heathmalc
Tattoo lover
Joined: 14 Oct 2009
Posts: 17
Location: Southern Indiana
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 Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 10:38 pm Post subject: |
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Since we've had a few responders to this post in '09 and this thread started last year, I decided to add the littlew bit of knowledge I have gathered in my short experience with tattooing:
1st: I am new to tattooing. I have never practiced on a grapefruit or a fake-skin. I have done 5 tattoos; all on myself except one cover-up for my brother , which was a skull & really easy.
2nd: you can see my latest tattoo & the updates to it in my sig. either click on the link, or copy/paste them into your browser.
3rd: Now the question - I was actually having a similar problem but got some help from a few people I called & from "moondog" here on this site. According to what I have heard, Magnums are pretty much just for shading, but you have to go really fast with them, so you may want to practice on your leg (or a friend's) before actually using one on someone who is paying you.
As for needles: a single-liner and a 3RL (3-liner) are mostly used by people who are doing fine detailed work, IE: portraits, biomech,etc. Most tattooists use a 5RL (5 liner) for the outline of the tattoo, and then use mags or flats for larger areas that need colored, while they use 5-12 RS (shaders) for the areas that need shaded/colored that is closest to the outline.
Personally, I have used almost exclusively a 1RL (1-liner) for the outline AND the shading. This is mostly because I am really comfortable with the ink reservoir, and there is less "puddling" (Where the ink drops in blotches), also because I am most interested in very fine detailed work. I think if you have some pretty decent talent with a pen/pencil, then you shouldn't have much trouble with the tattoo gun.
Just remember: Tattooists in general, are an arrogant bunch, and mostly do not like competition. So it will not always be easy to get good quality advice. When you find a forum & or tattooists who are willing to give you info/help, then cherish it! I have asked over 200+ tattooists questions, and maybe 2% have given any type of reasonable response. I have joined 18 tattoo forums, and there are 3 that are "friendly" including this one, from what I have see during my short time here.
Practice on your calf!!!! There is no better way to understand the needle than when you can feel it yourself.
Heath |
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