Another tip regarding tattooing on real skin- if you're not comfortable tattooing yourself just yet and want the next best thing... it's kinda weird and needs special treatment lol but pig skin is really really great. I go to a local butcher shop and get some pigs ears and some skin to tattoo on. It needs to be kept refrigerated, in an airtight container and cleaned thoroughly before and after. The downside for me is that it only lasts for like a week or so at max. That said it gives you plenty of room for small, medium and large tattoos, the feel for real skin, stretching needed and how different skin takes ink differently. It's also comparatively cheap to some fake skins. Weird AF I know but it worked for me until I got the guts to put needle to my skin.
Ive been recomending pigs ears for over 20 years. Its the closest your going to get. You even have to shave them. My first apprentice thought i was messin with him when i told him to get some. He did it but thought it was just part of him payin his due's lol
@@Playswithfire3782 I had a guy recommend it to me and I probably had the same face your apprentice did 😅 but it works better than anything else I've tried so 🤷🏻♀️ I'll continue to use and recommend it too
Gonna get back to tattooing after 10 years of not doing it. Your videos helped me on theory based a lot, gonna wait for my machines and ink to arrive and test it out!
My wife got me a fake bishops as an early Christmas gift last week. Dude this info is EXACTLY what I need as an aspiring at homie tattoo guy. I’m tryna get decent! Thanks Brandon!!
What a gem of a channel man… I know I don’t comment much, but I literally watch all y’all’s content. Informative and effective. Best wishes out of the Steel City 👊🏻
Decent tips! Very useful, I have an appointment in a week and a half for a possible apprentice ship, trying to prepare as best I can, these videos really help! Cheers mate, keep it up!
I actually really appreciate that he doesn't hide the whole 'tattooing yourself' perspective, i've actually been doing this for a few years now, and my linework, needle techniques, and even coloring have come a LONG way since I started. I don't mind looking like a doodle bear; you can quite literally tell where I started (believe me i've got some jank ones) and where I've come to.(I have plenty i'm actually pretty proud of, including a current cover-up i'm in the midst of healing, which I used as a tool to learn how to work around covering up other pieces.) the biggest thing most people fail at is the sanitary part, not the actual tattoo. Please, if you're doing the self tattoo, PLEASE keep your area as clean as possible, shop quality clean if you can! (I'm a med school dropout, so I actually had a HUGE stowaway stock of medical supplies, so I got lucky, but most medical neccesities can be bought at your local supermarket or online!! and ALWAYS KEEP SPARE CONTAINERS TO THROW USED ITEMS AWAY IN, NEVER RE USE EQUIPMENT AND DON'T PUT NEEDLES WILLY NILLY IN YOUR TRASH PLEASE!😭)
Thank you so much for you true words - thinking about doing mistakes befor is better than seeing it afterwards - bur you are right, you just can learn by doing it real. But to be more sensitive is good to reduceing bad experiences... Greatings from Germany ;0)
I love this. I started three years ago and have tried to get work done when i can . I love a lot of this advice was stuff i knew instinctively. Im digging learning this craft! These videos are great!
Hey bro, thank you so much for the info you provided. I’m brand new to the tattoo industry and I’m looking for any helpful tips I can get. Thanks again and will keep every tip you’ve provided in mind
Hello, excellent video, it will definitely help new tattoo artists. But I have a question, can you help? When I try to use 9rl or above, or 9rs or above, the ink seems to only flow to one side of the needle tip. which makes the line look thin. I don't understand why this happens, I've tried adjusting the voltage, pulling the needle further out of the cartridge, adjusting my hand speed, sinking just a little deeper into the skin, and none of this helps. In fact, sinking deeper into the skin helps, but that roots effect appears instantly. This has been driving me crazy, because I have to go over the same line more than once to get it to the thickness I want, and I waste A LOT of time doing that. This also happens more when I'm tattooing with the same needle after an hour or so. Can you give your opinion on why this might be happening? Thank you very much PS. I don't know why but every cartridge I put in the machine the tip of the needle doesn't seem centered, it's always closer to the edge. I've already changed needle brands, changed machines dozens of times and this always happens. Is it also normal?
