With over 1 billion people worldwide sporting at least one tattoo, it’s no surprise that this ancient art form has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. From Maori to Nordic, tattoos have been a means of self-expression and identity across various cultures. While techniques have evolved over time, thanks to technological advancements, the fundamental principle remains the same: embedding ink into the skin.
So, how does one create a tattoo? Whether you’re an aspiring tattoo artist or simply a tattoo enthusiast, understanding the process can be fascinating. Let’s break it down step by step.
What is a Tattoo?
In its simplest form, a tattoo is created by puncturing the skin with a needle coated with ink and using a small wooden stick to tap the needle into the skin, allowing the ink to settle beneath the surface. Similarly, some cultures used a thread soaked in ash and other materials, striking it with a stick or by hand to create patterns of dots. This traditional technique is still practiced today, known as handpoke.
The dermis, the second layer of skin, is more stable than the epidermis, the outermost layer. To create a tattoo, the epidermis must be pierced to reach the dermis, where the ink will be deposited. The dermis can retain the ink for a longer period without it deteriorating, dispersing, or fading.
Tools for Making a Tattoo
Currently, technology has allowed the technique and tools used by tattoo artists to evolve.
Modern tattoo machines consist of coil or rotary machines that, connected to a power source via a cable called a clip cord, push the needles into the skin approximately 1.5 millimeters below the epidermis.
Now, the most commonly used machines are rotary-type pens, and they are already being marketed with batteries that connect directly to the machine, eliminating the need for a power source, clip cord, or pedal.
The needles have also evolved. There are different needles for different parts of the tattoo: there are line needles called Round liners that, as their name suggests, are used to create lines, and there are also Round Shader needles that are used to create small shadows or thick lines or power lines.
Additionally, there are Magnum needles, which can be round or flat, with the round ones used for shading and the flat ones for filling. Furthermore, there are different thicknesses and measures, but we’ll explain that in more depth later.
The ink, of course, has also evolved over time. In the past, tattoo artists used materials that were readily available: mixtures made with soot, charcoal, various types of plant-based gums, and water.
Today, inks are manufactured synthetically, with the majority being made from pigments derived from metals (although there are some without metal-derived pigments), and each color is formed by different compounds.
Most inks undergo rigorous sanitary control to ensure they are completely safe for use on humans. It’s always essential to carefully check the labels and ensure that they have passed the necessary sanitary controls.
How to Make a Tattoo: A Step-by-Step Guide
Below, we’ll describe the steps to follow to create a tattoo, although, of course, many tattoo artists have their own style and may not strictly follow these guidelines.
Before Starting
We must first sanitize the work area, protecting all areas susceptible to ink stains with transparent film, and ensure that everything is disinfected and clean.
Next, we prepare all the materials we’ll use: the tattoo machine, clip cord, power source, and pedal, which we also cover to prevent staining and contamination with blood or other substances. We also prepare the needles and grips, inks in single-use plastic caps, petroleum jelly to hydrate the area, soap and water, and paper towels for cleaning.
Applying the Stencil
Once our client is ready to begin the tattoo, we clean the area to be tattooed with a specific solution and shave it if necessary. We then apply the stencil to the skin and wait for the client’s approval.
Starting to Tattoo
The lines or outline will be the first thing we create (except for tattoos that don’t contain solid lines). In this step, it’s essential to maintain a steady pulse and control the depth of the needle puncture. This moment is usually the least painful for the client, as we only pass over each line once, but it depends on the area we’re outlining and the client’s pain threshold.
Once we’ve reviewed the entire outline of the tattoo, we move on to shading with diluted blacks and grays. Here, the artist’s style comes into play, as they choose the needle according to the type of shading they want to achieve, whether it’s soft shading like in realistic tattoos or more intense shading with visible texture, like in blackwork or sketch tattoos.
If the tattoo has color, we add it after shading, applying the technique and style of our choice. Remember that this is usually the most painful step for the client, so if we need to take a break, it shouldn’t be too long, as the skin will cool down and the pain will be more intense when we resume tattooing.
Final Details
When we’ve finished the bulk of the tattoo, it’s time to add the final details.
We clean the area well, take a good look at the result of our work, and dedicate a few more minutes to finishing any details we may have missed: a shadow that didn’t turn out quite black, a color point that needs more saturation, white highlights and glows, and so on.
Remember to work from darkest to lightest ink to prevent them from getting dirty or muddy.
Aftercare
Finally, we provide the client with aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This includes keeping the tattoo clean, applying ointment or lotion, and avoiding direct sunlight or soaking the tattoo in water.
Know the Risks
The tattooing process breaks the skin, which means that infections or other health problems can occur afterwards.
Some of the risks associated with tattoos include:
- Allergic Reactions: Tattoo inks can cause allergic reactions on the skin, such as itchy rashes at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after getting the tattoo. Red ink tends to be more prone to causing allergic reactions than other colors.
- Skin Infections: It’s possible to develop a skin infection after getting a tattoo. Infections can occur due to contaminated ink or equipment that wasn’t properly sterilized. If the tattoo is done in a facility that doesn’t follow proper safety measures, the risk of skin infection increases.
- Other Skin Problems: Sometimes, an area of inflammation can form around the tattoo ink, known as a granuloma. Tattoos can also lead to keloids, which are raised areas caused by excessive scar tissue growth.
- Blood-Borne Diseases: If the equipment used for tattooing has infected blood, you can contract blood-borne diseases such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. To reduce the risk, ask to be vaccinated against hepatitis B before getting a tattoo.
- Skin Reactions to MRI: Rarely, an MRI can trigger itching in the tattooed area. Sometimes, tattoos can reduce the quality of an MRI image.
If you experience an allergic reaction, infection, or other problem due to a tattoo, you may need medication or other treatments. It’s essential to be aware of these risks and take steps to minimize them by choosing a reputable tattoo artist and following proper aftercare instructions.
Finishing Touches
When the tattoo is completely finished, it’s time to clean the area with a soap solution and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to hydrate the skin.
Allow the tattoo to bleed and breathe a bit, then apply a final layer of petroleum jelly. After that, we need to protect the tattoo with transparent film or self-adhesive film.
Lastly, don’t forget to explain to the client the steps to follow to care for their new tattoo and the recommendations for the next few hours.
These are all the basic steps to follow when making a tattoo. Remember that each tattoo artist has their own style and may not always follow these guidelines strictly, as time and experience will shape their approach.
About Author
- https://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine
- Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.
As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.
Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.
My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.
But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.
So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!
