If someone is talking to me about tattoos, it's usually because they've seen mine, so I make a point of telling them where I got them and who specializes in what. I think specialty is an overlooked point here- most good artists can do everything, but if someone was looking for Japanese work in town, for instance, how could I not mention Trevino?
Sometimes it's not about just a good artist; it's a matter of the right artist for the job.