Apprentice

What's the difference between wired and wireless machines? Wireless tattoo machines are relatively new to the market, and are usually sold with their own battery pack - if not, you may need to buy your wireless battery pack separately. Wired machines utilise a cable to connect your machine to a power supply. Many tattoo artists are moving over to wireless machines, as the cable can affect your way of working, but some prefer the reliability of a cable over remembering to charge their battery packs.

What's the difference between coil and rotary machines? Coil tattoo machines are the original tattoo machine, based on designs of the first electric tattoo machine created by Samuel O'Reilly. Coil tattoo machines are a more manual type of machine, requiring regular maintenance and adjustments to screw lengths and contact points. Using a coil is slightly more technical than a rotary, they make a louder noise, and they are generally heavier. Rotary tattoo machines are usually designed for plug-and-play action, with adjustments made in a more user-friendly way. They're lighter, and can be wireless, but they also cost significantly more. You can also find hybrid machines which will have certain elements of both types.

What is a direct drive tattoo machine? If a tattoo machine is described as "direct drive", it means that the needle-holding bar is directly attached to the motor, so that the motor's rotation moves the needle without the use of springs or sliders. Direct drive machines tend to have smoother needle motion and less vibration, and hit with the same level of hardness each time, so caution should be used to prevent damage to your customer's skin.

What is a pen-style machine? Simple - it looks like a pen! Pen-style machines are the most popular form of rotary tattoo machine, as they try to emulate the look and feel of working with a pen. They can vary from super slim to more chunky offerings, but are usually in a roughly cylindrical shape.

What does the term "stroke length" mean? Stroke length (also known as the machine's "throw") refers to the distance the needle moves in and out of the machine in one rotation. Machine stroke affects how hard the machine hits, as a longer stroke allows the needle to build up more momentum, and also how fast the needle moves. Stroke length has an effect on your maximum needle depth, but isn't necessarily connected. Most rotary tattoo machines come with a fixed stroke length, but in some models it can be adjusted.

What does the term "give" mean in tattoo machines? A tattoo machine's give refers to how the machine responds to impact with the skin. It can also be referred to as 'softness'. Some tattoo machines come with no give, which means they'll hit the same every time no matter the surface. In some machines give is set digitally (also known as 'E-give' or 'Sensidrive'), and in others you can mechanically adjust the give to your liking.

What cables do I need for my machine? If you're working with a wireless tattoo machine, the only cables you'll need will be the ones to charge your battery pack! However, if you're using a tattoo machine with a wired power supply, you will definitely need a power cable to work with. Most rotary tattoo machines use RCA cables, but some use a smaller, lighter 3.5 mm DC cable instead. For coil tattoo machines, you will probably need a traditional clip cord. We recommend purchasing high quality cables to protect your machine.

How do I tune a coil tattoo machine? Tuning a coil tattoo machine is something you should be taught in your apprenticeship if you're working with coil machines. There are many elements to a coil machine that you can tune or adjust, including changing the springs and armature bar, using the correct voltage, and adjusting the gap between the front spring and contact screw for lining, shading or colouring purposes.

Will I need to maintain my tattoo machine? Yes! Just like your car, your tattoo machine needs maintenance, cleaning and repairs. Coil tattoo machines can be completely disassembled for thorough cleaning, but with rotary machines this often isn't the case. In many machines you can remove the grip, and if it's made of a solid metal you may be able to clean it in an autoclave. All tattoo machines contain elements that will need to be replaced at some point, such as O-rings, elastic bands and grommets. Any rotary machine you buy should come with instructions on how to maintain it.

What power supply do I need for my tattoo machine? That will entirely depend on your tattoo machine and your individual preferences. Wireless tattoo machines usually come with their own battery pack as a power supply, or you can use a wireless battery pack to adapt a wired machine. Most wired rotary and coil tattoo machines will use a standard power supply that plugs into the wall.

You should consider the voltage range, the increments with which you can adjust voltage, whether it has a timer or jumpstart function, how many machines can be connected simultaneously, whether it has presets, its electronic protection systems, and of course cost.

What voltage range should I look for in a power supply? Tattoo machines are usually advertised as having a specific working voltage - this is the range in which they are designed to work. Your power supply should match this range as closely as possible, also taking into account your style of tattooing.

Should I get a single or dual connection power supply? That depends on how many machines you think you'll be working with! For many modern, adjustable machines, you'll only need one. However, if you use coil machines, or machines with a fixed stroke length but need to switch between them, it may be easier to get a dual connection power supply to prevent time wastage and potential cross-contamination.

What cables will I need? If your machine and battery pack are wireless, the only cables you'll need are the ones used to power the battery pack, usually USB-C. For most wired rotary machines you'll need a high quality RCA cable, although some use a thinner and lighter DC cable. For most coil machines, you'll need a classic clip cord. Always ensure you have the correct cable for your machine and power supply - ideally one provided by the manufacturer - and that it's of a high quality.

