Electrum's tattoo culture blog
Electrum's Tattoo Culture Blog
Needle Depth 101: How to Hit the Dermis Without Guessing
Needle depth is one of the most intimidating parts of tattooing. Too shallow = patchy. Too deep = blowouts and trauma. But hitting the dermis isn’t guesswork — it’s a system. 1. Know the Layers You need to understand where you’re aiming: • Epidermis – thin outer layer• Dermis – where tattoos live• Subcutaneous – fat layer (do NOT tattoo here) The dermis is about 1–2mm deep depending on body area. 2. Use Proper Needle Hang Your needle should hang out of your cartridge enough that you can see it hit the skin without burying the tip. Too little hang = inconsistenciesToo much = digging Fire cartridges have consistent membrane tension, which helps stabilize how the needle rides — especially for beginners. 3. Listen to the Skin Proper depth sounds and feels: • crisp• smooth• non-scratchy• consistent Too shallow = scratchy and thinToo deep = loud, punchy, too much vibration 4. Watch the Ink Flow A good line leaves clean, steady ink.If the ink looks faint or skips → shallow.If it spreads under the skin → too deep. 5. Control Your Angle Most lining is done between 45–60 degrees. Too flat → shallowToo upright → blowouts 6. Keep the Skin Tight Loose skin absorbs the needle like a sponge, making you go deeper than intended. Triangle stretch = flat canvas = perfect depth. 7. Use Body Position, Not Wrist Guessing Move your entire upper body to maintain consistent depth.Do not “wrist-drive” depth into the skin. 8. Test on Different Skin Types Depth varies by: • ribs• stomach• wrists• ankles• thighs• upper arm Some areas are naturally thinner, needing a lighter depth. 9. Slow Down (But Not Too Slow) Speed controls how long the needle sits in the skin. Too slow: blowoutsToo fast: shallow Find a tempo where your hand speed matches your machine speed. 10. The Beginner-Friendly Rule of Thumb When using high-quality cartridges like Fire: 1–2mm penetration + solid stretch + consistent angle = dermis 90% of the time. Master this formula and depth becomes predictable instead of terrifying.
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The Business of Tattooing - Tattooing Is Still a Trade. Treating It Like One Matters.
Tattooing is creative.It’s expressive.It’s cultural. But it is still a trade. It relies on: Physical skill developed over time Specialized tools Repetition and refinement Knowledge passed through practice, not shortcuts When tattooing is treated like a hobby instead of a trade, problems follow quickly. Underpricing becomes normal.Overworking feels expected.Reinvesting in tools feels optional instead of necessary. Trades survive because they respect systems.Reliable tools. Repeatable processes. Standards that protect the worker. Professionalism isn’t selling out.It’s how trades stay alive. Social media has blurred the line between visibility and stability. A large following doesn’t guarantee sustainable income. Viral attention doesn’t protect your hands, your back, or your nervous system. Treating tattooing like a trade means: Pricing your labor realistically Choosing tools that perform consistently Building workflows that don’t rely on constant exhaustion The goal isn’t to look successful online.It’s to still be tattooing years from now. That’s trade thinking.And it matters.
The Business of Tattooing - Things You Can Write Off as a Tattoo Artist (And What You Can’t)
If you're self-employed as a tattoo artist in the U.S., you’re considered a sole proprietor (unless you’ve registered as an LLC or S-Corp). That means you report your business income and expenses on Schedule C (Form 1040)—and knowing what qualifies as a business expense under IRS rules can save you thousands (and a nasty audit).
The Real Reason Your Stencils Keep Wiping Off
If your stencils keep wiping off, it’s not bad luck — it’s technique. Beginners struggle with stencil longevity because they miss one of these crucial steps. (OBV. you should be using Electrum's Stencil Primer & Repositioner - if you are not - that's your first mistake) 1. Your Client’s Skin Wasn’t Prepped Properly Prep is everything. Correct prep: • shave clean• wipe with a gentle cleanser• remove oils / lotion• dry completely before applying the stencil Any moisture → stencil slip. 2. You’re Using Too Much or Too Little Product Stencil Primer is designed to be used thin. Too much: it turns into a slip-and-slideToo little: stencil won’t transfer deeply Use a thin, even layer — almost invisible. 3. You’re Not Letting the Primer Get Tacky This is where most apprentices mess up. It needs to dry until tacky. Not wet.Touch it lightly — if it feels sticky, it’s ready. 4. You’re Not Applying Enough Pressure You’re not placing a sticker — you’re transferring information. Apply firm pressure for 10–20 seconds.Make sure the entire stencil touches the skin. 5. You’re Not Letting the Stencil Dry Fully Stencil drying is not optional. Minimum: 10 minutesIdeal: 15–30 minutesLarge pieces: 45+ minutes The longer it sits, the stronger it holds. Use that time to set up your station. 6. You’re Scrubbing Too Hard While Tattooing If you wipe like you’re trying to remove car grease: • stencil smears• lines blur• design disappears Use small, controlled wipes with a gentle cleanser. 7. You’re Stretching Skin in the Wrong Direction Stretching against the stencil can distort the lines. Stretch with the natural flow of the design. 8. You’re Leaning Your Hand on the Stencil Your hand oils break down the transfer. Float your hand until you’ve tattooed far enough away that resting is safe.
