How important is the equipment for the Tattoo Artist? Does the quality of a tattoo gun/tattoo machine matter?

For a Tattoo Artist having top-quality equipment is essential. It allows Tattoo Artists to do the best job possible. Tattoo Artists have to work in comfortable conditions because they have a huge responsibility. The client’s body and appearance depend on the Tattoo Artist’s professional ability. That is why it is so important to invest in high-quality equipment. 

Whether you call it a tattoo machine, or a tattoo gun, it is crucial for Tattoo Artists to have a perfectly running and maintained machine to deliver impeccable tattoos time and time again. But there are other pieces of a tattoo studio’s equipment that matter. 

Both the Tattoo Artist and client are in their respective chairs for an extended period.  Tattooing sessions often last a few hours. Having a comfortable and adjustable chair that will keep each party supported is of utmost importance. 

Good quality tattoo equipment is a significant investment both for beginning Tattoo Artists and tattoo studio owners. It is important to remember that the right gear is reliable and will work well over a long period. Tattoo studios and Tattoo Artists are obligated to provide safety and bloodborne disease prevention so personal protection equipment is extremely important in the tattoo industry. 

As you see there are so many kinds of equipment necessary to do tattoos, but let’s focus on tattoo guns and how you can use them. The guideline below answers those questions.

Want to change careers and become a Tattoo Artist or learn how to become a Tattoo Artist? Learn more about the profession on our website or find a tattoo apprenticeship near me and start today! 

Tattoo Guns (Tattoo Machines) and Tattoo Gun Kits – F.A.Q

1. What is the difference between a coil tattoo gun and a rotary tattoo gun?
2. Which tattoo gun is the best for you? 
3. What supplies do you need to do a tattoo?
4. Is there specific equipment that is better for beginners?
5. What are the different techniques of tattooing?

Tattoo Equipment (Tattoo Gun) And Supplies

Future Tattoo Artists should know all about tattoo equipment including tattoo gun types and their manufacturing process. Tattoo guns and tattoo machines are one and the same and are small hand-held devices used to engrave tattoos on the skin. Tattoo guns also called have two main types: coil tattooing machines and rotary tattooing machines. What is the difference between the coil and rotary tattoo gun?

Coil tattoo guns are older than rotary tattooing machines. Those tattoo guns were most commonly found in different tattoo supply shops years ago and were the original mass-market tattoo gun. 

Today Tattoo Artists use them less often than rotaries, yet it is extremely important to know how to use them and why people use them.

Here are some of the reasons why Tattoo Artists use coil tattoo guns:

• The speed and power of coil tattooing machines are easy to regulate.
• Also, coil tattoo guns are easy to customize.
• These machines can shorten the completion time.
• Coil tattoo guns provide heavier weight that allows more control for some Tattoo Artists.
• Even though they are noisy, most people like them.
• There are two types of coil tattoo guns commonly used: liners and shaders. Tattoo Artists use them interchangeably depending on the tattoo project or project phase. 

Rotary tattoo guns use an electric motor to drive the needles into the skin. Those types of tattoo guns are much quieter and more lightweight. 

Here Are Some Of The Reasons Why Tattoo Artists Use Rotary Machine Tattoo Guns:

• A rotary tattoo machine is easy to handle, which lessens hand and finger cramps.
• Also, rotary tattooing guns can be used for lining, coloring, and shading work purposes.
• These tattoo machines require relatively low maintenance.
• The fact that they are fairly easy to use makes rotary tattoo guns everyone’s favorite! 
• There are many kinds of rotary tattoo guns, so Tattoo Artists enjoy collecting the different models and using them on different tattoos.

What makes a great tattoo aside from the design, composition, and placement? No matter how great the design looks and how, if it’s done by someone who doesn’t have a proper tattoo gun then the tattoo just won’t look good. 

How To Find A Perfect Tattoo Gun For You?

Future Tattoo Artists learn about tattoo equipment and tattoo supplies in a tattoo apprenticeship or a tattoo school. Established Tattoo Artists teach about the advantages and disadvantages of every type of tattoo gun. Remember, rotary tattoo guns are lightweight and quiet, yet coil tattoo guns give you more tuning options. 

Tips You Want To Know Before Buying Your First Tattoo Gun 

Guidelines that may help you find and choose the right tattoo gun for you:

• Tattoo gun quality is much more important than the design.
• Choose a tattoo gun made of copper, iron, or brass.
• In the long run, it is better to buy more expensive tattoo equipment which is of better quality. 
• Don’t make decisions based on trends or others’ opinions. 
• You can ask experienced Tattoo Artists for advice.
• Read tattoo equipment reviews. 
• Choose between coil and rotary tattoo guns.
• Choose the best one for your tattoo purposes. 
• Learn about the most common brands of tattoo equipment.
• Choose a proper tattoo gun for your skills and experience.
• Comfortability and durability are extremely important during long sessions and busy days in tattoo studios. 
• Find the size and shape of your tattoo gun fitting to your hand. 

