As a beginner, whether you’re starting out on your apprenticeship or you’re a new tattoo artist fresh out of training, you need a tattoo kit that will help you develop your technique, enhance your skills, and give you the confidence to create great tattoos.
But if you’re new to tattooing, you might be unsure where to start in terms of choosing the best machines, power supplies, inks, cartridges, and other useful equipment like hygiene and aftercare products. That’s why tattoo kits for beginners are so great, they provide a bundle of everything you need to get started and for a more affordable price!
We’re going to look at the best tattoo kits for beginners to help you get a strong start on your tattooing journey.
What Is The Best Tattoo Kit for Beginners?
The best tattoo kit for beginners is one that includes all the essential supplies you'll need throughout your apprenticeship. A quality tattoo starter kit should contain a rotary tattoo machine, power supply (not required if you’re using a wireless machine), cartridges or needles, professional-quality tattoo inks, and practice skins, giving you everything you need to start developing your skills.
For apprentice tattoo artists, rotary tattoo machines are often the preferred choice thanks to their lightweight design, ease of use, and versatility. That's why many beginner tattoo kits feature Dragonhawk tattoo machines, which are known for their reliability and user-friendly design. Many Dragonhawk machines can comfortably handle lining, shading, and colour packing, allowing apprentices to practise a wide range of techniques with a single setup.
The tattoo kits below have been selected with artists in training in mind, combining reliable equipment and trusted supplies to help you build confidence and progress throughout your apprenticeship.
Build Your Own Dragonhawk Tattoo Kit
The Build Your Own Dragonhawk Tattoo Kit is a great option for beginners who want to personalise their setup. Rather than choosing a fixed bundle, you can tailor the kit to suit your individual training goals and preferred tattooing style, making it a flexible and customisable option for those starting out.
You can choose from a range of Dragonhawk machines which come in different stroke lengths, making them perfect for a variety of techniques including lining, shading, and colour packing.
The kit also gives the option between Kuro Sumi Imperial and World Famous Limitless tattoo inks which are high-quality and long-lasting! This allows you to build a setup using trusted professional brands from day one.
There’s also a variety of practice skins available to choose from, including a skull, flower and dragon design skin, which are perfect for building up your portfolio throughout your apprenticeship!
Overall, this is an excellent beginner tattoo kit for artists who want flexibility and the ability to customise their equipment as their skills progress.
Professional Tattoo Kit 1 - Apprentice - V2
The Apprentice - V2 Professional Tattoo Kit includes everything you need to get started, including the Peak S1MP Wireless Tattoo Machine. Its pen-style design and wireless battery pack make it comfortable to use while allowing apprentice artists to practise without being restricted by cables.
The kit also comes with Stellar 2.0 cartridges which offer precision and consistency while you're developing your technique. Combined with World Famous Legendary Outlining Ink and a sheet of practice skin, you'll have everything you need to start building confidence and refining your skills throughout your apprenticeship.
Killer Ink X Dragonhawk Wireless Advanced B+G Kit
For beginners looking for more freedom in their tattoo setup, the Dragonhawk Wireless Advanced B+G Kit includes the Dragonhawk Mast Archer Wireless Pen, giving artists greater mobility and comfort.
It’s also perfect for those wanting to practise black and grey work with Imperial Outlining ink by Kuro Sumi Imperial. Complete with Stellar cartridges and practice skin, this kit provides apprentice tattoo artists with everything they need to start developing their skills and building their portfolio.
Killer Ink Wireless Advanced Colour Work Kit
The Killer Ink Wireless Advanced Colour Work Kit is an excellent choice for beginners focusing on colour tattoos and shading. Its wireless setup offers easy mobility and flexibility, making it a great option for apprentice tattoo artists.
- Colour-Focused: Featuring the EZ EvoTech Pro Wireless Tattoo Pen and the World Famous Ink Simple Set, this kit is designed to help artists practise colour packing, blending, and saturation techniques.
- Complete Package: With high-quality inks, Stellar 2.0 cartridges, practice skin, and essential accessories included, this kit has everything you need for a smooth tattooing experience.
- Advanced Techniques: Suitable for beginners wanting to develop colour tattooing techniques while gaining confidence with a professional-style wireless setup.
Killer Ink Stick and Poke Tattoo Kit
The Killer Ink Stick and Poke Tattoo Kit has been created to help artists create detailed, intricate designs using the traditional hand-poked tattooing technique.
This all-in-one kit includes everything you need to get started with stick and poke tattooing, including 100 tongue depressors, Killer Ink grip wrap, Kuro Sumi Demon Black Ink, Killer Ink steel tattoo needles, and mixed size ink cups. Each component has been selected to give apprentice tattoo artists the control and precision needed when working with this slower, more manual technique.
Ideal for beginners who want to explore stick and poke alongside machine tattooing, this kit helps you focus on developing consistency, accuracy, and confidence in your hand-poked work while maintaining a clean and controlled setup.
Killer Ink Fine Line Tattoo Kit
The Killer Ink Fine Line Tattoo Kit has been designed specifically for artists wanting to practise delicate and precise designs.
This all-in-one kit provides everything you need to achieve clean, fine-line tattoos with ease and confidence. It includes Stellar 2.0 cartridges for sharp, consistent results, Kuro Sumi Imperial Fine Line Black Ink designed specifically for detailed linework, a sheet of plain tattoo practice skin for practising fine and tiny tattoos, and mixed size tattoo cups.
At the centre of the kit is the Dragonhawk Mast Tour Wireless Pen, a lightweight and beginner-friendly machine that’s ideal for apprentice tattoo artists learning control, precision, and consistency when working on fine line styles.
Additional Tips For Choosing the Best Tattoo Starter Kit for Beginners
- Research and Reviews - Before investing in any tattoo kit, take time to read reviews and feedback from other artists. Learning from experienced tattooists can help you choose reliable equipment and avoid common beginner mistakes.
- Start Simple - It can be tempting to go for the most advanced or feature-packed kit, but starting with a straightforward beginner setup is often the best approach. Focus on mastering the fundamentals first, then build your equipment as your skills develop.
- Gradual Upgrades - As your technique improves and your confidence grows, you can start upgrading individual parts of your setup, such as your tattoo machine, cartridges, inks, and accessories, to better suit your preferred style of tattooing.
Choosing the best tattoo kit for beginners can set you up for success in the early stages of your tattooing journey. Whether you’re interested in customisable options like the Build Your Own Dragonhawk Tattoo Kit, all-in-one packages like the Apprentice V2 Kit, or a specialist kit focused on colour work, black and grey, fine line, or stick and poke tattooing, there are plenty of options to suit your training needs.
By understanding the essential components of a tattoo kit and researching reputable products, you can find the best tools to develop your skills and expand your knowledge. Start simple, focus on building your confidence and technique, and upgrade as you progress. With the right kit in hand, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of tattooing.
