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taffster · Tattoo lover Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Hull

Just a general question, what size needle do i use for what bit of a design i have a new kit and some practice skin so i want to get started, but i am having a dilema on where to start and what needle to use.

Ive seen online lots of sizes from single needles to double stacked magnums, but it all seems puzzling, i have cd and dvds on tattooing but none explain the question im asking.

I gather the single are for the lining, and the 4 needles together are for shading but would like to be certain so please anyone answer my question.

Much appreciated

graeme · Tattoo lover Joined: 31 Jul 2008 Posts: 8

I use a single for cracks in teeth, wisky hair if doing a ring on a finger, I use 5 liner for say a shoulder or a single tat on a calf, I use a 7 liner for full sleves or back job, will only use a 3 liner on a female for a sleve or single tat would use a five for full back i like to keep these ones fine. Will only colour with a round and will only use flat if doing flick work. I would recomend not useing a mag as you need to go fast and know what your doing. All the above are my personal preferences will change on requets, its just what I like.

Regards
Graeme

taffster · Tattoo lover Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Hull

Many thanks Grahame for your advice i guess its all down to experience and what you prefer yourself so i best get practicing. Oh well here goes with the practice skin.

Hope all goes well really want to do this and get it right.

Garyzda1 · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:40 am Post subject:

........

rowdy · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 4:15 pm Post subject: Advice

Gaz ya spelt CHOOSING wrong ya plonker. Laughing

taffster · Tattoo lover Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Hull

[quote="Garyzda1"][quote="graeme"]I use a single for cracks in teeth, wisky hair if doing a ring on a finger, I use 5 liner for say a shoulder or a single tat on a calf, I use a 7 liner for full sleves or back job, will only use a 3 liner on a female for a sleve or single tat would use a five for full back i like to keep these ones fine. Will only colour with a round and will only use flat if doing flick work. I would recomend not useing a mag as you need to go fast and know what your doing. All the above are my personal preferences will change on requets, its just what I like.

Regards
Graeme[/quote]

OMG! This has to be the worst advice I've ever heard anyone give to someone who's aspiring to be a tattoo artist! Chossing the needlle grouping based on placement of the tattoo or the gender of the client? Give me a break! You can't even spell sleeve, nevermind giving advise on what needle groupings should be used to do one. Rolling Eyes

[/quote]

So what advice is good and what do i believe, guess i need to be asking lots of peolpe or just take all advice and then decide for myself when i have gained my knowledge in the art of tattooing...

Lee

graeme · Tattoo lover Joined: 31 Jul 2008 Posts: 8

Sorry I should have highlighted personal preferences, never said I could spell correctly, gee wouldn’t tats be boring if they all looked the same, sorry I must not have the same book as you!.

taffster · Tattoo lover Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Hull

[quote="graeme"]Sorry I should have highlighted personal preferences, never said I could spell correctly, gee wouldn’t tats be boring if they all looked the same, sorry I must not have the same book as you!.[/quote]

Dont want you lot to get uptight with each other, all advice is welcome. Like i said im starting out and want to get it right so if that means your advice or someone elses advice will help then so be it.

And like you said and i agree, tattoos would be boring if they were all the same.

Ed Sr · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 5:59 am Post subject:

I have to add my two cents here!!! I don't want to sound like an ass here but to be perfectly honest this question bothered me from the beginning. I will help anyone out as you all know but the answers to the question should really be known before you bought anything. A tattoo forum is not where it should be asked. If you were having problems trying to get a certain line or effect and asked thats one thing but the question says that you have NO idea what you are doing. Dont get me wrong I am not trying to dicourage you or anything all I am saying is that you really need a lot of education before you put needle to machine. Get some books or go find an artist that is either willing to teach you or at least let you watch for awhile.

taffster · Tattoo lover Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Hull

[quote="Ed Sr"]I have to add my two cents here!!! I don't want to sound like an ass here but to be perfectly honest this question bothered me from the beginning. I will help anyone out as you all know but the answers to the question should really be known before you bought anything. A tattoo forum is not where it should be asked. If you were having problems trying to get a certain line or effect and asked thats one thing but the question says that you have NO idea what you are doing. Dont get me wrong I am not trying to dicourage you or anything all I am saying is that you really need a lot of education before you put needle to machine. Get some books or go find an artist that is either willing to teach you or at least let you watch for awhile.[/quote]

Thanks for your pennies worth, have done lots of research but no where have i found advice on what needle to use where and on what place of the body. Like peolpe have said its down to preferences and im quite wise enough not to put needle to machine (well not onto a person) that is until i am confident enough that i am good enough and know all there is to know. Has for buying my kit etc, that is my choice and i feel that forums titled... General Tattoo Discussion is a good place to ask my question, so to that end thanks for your opinion but i was looking for people to help me with my aspiration not slate them and put me off..
Many thanks anyway.

rowdy · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 4:12 pm Post subject: HELP

Ive gotta say im bloody dissapointed with this thread. This person has asked for help and information not criticism. where is he going to learn if no one helps him. I bet most of the tattooists on the scene today didnt know there arse from their elbow so if ya cant help or give posative comments then dont give any. A very pissed of rowdy. Evil or Very Mad

rowdy · Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 4:20 pm Post subject: SORRY

Sorry lee it seems one or two people got out the wrong side the bed. I wish you well in your future endevours. Please ignore the bad comments and carry on mate you will make it if ya want it enough.

