Just a really helpful tip i learn during my apprenticeship = fold your paper towel up into a long 1inch strip then wrap it around your pinky + ring finger of the hand you hold the machine with ! It allows you to stretch the skin with one hand and tattoo/wipe with the other hand... sounds weird but its beyond helpful... you are able to get a better grip while stretching and also not have to let go to wipe.... it's much faster and cleaner, it also looks much more professional than having a crumpled up dirty rag in your stretch hand.... every single time I would tattoo he would say "towel!" until it become a habit and I'm so happy he did because it's extremely helpful ! THANKS BIG BRAD
Same here! Couple months.. its great practice, but id like to be able to focus without also thinking about pain. Its not like it overwhelming, just that its a factor that distracts from fine tuning my ability.
The drive you have to pass on what you've learned so openly is incredible and RARE. Right out of high school I moved away and started my apprenticeship. I knew nothing of the area, so i blindly went with the first shop that agreed to take me on. I really can't accurately call this an apprenticeship, it was a nightmare.. aside from the endless sexual harassment and "quality standard" horror stories I can recall to this day --my boss taught me absolutely nothing, deliberately. I picked up the little I could from the other two artists. Eventually I learned enough to be given a chair, but it lasted only a few short months, as i just couldn't take the degradation any longer. That's when I left the professional tattooing business all together, and sadly let go of that dream. My point in this whole long winded comment is that when I luckily stumbled upon your videos, I was instantly inspired again. In every intro you take the time to reach out to us viewers and offer genuine help-- without being judgmental or self righteous (like many artists you'll see on TH-cam unfortunately) Thank you Nick. You are appreciated.
I'll also add that since finding your channel I have been nonstop researching and fiddling with all my old equipment:) and I am happy to finally say I'm back at it once again!
Unfortunately you are not alone in this experience. I think too many people have dealt with this. If you are a woman I'm sure it is worse. You think it was 2018 and things have changed, but we aren't as sophisticated as we would like to think. Tattooing seems like one of the only professions where it is openly acceptable to treat other people like crap. Tattoo artist take advantage of other tattoo artist. I'm glad that I could help get you back into tattooing. I know there are artist who want to learn and don't like dealing with the bull shit. I happen to be one of them. Sometimes a shop isn't the best thing for an artist and I encourage more professional artist to try and get into a studio. If you act more professional people will appreciate that and will come to you. Clients don't always like being in a shop where everyone is disrespectful.
Tattoo University you hit the nail on the head! This was all back in 2008. By being in a new place and not knowing a soul around, I unfortunately didn't know of this shop's reputation. Kentucky in 2008 wasn't exactly progressive as far as the internet/ networking is concerned. Since tattooing is hardly a controlled business, any piece of shit can get in. No customer service skills necessary. It's a sad thing.
mary sensing on Thanks again for your help with this matter is greatly appreciated and I will be in touch with you to see if you have received this matter
Its rare because its unacceptable. Any reputable tattooer, would agree, that this is absolute rubbish and any tattooer who put their time in and has any respect for the industry would never just upload some videos on youtube. Unfortunately, for the aspiring artists, he's about 90% wrong on all points and just perpetuating the next generation of kitchen tattooers (if you were inspired and now tattooing out of your house, my point is proven). It sounds like you have high standards and Im sorry your mentor was a dink, a lot of them are scumbags, but just keep looking for the right artist to apprentice under and keep creating art and you'll be fine.
Very true....I think the same thing...learning to tattoo on yourself, helps you learn everything about tattooing...the pain, the depth, color packing, shading and etc.
I totally dig your attitude! Finally! Someone who cares for the new/ up and coming artists. There are some of us who care with their life about tattooing and art. Thank you man! ~Mark "TATTOO" Steele
I've gained much knowledge from you over the past six months or so, since I subscribed to your channel and I have to say that you definitely have your stuff together! Most of these jack offs have so much attitude, that I can't stand it! They are so full of themselves! It's so hard to learn from those who think that they are so much better than everyone. My question is, didn't they have to start somewhere too? I mean, to me that is a logical question right? Oh. I was wondering if you could do a clip on proper procedures for using a direct drive machine without bashing rotaries? I'm not talking about the pens, just direct drive machines. Stick out, lining, power source settings etc.? Thank you sir! ~MARK "TATTOO" STEELE
I can do a video on them. I have to build up my collection of rotaries again. I sold a lot of them and started over. Worked with strictly coils for a while and now I'm going to the cartridge system. I love rotaries and coil machines. I go back and forth with both styles all the time. I'll see if I can get some more direct drive rotaries. I'm also working on putting my own machine together. Using 3d printer to design it, so It might be something that I come up with. Everyone had to learn from someone else. The problem is people learn how to tattoo a little and then stop learning. They don't continue learning so they become threatened when someone with drive to learn tries to start. If you push yourself you will surpass these people. Someone who is a good artist won't have to worry about clients at this point in time. There are a lot of people who want tattoos. A good artist isn't threatened by weaker artist and just does their thing. Usually when I see bad comments from someone it tells me they are a weak artist. I really don't think a really good artist is going to spend the time writing stupid comments on my channel. The good artist are too busy worrying about their own tattoos and artwork.
if you are looking to purchase a rotary or two, I can help you out p.m. me @ steelemark791@gmail.com I have two that I'd let go just so that I can afford my new direct drives from Nemesis in Greece! I would even sell one of their "mini" models that I can send pics of , like I said just so I can afford my new ones. Please contact me! We can be professional and private with this whole thing brother! thank you ~Mark C. Steele
I' really enjoying your tutorial because you repeat things, you're not afraid to assist with the self tattoo process , . and the butter is a great way to see the needle depth and pressure resistance .. THANK YOU
Thanks Bro for taking the time to communicate with myself and others on the do's and dont's. Myself I am a 68 yr. Old male and just beginning the journey. I am working on some junk I have been living with for years. I appreciate your support and encouragement about the self tattooing platform. Living and learning it never ends, well at least the learning part. I especially like your humble and honest approach, I feel like I am in a classroom. Sincere thanks.
I learned by tattooing on myself. At first I tattooed small pieces on my thighs. All solid colors. It was a good way to practice line work and to practice packing color. When I got a little more comfortable with the machines, I then moved on to areas that are visible, like my shins and inner forearm. The biggest hurdle in tattooing yourself is that you can’t always get the best angle. And I eventually learned that it was easier for me to flip my reference image upside down to match the view I had as I was tattooing myself. Once I got good at packing color I taught myself to gray wash. I always pushed myself to do bigger and harder pieces each time I tattooed myself. Eventually I did an entire chest/stomach piece of a hannya mask on myself. I never allowed myself to tattoo anyone else until I was completely comfortable and confident in myself. There are lots of helpful videos and information on the internet. Take a little from each source and find what works for you
The angle is one of the challenges. The other challenge I'm having is I've tattooed all the easy spots. Trying to do this tattoo really started messing with my hip. I know it will be better if someone else finishes it up for me. It will be good practice for someone who wants to learn. Outline is there and they just have to fill it in. I've tattooed myself so much that I've gotten tired of it. Time to let other people practice on me. I'm comfortable enough now to try new things on friends and family. If I'm being really cautious I could always go back to the practice skins. I think I learned a lot from doing it. Think it is a good way for people to learn.
