We never really recommend getting a tattoo as a spur-of-the-moment decision. However, if you have made up your mind that getting a tattoo is the right decision for you and your lifestyle, then please visit our main website TattooTerminal.com which highlights our featured tattoo artist. You can also find more general information about our facility and our practices.

If you have several tattoos already, or even if you're looking to get your first, then you've come to the right place. Our tattoo shop in Des Moines, Iowa has exceeded the standards of the industry and many other shops and artists are trying to replicate our processes. That's fine with us. We take it as a form of flattery. If you're the best, of course other people are going to start doing what you are.

So how do you tell a good tattoo shop from a bad one?​

The easiest thing to do is to look at the artists' portfolios. Any decent Des Moines, IA tattoo shop will be able to provide previous work of their artists and those pictures can really say a lot about the style and quality of work being done. There should be a lot of different types of tattoos in those portfolios as well. From realism to traditional, a great tattoo artist should be able to not only accommodate the varying needs of the clients, but exceed their expectations.

Aside from the artists, a great tattoo parlor should be up to code on all sterilization techniques and application. New needles and ink should be used for each client and a thorough aftercare regimen should be detailed for each client. Both of these will not only reduce the risk of infection, but also guarantee a long lasting and great looking tattoo. For more information on our Des Moines tattoo practices, visit our resource page or our main website TattooTerminal.com which gives additional reasons on why you should choose us for your next (or first) tattoo.