Garyzda1 · Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 4:11 am Post subject: Re: HELP

[quote="rowdy"]Ive gotta say im bloody dissapointed with this thread. This person has asked for help and information not criticism. where is he going to learn if no one helps him. I bet most of the tattooists on the scene today didnt know there arse from their elbow so if ya cant help or give posative comments then dont give any. A very pissed of rowdy. Evil or Very Mad

[/quote]

Garys Reply deleted due to Rowdy not having a usefull response. Pathetic indeed.

chic · Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 4:19 am Post subject:

gary, come on...
just because some people dont like your way of thinking, dont go and throw your toys out of the pram.
Laughing

we are all grown ups here..

live to learn and learn to live...
Wink

rowdy · Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2008 5:05 am Post subject: WISE ONE.

Sorry i dont have your wonderfull and expert knowledge gary,what a shame you dont know how to use it. The guy was asking for help of which you offered none. Dont abuse members who are asking for help. If you cant give a little bit of your mighty wisdom dont give any. And i dont need to have you banned but please do feel free to take your mighty intelligence and arrogance elsewhere as soon as you feel like it .I eagerly await your sarcastic reply. just a word of advice for you,Dont slag off newbies or call other people who at least try to help SCRATCHERS.WERE A FRIENDLY SITE FOR NICE PEOPLE.

taffster · Tattoo lover Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Hull

[quote="rowdy"]Sorry i dont have your wonderfull and expert knowledge gary,what a shame you dont know how to use it. The guy was asking for help of which you offered none. Dont abuse members who are asking for help. If you cant give a little bit of your mighty wisdom dont give any. And i dont need to have you banned but please do feel free to take your mighty intelligence and arrogance elsewhere as soon as you feel like it .I eagerly await your sarcastic reply. just a word of advice for you,Dont slag off newbies or call other people who at least try to help SCRATCHERS.WERE A FRIENDLY SITE FOR NICE PEOPLE.[/quote]

Rowdy, thanks for the backing mate, didnt really want to cause any trouble with my question but like you say i asked the forum for advice! And after all if i can t get advice from the tattoo world on a forum then who can i get it from? (Apart from books and the net, oh yeh im on the net..!!!)
Thought the tattoo world was a big family but some people seem to think they were born a tattooist, i agree i wasn't thats why i defend my country in the army, but to have the willingness and belief that i can be a tattooist i will achieve it. And as for peolpe who are not going to give me advice, please dont say anything at all.. Ijoined the site from recommendations and it was the one that appealed to me while searching, thinking i would get the answers i wanted.

Once again i am sorry to get people arguing and replies removed from the site, but i asked what i thought was a valid question.

rowdy · Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 4:00 pm Post subject: QUESTION.

Lee mate your question was completely sensible and valid. I was completely shocked and angered by the treatment and verbal garbage you recieved. I can assure you lee 99.9 percent of people here are helpfull and polite. Please dont let this episode put you off us ,keep asking any questions you feel relavent you will be helped by someone im sure.The mods on this site work bloody hard everyday they go out of their way to keep a good friendly site and most members are fantastic with the knowledge they give to new members,unfortunately lee as you know as in all walks of life there are those who are a legend in their own opinion. Enjoy the site mate and forget about earlier events it wont happen again. Matter closed eh¦

rowdy · Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 4:10 pm Post subject: HELP

Can any of the artists please help a new member with general setup lnfo please it would be much appreciated. Thank you. Question

chic · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 2:42 am Post subject:

i love it when your all masterfull... Laughing

hope someone replies... Laughing

rowdy · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:15 am Post subject: Masterfull

I want to grab you by your hair and drag you into a cave ,and share a bone ive got. Waddya say woman. Wink

graeme · Tattoo lover Joined: 31 Jul 2008 Posts: 8

Hey All,
I’ve kinda been sitting back and watching as this one unfolds, I feel I must explain my first post and I can see how Gary did see it as a bit strange and I will apologise I am not the best writer nor explainer but what I was trying to explain is the size of the tat as to what needle size I use, I very weakly tried to explain it by position which I should not have done and the two professional tattooist that are teaching me explained that I should not have done, well ***** I jump into the deep end sometimes as I know how hard it is to learn anything when starting out, I will still stand by my first post and state that’s how I do it I don’t like thick lines I think you can end up focusing on the lines not the work, I have a mate that has a sleeve done and I look at the lines not the work, it’s me.

Regards
Graeme

taffster · Tattoo lover Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Hull

Thanks for all the support people and hopefully i can nowlearn some great things from you all. The matter is now put to bed and i will get on with all the books i have and find the answer i was looking for from them, just thought that i would get an answer faster by the more experienced people on this site.