I got a tattoo on my spine and there’s no space between the words and I don’t know how to even get it fixed do I just have to cover it up? Please help me thank you 😭
I had the same experience i got an apprenticeship in 2019 and the owner was so abusive, all this prospect attitude that really isnt necessary he was not interested in teaching me but just being their little skiv. My friend whos a tattoo artist has given me an opportunity now and im so thankful it won’t be the same as before. I understand it takes work and respect but the whole b*tch attitude really p*ssed me off. Im not putting up with abuse from anyone nothing is worth that. Im glad you found happiness. Thank you for your videos ❤
Have olive quite dark skin but it holds ink very well. But every time I get tattooed they go ham. Too ham. One large tattoo I have I said hey look btw I have soft skin that holds ink well Still went ham, now areas that were meant to disappear are perfect and places are blown out
Unfortunately if a Tattoo artist is not familiar with tattooing darker complexions, they tend as you say 'go ham' to over compensate, especially with color.
Hello Bro can you tell me please how I can start for tatto shop only with 10 tattoos behind me thank you 🙏 I really like your videos it is so helpful 😊
Mistakes u learn on others’ skin is hard. It’s embarrassing, self-defeating and ur just beating urself up in ur head all day. Miserable. I made the mistake of trying to tattoo a girl’s ribs n that needle was just bouncing like a meth head on a pogo stick off that skin and it turned out HORRIBLE. Worst tattoo I ever gave someone. At the time I didn’t know u sometimes have to stretch the skin A LOT to avoid that.
It's best to get into the habit of using a needle only once. If cost is your issue (same lol) they make ballpoint pen cartridges to practice with or you can modify an old needle to fit the tip of a pen. They're great for practice and keep you from wasting needles and money.
You will receive a certificate of completion once you've completed a 100% progress in the Artist Accelerator Course. However if you're in the USA, laws and regulations for obtaining your tattoo licence varies from state to state. You will have to contact your local authorities to find out if the program can be counted towards your apprenticeship hours.
I got one when I was 12 on my wrist and it’s about 3 inches by 3 inches…Stupid stupid mistake. It’s basically a big black blob now, at 31 years old. It also has blobs and scars. It’s just a horrible tattoo 🥴
Hi Daniel, I need some advice can I please private message you? I’m 2 years in and I can relate to this video at the end ! Please let me know , I greatly appreciate it man!
I got a tattoo on my spine and there’s no space between the words and I don’t know how to even get it fixed do I just have to cover it up? Please help me thank you 😭
The tips you give in your videos are always so interesting and valuable. I can't believe I get to learn and watch these for free! Thank you so much! Greetings from France 🇫🇷
Guys is there a way to make a stencil without transfer carbon paper? Cause its super expensive and im just tattooing myself. Would appreciate the help.
Am a Newbi in tattooing and all your videos have greatly step up my level of tattooing and increase my after tattooing result from what I was experiencing from my pass work. Am so grateful for the video and I hope I will continue to learn from your videos to better of my tattoo every day till I get too close to perfection 😂
It was important for me to start with base ball sized tattoos, or smaller. I wasn't allowed to go bigger until I did a perfect one that size. That way I was able to practice on people and at the same time a small tattoo is alot harder to mess up.
I really appreciate these videos man. You do a great job of putting things in perspective and speak from experience. I just started my apprenticeship 2 weeks ago and I’m super stoked about it. Been watching your videos at home for a good bit and they’ve been super helpful
I'm a artist, I was told I'm good, I'm 43, is that a aged hap, I should think about, before starting being a tattoo's artist, I always felt like, being one, fits me, and if I work alot, at my regular 9 to 5, what should be a good start for me
I'm so sorry to hear about your traumatizing experiences in your apprenticeship. it's clear you were determined enough to make it and you truly are skilled and not only that you are a great instructor and seem like you have a very good heart. They missed out on you big time! Stay positive and keep doing what you do best! I love your videos and I've learned so much from you! its only been 3 weeks and I have already improved so much just by learning from you!
I’m a new artist, I’ve done a handful of pieces on family, friends, and of course myself. That said, would you ever use a 5 round shader to do linework? Or for that matter any round shader?