Absolutely, i'm practicing on myself right now, it's amazing how it takes time to get used to the machines, setting the voltage, needle depth and before all of that it's appreciating how long it takes to actually get set up properly and making sure everything is hygienic.
Your Story sounds really similar to mine. We have a couple Sub-par shops around here that refuse to take on apprentices, They are the only show in town and it has been that way since I was a kid. Their "artists" are not really artists, they will only work from bought flash from the 80's and stencils, the work has no depth or dimension, Hell the Sunday comics in the Newspaper has more color than they have on their shelves. I took my wife to get her first tattoo around 15 years ago, It looked ok, but needed work, So I told her I'm just gonna order some equipment and fix it myself. I did, I practiced on myself and learned my equipment, fixed her tattoo, and I exploded into a whole new future. People in the area noticed my tattoos and wanted to know where they came from because they didn't look like stuff that was coming out of the local shops. They started wanting my work and I started fixing tattoos that were done at the other shops, and the rest is history. I opened my first shop in a rather bad part of town just because it was the cheapest rent I could afford at the time. And now I am in the process of opening a bigger shop in a much nicer area of town. I have a huge clientele and the other shops are not happy with me, but like I told one guy, I cant help that they wouldn't expand their horizons and learn what people want and need from the tattoo industry now, And i cant help that they didn't want to take on young artists who were in the know. And now more than ever tattooing is a lucrative, competitive profession not a back alley butcher shop. Times are changing and the secrets are out. There are a lot of self righteous artists out there that preach apprenticeship apprenticeship, but when the time comes they don't want to fool with apprenticing, or when they do all they are really wanting is free labor in the form of an unpaid janitor/ servant, and they don't want to teach the art of tattooing, I agree that apprenticeships are helpful and in many if not most cases needed. But If you cant get one and you are determined to be one of the best I say get your information on line, in forums, wherever you can and Draw Draw Draw, people will notice and you will be taken seriously. And I highly recommend taking a course on BBP's and cross contamination. Most all local health departments or red cross centers will offer that free of charge and the certification or re-cert is only 20 bucks a year. I however had my BBP course in college and have kept up my certification ever since. I really appreciate what you are doing here You are helping out the little guy and teaching technique to prevent people from hurting others. You are to be commended sir.
They say there is one way to learn how to tattoo. I don't think that is a correct statement. Ideally you would want to get an apprenticeship. Why would you want to get one from someone who sucks and doesn't know anything. Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. I'm putting this information out there for people who have to do that. I actually think bbp training needs to be amped up. You should at least have that though. If you are determined to be the best you won't let other people get in your way. It is alway a learning thing for me. I always want to learn more. Some tattoo artist don't think this way. They just learn enough to do a crappy tattoo and get paid. It is the drive and motivation that will make you better then the other tattoo artist. Thanks for your comments.
People are worried about losing business to new artist. New artist don't have the skill level of someone who has time in. If you have several years under your belt you should have better artwork. This would bring you more clients. The only ones who worry about new artist are the ones who don't put the time in to improve themselves. People come to me. I don't advertise. This is why people are going to you. The ones who put the extra effort out there will get the clients.
I think it is time to open people's eyes to the truth. We need to stop lying to ourselves and our clients. These horrible shops should go out of business.
Absolutely. I always try to learn new things I always try to make myself better in my technique and my art. That is what brought me to your channel. When you get to the point that you think you are the best around you may as well stop what you are doing because someone is getting ready to smack you in the face with better.
You are exactly right. I don"t advertise either, I let my work speak for me. There is not a tattoo shop in 50 miles that I have not had to fix something that they have screwed up. And that is not saying that I have never made a mistake, I make mistakes all the time, The difference is I will admit that I screwed up and I will do everything in my power to fix my screw up. I have noticed when other shops around mess up something, the give the customer grief and blame it on the customer. True I have had a line go crooked because a client moved or talked or sneezed but even when that happens It is my responsibility to fix it. And any artist worth their salt should be able to fix it no problem, its called being an artists and being an artist means you have an imagination which spurs your creativity so I get creative with mistakes and make them disappear. It is my train of thought that leaving a mistake no matter how the mistake happened is the fault of the artist not of the client. Good example of this a client came to me wanting to know if I could fix a tattoo for him. It was a full forearm script that said Strength, however what the artist wrote was Strenth. notice the missing "G" well he went back to them to fix it and they put a tiny little "g" in there that didn't even match the rest of the letters and was all squashed in, And they told him it was his fault that the G wasn't there originally and charged him $100 bucks to squeeze that little wonky g in. That is just bad for business.
Nick is awesome great guy to learn from. Dude takes his time to make sure you get it. Also he doesn't have all those fancy $700 to $1000 machines and all the name brand shit to do the job. He just has a good homeboy attitude. Thanks bro.
I just ordered my first kit because tattoo prices are to rich for my blood. Im as artistic as i can be and have faith in myself. I simply cant wait to know things . I want to do everything the right way, i want to earn my ability. At 41 years old tattooing feels like my very first love. Dedication and patients will afford me to love hard and tattoo often.
I can't begin to thank you enough as a beginner I was really struggling with my lining this channel has solved my problem my lining is now great thanks to you 👍
I was lost on how to tattoo ...but after he put the needles in the butter it all makes sense now..this hole time I've been putting my needles in margin...I'm so dumb im so glad I found this video thanks man
That push back example is the most understanding ive got with this. Im slowly getting better. I do good work (on me) but its not sharp in a few weeks so im going over and over for same results. Then, on someone else, im better. I think its hard to hurt urself too. And u cant feel the bog as easy when ur feeling both the artist and canvas. I thought the same thing as u with urself first until its solid, then others, but i had to just dive in... And tear into my husband and his brother. Lol. Not my family just in case.. Well they are both alive and have all limbs so we are rolling
I love what you do. I went thru hell to learn what little I did from the shop I worked at. I had to learn most of what I did on my own. You have earned my respect.
Thanks for this. I decided to learn to stuck and poke over machine tattoo for doing it on myself, because I feel like it would be easier for me to grasp needle depth and line work.
helpful videos mate, I've been tattooing myself for several year now and i agree with a lot of what you're saying in this flic. just wanted to offer a little trick I've figured out for doing my left arm (I'm right handed) if i have no one around to stretch for me, i use strips of elasaplaste or sports wrap stuff. several strips pulling the skin tight. worked for me at least.
That sounds like a good idea. Your comment just made me think of something. Why not use that while tattooing a client. It could make your job easier. Something I think I'm going to look into.
Glad I've started looking into this stuff as I want to give myself a tattoo. I already have one on my chest and when I got it it was really painful there was a lot of blood and the guy who done it didn't make me feel relaxed with his constant laughing. That's why I want to do my own from now on I have a lot of trust issues.
Awesome video mate. Made me chuckle when you talked about the "I wish everyone could reach out and touch my leg, it would be creepy but.." lol - brilliant. So much useful info. So glad I subbed to you. Shows that you dont have to have a reddened, raised area if its being done right !
