Tattoo Techniques and Tools

– Creating professional-level linework is necessary to advance in tattooing.
– Holding and angling the tattoo machine correctly is crucial.
– Stability while tattooing helps avoid shakiness.
– Maintaining the right needle depth in the skin is essential.
– There are near-instant fixes to improve lining skills.
– The technique for holding the machine involves placing the middle finger underneath the cartridge, with the index finger and thumb around the grip, and the ring and pinky fingers against the skin.
– Using three points of contact while tattooing increases stability: tucking the elbow into the ribcage, placing the side of the palm on the skin or massage table, and hooking the pinky of the tattooing hand to the thumb of the stretching hand.
– The more points of contact, the more stable one will be.
– Understanding depth control is crucial for avoiding going too deep in the skin.
– Using the ring and pinky fingers as a guard helps control needle depth.
– The goal is to stay about 1-2mm deep in the skin, depending on the body part being tattooed.
– Even when using fake skin for practice, it is still possible to determine if the depth of the needle is off.
– If the lines look light or scratched, it indicates that the needle is too shallow, whereas if the needle cut the skin, it is too deep.
– Using Vaseline on the glove over the pinky finger can make sliding easier while tattooing long lines.
– Practicing tattooing perfectly straight lines, S’s, and perfect circles on fake skin can improve line work.
– Pushing the needles forward instead of pulling them backward with the hand can result in cleaner lines, particularly when using larger liners.
– Tilting the tattoo machine back a bit while tattooing can achieve the best angle.
– For larger liners, the machine may need to be held in a slightly more upright position to ensure all needles reach the skin.