Do I need a foot pedal? A foot pedal is not an essential part of tattooing, but many artists prefer to work with them. Foot pedals allow you to start and stop your machine without using your hands - this might not be an issue with wireless pen-style machines that are fully wrapped, but for external, mains-powered power supplies, it can be faster, easier, and with less risk of cross-contamination.

What's the difference between a tattoo needle and a tattoo cartridge? A tattoo needle is a long, thin bar with sharp pins soldered onto the end. They are more commonly used with coil machines than with rotary machines, and usually need to be attached to the machine with a grommet. Tattoo cartridges are a newer invention, and have rapidly become the industry standard. In these, the needles are contained within a plastic shell which allows you to draw more ink onto the needle. Cheyenne-type universal cartridges are the industry standard, and they attach with just a twist.

How do I understand needle configurations? Needle configurations can definitely be confusing, but it's very important that you learn to read them. There are usually three parts of a needle you need to understand - the needle diameters, the number of needles, and the configuration that the needles are in.

For needle diameter, the measurement will be given either in a millimetre format (e.g. 0.35 mm) or in a gauge - 12 gauge is 0.35 mm, 10 gauge is 0.30 mm, and 08 gauge is 0.25 mm.

The number of needles in a configuration is usually an odd number, and can be as low as just 1 needle and as many as 49, or even more.

The configuration itself refers to the way the needles are grouped. The most standard types are Round Liners, Round Shaders, Magnums, Flats, and Soft Edge Magnum, although new styles and configurations are being created all the time!

How do I clean my needles and cartridges between colours? If you're changing your ink colour but keeping the same needle or cartridge, you'll need to wash it! Before you start tattooing, you should have a cup of water on your workstation that you can dip your needles into. Run the machine for a few seconds to ensure the needles get a good wash, then stop the machine and wipe off any excess water with a paper towel. Make sure that there's no lint and no remaining water on the needle before you dip into your new colour.

What size and configuration of needle do I need? That entirely depends on your experience level, the machine you use, and the effect you're trying to achieve. We'd recommend you look through these FAQs, talk to the studio or artist you're apprenticing with, or call our helpful sales team with your unique query.

What is the best way to dispose of needles and cartridges? Always dispose of used cartridges and needles immediately after use to prevent cross-contamination. You should use a yellow sharps bin that's emptied regularly by a suitable waste collection or management company.

What is tattoo ink made from? Tattoo ink is usually made up of two parts - the pigment (solid or powdered) and the carrier (liquid). While every tattoo ink has a slightly different ingredients list, there are some common ingredients such as glycerine, iron oxide, carbon. The pigment may be inorganic or organic, and it's important to have an understanding of the way inks can affect skin and cause reactions.

What is grey wash tattoo ink? Grey wash ink is different from grey colour ink in that it's a black ink that's been diluted. Artists who work in black and grey especially will either dilute their black inks themselves to get the desired shade and opacity, or buy a pre-made grey wash. Black and grey realism is usually made up of several shades of grey wash, along with some black and perhaps white.

How can I mix or dilute tattoo ink? Most tattoo inks can be simply mixed together to create a new shade or adjust a current one, even if they aren't from the same brand. The only thing to bear in mind is that different inks will have different thicknesses, which may affect how they combine - you can use a colour mixing solution to help with that.

For an ink that's too thick, you can dilute it down using distilled or sterilised water. Some artists prefer to use glycerine - a common ingredient in tattoo inks - or witch hazel, which also has soothing properties. Ideally you'd match the carrier fluid in your ink to your dilution fluid.

What are collaboration tattoo inks? These special edition collaboration tattoo inks are made when an ink manufacturer decides to work with a tattoo artist to recreate the inks they use in their work. Many artists who specialise in a certain style will have their own mixed inks that they've found most suitable for the purpose, and this is their chance to share their secrets with the world.

What is EU REACH? In 2022 the European Union began enforcing a ban on a list of potentially hazardous chemicals in the production and use of chemical substances, including tattoo inks. This was done in two stages, with the second reached in January 2023. This means that if you're tattooing in the EU - even if you're not a citizen - you should only use EU REACH-compliant tattoo inks.

What is green soap? Green soap - which isn't always green in colour - is an essential item for any tattoo artist. This vegetable oil-based, environmentally friendly, and water-soluble soap is usually bought in a concentrated and then diluted with water for use around the studio in spray bottles. It can be used on your client's skin before, throughout and after the tattoo to reduce the risk of infection.

How do I protect my workstation? Before you set up everything on your workstation, it should be disinfected and then covered with cling film, barrier wrap or a dental bib. Make sure to cover everything you expect you'll touch during the tattoo session, including your lights, furniture, machine and spray bottles.

How do I protect my machine? Whether your machine can be cleaned in an autoclave or not, it should be completely wrapped before you start tattooing. For pen-style machines, artists can either use clip cord covers, barrier grip covers or barrier film, while coil machines are usually placed in machine bags and sealed. Any part of the machine that might be touched should be covered, and there should be no gaps in the coverage.