Same way I stared ...wasn't nobody that I knew that could tattoo that good ..and shops are expensive..so I started practicing on myself on my leg ...imbstill learning but really glad I did helps understanding hand speed and what it feel like to go to deep or not deep enough...
No plans of becoming a Tattoo Artist, but I am a well inked Canvas! Over 20 years collecting and I have seen many changes. One thing I distrust, the skin cleaners. Heavy cleaners could be pulling ink from the tattoo site, causing drop-outs and fading. Once my Artist is done their work, I apply no special treatment... Scent/dye free soap, 2-3 times daily as needed. Vitamin E enriched lotion after the skin closes. Rarely get a touch up!
I agree that less is more. Also it is good not to be fussy with your tattoos. Wash 2-3 times a day. Put stuff on it and leave it alone. Vitamin E is good as long as you don't let the area dry. When the fibers in a scab dry they stick together and are hard to come off. That is what they are supposed to do. We just don't want that for a tattoo. Your tattoo artist should be doing the same thing.
I have just bought a tattoo kit for much the same reason you got yours Nick. I am so happy to have found your channel so that I can learn. I think i am going to make a conscious choice to become a tattoo artist as I absolutely love tattoos and art! Thank you!
Awesome stuff. Self-tattooing is essential and has helped me evolve in my abilities. I am still learning, but tattooing is a life long educational process. Thanks for the video!
Hello, i just wanted to say how helpful you have been for me since i start tattooing, i made a lo of breakthroughs thanks to your videos! you are doing a great job!! thanks so much for everything, keep the good work!!!!
You can learn by yourself. It is just harder and you need to do it the right way. It is easier with help but not everyone can get that. Got to do what it takes if you really want it.
Thanks so much for your help. You could tell me everything I learned in a couple of sentences. Minor critique - don't ramble so much! Great video. I never realized you just listen for when your machine is properly running! Thanks again.
man I'm so glad you said that because my brother said i was stupid because i never tatted before but I've always wanted to and got tired of waiting for people to want to tat me up.
Bro my wife just bought me a gun cause we were sick of paying tip dollar and I've learnt myself and studying to be an artist. Sound familiar. Wasn't planning , wanted tatts butt they cost big$, now I'm gonna b doing others for half the price, not to undercut, but to give the little guy a chance. Keepnit up we need more like u
Very helpful info. Im gonna be starting tattooing, and i was getting confused in some other videos, but watching yours, it was a lot easier to understand. Thank you for the demonstration with the butter. Made tons more sense from the beginning. :)
A lot of videos are made for entertainment and don't focus on teaching. They also don't explain the basics. Glad I could help. I try to teach in a way that is easy to understand. Come up with visual demonstrations as to how things work. Thanks for watching.
This is the best most informative thing i have found. Ive been teaching myself. My.gun is not the greatest. I am going to check out anymore videos you have. Thanks for sharing!
Love your video I'm starting out tattooing myself I did some line work on my arm it's hard to stretch I'm not getting no blowouts and I'm getting to the dermis like you said learn how to tattoo lines and I did the same thing as different techniques different needle length and depth just to see how it looks and he'll on my body alone
You just said, your wife buys you a tattoo kit. I was touched how sweet your wife was. Man you're so lucky having a supportive partner. I think i can relate this feeling. I also have a special friend who supports me what i want to do and maybe being a tattoo artist is a one of a best, hopefully you can teach us any tips you know to make us better. I salute you Man
I've moved and will be up and running soon. New place is set up to shoot new videos. There will be better lighting and better camera angles. Stay tuned because it will be ready soon.
Wish i watched your video on line work prior. I apprentice at a shop here but im taking initiative and pushing myself w my shops permission. You got great stuff man thank you
That is the way to do it. Listen to everyone who is willing to help, but try to learn more. Reach out there and test out other techniques. Best way to find your style and see what works for you.
I am self taught and tattooing is my everything. I tell people now 5 years later im a experienced beginner! And just now got myself a mentor to top mentors and I'm star struck. I've worked in a gas station as a cashier for the past 3 years and got so many compliments about my tattoos. Where you going around here getting stuff like that lol i was so scared to tell them it was me as if that would change their opinions. Anyway the struggle is real and the rush is bad ass and the tattoo world is a way of life. I love my people and Fuck Them if they can't take a poke. Lol sorry just a thing
it's just Jenn so when you learned to tattoo yourself did you just use google and TH-cam? I ask because I want to learn myself but I don’t wanna rush into it
@@hylianaj4739 actually yes i did! You can learn so much from both! Its frustrating at times and i have a few questionable self tattoos lol but it's worth it. It takes time and it took me 5 years to get a mentor. But stay at it and devote yourself to learning at least once a day. If I can help in any way i don't mind. Goodluck
I'm still learning on myself, but when i hear the criticism of other tattoo artists about my tattoos........ they are the best and i have to stop doing it and so on...... for me its a hobby, i'm not trying to make money off it. So i don't see the problem. Learned a lot from your posts. So thx.
Richard Stone yes it is. I realised that the tattoo industry is all about competition and jealousy. They all say that the people who tattoo at home are the one that kill the buisenes. I dont think i do anything wrong by trying to learn on myself. And if my wife is happy than its ok for me.
Tattoo University thank you. I learned everything from watching your vids. Even bought some cheap machines, a lot of armuture bars and springs, just to practice all the different settings. The tattoos i did are all healed perfect. Never had any problems. I rather go shallow than go to deep on the linework.
Thank you so much! You are so easy for me to listen to. I'm looking for the teacher, and I am on the first video with you. I'm going to spend the evening listening 🎧 to you more. I'm a tattooer on the inside. I know that that sounds kinda nutty 🙂. More later. I just selected my first kit. I have to be wireless right now, but other than that want to use the best products,ink and needles to begin by tattooing me. My legs are always covered and empty canvas. I'm fifty eight 😂 and it doesn't matter if I mess up on them. I just have to ink.
I've been tattooing for 9 years now and this advice is gold for newcomers I agree always tattoo yourself first before mates you want get everything on point before inking someone else those mates may not like you too much after you F##k up tattoo I've seen it happen to people trying to get into the art
Any tips for scratching? I’m leaving scratches on my skin after line work is that to do with not going deep enough and basically just scratching away the top layer of skin? Also tattooed on my finger went perfect looked like it was healing perfectly after about a week completely went away not even a ghost outline underneath and hurt a decent amount? any advice??? Thankyou
Same thing happened to me when I first started and also where the term "scratcher" comes from lol. My problem was needle depth. Im surprised i survived my learning experience actually lol i lost a whole sleeve to needle depth haha
Speed is important too.. if your speed is slower and you're strokes r fast u will scratch your skin if you're going g too deep that way u r slicing your skin up u have to calculate your stroke speed to your needle speed... in other words if u r doing your lines slow u dont want your speed too fast or u can over work your skin.. and so on and so forth
I agree with you I think for someone who is into tattooing the best way to learn is practice on your legs. Using fake skin isn’t real skin. I don’t know how else someone would learn. You don’t want to fuck someone else’s skin up, it’s only logical to try it on yourself. I’m a beginner as well and I’m learning line work. That’s what I’ve been doing and it’s harder than you’d think. I’m a fairly good artist on paper and canvas but skin is totally different.
