Ars Tattoo Blog

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 tattoo stencil 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).

While a tattoo can be done without a machine, for example,  using the handpoke method, it is impossible without ink.  Tattoo ink is an obligatory element of the tattooing process. Its choice determines the quality of the execution, the durability of the tattoo, and its overall aesthetics. And although classic tattoos are mainly done with black ink, it is worth knowing that there are many more color options. Read our guide, where we discuss the most popular tattoo ink colors. Black Black tattoo ink is an absolute classic and a basic ink that no studio should be without. It is used not only for outlines and shading but also for fills, all depending on the design. Check out black tattoo inks at Ars Tattoo White Many beginner tattoo artists are surprised by the availability of white tattoo inks. They are used not only for fills but also for brightening the design and achieving the effect of delicate highlights. Check out white tattoo inks at Ars Tattoo Brown Brown tattoo ink is a popular choice for tattoo artists and clients who appreciate an old-school aesthetic. Brown ink is also used for tattooing realistic portraits or works referring to nature. Check out brown tattoo inks at Ars Tattoo Red The use of red tattoo ink significantly enlivens a design, making it much more visible and even expansive. This is a great option for those who prefer bolder designs. Red is indispensable for tattooing, e.g., floral motifs. Check out red tattoo inks at Ars Tattoo Purple Tattoos with added purple look very interesting. They have more depth, a touch of mystery, can be super creative, and are perfectly visible from a distance. It's a popular choice also for tattooing designs related to nature, cartoon and movie characters, pop culture or sports symbols, etc. Check out purple tattoo inks at Ars Tattoo Blue Indispensable for tattooing marine or mountain motifs. Tattoos with blue accents can also refer to the sky, tranquility, spirituality, etc. It's a popular type of ink used in both contemporary and old-school designs. Check out blue tattoo inks at Ars Tattoo Orange Tattoos with added orange look fresh, evoke positive associations, and have an energetic aura. Orange details beautifully contrast with black, for example, warming up the design. This ink looks particularly good on olive or darker skin. Check out orange tattoo inks at Ars Tattoo Pink Contrary to appearances, pink tattoo inks are not solely the domain of feminine designs. Men also often choose to liven up their tattoos with this expressive, positive color. Pink goes perfectly with floral motifs and pastel tattoos. Check out pink tattoo inks at Ars Tattoo Grey Grey tattoo ink is particularly good for shading and creating realistic effects. A tattoo with added grey gains depth and looks phenomenal. Check out grey tattoo inks at Ars Tattoo Green Tattoos with green details are not just about nature-themed designs. This color can be indispensable when tattooing animal motifs or various characters. Green tattoo ink enlivens the design, introducing an element of freshness. Check out green tattoo inks at Ars Tattoo Yellow Yellow is one of the most popular colored tattoo inks, used in many designs. It's a positive, warm color chosen by people who want a distinctive tattoo, especially with an old-school aesthetic. Check out yellow tattoo inks at Ars Tattoo You now know the most popular tattoo ink colors, so you know which ones should not be missing from your studio. All of them, of course, can be purchased immediately at Ars Tattoo. Most frequent questions and answers What are the colors of tattoo ink? Besides classic black, you can choose from many color variations, such as white, grey, brown, green, blue, red, purple, yellow, pink, or orange. What types of tattoo inks are there? Color is just one of the criteria for choosing ink. Remember that inks are also divided by application, i.e., inks for outlines, fills, and shading. Which tattoo ink to choose? If you want to tattoo on human skin, always choose inks labeled REACH, meaning they comply with EU standards for skin safety. Who are the well-known tattoo ink manufacturers? We recommend products from leading brands such as RAW PIGMENTS, World Famous Tattoo Ink, Dynamic Color Co., Panthera Ink, Radiant, Eclipse, Eternal, I AM INK, Intenze, and Kuro Sumi.

Every professional tattoo artist knows that ink can both greatly facilitate the perfect reproduction of a design on the skin and cause numerous complications. Everything depends on the quality of the product, which is why no self-respecting artist uses tattoo inks of unknown origin, sticking exclusively to those proven brands. If you don't have any preferences in this regard yet, because you're just starting your tattooing adventure, then this guide is for you. We'll tell you how to choose the right tattoo ink, both in terms of product quality and its intended use. Safety is paramount The primary criterion for choosing tattoo ink should be its safety of use. Here, we need to introduce very important information. In the European Union, the REACH regulation has been in force since January 2022, which sets strict standards for tattoo inks. Those sold within the EU must be free from potentially harmful chemical substances that can cause allergic reactions or other health problems. So how do you ensure the ink is safe? Here's a quick checklist of things to check: Choose inks labeled as compliant with the REACH regulation. Avoid purchases from unverified places, such as unknown foreign online stores or platforms with cheap products (mainly from China). Opt for inks from reputable brands that adhere to safety standards. REACH-compliant tattoo inks are, of course, available in Ars Tattoo's regular offer. Types of tattoo inks Tattoo inks are divided into different categories depending on their intended use. Each type of ink has unique characteristics that correspond to specific techniques and styles of work. Let's start with outlining inks, which are characterized by a deep, intense black, allowing for precise creation of design outlines. These inks, as the name suggests, are intended for outlining and defining the boundaries of a tattoo. An example product available at Ars Tattoo is Dynamic Union Black. Another category consists of shading inks. They have a looser consistency, allowing for the creation of smooth tonal transitions and light and shadow effects. They are ideal for realistic designs and modern tattooing styles. An example product is Aloe Tattoo Special Shading Solution. Now for filling inks, which come in a wide range of colors, from pastels to intensely saturated hues. They are used for uniform skin coverage and creating colorful elements of a tattoo. Examples of products include Viking Baby Blue and Viking Atomic Green. Inks for beginners Choosing the right ink also depends on the tattoo artist's experience and skill level. If you're just starting, you can confidently stick to cheaper inks designed for learning to tattoo on artificial skin. These are less durable inks that are not suitable for use on human skin. Inks for professionals Professional tattoo artists cannot afford to experiment with quality. They need proven products, safe for themselves and their clients, guaranteeing the high durability of the completed design and the desired color intensity. As a professional, choose only inks compliant with the REACH regulation. Our recommended brands include World Famous Ink Limitless, Dynamic, Panthera, RAW Pigments, and Kuro Sumi. You will, of course, find these inks in the Ars Tattoo offer. Summary Good tattoo ink, combined with the right machine, talent, and skills of the tattoo artist, guarantees a great final effect and client satisfaction. In this industry, there are things that should not be skimped on, and this certainly applies to inks. Familiarize yourself with our full range of tattoo inks and useful accessories, such as ink caps, dispensers, and mixing liquids – all available for immediate purchase at Ars Tattoo with fast delivery to your home or studio.