Any recommendations for tattoo artists in the New Jersey/NYC area?

i agree, Paul Booth is a great artist, and an exceptional dude.

NYC is packed full of artists, and most are pretty great.

I would go to the shops that are in your local area, and just check out the shop. if it's neat, there's more of a chance it's hygienic than a place that's filthy. i would say, the guys at Wooster Street Social Club are great, but it's also NY Ink / Ami James' shop so the chance of getting a booking soon may be slim.

Good artist, are for some part, a personal decision. What one person thinks is a good art style somebody else will think is a bad art style. Just be sure you go to a professional and you should be safe. Look through the artists portfolio and sketch books if they have them. They should always have a portfolio of tattoos. Some tattoos should be fresh shiny and red, some should be healed and matte. The tattoos should be good, and you should like the style of the tattoos. If you like the style of the tattoos then talk with the artist about doing your tattoo and see what they say. IF you don't like their art style, then don't get tattooed by them. They are still a good artist, but you just don't like them. Go to all of your local tattoo shops. This is the best way to find a good artist.

Paul Booth at Last Rites Tattoo on 38th street is one of the greatest tattoo artists working these days. If you look at the quality of his tattoos and artwork you can see it is amazing. Normally he does sinister and evil looking designs but he will do other kinds of tattoo too. If you google him the work speaks for itself.

There's hundreds, my suggestion to you would be to Google and then have each of them send you some of their artwork, they'll be glad to do it because they're in the business to make money. It's something that's on your body forever and not to be taken lightly 🔱