Tattooing

The journey towards pursuing a professional career in tattooing is no easy one. In fact, it’s a path that requires extensive time and financial commitment. On top of that, average salaries for tattoo artists vary by state and there’s no guarantee that you’ll be taking a lot with you as you exit the shop each […]

Professional tattooing cannot be legally practiced without the proper license and certifications. Regulations vary by state, but there are some standard procedures you’ll have to take as you make your way up to being a paid artist. Related: How To Open Up Your Own Tattoo Shop Tattoo Artist Salary Before Getting a Tattoo License There […]

Perfecting your skills as a tattoo artist requires knowing exactly where you are depositing the ink in your client’s skin. The ink needs to be perfectly situated in the dermis rather than the epidermis or the layer of fat in the skin, so it can avoid blowout or fading when healing. Nailing down the depth […]

Tattoo needles can be completely overwhelming. With so many different sizes, types, pin count, and usages, it can get difficult knowing exactly which one you need for your specific task. While a tattoo gun only runs one needle at a time, it’s important that you learn how to familiarize yourself with standard needles and needle […]

With numerous rules and regulations on toxins and chemicals added into tattoo ink, you may be wondering if there is a natural way to make pigment for your personal practice. Or perhaps you’re underage and you’re looking for an easy recipe for an at-home poke-and-stick. Whatever the reason, have a look at our thorough guide […]

White tattoos are all the rage. People love this color option because it’s subtle and delicate. It allows you to create a complex work of art that isn’t too in-your-face. But white ink is prone to fading faster, not holding and healing bright, having ingredients that are cause for concern, and simply looking like a […]

A tattoo machine is made up of a multitude of complex components. One of the best ways to amplify your skills as a professional tattoo artist is to learn how to assemble a tattoo machine. We’ve put together this handy guide to get you started. Related: Best Tattoo Machines Before You Start Prior to working […]

A tattoo stencil is the necessary guide that an artist uses to help produce stellar tattoo work. Creating and applying a potent tattoo stencil at the start of a session is essential because it cannot be reapplied mid-way through a tattoo. There are numerous ways to create a tattoo stencil, and our article will tell […]

Numerous factors can influence how much a tattoo machine will cost. Depending on where the machine was made, what’s included in the kit, the brand name, and the format of the gun, pricing can range anywhere from $50 to $1000. In this helpful guide, we give you a rough idea of tattoo machine cost with […]

Although there are many varieties of tattoo machines to choose from, they all essentially do the same thing: they deposit ink into your dermis creating a piece of artwork that lasts a lifetime. But whether you’re just getting into tattooing yourself or merely have an interest in how it functions, how tattoo machines work can […]

Like all creative careers, becoming great at tattooing takes immense patience and many dedicated hours of practice. Since you shouldn’t tattoo on skin until you’ve had years of training, you may be wondering what alternatives you have to practice tattooing. We’ve got you covered in this practice guide. Learning to Draw Learning to draw doesn’t […]

Understanding how to run your power supply and adjust the components on for your tattoo machine is essential to perfecting the quality of your work. You can’t just turn on a machine and hope for the best; there are precise adjustments you need to make depending on the type of work you’re doing, such as […]

Nailing down your shading techniques is essential to becoming a professional and respected tattoo artist in the industry. Regardless of your tattoo style, shading is a skill that you should invest time into learning. Our guide helps you better understand how shading works for tattooing, and tips to master this method. Related: How To Color […]

Learning how color works on skin is essential to not only choosing the best tattoo for yourself but also helping your clients determine the best tattoo for their skin tone. In addition, mastering how to deposit color into skin is an essential next-step after learning how to outline your pieces. In this complete guide, we […]

Tattooing outlines and doing line work is probably the most important part of creating successful works of art. Shaky or poor line work is the first thing people notice about a tattoo, and learning how to be attentive to outlining is essential. A crisp, clean line will be the thing that helps define your professionalism […]

We all know how expensive getting a tattoo can be, but after the cost of equipment and the shop fees, just how much of that amount actually goes into the hands of a tattoo artist? Tattoo artist salaries can be a bit complicated, but we hope to help eliminate as much confusion as possible in […]

You probably have many questions about how to break into the tattooing industry and what it takes to become a good, respected professional. Lucky for you, we’re here to answer everything that’s on your mind. Remember that like any professional creative career, this path will take hundreds of hours of dedication and practicing your skills, […]

A tattoo artist’s tools can make or break their practice. Needles are the key to creating successful works of art on skin that will last a lifetime. As a new tattooer, understanding the many different sizes, types, and qualities for needles can become overwhelming. It’s for that reason that we’ve put together this handy guide. […]