These videos are super helpful. I'm under the guidance of a tattoo artist, but these videos help me expand my understanding and have helped me to ask the right questions. Thank you!
Great video. Thanks. Self taught 15 years ago. Why ANYONE would want to work in a shop for someone else is beyond me. The bitterness of shop artists towards someone teaching themselves is pathetic. There are way to many asshole artists out there with terrible attitudes. Like one of the comments, either you have it or you don't. Plus. there is enough on the internet to learn and teach yourself. I'm sure the first tattoo artists tens of thousands of years ago had apprenticeships and "paid their dues" lolololololol! !!!!
Good point. There are good shops out there and there are good reasons to be in a shop. It is the attitudes of the tattoo artist that matter. I would push artist to get into a shop or their own studio. You just have to see if the artist you will be working with have a good attitude.
You do want to work with other artist who will help you push yourself. I tattoo people who hear about me or know someone I've tattooed. You don't get very many walk in this way. It is easier to branch out if people can come to you. The trick is to work for yourself or with people who have the same goals.
I'd love to see videos with a tattoo pen. That's what I got and it's super fun to use but it's def different than a gun and I haven't found great info on using one yet . I'm just winging it doodling on my self
I saw the tattoo my friend got and thought, the amount he spent and the quality he got where not the best. Since then i bought a tattoo kit. Not the machine but stick and poke. Havent practiced on myself yet. I want to learn as much as possible before i try on skin. For the first one i just want to try a simple tiny heart.
Love your videos! But about the bone... as long as the stencil or tattooed line is visible and in the right place u can stretch the skin to the side off of the bone to help with the pain factor and get a more solid line
Thanks nick always appreciate the vids! Would love to see some videos on your approach to shading. On a side note I wouldn’t have started practicing tattooing if it wasn’t for you man. I’ve been drawing and painting my whole life and haven’t been able to find a way to make a living at it and I hope that with your help and TH-cam in general I will one day accomplish my dream.🙂 I haven’t found a shop that I like yet. Just bad vibes. They don’t like competition which in reality we could actually learn a lot from each other. It’s seems like the only art medium where we don’t share knowledge. .
I just scratched my first tattoo tonight. I wish I had watched this before I even agreed to doing it. I stumbled through the steps I spent months learning, my zone didn’t feel sanitary enough, and I didn’t punch the black in hard enough. I will learn from this. My question is, assuming I get an apprenticeship (if I don’t get one, I’ll probably quit tattooing), do the nerves ever settle? I was second guessing everything I did. TBH, I’m still not feeling the best about doing the tattoo.
Here are a couple tips to get you going the right direction. Don't rush into things. Learn as much as you can first. Start off with line work and don't do anything else until your line work is awesome. Practice your artwork and learn how to tune machines. Always be safe and clean.
Hey man I have an issue..some of my lines on myself look good until 3days later. They look lighter and line they fade. I'm doing this one handed on myself but can u give me some advice please. I may be moving my depth up and down by accident but I'm not sure. I'm using coil and rotary's.mine don't look bad just not as dark and heavy as I would like. Thanks
Ive done all my own tattoos, I just got an art degree, a lot of people ask me to do theirs but I just don't feel comfortable applying it on someone else yet
This is correct. I recently took a photo of the moth I tattooed. The picture looked really bad. The next morning I took a picture of it outside and it looked good. I've taken pictures of clients tattoos only to have the picture look weird. Doesn't look like the tattoo or what people see. Also I don't like it when tattoo artist use filters. I think they are trying to make their tattoos look better than they really are. Don't hide the way tattoos look. You give clients the wrong impression about tattoos. Let them see how a real tattoo looks.
Just a really helpful tip i learn during my apprenticeship = fold your paper towel up into a long 1inch strip then wrap it around your pinky + ring finger of the hand you hold the machine with ! It allows you to stretch the skin with one hand and tattoo/wipe with the other hand... sounds weird but its beyond helpful... you are able to get a better grip while stretching and also not have to let go to wipe.... it's much faster and cleaner, it also looks much more professional than having a crumpled up dirty rag in your stretch hand.... every single time I would tattoo he would say "towel!" until it become a habit and I'm so happy he did because it's extremely helpful ! THANKS BIG BRAD
I used that technique for a while. It does work. I find that the way I do things seems to change over time.
Exactly how I learned as well.
Dang i thought my crumpled up dirty rag was hot! Lol thanks it's hard to train your brain a new way of life but im defiantly gonna try.
Ty. Ive been trying to get a good stretch and have used duct tape. I appreciate the napkin trick. I will try it out
One of the hidden gems love it helps with swiping ink one hand
If you're like me you'll probably benefit from watching this at 1.5x speed.
vapordub thank you for this comment
Dude for sure.
I can't thank you enough! I always forget this trick!
thanks dude
2x
I just started tattooing about 3 months ago and my leg is literally covered now. I definitely recommend tattooing yourself to get the depth right.
It must be hard to be that fine 😍🥰
What about the fake skins
💀
Same here! Couple months.. its great practice, but id like to be able to focus without also thinking about pain. Its not like it overwhelming, just that its a factor that distracts from fine tuning my ability.
Doing same lol
I just wanted to thank you sincerely for what you do for us beginners
You are welcome!
Absolutely. What Mitxh said💪🏾💪🏾
The drive you have to pass on what you've learned so openly is incredible and RARE. Right out of high school I moved away and started my apprenticeship. I knew nothing of the area, so i blindly went with the first shop that agreed to take me on. I really can't accurately call this an apprenticeship, it was a nightmare.. aside from the endless sexual harassment and "quality standard" horror stories I can recall to this day --my boss taught me absolutely nothing, deliberately. I picked up the little I could from the other two artists. Eventually I learned enough to be given a chair, but it lasted only a few short months, as i just couldn't take the degradation any longer. That's when I left the professional tattooing business all together, and sadly let go of that dream.
My point in this whole long winded comment is that when I luckily stumbled upon your videos, I was instantly inspired again. In every intro you take the time to reach out to us viewers and offer genuine help-- without being judgmental or self righteous (like many artists you'll see on TH-cam unfortunately)
Thank you Nick. You are appreciated.
I'll also add that since finding your channel I have been nonstop researching and fiddling with all my old equipment:) and I am happy to finally say I'm back at it once again!
Unfortunately you are not alone in this experience. I think too many people have dealt with this. If you are a woman I'm sure it is worse. You think it was 2018 and things have changed, but we aren't as sophisticated as we would like to think. Tattooing seems like one of the only professions where it is openly acceptable to treat other people like crap. Tattoo artist take advantage of other tattoo artist. I'm glad that I could help get you back into tattooing. I know there are artist who want to learn and don't like dealing with the bull shit. I happen to be one of them. Sometimes a shop isn't the best thing for an artist and I encourage more professional artist to try and get into a studio. If you act more professional people will appreciate that and will come to you. Clients don't always like being in a shop where everyone is disrespectful.
