Getting a Tattoo - What Do You Need?

We continue our series of articles aimed at beginner tattoo artists. If you have already managed to read our tattoo artist's guide, where we advise on how to take your first steps in this profession, it's time to get down to specifics and start assembling the necessary tools for tattooing. This time, we won't be focusing on elements strictly for learning to tattoo, but rather on what you really need to realize your first project on a live model. Let's get started.

Accessories for transferring the design

Precisely transferring the design onto the client's skin is the foundation of a successful tattoo. You'll need appropriate accessories and equipment, from tracing paper and hectographic ink to a printer. All of these are, of course, available in Ars Tattoo's permanent offer. If you want to create your own portfolio of designs, use a rapidograph to design them. What is a rapidograph? You can find out more about that in another blog article.

Tattoo machine – time to choose it consciously

Beginner tattoo artists often experiment with different types of machines, which is highly recommended. During the learning phase, it's worth testing both classic coil machines and more advanced rotary machines. If you've already done that and know which machine works best for you, then buy a model tailored to your expectations, one that will guarantee an accurate reproduction of the design on the model's skin.

A wide selection of branded tattoo machines, including super comfortable wireless machines, can, of course, be found in Ars Tattoo's permanent offer.

Ars Tattoo Expert Tip:

You can also try your hand at the handpoke technique, for which you don't need a machine. You can read more about it in a separate article on our blog.

Needles/cartridges

Introducing ink under the skin requires either classic needles or cartridges. The former are dedicated to coil machines and are more often chosen by so-called old-school tattoo artists. If you prefer working with a rotary machine, you will certainly opt for cartridges – much more convenient and much easier to quickly change during a project.

Both needles and cartridges can be found in Ars Tattoo's permanent offer.

Grip

This is a small but very useful accessory for tattooing. Simply put, a grip helps guide the needle more easily. This directly translates to greater comfort and precision during work.

At Ars Tattoo, we offer many variants of grips for cartridges and standard needles, including disposable, rubber, silicone models, and those with adapters to fit the grip to a specific machine.

Inks

Tattoo inks are, of course, an essential attribute of a tattoo artist. Available in an enormous variety of colors, they determine not only the aesthetics but also the durability of the tattoo. Remember to use only REACH-compliant inks for tattooing people, which guarantees safety and the absence of undesirable skin reactions.

Anesthesia

It may not be essential, but it's worth having on hand if your model turns out to have a low pain threshold. Tattoo anesthetics, of course, do not guarantee complete elimination of unpleasant sensations, but they significantly increase the comfort of the person being tattooed (and thus the tattoo artist, who no longer has to "fight" with a constantly squirming client).

You can read more about how tattoo anesthetic works in a separate article on our blog.

Petroleum jelly

Modest petroleum jelly is also an important part of a tattoo kit. You'll use it to improve needle/cartridge glide, which translates to better working comfort. Additionally, tattoo petroleum jelly provides extra moisture and skin protection.

We write more about which petroleum jelly to choose in another article on the blog.

Hygiene, care, protection

Tattooing is not just the – let's call it – artistic and technical part, but also the entire setup that determines the comfort and safety of the client. You need to stock up on a range of products to maintain hygiene at the workstation, as well as to protect the fresh tattoo and care for it during the initial, critical stage.

Assemble a kit consisting of professional hygiene and disinfection products, tattoo cosmetics, and special dressings – Ars Tattoo consistently recommends the best solution of this type, which is second skin.

These are, of course, only the most important items you need for tattooing. Let's not forget about small accessories, such as disposable gloves, cups, or the entire tattoo studio equipment.

Frequently asked questions and answers

What do you need to do a tattoo?

The basic elements are a tattoo machine, needles or cartridges, and ink. In addition to this, there are smaller, though no less important, accessories, such as a machine grip, hygiene products, and cosmetics that improve the comfort of the client and the tattoo artist (tattoo petroleum jelly, optionally anesthetic, skin and workstation disinfectant, fresh tattoo dressing).

What types of tattoo machines are there?

The two basic groups are classic coil machines and much more modern rotary machines. The latter are further divided into several variants, including pen-type and wireless machines.

Can you get a tattoo without a machine?

Yes, a tattoo can be done using the handpoke technique, meaning with just needles. This is a traditional form of tattooing that is currently experiencing a renaissance of interest, guaranteeing a unique effect (but also requiring excellent skills from the tattoo artist).