We sat down with Alisia Harker, co-owner of Mischief Tattoo Studio and sponsored artist at Killer Ink, to watch her create a stunning ornamental tattoo.

So, if you’re looking to develop the skills needed to create an ornamental-style tattoo, this tutorial is a must-see. Alisia breaks the process down step by step, from lining and shading to filling and dot work, showing exactly how to turn intricate patterns into a flawless, flowing design. 

See the full video below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E8gQJUEA2E

What Is An Ornamental Tattoo?

An ornamental tattoo is a style of tattooing with designs featuring decorative and intricate patterns and shapes and focusing primarily on lining, shading, and dotwork techniques. 

Alisia shares her journey into ornamental work, explaining how she began with engraving during her apprenticeship, and encourages newer artists to embrace the natural evolution of their tattoo style.

Artist Tips For Creating A Fine Line Ornamental Tattoo

Alisia shares her top tips for creating her ornamental tattoo, including:

  • Lower your machine voltage for better control and line consistency
  • Start with dotwork while stencil is fresh to make blending smoother later
  • Stippling using three greywashes for added depth and dimension
  • Shade section by section and adjust pressure as they join together for smoother transitions

Fine Line Tattoo Set-Up

Product Highlights

Take a look at the tattoo supplies Alisia used to create her ornamental tattoo:

Products

Navigating through the elements of the carousel is possible using the tab key. You can skip the carousel or go straight to carousel navigation using the skip links.
Bishop Stainless Steel Power Wand - 4.2 Packer Machine Bishop Stainless Steel Power Wand - 4.2 Packer Machine
£869.99 £724.99
240ml
From: £11.99 £9.99
Fusion Ink Extra Dark Grey Wash
From: £24.60 £20.50
Fusion Ink Dark Gray Wash
From: £24.60 £20.50
Fusion Ink Medium Gray Wash
From: £24.60 £20.50
Panthera Ink - XXX Tribal - 150ml (EU REACH Version)
From: £15.00 £12.50
Box of 20 Bishop Da Vinci V2 Cartridges - Round Shader
From: £32.39 £26.99
Killer Ink black elasticated bed cover fitted on portable massage table
£7.16 £5.97
Killer Ink Easy Cut Cling Film dispenser box with snake design, 45cm by 350m
£9.59 £7.99
1.25"
From: £41.99 £34.99
Killer Ink Grip Wrap black textured roll tape 50mm by 4.5m
From: £1.34 £1.12
Roll of pink Killer Beauty sheet barrier film on a white dispenser base
From: £8.30 £6.92
Tattoo machine covered with blue Killer Ink protective bag isolated on white background
£7.15 £5.96
Pack of 100 Plastic Mini Rinse Cups 20 ml - Clear Pack of 100 Plastic Mini Rinse Cups 20 ml - Clear
£3.54 £2.95
Pink
From: £9.59 £7.99
Pack of 100 wooden tongue depressors stacked evenly on a white background.
£1.96 £1.63
Black plastic rinse and wash squeeze bottle with angled nozzle.
From: £3.95 £3.29