Tattoo University you hit the nail on the head! This was all back in 2008. By being in a new place and not knowing a soul around, I unfortunately didn't know of this shop's reputation. Kentucky in 2008 wasn't exactly progressive as far as the internet/ networking is concerned.
Since tattooing is hardly a controlled business, any piece of shit can get in. No customer service skills necessary. It's a sad thing.
mary sensing on
Thanks again for your help with this matter is greatly appreciated and I will be in touch with you to see if you have received this matter
Its rare because its unacceptable. Any reputable tattooer, would agree, that this is absolute rubbish and any tattooer who put their time in and has any respect for the industry would never just upload some videos on youtube. Unfortunately, for the aspiring artists, he's about 90% wrong on all points and just perpetuating the next generation of kitchen tattooers (if you were inspired and now tattooing out of your house, my point is proven). It sounds like you have high standards and Im sorry your mentor was a dink, a lot of them are scumbags, but just keep looking for the right artist to apprentice under and keep creating art and you'll be fine.
Very true....I think the same thing...learning to tattoo on yourself, helps you learn everything about tattooing...the pain, the depth, color packing, shading and etc.
This is so unbelievably helpful, thank you so much for this. It's so difficult to find legitimate, detailed information on tattooing.
Legitimate, detailed tattoo information is what I'm all about. Thanks for the comment.
I totally dig your attitude! Finally! Someone who cares for the new/ up and coming artists. There are some of us who care with their life about tattooing and art. Thank you man!
~Mark "TATTOO" Steele
Thanks for the comment! You are welcome.
I've gained much knowledge from you over the past six months or so, since I subscribed to your channel and I have to say that you definitely have your stuff together! Most of these jack offs have so much attitude, that I can't stand it! They are so full of themselves! It's so hard to learn from those who think that they are so much better than everyone. My question is, didn't they have to start somewhere too? I mean, to me that is a logical question right?
Oh. I was wondering if you could do a clip on proper procedures for using a direct drive machine without bashing rotaries? I'm not talking about the pens, just direct drive machines. Stick out, lining, power source settings etc.?
Thank you sir!
~MARK "TATTOO" STEELE
I can do a video on them. I have to build up my collection of rotaries again. I sold a lot of them and started over. Worked with strictly coils for a while and now I'm going to the cartridge system. I love rotaries and coil machines. I go back and forth with both styles all the time. I'll see if I can get some more direct drive rotaries. I'm also working on putting my own machine together. Using 3d printer to design it, so It might be something that I come up with. Everyone had to learn from someone else. The problem is people learn how to tattoo a little and then stop learning. They don't continue learning so they become threatened when someone with drive to learn tries to start. If you push yourself you will surpass these people. Someone who is a good artist won't have to worry about clients at this point in time. There are a lot of people who want tattoos. A good artist isn't threatened by weaker artist and just does their thing. Usually when I see bad comments from someone it tells me they are a weak artist. I really don't think a really good artist is going to spend the time writing stupid comments on my channel. The good artist are too busy worrying about their own tattoos and artwork.
if you are looking to purchase a rotary or two, I can help you out p.m. me @ steelemark791@gmail.com
I have two that I'd let go just so that I can afford my new direct drives from Nemesis in Greece!
I would even sell one of their "mini" models that I can send pics of , like I said just so I can afford my new ones. Please contact me! We can be professional and private with this whole thing brother!
thank you
~Mark C. Steele
If you can send some pics to jauntyartist@hotmail.com I would appreciate it.
Bong rips every time he says tattoo
😂
Holy fuck
😂😂😂
Exxxxactly.
Not even 4 min in and I am high as fuck and out of weed.
12:56 You're Welcome...
Thank u lol
Thanks
Thank fucking god I saw this, I was 9 mins in half asleep about to leave till I saw this! 👍🏼
I' really enjoying your tutorial because you repeat things, you're not afraid to assist with the self tattoo process , . and the butter is a great way to see the needle depth and pressure resistance .. THANK YOU
Thanks Bro for taking the time to communicate with myself and others on the do's and dont's. Myself I am a 68 yr. Old male and just beginning the journey. I am working on some junk I have been living with for years. I appreciate your support and encouragement about the self tattooing platform. Living and learning it never ends, well at least the learning part. I especially like your humble and honest approach, I feel like I am in a classroom. Sincere thanks.
I learned by tattooing on myself. At first I tattooed small pieces on my thighs. All solid colors. It was a good way to practice line work and to practice packing color. When I got a little more comfortable with the machines, I then moved on to areas that are visible, like my shins and inner forearm. The biggest hurdle in tattooing yourself is that you can’t always get the best angle. And I eventually learned that it was easier for me to flip my reference image upside down to match the view I had as I was tattooing myself. Once I got good at packing color I taught myself to gray wash. I always pushed myself to do bigger and harder pieces each time I tattooed myself. Eventually I did an entire chest/stomach piece of a hannya mask on myself. I never allowed myself to tattoo anyone else until I was completely comfortable and confident in myself. There are lots of helpful videos and information on the internet. Take a little from each source and find what works for you
The angle is one of the challenges. The other challenge I'm having is I've tattooed all the easy spots. Trying to do this tattoo really started messing with my hip. I know it will be better if someone else finishes it up for me. It will be good practice for someone who wants to learn. Outline is there and they just have to fill it in. I've tattooed myself so much that I've gotten tired of it. Time to let other people practice on me. I'm comfortable enough now to try new things on friends and family. If I'm being really cautious I could always go back to the practice skins. I think I learned a lot from doing it. Think it is a good way for people to learn.
Absolutely, i'm practicing on myself right now, it's amazing how it takes time to get used to the machines, setting the voltage, needle depth and before all of that it's appreciating how long it takes to actually get set up properly and making sure everything is hygienic.
Your Story sounds really similar to mine. We have a couple Sub-par shops around here that refuse to take on apprentices, They are the only show in town and it has been that way since I was a kid. Their "artists" are not really artists, they will only work from bought flash from the 80's and stencils, the work has no depth or dimension, Hell the Sunday comics in the Newspaper has more color than they have on their shelves. I took my wife to get her first tattoo around 15 years ago, It looked ok, but needed work, So I told her I'm just gonna order some equipment and fix it myself. I did, I practiced on myself and learned my equipment, fixed her tattoo, and I exploded into a whole new future. People in the area noticed my tattoos and wanted to know where they came from because they didn't look like stuff that was coming out of the local shops. They started wanting my work and I started fixing tattoos that were done at the other shops, and the rest is history. I opened my first shop in a rather bad part of town just because it was the cheapest rent I could afford at the time. And now I am in the process of opening a bigger shop in a much nicer area of town. I have a huge clientele and the other shops are not happy with me, but like I told one guy, I cant help that they wouldn't expand their horizons and learn what people want and need from the tattoo industry now, And i cant help that they didn't want to take on young artists who were in the know. And now more than ever tattooing is a lucrative, competitive profession not a back alley butcher shop. Times are changing and the secrets are out. There are a lot of self righteous artists out there that preach apprenticeship apprenticeship, but when the time comes they don't want to fool with apprenticing, or when they do all they are really wanting is free labor in the form of an unpaid janitor/ servant, and they don't want to teach the art of tattooing, I agree that apprenticeships are helpful and in many if not most cases needed. But If you cant get one and you are determined to be one of the best I say get your information on line, in forums, wherever you can and Draw Draw Draw, people will notice and you will be taken seriously. And I highly recommend taking a course on BBP's and cross contamination. Most all local health departments or red cross centers will offer that free of charge and the certification or re-cert is only 20 bucks a year. I however had my BBP course in college and have kept up my certification ever since.