So any information is still welcome and i will take all opinions with great appreciation and note them down to make me become a better artist than i am already, life is a big school/college and im still learnind.... so are we all.

Lee

chic · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 11:58 am Post subject:

ooh rowdy is the cave dark? Wink

i dont do dark holes... Razz

as for pulling my hair, dont do that, it falls out on its own... Laughing

the bone, is it yak, bison or cow...as im a bit picky...hehehehe i have to have the largest bone aswell..small does matter... Wink

rowdy · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:31 pm Post subject: OhCHIC

What am i going to do with you lady?????. The cave is very dark i might have to feeeeeeeeel my way around. the bones lovely im sure you'll love it. nice flavour. Wink

rowdy · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:43 pm Post subject: EXPLAINED

Graeme ive gone over your post and although its true im not a tattooist i understood your reply completely. Its fine to express different opinions but its not ok to be abusive to members who are starting out and need a little help. At least you tried and thank you for that.

jewelz · Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 12:36 am Post subject: Wow i just have to reply

I think the newcomer should be commended on their efforts to find answers to their questions.What i did when i started aside from having a tattoo artist as my mentor was buy a huge bag of grapefruits and a pork roast with the skin still on and try out your different needles to see what kind of techniques you can create with the different neddles. I find practise skin isn't as comparable to skin. Real skin you have to pull tight as u tattoo. Round needles of all sizes are great for practise. One thing to remember, u are your own artist your style is your own. What will help is having someone in the tattoo industry you can call with questions. Also, i think good advise would be to get to know your machine and power supply inside and out. Those fine adjustments to your machine can make all the difference. Good luck to you. Dont let the TATTOO SNOBS of the world get u down. Some people have to be haters, and anyone that puts down an aspiring artist, obviously isnt a true artist themselves. Its the art we love ...., right?

taffster · Tattoo lover Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Hull

Many thanks Jewelz for your reply to my question. Nice to know there is people out there who have help to give.

I have done alot of practicing and lots of drawing to get my art work better but never tried the grapefruits or even the pig skin ting but may give it a go now, guess i missed that bit on my research when starting out.

Because there is so much to learn and understand of the wonderful art that is tattooing, i guess i have to get my head in the books and on the net to get better and more educated. Once again thanks for your advice and it has helped me greatly.

Lee

jewelz · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 8:41 pm Post subject: No worries!

One thing I find really useful when im tattooing, is to concentrate on getting your lines straight. I know your original question was about the size of the needles to use on which bit of the tat, try using a 5RoundLiner and doing a lot of outlines to your drawings (on grapefruits, cuz like i said i dont find practise skin to be very comparable) Once you feel like your lines are really straight, and you're able to do each line in one stroke. Then start practising shading with a 5Round Shader or largerwith greywash. color in litlle circles, or try a softer look with sweeping the needle out from the outline, (at the same time pulling the needle away from the skin). I think i tatted like 100 grapefruits before my lines could be straight enough for me to start shading. Good luck to u again! I know when i first started there were alot of peeps willing to discourage me as opposed to encouraging me. Listen to your machine, it should run with a louder hum when its adjusted properly, as well you'll be able to feel it on the skin. With practise you'll get what i mean. take care

soulclaimed · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:15 pm Post subject:

im in the same position as taffster i have recently bought a kit and am currently practicing regularly on practice skin and after about 2 months of practicing about 5 days a week im seeing some progress.

alot of forums will have members who can be a little rude to us wannabe scratchers possibly because (and im sure many other scratchers will agree) professional tattooists believe only they should be tattooing people which does have its good and bad points. For example a good point is that a proffessional tattooist if they were trained well by a good mentor will have knowledge of sterilization, health and safety, skin cleansing, proper tool cleaning etc, and knowledge of the actual process of putting needle to skin ofcourse. The Bad side of this is that it may be very difficult to gain access to an apprenticeship in this field especially, this is why us scratchers exist I asume, so I belive you will be given alot of bad advice (sometimes possibly on purpose) as im sure I have been too.

I've not tattoo'd anything living yet but all I'll say is get used to the diffent needle sizes and types by practicing on pigskin, you may be able to get this for free from your local butchers for a decent size piece.

And practice practice practice, alot of it is personal preference and judging of the line thickness that would look most asthetically pleasing etc

I started by drawing straight lines on a grapefruit over and over again then moved onto pigskin.

im sure someone will slate this reply but I dont particularly care, as i say i am in no way a professional just someone in the same situation.

... essay over

Irishfire · Tattoo lover Joined: 04 Oct 2009 Posts: 1

If your still looking for advice, some artists go by size of tattoo small tattoo's will use a 1L, medium 3L to 5L and large like on backs a 7L. For shading you use the same concept, although choose whatever works better for you some people prefer flats some round they both have different advantages. Don't be afraid of mags take a 7mag and try that I like them I think they blend well and faster.

I know this reply is late but just found this forum today. Hope I gave some help or you have figured it out over the month's.