Client
Why does Tattooed suggest three artists instead of one?
Tattooed ranks all available artists but shows only three. Beyond that, you would have to compare a full directory on your own.
Because the algorithm produces a full ranking of available artists near you but displays only the top three. Beyond that, it would no longer be a choice. It would be a directory you would have to compare on your own, without the criteria used to rank the artists.
This selection is designed to connect you with an artist you do not already know. If you already have someone in mind, ask them for their booking link. You can then book with them directly, with no ranking or suggestions in between.
What the ranking considers
The score used to rank artists combines factors including the availability you entered, distance, the artist's subscription status, their reliability based on past appointments, and how well the approved design's style matches the styles they list. The first of the three is featured because the algorithm identifies that artist as the best match across all these criteria. No rating or percentage is shown. You see three artists, not a numerical ranking.
Why not show everyone
Tattooed keeps the full ranking to explain how the selection was made if a dispute arises, but never displays it in full. Opening the entire directory at this stage would bypass what the ranking protects: actual distance, style match, and fair distribution of requests among artists. Freely choosing from every artist on the platform would turn it back into a directory you have to browse alone, without any of those reference points.
What you can choose
You can select either of the other two suggested artists instead of the first, and Tattooed checks that artist's calendar again when you make your choice. This option is available only until the appointment is paid for. After that, the selection is closed, and your only option is to change the availability you entered and start a new search.
The deliberate limit
You cannot choose an artist outside the three selected for you or browse the full directory to compare more portfolios at this stage. This is the tradeoff for a ranking that considers distance, style, and each artist's workload instead of leaving you to compare dozens of listings by yourself.
For details on what you can do after an appointment is confirmed, see Why can't I freely choose my tattoo artist? and Can I request another artist after being assigned one?.