I really appreciate what you are doing here You are helping out the little guy and teaching technique to prevent people from hurting others. You are to be commended sir.
They say there is one way to learn how to tattoo. I don't think that is a correct statement. Ideally you would want to get an apprenticeship. Why would you want to get one from someone who sucks and doesn't know anything. Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. I'm putting this information out there for people who have to do that. I actually think bbp training needs to be amped up. You should at least have that though. If you are determined to be the best you won't let other people get in your way. It is alway a learning thing for me. I always want to learn more. Some tattoo artist don't think this way. They just learn enough to do a crappy tattoo and get paid. It is the drive and motivation that will make you better then the other tattoo artist. Thanks for your comments.
People are worried about losing business to new artist. New artist don't have the skill level of someone who has time in. If you have several years under your belt you should have better artwork. This would bring you more clients. The only ones who worry about new artist are the ones who don't put the time in to improve themselves. People come to me. I don't advertise. This is why people are going to you. The ones who put the extra effort out there will get the clients.
I think it is time to open people's eyes to the truth. We need to stop lying to ourselves and our clients. These horrible shops should go out of business.
Absolutely. I always try to learn new things I always try to make myself better in my technique and my art. That is what brought me to your channel. When you get to the point that you think you are the best around you may as well stop what you are doing because someone is getting ready to smack you in the face with better.
You are exactly right. I don"t advertise either, I let my work speak for me. There is not a tattoo shop in 50 miles that I have not had to fix something that they have screwed up. And that is not saying that I have never made a mistake, I make mistakes all the time, The difference is I will admit that I screwed up and I will do everything in my power to fix my screw up. I have noticed when other shops around mess up something, the give the customer grief and blame it on the customer. True I have had a line go crooked because a client moved or talked or sneezed but even when that happens It is my responsibility to fix it. And any artist worth their salt should be able to fix it no problem, its called being an artists and being an artist means you have an imagination which spurs your creativity so I get creative with mistakes and make them disappear. It is my train of thought that leaving a mistake no matter how the mistake happened is the fault of the artist not of the client. Good example of this a client came to me wanting to know if I could fix a tattoo for him. It was a full forearm script that said Strength, however what the artist wrote was Strenth. notice the missing "G" well he went back to them to fix it and they put a tiny little "g" in there that didn't even match the rest of the letters and was all squashed in, And they told him it was his fault that the G wasn't there originally and charged him $100 bucks to squeeze that little wonky g in. That is just bad for business.
Nick is awesome great guy to learn from. Dude takes his time to make sure you get it. Also he doesn't have all those fancy $700 to $1000 machines and all the name brand shit to do the job. He just has a good homeboy attitude. Thanks bro.
Thank You!
I just ordered my first kit because tattoo prices are to rich for my blood. Im as artistic as i can be and have faith in myself. I simply cant wait to know things .
I want to do everything the right way, i want to earn my ability. At 41 years old tattooing feels like my very first love. Dedication and patients will afford me to love hard and tattoo often.
How had it been going for you?? Any pointers you can give a beginner like your once self? Thanks
I can't begin to thank you enough as a beginner I was really struggling with my lining this channel has solved my problem my lining is now great thanks to you 👍
Glad I could help
shout out to everyone involved in this!
a free detailed lesson for begginer artists who cannot pay for it!!
love from brasil 💚
I’m getting a kick out of hearing the way he says “butter.” I love this. Also learning a lot ^.~
1st time watching. I'm 3 minutes in and I ALREADY like this guy...
Thanks. I just read your comment and I like you also.
i have watch sp many videos over the pass month on tattooing and this video information is the best i have gotten , thanks so much for ur time
glad I can help.
I was lost on how to tattoo ...but after he put the needles in the butter it all makes sense now..this hole time I've been putting my needles in margin...I'm so dumb im so glad I found this video thanks man
That push back example is the most understanding ive got with this. Im slowly getting better. I do good work (on me) but its not sharp in a few weeks so im going over and over for same results. Then, on someone else, im better. I think its hard to hurt urself too. And u cant feel the bog as easy when ur feeling both the artist and canvas. I thought the same thing as u with urself first until its solid, then others, but i had to just dive in... And tear into my husband and his brother. Lol. Not my family just in case.. Well they are both alive and have all limbs so we are rolling
I love what you do. I went thru hell to learn what little I did from the shop I worked at. I had to learn most of what I did on my own. You have earned my respect.
Thanks for this. I decided to learn to stuck and poke over machine tattoo for doing it on myself, because I feel like it would be easier for me to grasp needle depth and line work.
helpful videos mate, I've been tattooing myself for several year now and i agree with a lot of what you're saying in this flic. just wanted to offer a little trick I've figured out for doing my left arm (I'm right handed) if i have no one around to stretch for me, i use strips of elasaplaste or sports wrap stuff. several strips pulling the skin tight. worked for me at least.
That sounds like a good idea. Your comment just made me think of something. Why not use that while tattooing a client. It could make your job easier. Something I think I'm going to look into.
Glad I've started looking into this stuff as I want to give myself a tattoo.
I already have one on my chest and when I got it it was really painful there was a lot of blood and the guy who done it didn't make me feel relaxed with his constant laughing.
That's why I want to do my own from now on I have a lot of trust issues.
Awesome video mate. Made me chuckle when you talked about the "I wish everyone could reach out and touch my leg, it would be creepy but.." lol - brilliant. So much useful info. So glad I subbed to you. Shows that you dont have to have a reddened, raised area if its being done right !
Thank you so much. I’m currently an apprentice. This helped quite a bit! Time to go back into the tattoo on my leg! 😊
On the same thing, right now
Same way I stared ...wasn't nobody that I knew that could tattoo that good ..and shops are expensive..so I started practicing on myself on my leg ...imbstill learning but really glad I did helps understanding hand speed and what it feel like to go to deep or not deep enough...
No plans of becoming a Tattoo Artist, but I am a well inked Canvas! Over 20 years collecting and I have seen many changes. One thing I distrust, the skin cleaners. Heavy cleaners could be pulling ink from the tattoo site, causing drop-outs and fading.
Once my Artist is done their work, I apply no special treatment... Scent/dye free soap, 2-3 times daily as needed. Vitamin E enriched lotion after the skin closes. Rarely get a touch up!
I agree that less is more. Also it is good not to be fussy with your tattoos. Wash 2-3 times a day. Put stuff on it and leave it alone. Vitamin E is good as long as you don't let the area dry. When the fibers in a scab dry they stick together and are hard to come off. That is what they are supposed to do. We just don't want that for a tattoo. Your tattoo artist should be doing the same thing.
Finally I found some solid tutorial, thanks a lot!
You are welcome!