The key to being a successful tattoo artist starts with ensuring that the tools of your trade, your tattoo gun, are properly set up. Whether it’s your first time tattooing or you simply need a refresher, have a look at our thorough guide on setting up and using your tattoo gun. How to Set Up […]

When you’re learning how to tattoo, either with an at-home kit or through an apprenticeship, you’ll want to practice your skills on skin alternatives. Fake skin can get costly, and pig skin is really gross, so that’s where fruit comes in. It’s easily accessible and inexpensive, comes in a variety of sizes, and many fruits […]

When an artist is turning a design into a tattoo, they will often use transfer paper. Using transfer paper helps simplify the placement process and provides the tattoo artist with an outlined guide for your design. There are many types of transfer paper, but they all generally work in the same manner. Related: Best Material To […]

Practice makes perfect, and before you can put that tattoo gun to someone’s skin, you’ve got to test out your skills on the most life-like skin alternatives. Building your hand strength and becoming familiar with your equipment is essential, so we narrow down the best material to practice your tattooing on. How to Practice Your […]

Opening up a tattoo shop is not something that can be done on a whim. While it allows you more creative control over your career, it requires quite a large financial investment. It also demands careful business planning and clearly defined professional parameters. Related: How To Get A Tattoo License Understand the Related Costs for […]

The heart of a tattoo machine is the power supply. You need something that is reliable, consistent, strong, and easy to understand under stressful moments. This is an essential tool that makes sure all your tattooing is running smoothly, so we’ve narrowed down our favorites in the industry. Cheyenne Hawk Power Unit I & II […]

Tattooing is a vocation rather than a job, and to be called into the industry means you must have a passion and dedication to the field. Like all creative careers, you can immerse yourself in hours of skill development and practice that will advance your knowledge of the industry, but learning to tattoo through self-study […]

Entering into the world of tattooing can be an overwhelming and intimidating thing. There is so much to learn, so many skills to acquire, and so many rules to be followed. We’ll answer just about every question you may have about tattooing as a beginner, and we will dive into all the tips, tricks, and […]

A tattoo apprenticeship is the first step you take towards a career in tattooing. Through an apprenticeship, you learn about this artisanal trade, you learn about the hygienic and ethical requirements for the practice, and you get to put a gun to real skin for the first time. But the road to get there isn’t […]

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Becoming a tattoo artist is no easy feat, and like every other professional craft, it requires patience, determination, and commitment to the trade. Whether you’ve thought about it in passing or are looking to make your next steps, our thorough beginner’s guide will help you better understand how to become a tattoo artist. Related: How […]

Needles can make or break both your experience tattooing and the quality of work going on your client. It’s important to invest a little bit in a first-rate needle, while also staying within your budget since they’re always single use. Tattoo artists need needles that have quick configurations and are optimized for the design need. […]

Tattoo pen machines make for a more ergonomic experience for beginners and experts in tattooing. Beginner artists find them easier to clean, to practice with, and to get the right depth for their apprenticeship clients. Professional artists love the ease of use of these machines, and the ability to tattoo for a long period of […]

Gloves are likely the most important safety component of a tattoo artist’s job. They are crucial to the session, as they not only keep the tattooist’s hands free from the staining of ink, but it enables proper hygiene and cleanliness of what is essentially a medical procedure. They prevent the transfer of bacteria and diseases […]

The dispute about whether rotary or coil tattoo machines are better has existed in the tattoo industry for ages. There are certainly pros and cons to either machine, and beginners and professionals each have their favorite. There are certain factors that should be considered for each, while discovering which machine you prefer is a matter […]

Whether you’re just starting in the tattoo industry or you’re looking for an upgrade for your studio, an all-in-one tattoo kit will help you get there. Tattoo kits contain all you need to jump head-first into tattooing, including guns, needles, machinery, and sometimes ink. We’ve read the reviews and spoken to the experts, bringing you […]

There is a big difference between good and great tattoo ink. Great tattoo ink is not only a better investment in regards to needing less touch-ups, but it also holds best within the dermis and produces high-quality pieces. You could have the best tattoo gun and kit but if you don’t have the best ink […]

A tattoo stencil is how a design shifts from an idea on paper to a transfer made specifically for skin that helps guide tattooing. Almost every shop has a tattoo stencil machine, but did you know it may also be helpful to have one at home so you can test tattoo placements? We’ve rounded up […]

Whether you’re considering putting together your own shop or planning to tattoo in a personal studio, you want to make sure you have the best equipment on hand. A high-quality tattoo gun not only allows you to create fantastic and long-lasting pieces, but they provide comfort for the artist for long sessions, and are easy […]