The Business of Tattooing - Tattooing Through Pain Is Not a Badge of Honor
Tattooing through pain has been normalized for so long that many artists don’t even question it.Sore hands. Burning wrists. Numb fingers. Tight shoulders.It’s framed as toughness. Dedication. Paying your dues. But pain isn’t proof of commitment.It’s a warning sign. Tattooing is repetitive, fine-motor labor. The same motions, the same grip, the same posture for hours at a time. In other trades, pain is recognized as a signal to adjust tools, technique, or workload. In tattooing, it’s often treated as a personality trait. That mindset shortens careers. Chronic pain leads to: Reduced precision Slower healing between sessions Increased mistakes Forced time off instead of planned rest And once injuries become chronic, they’re much harder to reverse. Enduring pain doesn’t make you a better artist. It just means your body is absorbing stress that your setup should be reducing. Professional trades adapt.They invest in tools that behave consistently.They refine workflows to reduce strain.They understand that longevity requires maintenance. Tattooing is no different. If pain is part of every session, something is off.That’s not weakness. That’s information. Respecting your body is part of respecting the craft.And careers built on endurance alone rarely last.
The Business of Tattooing - Tattoo Less, Earn More: 3 Things Six-Figure Tattooers Do Differently
Let’s get one thing straight - just being good at tattooing isn’t enough anymore. The artists pulling in six figures aren’t necessarily the most talented, most followed, or most booked-out. But they are running their business like a business. They know their numbers. They don’t live in their DMs. And they’re making content that connects and converts.
Apprentice Etiquette: The Things No One Tells You but Everyone Expects
Tattoo apprenticeships are intense. Most of the rules aren’t written down — but everyone in the shop expects you to know them. Mastering these makes your life (and your mentor’s life) a thousand times easier. 1. Don’t Hover Be present, but don’t breathe over your mentor’s shoulder.Observe from a respectful distance unless invited closer. 2. Don’t Ask Questions During a Critical Moment If your mentor is lining, packing color, or dealing with a difficult client — wait. Right moment = better answer. 3. Always Be Doing Something If you’re idle, you should be: • cleaning• breaking down a station• setting up a station• stocking• sweeping• prepping stencils• organizing needles• doing designs There is always something to do in a tattoo shop. 4. Break Down Stations Perfectly Your mentor should be able to walk up to a clean station and see: • everything wiped• surfaces disinfected• trash replaced• barriers removed• machine cables clean• bottles wiped• no cross-contamination issues This is apprentice 101. 5. Show Up Early, Stay Late Your mentor should never beat you to the shop.You’ll learn 50% of your apprenticeship in the "before and after" hours. 6. Don’t Touch Anyone’s Machine Without Permission Ever.No exceptions. 7. Keep Your Sketchbook Open Draw daily.Show progress.Take critique without ego. 8. Never Post Client Work Without Permission Shop rules, privacy laws, client comfort — all matter. 9. Speak to Clients Professionally You’re part of the brand from day one.Be kind.Be calm.Ask instead of assuming. 10. Protect the Shop Vibe No drama.No gossip.No ego.Tattoo shops run on trust — break it once and you’re done.