I have just bought a tattoo kit for much the same reason you got yours Nick. I am so happy to have found your channel so that I can learn. I think i am going to make a conscious choice to become a tattoo artist as I absolutely love tattoos and art! Thank you!
Awesome stuff. Self-tattooing is essential and has helped me evolve in my abilities. I am still learning, but tattooing is a life long educational process. Thanks for the video!
I agree.
this guy said all......so far he is the best tatoo adviser ihv seen
Thanks
Hello, i just wanted to say how helpful you have been for me since i start tattooing, i made a lo of breakthroughs thanks to your videos! you are doing a great job!! thanks so much for everything, keep the good work!!!!
Thank God finally someone who doesn't belittle you for trying to learn on yourself.
You can learn by yourself. It is just harder and you need to do it the right way. It is easier with help but not everyone can get that. Got to do what it takes if you really want it.
Thanks so much for your help. You could tell me everything I learned in a couple of sentences. Minor critique - don't ramble so much! Great video. I never realized you just listen for when your machine is properly running! Thanks again.
glad I could help
Thank you so much for sharing, this was honestly the best video ive found so far and i learned alot!
i can tell you have extreme patience. much needed thanks for sharing
This is an excellent video for beginners. You are very thorough and go step by step. I really appreciate this.
Glad to help. I have a lot of video coming out soon.
Really informative! Thanks for sharing this lesson.
man I'm so glad you said that because my brother said i was stupid because i never tatted before but I've always wanted to and got tired of waiting for people to want to tat me up.
Hey bro thanks for all the tips I just started tattooing myself and before watching this I was already doing just linework
Bro my wife just bought me a gun cause we were sick of paying tip dollar and I've learnt myself and studying to be an artist. Sound familiar. Wasn't planning , wanted tatts butt they cost big$, now I'm gonna b doing others for half the price, not to undercut, but to give the little guy a chance. Keepnit up we need more like u
Very helpful info. Im gonna be starting tattooing, and i was getting confused in some other videos, but watching yours, it was a lot easier to understand. Thank you for the demonstration with the butter. Made tons more sense from the beginning. :)
A lot of videos are made for entertainment and don't focus on teaching. They also don't explain the basics. Glad I could help. I try to teach in a way that is easy to understand. Come up with visual demonstrations as to how things work. Thanks for watching.
This is the best most informative thing i have found. Ive been teaching myself. My.gun is not the greatest. I am going to check out anymore videos you have. Thanks for sharing!
I'm glad to help
You've been my top source of reliable tattoo information! Thank you for all you do
Good advice.. just drags on... Reminds me of that eye drop commercial where he says "Ingredients too moisturize WOOOW" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤘🤘🤘👌
Love your video I'm starting out tattooing myself I did some line work on my arm it's hard to stretch I'm not getting no blowouts and I'm getting to the dermis like you said learn how to tattoo lines and I did the same thing as different techniques different needle length and depth just to see how it looks and he'll on my body alone
You just said, your wife buys you a tattoo kit. I was touched how sweet your wife was. Man you're so lucky having a supportive partner. I think i can relate this feeling. I also have a special friend who supports me what i want to do and maybe being a tattoo artist is a one of a best, hopefully you can teach us any tips you know to make us better. I salute you Man
Thank you Tattoo University for this informative video. Please keep them coming.
I've moved and will be up and running soon. New place is set up to shoot new videos. There will be better lighting and better camera angles. Stay tuned because it will be ready soon.
Mannnnn i tattood myself all weekend...now im back at my normal job as an engineer at a desk hurting lollllllllll.
That is the price one must pay.
Wish i watched your video on line work prior. I apprentice at a shop here but im taking initiative and pushing myself w my shops permission. You got great stuff man thank you
That is the way to do it. Listen to everyone who is willing to help, but try to learn more. Reach out there and test out other techniques. Best way to find your style and see what works for you.
Love that u take the time to help others learn
I am self taught and tattooing is my everything. I tell people now 5 years later im a experienced beginner! And just now got myself a mentor to top mentors and I'm star struck. I've worked in a gas station as a cashier for the past 3 years and got so many compliments about my tattoos. Where you going around here getting stuff like that lol i was so scared to tell them it was me as if that would change their opinions. Anyway the struggle is real and the rush is bad ass and the tattoo world is a way of life. I love my people and Fuck Them if they can't take a poke. Lol sorry just a thing
it's just Jenn so when you learned to tattoo yourself did you just use google and TH-cam? I ask because I want to learn myself but I don’t wanna rush into it
@@hylianaj4739 actually yes i did! You can learn so much from both! Its frustrating at times and i have a few questionable self tattoos lol but it's worth it. It takes time and it took me 5 years to get a mentor. But stay at it and devote yourself to learning at least once a day. If I can help in any way i don't mind. Goodluck
it's just Jenn Thanks alot I’m definitely gonna study and learn everyday
Brian posehn has the best tattoo tutorial videos
I'm still learning on myself, but when i hear the criticism of other tattoo artists about my tattoos........ they are the best and i have to stop doing it and so on...... for me its a hobby, i'm not trying to make money off it. So i don't see the problem. Learned a lot from your posts. So thx.
Danny Leemans people are jealous that’s what it boils down too
Richard Stone yes it is. I realised that the tattoo industry is all about competition and jealousy. They all say that the people who tattoo at home are the one that kill the buisenes. I dont think i do anything wrong by trying to learn on myself. And if my wife is happy than its ok for me.
You are Welcome!
Tattoo University thank you. I learned everything from watching your vids. Even bought some cheap machines, a lot of armuture bars and springs, just to practice all the different settings.
The tattoos i did are all healed perfect. Never had any problems. I rather go shallow than go to deep on the linework.
This is an excellent video. Very informative proberbly one of the best i've seen thank you
Glad to help!
You are welcome!
Thank you for doing this Video Brother I appreciate it most people don't want to help out and explain how you are, again Thank you!...
glad to help
I enjoyed this video a lot, he is so encouraging and his voice so soothing... Thank you! Very good information in this video!
Thank you for being so informative! These videos are a great help!
You are Welcome!
Its a nice learning video. Thank you. My only complaint is you repeat a lot and drag it out. I did learn a lot.
Repeating things is actually a way to remember things. I do have a method to the madness. Thanks for the comment.
Takes a average human to repeat 7× to remember things
@@joseph7332 pardon ?
Thank you so much! You are so easy for me to listen to. I'm looking for the teacher, and I am on the first video with you. I'm going to spend the evening listening 🎧 to you more. I'm a tattooer on the inside. I know that that sounds kinda nutty 🙂. More later. I just selected my first kit. I have to be wireless right now, but other than that want to use the best products,ink and needles to begin by tattooing me. My legs are always covered and empty canvas. I'm fifty eight 😂 and it doesn't matter if I mess up on them. I just have to ink.
