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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- I only covered a few topics. Some subjects I didn't mention were healing, size, design, placement, stencil, etc. That means I can make more informative videos in the future. So much to talk about. I'll enjoy making more.
The fineline genre is subject to a lot of criticism. Some is well deserved because it's still in it's infant stages but some is spoken out of ignorance. I want to share what I know so we can hopefully learn together and develop fineline/single needle the right way. Fineline and single needle has so much potential.
Website: LUDINKTATTOO.com
Instagram: @jjjaylud
Donate: www.paypal.com...
I've been tattooing 17 years now. This was a great video explaining the pros and cons as well as tips for using 1RL.
Damn that means a lot. 17 years is solid. Thank you!
Your speaking pace is just perfect for my brain.. binge-learning sequence activated.. thank you!!!
looool thank you
@@jjjaylud ☺️☺️
This is better than payed courses my guy! I appreciate you very much
This has easily become my top 3 tattooing channels. Great insight and even better tattoos. Keep it up brother, this is gold.
VERY flattered.. thank you.
I completely agree; thanks for sharing your knowledge!
What are the other two?
@@eddyrichards5109he’s obv a arrogant bastard was gona ask the same question but you did a yr ago
You’re so sweet!! Thank you for going into such detail about the single needle/3RL tattooing process!!
First video I watch and your channel deserves a way bigger following. Currently a new apprentice so all this information is invaluable!
Thank you that means a lot. That's awesome. Learn everything you can and work hard! But also enjoy ofc. good luck to you.
My very fist needle one year ago was a 3rl 30mm kwadron cartridge and I was like, damn why are my lines so shaky(using a kwadron equalizer v2 pen). Over time I realised that I was using a really, really thin liner. As I switched to like 7rl oder 9rl my lines were crispy clean. Crazy how something bad can turn into something good, because the next step for me personally is to master the 1rl. Im really happy to finally found someone who shares his experience with us to get better. Just visited your instagram and was totally stunned. Definitely gonna donate you, since your a dedicated young good hearted man and deserve it. keep up the good videos and set your heart a blaze.
Yessss exactly! Bigger needle groupings will give cleaner lines so its better to use them if the smaller groupings are giving us trouble. I believe a tattoo artist should master 5RL+ before attempting 3RL and master 3RL first before attempting 1RL. I began 3RL after years of using 5,7,9,14RLs. And then began 1RL after a few years of 3RL. Slow and steady wins the race.
Thank you for the love. I appreciate you writing that for me. I'm happy my video helps you!
This is the most informative and insightful 1rl tutorial, thank you so much Jay!
np!
You needle it, youre saying all the things i thought about that, including the magician example. Thanks so much for the feedback
Appreciate it 🙏
I kept nodding on every point you made, you're very knowledgable man.
haha thank you
This video was super helpful! I've been looking for info like this for a while. Thank you for sharing what you know!
appreciate the love
Hi Jay, thank you a lot for this video! Since single needle tattoos are subject to a lot of criticism, especially the healing process, it would be great to see a video on that matter. Due to your experience, I would love to hear about healing in different parts of the body (hands, feet, wrists, ankles vs arms for example), what to look for when tattooing so that it heals as well as possible, and recommendations for aftercare.
Omg yes I plan on that. I can go really in depth for this. So many topics to talk about I’m excited 😃
Very informative video, I just started using 1rls and love them. I will say though needle hang and stroke are two different things..you can have a short stroke set but still have the needle hanging out far. Stroke is just how far the needle travels back and forth per revolution.
Thanks for the info!!
oh wow I did not know that. Thank you that really helps me.
This was a great video explaining
i would be so lost without this channel. thank you so much, jay.
np!
1003rl This needle is a game changer and if you haven't tried it I'd treat it just like you would a 1201rl. IN MY OPINION, OFCOURSE.
Appreciate you sharing your thoughts n experience. Maybe in some ways they're the same but still different IMO.
The beauty is theres so many different needles, machines, techniques so there's something for everyone.
Feedback is welcome. Also suggestions and interests or future videos too!
