AP///Intro
Becoming a tattoo artist is easier now due to the availability of better supplies and an improved environment. However, it's also a challenging time because of the abundance of tattoo shops and skilled artists. The competition is fierce, especially with established artists.
Possessing skill is fundamental, but to stand out, one must shine brighter than the rest. While marketing is crucial, it seems everyone is already doing it.
The goal of this program is to shape you into a professional tattoo artist. Being a professional means having not just excellent skills but also a strong service-oriented mindset.
A true professional avoids unnecessary actions, aiming for the simplest and most efficient methods. Speed and precision are paramount in tattooing. If it takes you longer to achieve the same quality, it's indicative of a skill deficit. Furthermore, offering the best possible service to your clients is crucial.
Here's a breakdown of the timetable for your journey. Best of luck to all participants!
To work efficiently, it's essential to understand the correct sequence of tasks. Studying on your own might lead you to make errors due to a lack of understanding. We'll guide you through the proper order:
This is the how to tattoo’ order:
Consultation - Design and style (10,11)
Setting - Consent forms(medical considerations), stenciling, and setting up the station(basic supplies) (12)
Actual work - Skillset application (1,2,3)
Aftercare - Cleaning up the station, sanitizing, guiding the client on the healing process
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Please check this page weekly. New uploads will be made every Tuesday.
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11/07 - Design and style
Firstly, we'll discuss style and genre, which come with certain guidelines and rules. While it's essential to heed our advice based on experience, it's equally important not to be confined by it. Please think freely and creatively.
There are two primary approaches to start:
1 Draw your own thing and sell.
2 Modify a client's concept or interpret it differently using specific machine/drawing techniques
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1 Original flashes - artist
https://www.instagram.com/katya_krasnova
https://www.instagram.com/servadio_
When creating designs, conduct thorough research and infuse them with your personal touch. Source multiple images and merge or adapt them in your style.
If you feel your foundational drawing skills are lacking, consider taking classes or watch Youtube. Continuous learning is essential; no one is perfect from the outset.
Even if you face challenges in this, possessing tattooing skills can still serve you well.
2 Custom designs - skilled craftsman - expressing with specialized techniques
https://www.instagram.com/kiljun/
https://www.instagram.com/horimaroo
Use reference images and execute them in styles like realism, blackwork, etching, Japanese, old school, fine line and dots etc.
+ Having design skills is a significant advantage. Many of the world's top artists belong in this. World's top often translates to financial success and widespread recognition.
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Practice:
Start a new Instagram profile and pledge to share a drawing/design every day. (The design will be for a tattoo and you can choose your commencement date.)
Your first post should be a replica of your favorite artist's work. This will help gauge your foundational skills and perspective.
If you skip a day, post a prominent 'X' image the next day to hold yourself accountable. Avoid making excuses such as 'I forgot.' If you're short on time, simply post the 'X'.
Like any skill, practice is key. Dedicate time daily to sketching. This will help improve your line work and understanding of shapes.
Ultimately, the kind of artist you become is up to you.
We'll provide guidance and support at the shop in person.
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11/14 - Concept Overview
It seems like everyone has started drawing daily, except for Leon. I encouraged Leon to start today, so let's see how it goes.
First and foremost, it's normal to be inexperienced at the start of any new endeavor. There's no need to feel self-conscious. Just continue doing your work. Please take a look at your colleagues' pages and offer them mutual encouragement.
During the first two months, your primary focus should be on refining your design and drawing skills. I'll provide personal guidance this week. Reviewing the work of others can be a great learning opportunity for all of you.
https://www.instagram.com/yenztattooz/
You appear to have a preference for blackwork, which suits you well.
Traditionally, blackwork involves the use of solely black ink, creating different tones through machine techniques. However, contemporary blackwork artists often incorporate 3-4 varied tones, including white, to enhance depth and add dimension to their work.
The key to blackwork(every tattoo) is contrast, achieved through the use of the blackest blacks and subtle shading. You can employ both bold and thin lines in your designs. Utilizing thin lines can give your work a more modern, trendy appearance.
And, I like your rough pen drawing concept. (Easy to tattoo and looks cool)
Tip: Start with simple designs. Try copying Sailor Jerry and Ed Hardy's flash designs and then reinterpret them in your own style.
Reference - https://www.instagram.com/tattooistdaniel/ (I don’t like this guy, but presenting their work can offer valuable experience and different perspectives.)
https://www.instagram.com/cutiestattoo/
Your concept is charmingly cute, and blending it with realistic elements is a clever approach. The 3D feel adds depth, and your previous cute doodle style is equally impressive. Continue drawing in whatever style you enjoy – we'll have a more detailed discussion about your concept later on.
Tip: Challenge yourself by drawing scary animals, which is something different from your usual style. It's a great way to explore the opposite side of your artistic range.
https://www.instagram.com/dslr_tattoo/
You have a professional touch. Practicing with realistic images is beneficial, and your original cartoon/anime style is equally impressive. Continue drawing in whatever style you enjoy – we'll have a more detailed discussion about your concept later on.
https://www.instagram.com/melytattoos/
Your work exudes great energy and looks impressive.
Uniqueness can be an advantage for an artist, but remember to prioritize the preferences of your customers. I recommend practicing with more conventional images as well.
Tip: If you're interested in solid black work, consider creating your own patterns, such as flames, clouds, and waves. I like your floral designs and remind me of woodblock print styles.
Reference - https://www.instagram.com/kellyricotattoo/
https://www.instagram.com/130n.tt/
Leon has just begun with his first drawing, and it looks fantastic! Although I suggested copying drawings from your favorite artists, I see you're exploring different styles(or not?). I thought you were interested in Japanese styles, but ultimately, following your creative instincts is the best approach. Follow your heart. We'll have a more in-depth discussion after you've completed your 2nd and 3rd drawings.