I like you coz before i watch this vid.. i already tattooed myself with same thoughts and my 1st tattoo was portrait hehe.. great man
Thanks
RESPECCT STILL IN THE 2022/2023 COIL IN MY SOUL ROTARY IS JOB BUT COIL IS ART
😊😉
I've been tattooing for 9 years now and this advice is gold for newcomers I agree always tattoo yourself first before mates you want get everything on point before inking someone else those mates may not like you too much after you F##k up tattoo I've seen it happen to people trying to get into the art
Any tips for scratching? I’m leaving scratches on my skin after line work is that to do with not going deep enough and basically just scratching away the top layer of skin? Also tattooed on my finger went perfect looked like it was healing perfectly after about a week completely went away not even a ghost outline underneath and hurt a decent amount? any advice??? Thankyou
Same thing happened to me when I first started and also where the term "scratcher" comes from lol. My problem was needle depth. Im surprised i survived my learning experience actually lol i lost a whole sleeve to needle depth haha
Speed is important too.. if your speed is slower and you're strokes r fast u will scratch your skin if you're going g too deep that way u r slicing your skin up u have to calculate your stroke speed to your needle speed... in other words if u r doing your lines slow u dont want your speed too fast or u can over work your skin.. and so on and so forth
13:00
God, thank you.
Thank you kind sir
Alex Choo thanks
Holy fuck thank you sir
🖤🖤🖤
I agree with you I think for someone who is into tattooing the best way to learn is practice on your legs. Using fake skin isn’t real skin. I don’t know how else someone would learn. You don’t want to fuck someone else’s skin up, it’s only logical to try it on yourself. I’m a beginner as well and I’m learning line work. That’s what I’ve been doing and it’s harder than you’d think. I’m a fairly good artist on paper and canvas but skin is totally different.
These videos are super helpful. I'm under the guidance of a tattoo artist, but these videos help me expand my understanding and have helped me to ask the right questions. Thank you!
That is the idea. Just there to help you go the right direction. Having another artist help you is better.
Great video. Thanks. Self taught 15 years ago. Why ANYONE would want to work in a shop for someone else is beyond me. The bitterness of shop artists towards someone teaching themselves is pathetic. There are way to many asshole artists out there with terrible attitudes. Like one of the comments, either you have it or you don't. Plus. there is enough on the internet to learn and teach yourself. I'm sure the first tattoo artists tens of thousands of years ago had apprenticeships and "paid their dues" lolololololol! !!!!
Good point. There are good shops out there and there are good reasons to be in a shop. It is the attitudes of the tattoo artist that matter. I would push artist to get into a shop or their own studio. You just have to see if the artist you will be working with have a good attitude.
You do want to work with other artist who will help you push yourself. I tattoo people who hear about me or know someone I've tattooed. You don't get very many walk in this way. It is easier to branch out if people can come to you. The trick is to work for yourself or with people who have the same goals.
you are the best teachar
I'd love to see videos with a tattoo pen. That's what I got and it's super fun to use but it's def different than a gun and I haven't found great info on using one yet . I'm just winging it doodling on my self
I can work on that. Been working with a couple different pens
thank you!Your hacks are very helpful!!!
35:00 he explains the stick of butter :o
You're so humble and decent. Great vid thanks!
Very informative. Thank you for sharing this video.
I really like your channel
Nice demo with the butter. Good idea.. Thank You.
I saw the tattoo my friend got and thought, the amount he spent and the quality he got where not the best. Since then i bought a tattoo kit. Not the machine but stick and poke. Havent practiced on myself yet. I want to learn as much as possible before i try on skin. For the first one i just want to try a simple tiny heart.
Love your videos! But about the bone... as long as the stencil or tattooed line is visible and in the right place u can stretch the skin to the side off of the bone to help with the pain factor and get a more solid line
Thanks nick always appreciate the vids! Would love to see some videos on your approach to shading. On a side note I wouldn’t have started practicing tattooing if it wasn’t for you man. I’ve been drawing and painting my whole life and haven’t been able to find a way to make a living at it and I hope that with your help and TH-cam in general I will one day accomplish my dream.🙂 I haven’t found a shop that I like yet. Just bad vibes. They don’t like competition which in reality we could actually learn a lot from each other. It’s seems like the only art medium where we don’t share knowledge.
.
Very true...people dont want any competition. Shows insecurity..Its sickening, I feel same way u do, we can learn from eachother...
Nice thanks Nick for all you do for us
You are welcome
Your welcome!
i Have Been a tattoo artist for 25 years and all 37 tattoos i have i did my self so i understand what you are sayin
nice, i can watch this videos all day.
thanks
I just scratched my first tattoo tonight. I wish I had watched this before I even agreed to doing it. I stumbled through the steps I spent months learning, my zone didn’t feel sanitary enough, and I didn’t punch the black in hard enough. I will learn from this. My question is, assuming I get an apprenticeship (if I don’t get one, I’ll probably quit tattooing), do the nerves ever settle? I was second guessing everything I did. TBH, I’m still not feeling the best about doing the tattoo.
Once you learn how to do it the nerves go away. It takes years to learn everything so you have to be dedicated enough to push through it.
Try to learn as much as you can. Knowing how everything works will help you make decisions better. Knowing what you are doing is the key.
Omg u have shown me so much to were i watch other artists i think about everything u said
lol the beginning, sitting with a butter xD
Thanks!
...Is he using the butter to rub on his skin....?
Are u a contortionist? How did u do the scorpion? Marvelous
Thanks. I need ink and I thought feeling slightly raised was normal. Thanks for setting me straight.
Awesome video man just purchased first machine and am super excited!
Here are a couple tips to get you going the right direction. Don't rush into things. Learn as much as you can first. Start off with line work and don't do anything else until your line work is awesome. Practice your artwork and learn how to tune machines. Always be safe and clean.
I notice you use the coil tattoo machine a lot in your videos would there be any tips with a rotary style you could tell me and which do you prefer ?
@@MrRpomrenke I use both. Just depends on my mood.
Thanks for the tips bro now i know how to tattoo need a little bit more practice
your advices are precious.... thanks
Tq souch today I got perfect black n I got the perfect bepth don't know how to tq u so much
awesome
Hey man I have an issue..some of my lines on myself look good until 3days later. They look lighter and line they fade. I'm doing this one handed on myself but can u give me some advice please. I may be moving my depth up and down by accident but I'm not sure. I'm using coil and rotary's.mine don't look bad just not as dark and heavy as I would like. Thanks
Could be ink, could be not driving deep enough, shite needles, can be anything. Try and find an artist to show you or keep fiddling. Good luck buddy!
Ive done all my own tattoos, I just got an art degree, a lot of people ask me to do theirs but I just don't feel comfortable applying it on someone else yet
When you post pics on instagram it's always good to take them in natural lighting preferably without filters.
This is correct. I recently took a photo of the moth I tattooed. The picture looked really bad.
The next morning I took a picture of it outside and it looked good. I've taken pictures of clients tattoos only to have the picture look weird. Doesn't look like the tattoo or what people see. Also I don't like it when tattoo artist use filters. I think they are trying to make their tattoos look better than they really are. Don't hide the way tattoos look. You give clients the wrong impression about tattoos. Let them see how a real tattoo looks.
Very informative thank you!
Is he using butter to rub on his skin?
when i tattoo i use my left hand to stretch the skin and mostly to feel the vibration, that helps me with needle depth
It really is something that takes practice to learn. You get a feel for what is correct 👍