When to Say No: The Art of Turning Down Bad Tattoo Ideas (Respectfully)
You’re not just an artist — you’re a professional. And professionals know when to say “no.” Every tattooer, from apprentice to veteran, runs into the same problem:Clients come in with ideas that are unsafe, unrealistic, impossible on their skin type, or just… not good. And here’s the truth: Saying yes to a bad tattoo will always hurt your reputation more than saying no. Your job isn’t to tattoo everything people ask for.Your job is to guide them toward something that will heal well, look good for years, and protect your body of work. Here’s how to say no without sounding like a jerk — and without losing the client. 1. Know When You MUST Say No Some ideas aren’t opinions — they’re red flags. ❌ Bad Placement • fingers (tiny detail-heavy designs)• sides of hands• inner lip• high-friction areas• thin-skin areas with complex detail If it won’t hold, you can’t say yes. ❌ Design Too Detailed for the Size If a client wants a full Greek myth scene the size of a quarter, decline it. Your linework will look muddy in six months — and your name is attached to it. ❌ Skin Type Won’t Support the Style Some styles simply won’t heal correctly on certain skin: • micro-line on scar tissue• super detailed realism on darker melanin tones• white ink on high-friction areas• watercolor on thin aging skin Your job is to know what will and won’t work — and be honest. ❌ Unrealistic Expectations If they want:• “no pain”• “no lines, only softness”• “tattoo exactly like this AI render”• “no aging or fading ever” …run. ❌ Content You Won’t Do • hate symbols• racist designs• gang-affiliated work• trauma tattoos you’re not trained for Simple: “No, we don’t offer that service.” 2. How to Say No Without Losing the Client The goal isn’t to reject — it’s to redirect. You can say no and still book the tattoo. Phrase #1: “I want this to heal perfectly for you.” This is the safest, most effective way to begin a rejection. It signals concern, not judgment. Phrase #2: “Here’s what will actually work on your skin.” Give them a solution, not a shutdown. Phrase #3: “This design won’t hold up at that size — but we can simplify it.” Clients don’t know tattoo longevity. You do. Phrase #4: “Placement is the issue, not the design.” This keeps them from feeling like their idea was bad. Phrase #5: “Let me show you what this will look like in 1–3 years.” Clients love education.Once you explain aging, most immediately understand. 3. Use Visuals — They Work Better Than Words People respond faster when you show them: • blown-out finger tattoos• aged micro-realism• how detail collapses over time• how white ink heals on different tones You’re not fearmongering — you’re educating. 4. Offer Alternatives That Still Respect Their Vision Always leave the client with options: • bigger size• simplified linework• different placement• bolder style• blackwork instead of color• using negative space• moving from realism to illustrative Clients don’t want the idea killed — they want the idea rescued. 5. Stay Firm, Not Defensive If they push back (and some will), keep your tone steady: “My job is to make sure your tattoo looks good long-term. I can’t put my name on something that won’t heal well.” Professionals who hold boundaries earn respect — and better clients. 6. Know When to Walk Away Some clients don’t want guidance — they want obedience. When that happens: “It looks like I may not be the right artist for this piece. Let me refer you to someone who might be a better fit.” You keep your integrity.You keep your sanity.You keep your portfolio clean. 7. Saying No Builds Your Career, Not Hurts It Every successful tattooer has a strong portfolio because they said no to the pieces that would’ve ruined it. Saying no: ✔ saves your reputation✔ strengthens your boundaries✔ attracts better clients✔ keeps your stress low✔ creates consistency in your portfolio Your career is built on every yes —so make your yeses count.
What Actually Happens to Your Skin During a Tattoo?
