Heres my short story thats probablly been asked a thousand times…
I used to tattoo several years ago, I have a strong artistic background but have never been properly trained, I used to do decent tattoos considering it was a homemade gun. I gave up on tatooing because then i couldnt afford legit equipment and needed a real job. Ive been welding for about 6 years now and am sick and tired of it, Im much happier when im using my mind and doing things creative. This time around I want to learn the right way…I cant afford an apprenticeship and will have to train on the side while im not working . I am wondering about these “become a liscensed tattoo artist” online courses that cost between $100-$1000. Ive seen many websites that offer them but am afraid they are a scam for a cheap certificate that means nothing. Im prepared to do things right this time and practice drawing on a daily basis, study the art of tattooing-and all its techniques,learn about health safety and bloodborn pathogens, ect. I will practice on fruit and synthetic skins for a good amount of time untill im confident enough to touch someones skin. I just really need suggestions for ….
A source for learning the ins and outs of tattooing…
I need suggestions for what brand/model/type of liner and shader machines to look at, I want some decent mid quality machines and PS…. Need a source for decent inks to start out with, I would like to get a couple decent machines for under $500
Thanks to all who took the time to read this and for any opinions or suggestions.
Hi mate. Tattoo schools in my opinion…Rubbish! Nobody can learn the full contents of this trade in 6 weeks. I have never heard of having to pay for an apprenticeship? What a joke.
Considering you have only tattooed people with a homemade machine, a real unit requires tuning for the different needles. You will be needing to start fresh.
I would suggest go and get tattooed. Watch & learn. Ask questions. See how its done properly.
Look for good sterility procedures. You need to know about peoples skin, how it reacts, moves etc.
This is also a medical procedure. Things are set-up a certain way to prevent X-contamination of tools and gear used etc. The sterility is more important than the actual tattooing these days.
Good gear is not cheap, and cutting corners with cheap shit from china will only reflect in your work i believe.
Keep up with the leading magazines. Tattoo mag is my bible LOL. They always have good gear and are up with whos using what and why.
Best of luck with your venture Mate! 🙂
Hiya!! Welcome!!
I found these kits not to long ago and they are at a decent price. The link below if for the cheapest one but they do have more expencive too that is about $600 + S/H. The one below is $300 + S/H.
http://www.painfulpleasures.com/xcart/customer/product.php?productid=3827&partner=carefulprecision
Heres what it comes with and a pic too:
1 – Tattoo machine (random)
1 – 6 Color Intenze kit (Snow White Mixing, Lemon Yellow, Bright Red, Marios Blue, True Black, Bright Orange)
1 – Phono Clip Cord
1 – Phono Foot Pedal
5 – 5 Round Liner needles
5 – 5 Round Shader needles
10 – RT5-3/4″ Disposable Tubes/Tips
1 – Bag of 1000 #9 ink cups
1 – Ink cup holder
1 – 11″x14″ Practice Skin
1 – Box of Black Gloves
1 – Bottle of Stencil Pro
1 – WHITE Power Supply
@DeezDrama 29133 wrote:
I will practice on fruit and synthetic skins for a good amount of time untill im confident enough to touch someones skin.
Go to a butcher and get some Pig Skin to practice on… its cheap to get and close to human skin.
No kidding really?! Thanks for the heads up. I was gonna buy one this weekend. I might still get one just cause I was just gonna screw around with some pig’s skin.
Scratch that then Deez ya better off investing as much as ya can for a good machine and then as you go buy the rest seperate, if its going into the feild ya want ot do then get a good machine… my artist’s machine was screwing up A LOT when i was getting mine and ya dont want to have to keep stopping during the proccess cuz your tools are shite!
thanks guys for the help so far!
I have no problem buying the good stuff stuff first- I dont want to waste money on inferrier equipment just to replace it – I read on another forum about a couple good mid quality name brands for machines- but now i cant remember and cant find the thread- I remember being suggested to start with mommas ink, and was suggested machines by ITA or ITP or something like that, there was another brand name for machines in the mid quality range I cant remember as well,
Can anyone list a few companies that sell decent medium quality machines?
What should i look for in a power supply?
i bought the dvd “the art of tattooing” to brush up and pick up some pointers
ordered 2 ITS machines for now- ive read alot of good things about there machines for the price
ordered a cyclone 360 lcd 10 turn power supply with clip and foot switch
and for now a stainless 3 piece tube grip – ill probablly switch to disposables once im ready to touch skin.
also ordered 50 3-round liners,grommets,ink caps,ect.
Just ordered a 2oz bottle of starbright black liner ink for now…
I had about 20 bottles of starbright ink years ago but pitched them when i stopped tatting for a while =(
Hey Bud. Good start, you want to order yourself some round shaders so after you line, you can practice some shading too. Stick to the disposa products as you have no way of properly sterilising those tips you have.
I recommend an ol-skool book to look through if you can find it. The A-Z of tattooing by Huck Spaulding.
It has good tips in there for machine tuning, setting needles. The basic process of it all. Its clear and easy to understand. Good for any beginner to read. Good luck with your practice Mate.
Thanks X!
just finished reading through hucks a to z book- pretty good info – but i got the 80’s edition and it seems to go over alot of building-reusing needles which i just took with a grain of salt- your right- i got the stainless tube/grip for now – for practicing on fruit ect- I definatelly will go the disposable route later on- I ordered a round tip but from what ive read i think i should of went with a square tip, ill have to order some shader needles too, its was out of single liner and the shading needles i wanted. Got the art of tattooing dvd on the way too- ill post some pics of some of my practice work once i get “un” rusty
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