Aside from buying a tattoo gun, you need to learn about tattoo machine voltage and power supplies. It’s best to learn everything from an experienced artist and avoid bad choices. Avoiding common beginners’ mistakes will help you to save money. 

The most common mistakes are purchasing the wrong tattoo accessories and not understanding tattoo gun voltage. It is common for beginning Tattoo Artists to buy expensive accessories that don’t fit their tattooing machines. For instance, inexperienced Tattoo Artists often choose the wrong size of needles or the wrong voltage of power supply for their machine and for the tattoo they are about to perform. Those mistakes can cause your tattoo gun to underperform. That means your tattoo results will NOT make your client happy.

Are you the parent of a future tattoo artist and you’d like to learn more?  Continue reading about parents who want to help their children become Tattoo Artists. 

Lining, Shading, And Tattoo Techniques. 

Once you know which tattoo gun is the best for you, learn how to use it for the best outcome. Established Tattoo Artists know various tattoo techniques and have their own tricks useful during tattooing. Honing in on your craft and perfecting your style is key for Tattoo Artists. Learning different styles and tattoo techniques helps Tattoo Artists to figure out what clients want to get and how to do it right. Future Tattoo Artists will learn about tattooing techniques in a tattoo school and in tattoo apprenticeships. There are a variety of different techniques and every Tattoo Artist has to find his own niche. 

Some Of The Most Common Tattooing Techniques:

Tattoo shading gives tattoos a more realistic look and makes them look more 3D. There are a few types of shading including:

• Whip shading
• Trail shading
• Drag shading
• Opaque gray shading

Going at the right speed, using the right needle, the right voltage, and keeping in mind the effect you’re going for is crucial for executing the shading part perfectly. Shading can make a tattoo or break it. Beginning Tattoo Artists need a lot of practice on fake skin first. 

Layering Colors On Client’s Skin

Layering is mixing colors in the skin to achieve a gradation effect or spectrum effect. The same high level of quality of tattoo ink is crucial for this technique. 

Mixing Tattoo Ink Colors Before Tattooing

This is blending different colors to make a new tattoo ink color. Tattoo ink can be mixed by putting two colors together to make a different blend of color or shade. Experienced Tattoo Artists know how to make tattoo ink color lighter or darker and how to get the right effect. 

Color Packing

Being able to correctly pack color is what brings a color tattoo to life. Without the right tattoo techniques for packing and blending out inks, tattoos may look patchy, pale, or even blurred. Tattoo color packing techniques include moving a tattoo gun in very tight ovals, and pushing and pulling needles to get the proper shade of color. Correct tattoo color packing is crucial to get long-lasting vibrant tattoos. 

Lining

The line work is the most important technique for beginning Tattoo Artists. Skilled Tattoo Artists can do almost perfect lines because of years of practice. Beginners make a lot of mistakes during lining. The most common mistakes include:

• Rubbing the stencil off in the middle of the tattooing. It is important in the beginning to start tattooing from the bottom corner. 
• Holding a tattoo gun the wrong way. It is important to use all fingers to hold a tattoo machine in one hand while stretching the skin in the other.
• Moving a tattoo gun too slow or too fast or putting a needle too deep. It can leave scars and blow-out on the client’s skin. 
• Shaking hands during tattooing.
• Stretching the client’s skin the wrong way. 

To avoid all those mistakes, enroll in a tattoo school where you will learn about common possible mistakes and how to fix them. 

Dot Work

Dotwork is a tattooing technique where the Tattoo Artist inks a few dots for a striking visual impact. They can create a full image and shape or only shading by using a dot art technique. Tattoo shading done by using only dots is called stippling. 

Hand-Poke Tattoos Or Stick ‘n Poke Tattoos

Hand-poked tattoos are tattoos made without the use of tattoo guns. Hand-poke is the oldest tattoo technique. While they are created with similar supplies, stick ‘n poke Tattoo Artists push needles and ink into the skin manually, without the aid of a power supply.

Sign Up for a Tattoo Apprenticeship at Ink Different Tattoo School

No matter if you use a tattoo gun for beginners or own a professional tattoo kit or even if you don’t own any tattooing equipment yet, contact us to start training in our tattoo apprenticeship program and learn more about tattooing, equipment, sanitization,  tattoo techniques, and if you are accepted and finish your training with us… a guaranteed job offer!

Are you ready to turn your career around? At Ink Different Tattoo School, we offer you a fresh start! You get a unique opportunity to learn from an experienced Tattoo Artist.

Call or Text 1-310-413-0709 to move to the front of the line and interview for an apprenticeship today.