How deep do i press with a single liner tattoo needle?

Question

i have an 8 wrap tattoo machine, im using both 8 round shaders and single needle liners, i dont know how to get the really small details to stay after the tattoo heals, or the shading!! when i shade something in solid, it is solid until it heals, then its all gapped and full of holes, could this be because of cheap ink? cuz the ink i buy is under 7 bux.

Answer 1

Please, please, find an experienced, well established tattooist, and go the apprentice route. You are just going to s***w up a  lot of people, and then you'll go on to something else, and they will be left with trying to figure out a cover up or a laser removal.

I am serious. There are sooooo many terrible scratchers now, buying cheap ink, and kits on line, and tattooing under age  teenagers, and it is just awful what is happening. I am sure, that you feel that you are an artist, and want to tattoo, and you don't have the money, and you aren't old enough, and on and on, but , you need to find out what the really good tattooist think about what you are doing, and why.

Find an older tattooist that has much experience and is licensed. You need to get perspective if you are serious about doing tattoos for the rest of your life.

good luck  

Answer 2

I didn't know people still used single needle liners anymore, I personally haven't used one in years.  Here is my advice.  The obvious route is to go find an apprenticeship, but in reality it's not that easy.  Tattoo artist are not to eager to give advice, they treat the trade as it is some huge secret.  It took me years to get an apprenticeship.  Within the time I purchased a tattoo kit and before my apprenticeship I tattooed people.  Regretfully to say it was some horrible work, but they didn't seem to care.  I don't mind giving advice because I was once in your shoes and all the help you can get will be help you out.....believe me.  Once I started to work in a shop, it was a whole new world.  So I understand doing out of your house to gain practice, just use disposable tubes and needles.  Make sure to wipe your equipment down with "Sani Cloths", they kill everything on contact. As for your setup?  Better equipment does make a difference.  Don't be afraid to dish out some serious coin for equipment.  The artist is only as good as his equipment is.  You should be starting off with two machines, a liner (8/10/12 wrap.....8 wrap is fine), and a shader (10 wrap is fine).  I would personally ditch the single needles in favor of tight 3-5 liner needles.  As for shading I would use magnum or flat needle configurations as they cover more area. The reason your shading is coming out is your not using the right needle configuration.......probrably.  It could also be your spring setup, power supply, tubes and yes, ink.  Mellenium makes good affordable ink.  I use Intense ink and I love it.  I would check out Technical Tattoo Supply.  They have affordable and reputable products.  Good luck with it, stick to it and be confident.  And draw draw draw draw draw draw.