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Brett · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 11:06 pm Post subject: how to tattoo

hey there
i'm new to the forum
i've been very interested in learning how to tattoo for years now,i;ve spent time at shops , gotten tattooed on many occasions , and even have my own equipment 1 liner, 1 shader,disposable tubes and needles, bags,power supplie pretty much everything,i;ve got about 2 solid books of art that i;ve be doing for about 3 years but have been drawing all my life. could anyone tell me a good how to site for setting up and tearing down as well any other good info.
thanks alot

John Olexa · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 9:48 pm Post subject:

You are looking for a Tattoo Apprenticeship. You need to find a skilled tattooist who is willing to teach you not only tattooing and/or piercing, but a host of other important techniques such as sterilization, proper technique, client management and business management. A mentor will be able to save you much trouble with sage advice and knowledge of past mistakes. Learning how tattoo takes talent and a lot of study and time.

There are many tattoo artists out there... many are good, however, just as many suck! You need to find someone with a decent level of business and a high level of experience. Some expert tattooists have been introduced to tattooing since birth!!! A tattoo artist with 5 years or more experience will be a good start. Most of all, you need to find someone who is willing to train you.

Once you find someone who is qualified to mentor you, you will need to show them something to convince them of your talent and abilities. This is where your portfolio comes into play. Drawings are great and if you have already done some tattooing on practice skins, that would be a well rounded portfolio.

fsec · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 5:04 am Post subject: Tattoing

Brett,

If you want to learn to tattoo and your financial situation is good - go to your nearest tattoo shop and ask for apprenticeship as John Olexa said.
You'll get much more experience and information there.

But if you want to tattoo without any apprenticeships, search for the information how tattoo machine works, main machine parts, spring basics, needles, voltage control, tattoo process, sterilization basics, etc.

Before tattoing someone - tattoo yourself. Do tests on your leg when you'll be good on practise skin. You'll find your tattoo technique.

Tattoo machine speed configuration:

Machine speed depends on usage - liners generally run between 120 Hz and 140 Hz. Coloring machines can run as low as 100 Hz but generally not faster than 110 Hz. Shading machines generally run faster than coloring machines, but slower than liners.
Duty cycle for any machine should be between 45% and 50%.

Needles:

Outlining (7-9 volts).
A distance between center of front coil core and armature bar: 1.25mm.
1RL single needle or 3RS 3 round needle.

Shading (6-7 volts).
A distance between center of front coil core and armature bar: 1.85mm.
5RL round needle or 6 flat needle.

Good luck!