Thank you so much for this inspiring video, Brandon! I’m currently trying to find out what I’m trying to do as a tattoo artist. After completing Tattooing101 I thought I would be be licensed but in Arkansas it requires you to be in a shop for at least a year. Learning from Tattooing101 I did not panic. I’m currently in Game art school at Full Sail University expanding my art. While in the process of figuring out how I’m going to go about getting my license, I want to keep learning. My goal is to be the best artist I can be and be a professional licensed tattoo artist. Being an inspiration for artist who struggle to get into the tattoo industry just like how Tattooing101 has been for me. This is a dream worth chasing.
Another tip regarding tattooing on real skin- if you're not comfortable tattooing yourself just yet and want the next best thing... it's kinda weird and needs special treatment lol but pig skin is really really great. I go to a local butcher shop and get some pigs ears and some skin to tattoo on. It needs to be kept refrigerated, in an airtight container and cleaned thoroughly before and after. The downside for me is that it only lasts for like a week or so at max. That said it gives you plenty of room for small, medium and large tattoos, the feel for real skin, stretching needed and how different skin takes ink differently. It's also comparatively cheap to some fake skins. Weird AF I know but it worked for me until I got the guts to put needle to my skin.
Ive been recomending pigs ears for over 20 years. Its the closest your going to get. You even have to shave them. My first apprentice thought i was messin with him when i told him to get some. He did it but thought it was just part of him payin his due's lol
@@Playswithfire3782 I had a guy recommend it to me and I probably had the same face your apprentice did 😅 but it works better than anything else I've tried so 🤷🏻♀️ I'll continue to use and recommend it too
These were super helpful tips! I love your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
I’ve heard of this before
I was about to say this very thing. its the next best thing to human skin
Hey dude.
Just a quick thank you for doing what you do!
Your videos helped me out a lot when I got back into tattooing in March this year.
Glad to hear it!
Gonna get back to tattooing after 10 years of not doing it. Your videos helped me on theory based a lot, gonna wait for my machines and ink to arrive and test it out!
Awesome to hear you're getting back in the saddle, You got this!
My wife got me a fake bishops as an early Christmas gift last week. Dude this info is EXACTLY what I need as an aspiring at homie tattoo guy. I’m tryna get decent! Thanks Brandon!!
We respect you in Nigeria
Starting my tattoo journey as we speak! Thanks so much for what yall do! It's helped, and continues to help me tremendously! 🤘
What a gem of a channel man… I know I don’t comment much, but I literally watch all y’all’s content. Informative and effective. Best wishes out of the Steel City 👊🏻
Much appreciated!
Dude I feel ya. I wasn't even a human for a year lol. Carried bad energy for years lol. Therapy helped a lot lot. I'm 40 and still going going.
Decent tips! Very useful, I have an appointment in a week and a half for a possible apprentice ship, trying to prepare as best I can, these videos really help! Cheers mate, keep it up!
Best of luck!
New to this world. Great channel! Thank you for sharing buddy! Ciao from Italy
This was so encouraging and kind. Which is so needed in the industry 🖤 thanks for being you!
I actually really appreciate that he doesn't hide the whole 'tattooing yourself' perspective, i've actually been doing this for a few years now, and my linework, needle techniques, and even coloring have come a LONG way since I started. I don't mind looking like a doodle bear; you can quite literally tell where I started (believe me i've got some jank ones) and where I've come to.(I have plenty i'm actually pretty proud of, including a current cover-up i'm in the midst of healing, which I used as a tool to learn how to work around covering up other pieces.) the biggest thing most people fail at is the sanitary part, not the actual tattoo. Please, if you're doing the self tattoo, PLEASE keep your area as clean as possible, shop quality clean if you can! (I'm a med school dropout, so I actually had a HUGE stowaway stock of medical supplies, so I got lucky, but most medical neccesities can be bought at your local supermarket or online!! and ALWAYS KEEP SPARE CONTAINERS TO THROW USED ITEMS AWAY IN, NEVER RE USE EQUIPMENT AND DON'T PUT NEEDLES WILLY NILLY IN YOUR TRASH PLEASE!😭)
Thank you so much for you true words - thinking about doing mistakes befor is better than seeing it afterwards - bur you are right, you just can learn by doing it real. But to be more sensitive is good to reduceing bad experiences... Greatings from Germany ;0)
Totally agree with you tattoo yourself and get how the client will feel.
