Custom designs, which are becoming much more popular, are unique images that are created just for your work.

Masterpiece Tattoo specializes in Custom work, though it requires much more time and effort to develop a design that incorporates the essence of the client�s vision and the practical advice of the artist.

BIO-MECHANICAL: This style involves an anatomical flesh intertwined with some technical drawings of machines. A close relative of this style involves just the biological look of flesh without the mechanical parts.

BLACK & GREY: Refers to the colors used. This style requires the artist to have advanced shading techniques for subtlety.

Celtic: Beautiful, intricate knot work of the Celts (a hard "k", NOT a soft "c" like the basketball team). As these designs are much harder for artists to do master, few studios provide such work. However, Masterpiece Tattoo has garnered awards and distinctions for its work in this area.

Oriental: Big, bold pieces of Oriental images (carp, clouds, dragons, etc.) based on the Ukiyo-e woodblock prints of 18th Century Edo-period Japan.

PORTRAIT: Images taken from photos, best done by someone who can render realistic photographic images. Usually done in black and grey ink.

Tribal: Usually bold simple lines, simple patterns. Almost always done with just black ink.

With a good artist working for you, you can get practically any image you'd like. The artists of Masterpiece can render portraits, wildlife, psychedelic and biomechanical styles with impressive results. Remember, your main challenge is to find the artist who can best do the design YOU want.

�When visiting Masterpiece Tattoo, ask to see our portfolios, Pastore adds. �We very much appreciate the fact that you are visiting the shop to commission a piece of art to be permanently illustrated on your skin and I promise you that you will be treated as the valued customer that you are.�

Look at the people in the book. This can be an indicator of the clientele in the shop (besides looking at the ambiance of the shop). Is there a fair mix of women and men in the book? Are they all sporting "biker" tats, or any one particular genre/style?

Again, keep in mind that anyone can stencil an outline of an illustration onto your skin. The skill in the artistry comes in the shading, use of colors and other subtle things that set an artist apart from a simple tattooist.

Do you see anything in the portfolio that is not in the flash? These are the custom pieces that the artists have done, and they should be their crowning glory. How do they look? Do you like what you see?

• What is their favorite style?
  If what you are looking to get done happens to be their specialty you are in luck; be it tribal, wildlife or whatever.
• Is there any one particular subject they like to do?
  One artist, without hesitation, told me his favorite was skulls. I would've jumped for joy had that been what I wanted.
• How long has the shop been here?
  This may be an indicator of the stability of their business. The tat industry in itself fluctuates, but continuity implies business acumen, responsible practices and that they are not a fly-by-night operation.
• How long have they been at the shop?
  The shop may have been there for 20 years, but the artist may only have been there for a couple of months. If they have been there for what you consider a short period, ask them about their experience.
• How long have they been tattooing?
  It might not matter so much that the artist has only been there for a short while, if they've been tattooing for several years. They might come from various backgrounds--anywhere from working on friends to having a fine arts degree. This type of information will give you more insight into the artist's attitude as well as aptitude.
• Do they get to do much custom work?
  This may depend on where the shop is located, but it also depends on how good of an artist they are, and whether they have their own style for which they are known for.