What PPE do I need to use? Gloves are an essential item for tattoo artists - whether you use latex or nitrile, none of the tattoo, including prep and pack down, should be done without wearing gloves. Many artists choose to protect their clothes with dental bibs or aprons, and it's a personal choice whether you work with a face mask or not - it's generally considered polite if you're working on your customer's face, or if you hold your face close to the tattoo site, but you should only use disposable masks.

What other hygiene equipment will I need? As well as PPE, you'll need a powerful surface cleaner, green soap, suitable covers and protection for your surfaces and equipment, as well as the means and knowledge to dispose of contaminated items safely.

Do I need an autoclave? Most studios will have an autoclave that can be used by all of the staff, and they are incredibly helpful, but not strictly necessary. Many parts of a tattoo machine can't be autoclaved, and many other elements of the tattoo process are disposable, so you can simply use disinfectants to protect your equipment and your customers. Alternatively you can use an ultrasonic cleaner.

What synthetic skin can I practise on? All synthetic and fake skins are suitable for tattoo practice! In fact, they're the ideal way to get used to the feeling and colour of skin before moving onto your first customer. We sell a huge selection of synthetic skins, from plain sheets to body parts.

Is it better to practise on synthetic sheets or synthetic body parts? Both, ideally! At the beginning of your apprenticeship you'll be focused on learning techniques and skill with a machine, which is best practised on sheets of synthetic skin. As your work improves, you can try strapping a sheet over a pillow or bolster to get an idea of the curve of human flesh and how that affects your way of working.

While there's no barrier to entry for tattooing body parts, they are often a more expensive option and apprentice artists may not want to immortalise their work so early on!

What is the "Fitzpatrick scale"? Named for Thomas B Fitzpatrick, this is a classification for human skin colours based on how they react to UV light, but can be seen as a 1-7 scale from palest skin to darkest. Most people's skin can be sorted into one of these categories. You're most likely to see them referenced in terms of PMU, but synthetic skins may come in a range of Fitzpatrick tones.

How do I use synthetic skin? You should treat synthetic skin just like real human skin - luckily, it won't need shaving! Get your sheet or 3D form of synthetic skin positioned securely on a pre-sanitised and protected surface. Clean the fake skin down with green soap and allow it to dry before applying your stencil or drawing with a skin marker (each type of fake skin will have different instructions on how to prepare for stencils). Then you can begin tattooing, wiping the excess ink away as you work.

How do I clean synthetic skin? Synthetic skin can be cleaned with green soap, but as you don't have to worry about the same concerns as with real human skin, you can also use alcohol-based cleansers on it. Please check the synthetic skin instructions before using anything you wouldn't use on skin.

How do I use tattoo stencil paper? Not all tattoo stencil paper works the same, so you should read the instructions fully before starting! Most tattoo stencil paper is thermal transfer paper, and can only be used with a thermal printer, however there are some alternative ways of printing stencils.

The paper itself is usually made up of 3-4 layers, one of which is a carbon sheet. The stencil may be created by heat transfer, or by drawing the design over the carbon, pressing your pen or pencil in hard.

How do I prepare my client's skin for a stencil? Before applying your stencil, the site of the tattoo should be thoroughly cleaned with green soap, shaved with a disposable razor, and cleaned again. You should be able to apply the stencil directly to your customer's clean, hair-free skin, but some artists prefer to use stencil application solutions on the skin first to help the stencil marks stay on the skin longer.

How do I get rid of a stencil from my client's skin? If you've placed the stencil wrong or need to redesign an aspect, you can remove stencils quickly with IPA, hand sanitiser or alcohol wipes, or use a dedicated stencil remover. After the tattoo, any remaining stencil should only be removed with green soap or stencil remover.

Why are there different colours of stencil? Standard tattoo stencils are made from carbon, which comes out as a purple/black colour. This is suitable on lighter skin tones, but can be harder to see on skin with higher levels of melanin. For this reason, some stencil manufacturers have made green or red ink stencils, which show up better on darker skin tones.

What can I use for freehand designs? The best solution for freehanding a tattoo design onto skin is using skin markers, which have been designed for safe use. These vary from simple skin doodlers to refillable markers with a variety of nibs for the more artistic among us. However many artists simply use Sharpies as they can be used on most surfaces, dry quickly, and are easy to remove. You can also use freehand stencil ink to create designs with paint brushes.

At Killer Ink, we understand the importance of education when starting out as a tattoo artist. That’s why we offer a range of products suitable for apprentices wanting to practice a range of techniques and better understand each stage of the tattooing process.

Our range of apprentice tattoo kits are a great way to get to know the basics of tattooing. They contain everything an apprentice will need including a tattoo machine, power supply, tattoo ink, tattoo needles, ink cups and practice skins. We have a range of kits featuring Dragonhawk tattoo machines, World Famous Tattoo Ink, and Stellar 2.0 cartridges. You can also purchase extra supplies separately, including practice skins from A Pound of Flesh.

Shop our apprentice range today!

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