I was doing lots of research regarding single needle. I finally understood that is all about cartridge quality. 🙏🏻
yes! that is a huge part
@@jjjaylud have you tried textured single needles?
@@darincrosson1474 no I have not. how are they??
Thank you so much for this video it makes me want try cartridges again… I truly didn’t know what I was doing wrong because I was buying those expensive Cheyenne cartridges and I just about gave up on cartridges, switched to a rotary that takes real needles instead of pen style machine and noticed a huge difference but now I wanna go back and give cartridges another try with kwadron
I'm glad the info helped. There really is a lack of good info on fineline stuff circulating the internet.
this channel is amazing! love your work and thank you for this video! it helps me a lot! greeting from switzerland ❤️
thank you and greetings
Ive done almost half of a sleeve on myself (single needle) and can honestly say that I have not had 1 blowout.
My lines are getting really good. My shading is still kinda blotchy though... please do a comprehensive video on single needle shading techniques... and how to properly apply them.
I love single needle accuracy and detail. I also like realism... so i may consider making this my goto style.
I'm going to save the advanced single needle techniques and info for my in-person classes I'm doing recently. And eventually an online course that is paid. I guess the people who come to the in-person ones will get a head start on the knowledge. Also teaching in person is more effective than digital IMO
@@jjjaylud Hi Jay, I'm based in Germany and would love to get my hands on that online course as soon as it come out!
@@DannysCanvas Yessir. I will post about it on my TH-cam or instagram when I start making it.
great video and explanation!!
🙂👍
Hey Jay, just wanted to say thank you SO much for your videos. Please keep them coming! And it’s so great you reply to questions and comments on here and insta because that helps even more! No questions from me this time, just wanted to reach out and say thanks!
Good thing I enjoy putting these up so it doesn't feel inconvenient for me. And hearing from you and others makes it better too. Thank you I'll keep em coming.
So glad I watched this before I switch to 1rl !! Thank you so much keep up the good work:•)
Awesome to hear. My video on how to transition to using only single needle and black ink will help you get some more info on this too. good luck
Thank you for sharing your knowledge! 👍 It helps me a lot! You’re the man bro👍👍
of course. I see you are doing some amazing stuff!
Great tips and approach. Thanks a lot!
no problem
Awsome video
Thank you so much for this information! Its extremely appreciated 🙏🏽👌🏽
you're welcome
This is the video I’ve been looking for for 3 years now! Thank you!
im very happy this video is well recieved
bro thanks for actual insight and knowledge, not like 95% of other stuff that claims to be a how to video
appreciate the support
Agh so happy to find your channel
:)))))
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I think the reason why the lines are cleaner with more needles is also because they create more friction so you have more control.
friction? could you explain more?
This was super helpful and informative. Thank u so so so much 👑
you're very welcome
thank you for the info! keep on posting
yes! I'm working on being more intentional with my free time so I can do more videos or at least plan them. I have a bad habit of wasting time sometimes lol
Explained very nicely 👍👍
Thank you for sharing.
Thank tou so much! I used single needle from cheyenne till now, I love their needles but as you said the inkflow on single needle is horrible. I thought that I don’t know how to work with it. I get to deep and uneven lines because I’m always trying to push the ink out. I am swithing to kwadron today. Please more tips and tricks, it’s very hard to learn single needle technique because of lack of info.
Yeah Kwadron is much much better. NP!
Thank you jay you are awesome
Awesome video! 🙏🏽❤️
Wow thank you for all your sharing Jason!! Following you on instagram for a long time and your works are amazing!!
May I ask if you use the same voltage for lining and shading with single needle?
Yes I do, I don’t change the settings just the hand technique with the single needle
The volt range on the best 3.5mm stroke tattoo machines varies from narrow ranges like 8.5v-10v (Bishop wand shader) to wide 3v-over 16v (grap tattoo machine). Depends on the precision motor and components used. These subtle differences must affect the effect we can get in microrealism. It seems to me that the smaller and more precise the tattoo, the more subtle differences in the components of tattoo machines affect the work and effects.