I love this. I started three years ago and have tried to get work done when i can . I love a lot of this advice was stuff i knew instinctively. Im digging learning this craft! These videos are great!
your last point is totally important. a lot of us have that story
currently watching all of your videos!! and thank you so so much!! 💗💗
I’m glad I can help!
I appreciate the tip about tattooing yourself
Hi man! I hope you are doing fine.
Thanks for those videos! You are explaining everything so detailled and calm! Like your style!
Hey, thanks glad you enjoyed the video!
Thank you for your videos and great advices! 👍🏻
Hey bro, thank you so much for the info you provided. I’m brand new to the tattoo industry and I’m looking for any helpful tips I can get. Thanks again and will keep every tip you’ve provided in mind
Awesome ! Thanks! Wish you luck dude
Jesus Moreno 🤘🏼
So thanks for your handy videos ❤
Hello, excellent video, it will definitely help new tattoo artists.
But I have a question, can you help?
When I try to use 9rl or above, or 9rs or above, the ink seems to only flow to one side of the needle tip. which makes the line look thin.
I don't understand why this happens, I've tried adjusting the voltage, pulling the needle further out of the cartridge, adjusting my hand speed, sinking just a little deeper into the skin, and none of this helps.
In fact, sinking deeper into the skin helps, but that roots effect appears instantly.
This has been driving me crazy, because I have to go over the same line more than once to get it to the thickness I want, and I waste A LOT of time doing that.
This also happens more when I'm tattooing with the same needle after an hour or so.
Can you give your opinion on why this might be happening? Thank you very much
PS. I don't know why but every cartridge I put in the machine the tip of the needle doesn't seem centered, it's always closer to the edge. I've already changed needle brands, changed machines dozens of times and this always happens. Is it also normal?
Thanks for the advice I never I never had that been tattooing for years
I got a tattoo on my spine and there’s no space between the words and I don’t know how to even get it fixed do I just have to cover it up? Please help me thank you 😭
Thank you!
Welcome!
Last point boooomm 💣💣
Love your vids! And also your hoodie 😉 do you bleach them yourself?
I had the same experience i got an apprenticeship in 2019 and the owner was so abusive, all this prospect attitude that really isnt necessary he was not interested in teaching me but just being their little skiv. My friend whos a tattoo artist has given me an opportunity now and im so thankful it won’t be the same as before. I understand it takes work and respect but the whole b*tch attitude really p*ssed me off. Im not putting up with abuse from anyone nothing is worth that. Im glad you found happiness. Thank you for your videos ❤
All of us tattoo artists have tattoos on our thighs we did ourselves.
the rite of passage!
Have olive quite dark skin but it holds ink very well. But every time I get tattooed they go ham. Too ham.
One large tattoo I have I said hey look btw I have soft skin that holds ink well
Still went ham, now areas that were meant to disappear are perfect and places are blown out
Unfortunately if a Tattoo artist is not familiar with tattooing darker complexions, they tend as you say 'go ham' to over compensate, especially with color.
can you recommend a site or shop where we can buy tattoo ink and thermal transfer paper ?
The Hank Green of tattoos 🫡
Hello Bro can you tell me please how I can start for tatto shop only with 10 tattoos behind me thank you 🙏 I really like your videos it is so helpful 😊
thanks man
What about consistancy
Mistakes u learn on others’ skin is hard. It’s embarrassing, self-defeating and ur just beating urself up in ur head all day. Miserable. I made the mistake of trying to tattoo a girl’s ribs n that needle was just bouncing like a meth head on a pogo stick off that skin and it turned out HORRIBLE. Worst tattoo I ever gave someone. At the time I didn’t know u sometimes have to stretch the skin A LOT to avoid that.
😂
When practice on fake skins, how many times can you use the same needle on it?
It's best to get into the habit of using a needle only once. If cost is your issue (same lol) they make ballpoint pen cartridges to practice with or you can modify an old needle to fit the tip of a pen. They're great for practice and keep you from wasting needles and money.
Awesome
I plan on taking your tattooing 101 course, how do I get my license after I finish since it’s online?
