Tattoo Shading Techniques and Tips

Whether you’re a seasoned tattoo artist or a beginner, learning to shade can improve your tattooing technique and make the body art you provide to your customers unique. It is a skill that not every tattoo artist knows how to do correctly and well.  While you cannot expect to turn pro as a tattoo shader … Read more

Tattoo Needle Sizes and Types

Being a tattoo artist is no easy task, and having hundreds of different needle diameters, needle counts, groupings and more does not make the job any easier. Whether you’ve been tattooing for years or just beginning your practice, it’s sometimes difficult to differentiate which needles to use and why.  In this article, we break down … Read more

Correct Tattoo Needle Depth

The correct tattoo needle depth is vital for a successful design. If the needle goes too shallow, it will deposit ink that will disappear quickly. Going too deep can lead to permanent tattoo disfigurement and excessive bleeding. A tattoo needle should deposit the ink between 1 and 2mm into the skin to ensure it’s seated … Read more

How to Tune a Tattoo Machine

If you’re a tattoo artist with any experience level, you should ensure your equipment can function correctly at all times. Although different tattoo machines exist, there are several protocols that tattoo artists must follow to ensure safety and productivity when operating and tuning a tattoo machine. These machines come in shader and liner varieties, so … Read more

How to Open a Tattoo Shop

Tattooing is now accepted around the world as true art. More people than ever before are enjoying the benefits of this art form, and, as a result, the industry is growing each year. The average cost to open a tattoo shop can be $50K or higher. While this is true, the increase in demand for … Read more

Tattooing For Beginners: Tips and Techniques

Tattoos are art. If you’ve ever seen sleeves by Bang Bang or JonBoy’s tiny designs, you already know that. There’s more to tattooing, however than thinking up beautiful designs. It’s a skill that takes years to master. Where do you begin? Start with these tips and techniques for aspiring tattoo artists. Are you a more … Read more

Are Tattoo Apprenticeships Paid?

Tattoo artists do not follow a traditional career path. Though you need to complete some classroom time to learn about the health aspects of the job, most of the training comes from hands-on work. Whether you’re paid as a tattoo apprentice depends on where you undertake the apprenticeship, your level of skill, previous experience, licensing … Read more

Does Tattoo Numbing Cream Actually Work?

Whether you’ve been burned by a painful inking session in the past, or whether it’s your first time receiving body art and you’re not sure what to expect, there are ways you can reduce the pain and discomfort of getting a tattoo. Numbing creams — topical anesthetics designed to numb the skin or dull pain … Read more

Busting 16 Common Tattoo Myths

The art of tattooing dates back over 5,000 years. In Ancient Egypt, women primarily had tattoos and there is evidence these tattoos represented status. From the early days of tattooing all the way into modern times, we’ve seen a steady increase in the popularity of tattoos, along with interesting tales about them.  Perhaps not surprisingly, … Read more

The Hottest Tattoo Trends for 2023

As tattoos continue to surge in popularity and social acceptance, more talented artists are being drawn to the industry than ever before, which means now is a great time to get a tattoo. Like any fashion trend, certain styles rise and fall in popularity. If you’re planning to get a tattoo this year, it’s a … Read more