Yes correct! At the micro level, the nuances of the way the tools behave matters much much more. The tiny errors are heightened. And equally as important, technique and control is much more important too ofc.
I have the bishop wand shader what volts should I use for script tattoos with a regular 3rl?
Hmm. I've never used that machine so I'm not sure. Just make sure that machine is ok for small needle groupings like 3RL. incase it's too strong and it will damage skin
@@jjjaylud got it thanks brother it’s a very soft hitting machine 3.5 stroke only used 3rl bug pins but feel like my voltage wrong
this is so helpful jason :_)
Your work is amazing! Do you ever use grey wash or only non diluted black ink?
Only black ink non diluted
@@jjjaylud thanks man!
Jay, your really helped me a lot about single needle and i love your works! I want to ask you if it would be a good idea to use a single needle if you are working with many different colors in one project, or it would be better to go with something like 0803 for color filling? It seems harder to fill other colors than black with a single needle
Yes, don't use 1RL for color. Use 3 or a mag.
You're very welcome!
Which tattoo machine you would recommend for fine line tattoos?
machines with 3.5 stroke or softer machines. I use sol nova 3.5 unlimited.
if you're going to use a stronger machine, your hand speed must be faster and you must be much more lightheaded and careful because that much strength with a small number of needles will damage skin very easily. But if you use stronger machine and with this method, it will produce a more dotted look and not the soft look that you see with my work.
I'm trying the figure it out how you seperate your values by only using %100 black. By learning this fact from your videos it completely change my mind about craftsmanship in tattooing. What I'd like to know is let's say you have an area which you going to fill solid, saturated black. While filling that area do count your passes? Or do you guess how many passes you need for %50 black for another area? When I try hovering motion with the machine, redness on the skin makes impossinle for me to judge the value.
LONG RAMBLE ANSWER
So I think I'm at a point where I got the machine type/voltage, hand technique and amount of passes, to where I rarely have to worry about redness or overworked. This comes with enough experience.
1)Thinking about it I would say, a harder hitting machine, too high voltage and too many passes and even needle type/quality will contribute to overworked skin. And the opposite end of all those variables to be underworked.
2)Getting to the desired tone will depend on which technique I choose to use whether its a very light slow stroke to a harder scribbling, whipping, or dotting technique to get the ink in without too many passes. And everything in between(many combinations). Also, I'm aware I should play with voltage more but I'm stubborn and I built my techniques around a constant voltage and one ink type(all black) and machine type(sol nova). Maybe I'll slowly incorporate different voltages and/or machine types into my preferred set of habits now. this could increase efficiency?
So considering both 1) and 2) and with enough experience, you have a couple of go-to technique combinations to get 50% or 5%, or 100% all with just single needle and all black ink.
I can give you and example of what I like to do for,
5%(ill give this number for the lightest grey I can do): I use a VERY careful shallow, moderate speed stroke, whip-shaded movement
50%: I like to layer and build up to it. If I tried to get 50% tone first pass I worry I might go too dark so I play it safe and build layers even though it takes more time
100%: I use a deeper, scribble/dotting motion to get this. This increases the risk of overworking skin. You can also use a mag to pack too but I'm stubborn and I prefer the single so I can fill small areas of solid black that the mag is too big for.
Note: we're only talking about shading. lining with single needle has more risk of cutting/overworking skin
I hope that answered it. This question helped organize the info in my head about this so that was awesome.
SHORTer ANSWER
To get to a desired % tone and mitigating overworking skin, you have to consider your choice of (1)hand technique, (2,3,4)machinetype/voltage/needle(for me, 2,3,4 are all constant: sol nova pen/ 45degree tilt setting for voltage/ and #35Kwadron single).
So by changing one or more of those 4 variables you can find the best combo for the desired tone%. And finding the perfect ones will require experience.
