Super stars unavailable?

So, how long to you wait for the "famous/busy" tattoo artists here in L.A. (no names mentioned) to return your emails or calls? I understand people are booked, wait list, etc.... but as a rule, are some artists just untouchable? I even dropped a name or two (witht the blessings of a few local L.A. tattoo artists friends) to get "in" but NADA? I'm starting to feel like a rejected teen girl for the high school prom. (note: did not even attend my own high school prom lol). Or, do i keep at it? I'm willing to wait, but no replys at all? Any tips?

OK now I'm gonna yell atcha mamcat!!! Ya don't have to go to a "famous" artist dear,,there are so many talented and "hungry " artists out there especially in LA..jsu do your homework!!! Be careful and I know you are smart enough to be a picky bitch when it comes to you tattoo!! I have seen some shiity work from some "famous" artists ...Do the industry a favor..Find one of those young and awesome artists and go for it!!!! Man will I get it for this post!! ah well fuck em!!!...TAz

LOL, I know, I know... I guess I got confused on "not being" impatient and doing my research (also getting referrals). It seems like a few people (not here) mentioned that i HAD to go to this one guy so I got all inspired to wait, etc...and then no reply? Man it was so much easier in the past. NOT nearly as many artists to choose from. I just went in a good shop and saw who was available. Which, leads me to my next question. Ego's. If you make an appointment to meet one tattoo artist, go in, see another's book that you like better..........is that totally rude? Like dating another's sister? I met one artist and he was really nice, cool and helpful and then I saw another artists portfolio/book and, I hate to say it, but wanted to use him instead. I know. I'm not marrying them for effin' sake.

Hey Mamacat!..I can't speak for anyone else but in my studios there are no egos period!...Everyone employed there has one basic goal...to make sure you get the art you want ...who you choose matters not one wit..My artists are just as stoked to see the tattoo the other is doing as they are to show their own work.I dunno maybe we are funny like that... so no I don't think avy artist should be offended if you want another artist in the shop...Now if the artist in question has put a lot of time into designing your tattoo well thats another thing altogether... Why don't ya just fly on out here and I'll do yer damn tattoo? JEEESH!!! LOL!!

Hell I will be in LA around xmas to help a pal open a shop..I'll just move in with you guys ans do your tattoo,play with Miacat and play all yer mans gitfiddles and we'll just be one big family!!!!!!!! LOL!

without trying to piss off the plenty of great LA artists, I would look up Mike Devries, or the guys at Tried and True(I know Carson and Mike Cole are awesome). It is a fact of life that really talented folks get really busy and have a hard time taking new clients. There is never "1" guy to go to.

Yeah Carson and Mike are hands down BAAAAD!!!! In a GOOOD way!!...That is if ya can't wait for me!!!...Smiles..TAz

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. I'll check out Tried and True and let them know you ref. me. It's amazing how when you really start looking at work you begin to understand the medium (or artists different styles). Case in point, I'm looking for a very sweet face on a Virgin Mary. Not a pin up face, not a cartoon-ish face, etc.. THAT is not to say i do not like other styles, it's just what I have in my head for this one piece on my sleeve. The other thing that my husband say's is I start to effin' 'split hairs" over some details LOL (so annoying at times I'm sure). Anyway, TAZ, COME ON OUT! My DH is a plumbing contractor so let's barter some Tats for sinks! Please don't tell me you'll pick up the banjo. I don't think I could take two players in the hOUSE at once! Home cooked meal ticket CLAIM HERE! (Or my treat for Mex and Margarita's)

OH HELL no!..I'm doin the cookin!!! I'm Sicilian and I'll make you da best fuggin Rigatoni Quatro formaggio ya eva put in ya mout! Fuggidaboudit!!..And I'm bringin Virgil The DEMON!!!!

OHHHHH Drat! I went to check out Tried and True online, but they are no where near me! Bummer! There work looks awesome though!

I thought they were an hour or so south of you? Oh wiat, the Long Beach Tattoo convention is this summer, there are some amazing artists going to be there. Joshua Carlton was there last year and he is a great candidate for a virgin mary tattoo.... His work is on this site.

YESSSS!!!! Joshua is my absolute favorite artist ( this week anway!) I think his style would fit right in with what you want...check him out right on here....And if ya can't wait fer me I'll STILL cook You a Sicsilian dinner!!!!............T

Sicilian..Dammit!...my fingers are gettin tired!

"but they are no where near me!" I do agree with the Idea of finding talent independent of rockstar status, but what does proximity have to do with choosing a tattoo artist!? location and price should be at the bottom of the list in terms of choosing an artist in my book...If you have to save up and add in the cost of airfare & hotel so be it! a tattoo is for life right? On the other hand, I don't think anyone in north america(except me maybe) has to travel very far to find a talented artist. so by all means try to support your local`artist first!

Thanks C Very true. If you want a certain artist, distance or waiting should be part of the whole idea. In my case, I know there are so many talented artist right here in my home town (Los Angeles) it's just pinning one down. (that and getting a babysitter).