How To Tattoo - Part Five

When you learn how to tattoo it is also important to learn how to make your own stencils and apply them. Remember that your stencil will serve as the basic outline for the design you will create. Toward that end, the stencil is the best way to get started. Although you can certainly use a pre-made stencil you can also create your own stencil from paper. In some cases the person you are tattooing may already have an idea of something they want for their tattoo or they may need some inspiration. In either case, you may need to create the stencil from scratch. Remember that if you plan to make your own stencil you should do so in black and white first. After that is complete and you’re satisfied with it then you can move on to the next step of doing one in full color with solid black outlines. Only after both stencils are complete are you ready to move on to the next step of transferring it to skin.

The first step in the transfer process is to place your image on tracing paper. It generally works better if you moisten the skin first and then slowly apply the tracing paper. Be sure the ink is facing down. The paper should then slowly be removed from the skin. If this has been done correctly, there should be a clear outline left on the skin where the stencil has been transferred. Make sure you let the area dry before proceeding to the next step.

It is important during this process to make sure you have the stencil position in the location where the person being tattooed wants it to be. Be sure to ask and if it is not in the right place you may need to do some adjustments to get it right. While this can be somewhat frustrating it is an important part of the process. After all, you want to make sure they are happy with the final outcome and the first step in that process is to make sure you’re working in the right location.

You will only be able to begin the actual tattooing after the stencil has been made and applied. The next step in the process will involve the outlining. You can’t begin to do shading until you have the outlining in place. Before you can do this; however, you should make sure that both you and the client are in a comfortable position. This is especially true if you are working on a very detailed or intricate design. The outline is the foundation for the rest of the tattoo so you want to make sure you get it right. Keep your guidelines in mind before getting started, such as keeping the skin tight and making sure you have the right needle depth. This will improve the quality of your design.

By following these tips and guidelines when you learn how to tattoo you will be certain to achieve the best results possible.