But for example, What I like to do is:
5%(ill give this number for the lightest grey I can do): I use a VERY careful shallow, moderate speed stroke, whip-shaded movement
50%: I like to layer and build up to it. If I tried to get 50% tone first pass I worry I might go too dark so I play it safe and build layers even though it takes more time
100%: I use a deeper, scribble/dotting motion to get this. This increases the risk of overworking skin but saturates much faster. You can also use a mag to pack too but I'm stubborn and I prefer the single so I can fill small areas of solid black that the mag is too big for.
So a bad extreme example is Layering with the softest stroke and slowest speed enough times to get 100%. That would be the worst skin damage possible.
@@jjjaylud Since I started tattooing about 6 months ago, you are THE person I have access to the most crutial and important information about fineline/single needle. I can't thank you enough for this. My journey started with sol nova(35mm with cable) but at first all I tried to achieve was "one pass line". It went back and forth like this for a while. Needless to say, I soon realized my wrong mentality in general and started experimenting with the variables you mentioned(seems to last forever) I also switched to exo 4.0mm stroke because I wanted to use the tip further outside and to able to apply different styles with a one allrounder. With a small group needles it's a bit harsch on skin but it's o.k with its eGive. I don't use a finer needle than 0803RL yet, as I am both afraid of cutting the skin and can control the depth more easily. Right now; I'm in a place that I completely understand how much importance disipline and drawing habits have. Hope it will goes better and better. Thanx man.
@@lmalittleteapot the initial question and this feedback is valuable. I'm finally going to put together a video about shading because of this. before I had a mental block regarding this topic so I was stalling. Don't know when I'll finish but I will make a quality video about it and you and many others will gain a lot of knowledge about single shading.
And you're welcome for the videos and info. Keep improving and enjoying this amazing craft.
@@jjjayluddid you ever make that video about shading with single needle? I can’t seem to find it on your page
Im just starting out on the tattoo journey. I use a mast. What is the best voltage? Still have so many questions.
I think if you're just starting out, single needle is not where you should begin. It's very difficult to handle. You have to find an apprenticeship somewhere. And even before that you need a strong drawing portfolio to show the tattoo shops. There are also courses and workshops? I never tried looking those up but I'm aware they're out there. I don't know how good they are though.
good video bro,
I would like to know about the issue of how to properly sterilize the sol nova unlimited machine since I realize that when removing the grip, traces of ink remain on the part of the bar that is left by the motor and I think there could be cross contamination there.
Maybe you could tell us what disinfectants you use and the process as such to sterilize the machine, thank you very much
By the way I am from Ecuador and sorry for the English but I have translated all this in google 😅
Good idea! I can record when the shop managers are cleaning the stations and disinfecting the machines 👍
thank you jay! this is really insightful. do you accept questions about single needle tattooing through your IG DMs if i have any in the future? :)
Yes! It makes me think about these topics when I answer them and is good precursor to making these videos
Thank you for making all these videos, what voltage do you prefer while pulling fine lines?
I stay around 6-6.5v. The lighter side. So it takes more time to get the lines or shading saturated but it's very soft and careful. I value that over getting it done faster. It's all preference though
And there are so many diameters too. ???? Which is better.
I just wondering because you use single needle even a small tattooing will take long time to do it, how do you charge for your tattoo if that’s ok to ask? Thanks😊
Yes no problem! Single needle is slow but I have gotten much faster with it. I want to say I am as fast at tattooing with a single needle as someone who is slowly tattooing while using all kinds needles 😂. Which is not bad
At this moment charge flat rate but the math works out to around $350-450/hr depending on if it's slow season or not. Body placement affects it sometimes too. I don't charge for drawings or consultations. So I only start counting when the machine turns on unless I have to take time to freehand stencil like armbands for example. And I offer free touchups for all tattoos I have done, if needed.
This plan has worked for me and I am happy. 400/hr is a lot of money but I try to include many things into it and am very fast with a single. Also NYC is an expensive city 🤑
Also competition and amount of tattooers out there now is keeping me from raising my prices.
So Leme summarize it:
-Where you live/rent
-the market for tattoos in your area and in general
-how your speed and quality is
-demand&supply: popularity/availibility/season
-drawing charges
-if freehand stenciling before tattooing
-flat or hourly
-other services like consultations
-body placement difficulty
-time/money invested in the quality of the atmosphere
-competition/industry saturation
I should make a video going even deeper than this. Thank you for the question!!