Most people know a tattoo needle “goes into the skin,” but almost nobody knows how it actually works — or why the skin reacts the way it does. Understanding the process can calm nerves, set realistic expectations, and help you take care of your tattoo properly once you leave the studio. Here’s the real story of what your skin is doing during a tattoo. 1. Your Skin Isn’t Just One Layer — It’s Three A tattoo interacts with all three of your skin’s layers: • Epidermis – the top layer you can see• Dermis – the middle layer where tattoos live• Subcutaneous tissue – the deeper cushion of fat Your artist isn’t “drawing” on the surface — they’re depositing pigment into the dermis, the layer that doesn’t shed. That’s why tattoos stay permanent while the outer layer exfoliates every 28–40 days. 2. The Needle Moves Way Faster Than You Think Professional tattoo machines can move needles anywhere from 50 to 3,000 times per second, depending on the style, machine, and technique. The needles aren’t dragging across your skin. They’re: puncturing → depositing ink → retractingover and over and over in tiny, controlled micro-wounds. This is why even a small tattoo feels intense — your skin is processing thousands of micro-injuries in real time. 3. Your Immune System Immediately Jumps Into Action The moment the needle starts working, your body treats it like a controlled injury. Here’s what happens internally: • Blood flow increases• White blood cells rush in• Inflammation begins• The area warms up and may swell slightly This reaction is normal and healthy — it’s your body starting the healing process from the first few seconds of the tattoo. 4. Ink Settles Into the Dermis — and Stays There Once the needles pass through the epidermis, the pigment enters the dermis. Some ink particles get eaten by immune cells called macrophages, which is part of why tattoos stay put — those cells essentially “hug” the pigment particles. Other particles stay suspended in the dermal matrix. Together, they create the tattoo you see through the upper layer of skin. 5. The Top Layer of Skin Gets the Most Irritated Even though your tattoo heals in the dermis, the epidermis takes the immediate hit: • redness• swelling• a stinging or warm sensation• slight pinpoint bleeding• “weeping” (clear plasma) This is why your tattoo may look a little angry in the first hour or two — that outer layer has just been punctured thousands of times. This is also where a gentle cleanser comes in. Something like Electrum Cleanse, which is pH-balanced and alcohol-free, helps remove excess plasma and reduce surface irritation without stripping the skin, so your epidermis can calm down faster. (Not a hard sell — just the science. Harsh soaps make the irritation worse.) 6. The First 24 Hours Are Just Controlled Inflammation A lot of clients worry their tattoo looks “too red” or “too swollen.” In reality, the first day is simply your body doing its job. Typical reactions include: • redness around the lines• warmth in the area• some swelling• light oozing of plasma• sensitivity when touched This is not infection.This is not something going wrong.This is healing, exactly as expected. Using a gentle wash (again, something formulated for broken skin like Cleanse) helps keep the area free of bacteria and calm, but the real magic is happening under the surface. 7. The Epidermis Starts Repairing Within Hours Once the initial response settles, your skin begins rebuilding: • new epidermal cells form• the tattooed area starts to tighten• a thin layer of “sheen” or gloss appears• light scabbing or flaking begins This phase often lasts 3–7 days. Your tattoo may look dull or cloudy — that’s just the healing skin sitting on top. The real color will come back when the new epidermis fully forms. 8. Deep Layer Healing Takes Weeks Even when it looks healed, your tattoo is still stabilizing in the dermis for 4–8 weeks. Under the surface: • collagen reorganizes around the pigment• macrophages settle and hold pigment particles• internal swelling decreases• the ink becomes more clearly defined This is why touch-ups shouldn’t happen early — the skin needs time to rebuild its structure. 9. Why Knowing All This Helps You Heal Better When clients understand what their skin is doing, they: ✔ don’t panic during normal irritation✔ avoid overwashing or scrubbing✔ understand why gentle cleansing matters✔ follow aftercare more consistently✔ recognize when something is actually wrong And most importantly:They let their tattoo heal the way it was designed to.
The Business Of Tattooing - Creative Ruts Are a Business Problem, Not a You Problem
**If you’re feeling uninspired lately… you’re not failing.You’re normal.** Every tattooer hits creative fog — but winter + slow season intensifies it. You’re tired.Clients are quiet.Money is slower.Inspiration feels like it moved out without paying rent. Here’s the truth most artists don’t hear: Creative ruts aren’t a personal flaw. They’re a SYSTEM failure. When your structure collapses, your creativity collapses with it. Let’s break down WHY you hit these slumps, and HOW to rebuild your creative rhythm so you can design, post, and tattoo without feeling like you’re crawling through mud. 1. Slow Season Drains Creativity — Here’s Why A. Overthinking replaces inspiration When bookings slow, artists start questioning everything:“Am I good enough?”“Is my style dying?”