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11/21 - Understand the machine
So, Ace and Gyuree haven't been keeping up with their daily drawing routine, nor have they posted the agreed-upon image (X). I suggest posting image X at a later date to make up for the missed day.
Patience is crucial in tattooing; without it, one cannot excel in this field.
I feel Kyuree and Ace might need to consider alternative career paths to avoid potential mishaps on clients' skin. It's evident that failing to complete simple tasks like these may lead to future failures. - No, I’m just kidding. - I understand that Ace has just launched his collection, and KR has been occupied with visiting her boyfriend. Everyone has busy schedules, but uploading image X is a straightforward task. I urge you to devote at least 1% of your effort to this.
Remember, everyone encounters failure before achieving success. However, it's important to be self-aware. I prefer to be direct: either commit to the task at hand or step aside. If daily drawing isn't suitable for you, let me know, and I can assign a different task.
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This week's topic is tattoo machines.
There are two primary types: coil and rotary (motor).
Coil machines are storied and traditional, excelling in quick lining and robust shading/packing. Mastery of the coil machine enables swift operation. However, they have downsides like noise, vibration, and complex setup and maintenance. Rotary machines address most of the coil's drawbacks. They are steady, user-friendly, and an excellent choice for beginners. However, if you're curious about coil machines, here's some information:
A coil machine has coils (typically 2) that act as electromagnets when electricity flows through them. The activated coils pull the armature bar. When the armature bar connects to the coils, it disrupts the contact with the contact screw, temporarily losing magnetism and pulling the bar back down. This reconnects the contact screw, restarting the electric and magnetic pull cycle. This rapid, repetitive process moves the needle swiftly in and out of the skin.
The key to a coil machine lies in the spring tension (thickness and length) and the weight of the armature bar.
The coil machine comes in two types: liner and shader. Each type has specific characteristics and uses, which are detailed as follows.
Coils
Liner : Usually has fewer wraps around the coils (around 8-10 wraps). This allows for a faster movement of the needles.
Shader : Typically has more coil wraps (around 10-12 wraps or more). More wraps mean more resistance and a slower, more powerful punch, which is ideal for shading.
Armature Bar and Springs:
Liner : Tends to have a shorter and lighter armature bar with a stiffer front spring. This setup allows for quicker movement, suitable for making precise, single-pass lines.
Shader : Often comes with a longer and heavier armature bar and a softer front spring. This design results in a slower, more gentle motion, perfect for shading and filling in larger areas.
Speed and Stroke:
Liner : Operates at a higher speed with a shorter stroke. The fast speed and short stroke help create crisp, clean lines.
Shader : Works at a slower speed with a longer stroke. The slower, more powerful motion is better for dispersing ink over a larger area, which is essential for shading.
A rotary machine operates on a different and simple mechanism: a longer stroke penetrates deeper into the skin, making it ideal for lining and packing, while a shorter stroke is gentler and better suited for shading.
Tips: You can test both machines on January. Test everything and pick what you like.
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When examining the tag on a needle box, you can determine both the size and type of the needle.
For instance, consider this - 1205RLLT
The first two numbers indicate the bugpin size, the next two denote the number of needles, followed by the needle shape (usage) represented by RL, and finally, LT signifies the taper.
Bugpin:
the thickness of the each needle
8 bugpin is 0.25mm
10 bugpin is 0.30mm
12 bugpin is 0.35mm
(There are 6 or 4 bugpin also, but not commonly used)
For example, 1205 means there are five needles bundled together, each with a diameter of 0.35mm.
Generally, a smaller bugpin number corresponds to a thinner needle. 1203 and 3503 is same.
"tight" or "extra tight" relate to the needle's pointiness, which varies with each brand's manufacturing process.
Needle Shapes:
"RL" stands for Round Liner, used primarily for creating lines.
"RS" stands for Round Shader, suitable for soft shading and color packing in smaller areas.
"MG" stands for Magnum, arranged in two rows, one on top of the other. This flat, staggered arrangement allows them to cover a larger area, typically used for packing.
"SEM" stands for Soft Edge Magnum (also known as Round Magnum or Curved Magnum), featuring a slightly arched arrangement that is gentler on the skin, making them ideal for smooth shading without creating harsh lines or causing excessive trauma.
Taper Types:
The taper of a needle refers to the length of its point or tip:
Short taper - less commonly used.
Medium taper - generally measuring between 3mm to 3.5mm, are preferred for smooth shading.
Long taper - ranging from 4mm to 7mm (usually about 5mm), are sharper and often used for lining - but people normally use LT for everything
Tentative Timeline:
(Progress will dictate the final schedule)
11/21: Understand the machine
11/28: Understand the needle
12/5: Understand the other supplies
12/12: Medical considerations
12/19: Review sketches and define the artistic style
12/26: Select the final five designs
1/2: Learn basic settings and line techniques
1/9: Practice session
1/16: Master fine and thick lining
1/23: Practice session
1/30: Explore shading techniques
2/6: Practice session
2/13: Practice session
2/20: Ink packing and color blending
2/27: Practice session
3/5: Tattoo session with friends
3/12: Tattoo session with friends
3/19: Tattoo session with friends
3/26: Tattoo session with friends
April: Begin tattooing for clients
10 - Design and style
11 - Concept overview
11/21 - Understand the machine
11/28 - Needle identification
12/05 - Other supplies
12/12 - Style review
12/19 - X
12/26 - Select the final designs