Wow, thank you so much for your time answering my questions. Definitely looking forward to see it in your future video. Hope you are in Australia I could learn from you😊
Are you using sol nova 2.5 mm stroke?
Can you talk about designing please 🙌
yes! the latest upload is me drawing a design. I talk about it while I draw. But its an hour and a half long so that's the only bad part cause you have to sit and watch through it to understand everything I talk about.
@@jjjaylud thanks been going through your videos from start so haven’t gotten there yet. Keep up the great work
@@madbrah8361 glad you like them and thank you, I'll keep going!
I've been tattooing myself with Unimax 1rl n Unimax coil machines since I started etc Peace to New York Unimax cs 100% Solid fx y str8 up
Yeah Unimax is awesome no lie. I've just used better machines and needles compared to them.
Have you tried more expensive machines/needles besides unimax yet?
Very helpful video. Many thanks. Would you recommend a machine with 3.5 or 4 mm stroke for single needle tattooing?
3.5
Thank u so much for such great information! what stroke would you say is the best for fine line tattoos?
So speaking only for 1RL, I currently use the 3.5. I believe the 4 and 5 stroke is just too strong for single needle unless you want sharp "ink pixels" but you must have a faster hand stroke so it doesn't damage the skin. It will end up looking like stippling but it's just whip shading.
As for 3RL I'm not too sure but I would say 4 stroke is ok. I use 3rl with my 3.5 stroke currently but I just bump up the voltage a bit since the machine is now pushing 3 needles instead of 1 and requires slightly more strength. 5 stroke is too strong I think..
Also each machine itself is different so you'll have varying strength on top of the varying stroke settings. Please make sure everything is fit to do the job correctly: Voltage, machine build/type, stroke, needle grouping, hand pressure/depth.
Can you PLEASE make a video on setting up for a single needle
Hey,
setting up? what do you mean?
Also, for your single needle which needle diameter do you use? Thank you!
Good question, I forgot to mention that. #35 aka 12 guage
Hellow I like your artwork it’s incredible
This video is really helpful for me
I want to know one thing
Which Solnova Pen Machine 3.5 or 4.0 do you use?
I never used before pen type machine.
I want to try single needles
I use sol nova 3.5
Single needle is very tricky and can damage skin very easily. I suggest try 3rl until you’re very comfortable and then slowly and carefully approach single. This video and future videos I will give information about single to help you carefully approach 1RL. Be careful!
@@jjjaylud Thank you for your kind reply. I live in Korea and it is very helpful for my work. I haven't tried a single needle, but would it be better to practice with a coil machine and purchase a Solnova? And may I know where to buy it? The site I know is sold out
@@sfeca9972 I think you might as well buy a sol nova or similar pen machine. I started with coil which is nice to train your hand since its heavier and harder to use so switching to pen from coil will make it that much easier. but I think if you train you hand regularly with practice, tracing, and drawing, you should be ok with just starting with pen machine. im not sure where to purchase it. maybe some Korean suppliers?
How about when it comes to skin trauma? Is the single needle more forgiving?
unfortunately It's not because its common for someone inexperienced to run the machine and voltage as one does with a 3rl only to find that its way too strong for a single. And on the opposite end, too careful/shallow/light will just fade which is why so many people say single needle tattoos don't last. Just inexperience overall on both ends.
So you have to go on the lighter end for single needle but it's very easy to go too light. And then you consider all the other variables like depth, voltage, machine type etc. That sweet spot is hard to find but it's there.
Wouldnt a 4.0mm stroke machine be bad for single needle ? Think around 3.0 would be better
Yea I use a 3.5 stroke Sol nova. I don't think I ever mentioned stroke in this video. You're right though.
Maybe I confused "stroke" with how far out I let the needle run out of the tube. I think I might've used the word stroke. Sorry If I did haha
Do you use the Sol Nova Pen with a 3.5 or a 4.0 mm hub?
