo starts with a contact form enquiry or an in-person chat, because a five-minute form can't tell us what a proper conversation can. A good studio wants to understand what you actually want, not just book you in and figure it out on the day.

Location counts too, but not in the way people assume. Hackney's a big area, and being "local" isn't really the point — what matters is finding an artist whose style you love, even if that means a longer bus ride. That said, having a few good studios nearby does make consultations and touch-ups a lot easier, which is one of the nice things about Hackney having such a strong tattoo scene.

Trust your gut on the people, honestly. You're going to be sat with this artist for hours, sometimes across multiple sessions. If the consultation feels rushed, or you're getting pressured into something you're not sure about, that's worth paying attention to.

If you're around Lower Clapton Road, come say hello. We've been doing this a long time and we're always happy to talk through an idea, even if you're not ready to book anything yet.

Good Times Tattoo, 8 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0PD. No online booking — every tattoo starts with a chat, either through our contact form or in person.

Tattooing East London since 2009.