You will receive a certificate of completion once you've completed a 100% progress in the Artist Accelerator Course. However if you're in the USA, laws and regulations for obtaining your tattoo licence varies from state to state. You will have to contact your local authorities to find out if the program can be counted towards your apprenticeship hours.
@@Tattooing101 thank you
dont have no fake skin so i just doing then on myself lol
Bruh how I get that hoodie!?
I bleach dyed it myself but you can order our Merch from our website! shop.tattooing101.com/
I got one when I was 12 on my wrist and it’s about 3 inches by 3 inches…Stupid stupid mistake. It’s basically a big black blob now, at 31 years old. It also has blobs and scars. It’s just a horrible tattoo 🥴
What about micro realism? The designs are automatically small.
That's fine but with this style, it's not going to hold over the years
Don’t know how to use their machine duh lol
Love your content bro!, thank you for your knowledge
Hi Daniel, I need some advice can I please private message you? I’m 2 years in and I can relate to this video at the end ! Please let me know , I greatly appreciate it man!
Much love from Ghana.
I got a tattoo on my spine and there’s no space between the words and I don’t know how to even get it fixed do I just have to cover it up? Please help me thank you 😭
The tips you give in your videos are always so interesting and valuable. I can't believe I get to learn and watch these for free! Thank you so much! Greetings from France 🇫🇷
Happy that they've helped you!
Guys is there a way to make a stencil without transfer carbon paper? Cause its super expensive and im just tattooing myself. Would appreciate the help.
You’re awesome! You’ve really helped me fine tune my skills and it’s amazing
I love the darth maul in the back ground there! lol bad ass
Total newb here- what do you mean by matching your voltage?
Am a Newbi in tattooing and all your videos have greatly step up my level of tattooing and increase my after tattooing result from what I was experiencing from my pass work. Am so grateful for the video and I hope I will continue to learn from your videos to better of my tattoo every day till I get too close to perfection 😂
Happy to help!
It was important for me to start with base ball sized tattoos, or smaller. I wasn't allowed to go bigger until I did a perfect one that size. That way I was able to practice on people and at the same time a small tattoo is alot harder to mess up.
I really appreciate these videos man. You do a great job of putting things in perspective and speak from experience.
I just started my apprenticeship 2 weeks ago and I’m super stoked about it.
Been watching your videos at home for a good bit and they’ve been super helpful
I'm a artist, I was told I'm good, I'm 43, is that a aged hap, I should think about, before starting being a tattoo's artist, I always felt like, being one, fits me, and if I work alot, at my regular 9 to 5, what should be a good start for me
Sir your content is always top notch!! Thank you for doing what you do.
I'm so sorry to hear about your traumatizing experiences in your apprenticeship. it's clear you were determined enough to make it and you truly are skilled and not only that you are a great instructor and seem like you have a very good heart. They missed out on you big time! Stay positive and keep doing what you do best!
I love your videos and I've learned so much from you! its only been 3 weeks and I have already improved so much just by learning from you!
I’m a new artist, I’ve done a handful of pieces on family, friends, and of course myself. That said, would you ever use a 5 round shader to do linework? Or for that matter any round shader?
trust the guy (uses dynamic black )
Great tips! Thank you so much for all of your content :)
Love the info, and especially love that hoodie🫶👏
Thank you so much for this inspiring video, Brandon! I’m currently trying to find out what I’m trying to do as a tattoo artist. After completing Tattooing101 I thought I would be be licensed but in Arkansas it requires you to be in a shop for at least a year. Learning from Tattooing101 I did not panic. I’m currently in Game art school at Full Sail University expanding my art. While in the process of figuring out how I’m going to go about getting my license, I want to keep learning. My goal is to be the best artist I can be and be a professional licensed tattoo artist. Being an inspiration for artist who struggle to get into the tattoo industry just like how Tattooing101 has been for me. This is a dream worth chasing.
That's a great mindset to have man! Just keep working on your craft and I'm sure you'll be able to get into a shop
Dope hoodie ! thank you for all this helpful tips!
Happy to help!
I went through an apprenticeship, but your videos always offer me more bonus insight. Thank you for doing what you do!!
I'm glad to hear it!