3.5
Can you please let me know what kind of tattoo you use 🙏🏻
Hello from germany, I have the problem that my machine doesnt start if I use lower volt. Only at like 9 volt my tattoo machine starts. But I work with 3 liner needles. Should I replace the "volt machine"?
When I started, I used coil machines. Like you, when the volts are too low, it didn't start, it only fizzled. That is the only experience I can think of. I think it's your machine then. Maybe it is tuned for higher voltages? If so, Get a machine tuned for lower voltages.
Hi Jay, I like your videos. I am a cosmetic tattooing artist, I am trying to start to do some fine line tattooing, can you give me some advice please? Is this require touch up like cosmetic tattooing?
Fine-line is very difficult so it requires a very steady hand. so a LOT of training and habitual practice is needed. I have many videos talking about things like drawing, apprenticeships, single needle. They will all give you a better idea but mainly it is a lot of dedication.
@@jjjaylud thank you so much for your reply 😊
What is your ink drop system?
ink drop system? could you explain what you mean
what kind of needle can i use to create nice lines
Do you mean the brand? I use 12-01RL Long Taper from Kwadron. So far that is the best single needle I have used so far in my opinion. BUT I think skill matters more than the tool.
And if 1RL is too difficult, Use 3 or 5 or 7 because it is easier. Why use 1RL if it's too hard when a 5RL will give you cleaner lines for the same skill level?
Anyways always practice, love the process, and be responsible while tattooing!!
Can I use coil machines for single needle tattoo?
They're too strong for it I think.. Unless the machine maker tunes it specifically for single needle. I'm not too sure I would recommend using a soft pen machine like the Sol Nova 3.5 stroke
Question. Would you consider a bugpin 3rl close to a standard 1rl? Thanks
Me personally I always Like the 1RL over anything else. But which one is best for you or someone else depends on your skill level, preferences, and goals of how the tattoo should look.
I’m starting off as a beginner that just want to practice is there any tip on equipment and what I can learn online
I would strongly urge you to seek an apprenticeship. Imagine someone who wants to compete in amateur boxing. Do you think he or she can do this with only TH-cam videos? Or do you think he or she should seek a boxing gym and train with a trainer?
Theres too many blindspots in this game to do this alone. Yes some people do it alone but I imagine they can be so much more well rounded and improve their quality after getting that apprenticeship. Don't be lazy or shy with this! it's a big step but soooo worth it. Even if you find a bad apprenticeship its a valuable learning experience in itself.
And yes you can learn a lot on TH-cam too like my videos and other channels. just have to look in the right places. Just don't let this be your only source of learning experience.
Appreciate your question!
@@jjjaylud thank you for the response I’m thinking about getting into it and looking for a starting point definitely going to look into apprenticeships
@@pheeny3301 Yay. thank you for understanding. TH-cam is a great resource but not if its the only resource.
What camera do you use to take your pictures on Instagram for your tattoos?
Leica Q2. the price is veeery steep. I saved money to get it and I don't regret it at all but that's just my opinion. It takes very high res photos so you can see the skin texture and even the tiniest tattoo pigment details. that's why I love it. It might not be good to have it that detailed sometimes so other cameras might be better for what look you want the photos to have. I don't know enough about cameras to distinguish the different looks but I know that might be a thing.
I also use Lightroom to balance colors and lighting
@@jjjaylud thank you so much for replying 😊 I hope to get tattooed by you one day when your books are open again.
Hey, are u using Just Black or are u mix it With water?!
dynamic black ink! no dilution.
it heals slightly darker vs greywash will heal lighter than how it looks freshly tatted. be mindful of that
@@jjjaylud Thank u so much! Helping me a lot!
Do you mean all the lighter shades you dont dillute? Just matter of feather shade?? Is it what you mean?
@@BlackoutTattoo19 yeah just speed, layering, and depth control
Have you tried da vinci 1rl liners?
I have not yet. how are they?
Thanks a lot for the info but bro is sus with those gestures while explaining needles😂😂
lol you're welcome