“Should I change what I draw?” This kills creativity faster than bad linework. B. You’re mentally overloaded Admin. Taxes. Supply ordering.The freeze-and-thaw cycle of unpredictable income.The emotional weight of client communication. Your brain has no room left for imagination. C. Winter literally reduces dopamine Fewer daylight hours = reduced drive.Pair that with slow season stress?Recipe for burnout. D. You stopped feeding your visual library Artists forget that creativity isn’t spontaneous.It’s fueled by:• reference gathering• studying other art• taking photos• exploring themes• playing with ideas If your library is empty, your brain is empty. 2. Creativity Needs Structure — Not “Motivation” Waiting for inspiration to strike is the biggest lie artists are told. You don’t need motivation.You need a system that consistently generates ideas. Here’s where to start: 3. The 5 Rut-Breaking Methods That Actually Work 1. The 20-Minute Constraint Method Set a timer.Pick one subject (a moth, a dagger, a rib cage, a flower).Draw 5 variations.No perfection allowed. Constraints create creativity.Every time. 2. Speed Flashing 30 minutes.Fill a page with 10–15 flash designs. This trains your brain to output ideas instead of fighting for the “perfect one.” 3. Style Swapping Take something you always draw — and redesign it in a style you don’t use. Blackwork → ChicanoFine line → bold traditionalRealism → sketchbook lineworkBotanical → Y2K abstract This forces your brain to wake up. 4. Reworking Old Tattoos Pick an old tattoo you did 1–3 years ago.Redesign it with your current skill level. This is the fastest way to:• build fresh portfolio pieces• see your progress• reignite your excitement• post engaging content 5. Monthly “Style Day” One day a month, you tattoo ONLY what you want. Flash.Sketchbook concepts.Experimental pieces.Personal projects. One day of creative freedom = a month of renewed energy. 4. The Business Side of Creativity Here’s something most artists don’t realize: **Your creativity IS your marketing. Your creativity IS your content.Your creativity IS your sales funnel.** When you protect your creativity, you protect your income. Treat your creative process like you treat:✔ booking✔ invoicing✔ tattoo prep✔ portfolio curation✔ your hours It’s not “extra.”It’s essential. 5. Scripts for Communicating Creative Ruts to Clients If you need flexibility or extra prep time, use this: “I want to give you my best work, so I’m taking a little extra time on your design. You’ll have everything you need before your appointment — thank you for your patience.” Clients love honesty + professionalism. 6. Final Reminder Creative ruts don’t mean you’re done.They mean your system needs fuel, boundaries, rest, and structure. You don’t have to wait for inspiration.You build it. And you can rebuild it anytime.
How to Stop Overworking the Skin: A Beginner’s Guide
Overworking the skin is one of the biggest mistakes apprentices make. It leads to: • patchy results• blown-out lines• raised or textured healing• scarring• muddy color retention Here’s how to keep your client’s skin calm, clean, and intact. 1. Understand What Overworking Is Overworking = breaking the epidermis faster than it can handle, usually from: • excess passes• inconsistent pressure• slow hand movement• bad stretch• too-deep needle penetration If the skin is angry, shiny, or mushy — you’re overworking it. 2. Use a Proper Stretch Most overworking comes from poor stretch.Without tension, your needle bounces and digs. Triangle stretch → flat skin → fewer passes. 3. Watch Your Speed Slow hand + slow machine = trauma.If you’re working at a slow hand speed, increase your machine’s voltage slightly. 4. Limit Passes If you need more than 2 smooth passes, the problem is technique or angle — not pressure. Stop, pause, reassess, then go back in lightly if necessary. 5. Use Gentle, Non-Stripping Cleansers Harsh soaps irritate the skin and make overworking worse.A gentle formula like Cleanse: • removes plasma + ink• calms inflammation• doesn’t dry out or strip the skin• keeps the canvas workable Less irritation = fewer passes = less trauma. 6. Know the Signs You Must Stop Immediately If you see: • foggy/milky appearance• shiny “chewed” areas• bleeding that increases instead of decreases• mushy texture Stop. Let the skin rest. Move to another area. 7. Work in Smaller Sections Beginners try to tattoo too much at once.Break the tattoo down: • outline → small sections• shading → top to bottom• color → lighter to darker Your control increases and trauma decreases. 8. Respect Skin Types Thin skin, older skin, and dehydrated skin all require: • lighter pressure• quicker passes• gentler technique When in doubt, go softer. 9. Don’t Scrub When Wiping Scrubbing = micro-tears.Wipe gently, lift pigment, don’t dig. Cleanse helps here too — it wipes away excess without friction.
The Surprising Things That Fade Tattoos — and How to Prevent It
Most people think tattoos fade because they’re “old,” but fading is almost always the result of how you treat your skin. Some of the biggest tattoo-fading culprits are things people don’t even realize they’re doing. Here’s what actually makes tattoos blur or lose vibrancy — and how to keep your ink looking crisp for years. 1. UV Exposure (The #1 Enemy of Every Tattoo) The sun is the biggest reason tattoos fade. UV rays break down pigment molecules and weaken the dermis, causing colors to dull and lines to blur. How to prevent fading:• SPF 30–50 on healed tattoos• reapply every 2–3 hours outside• avoid tanning beds (they destroy ink) Black and color tattoos both fade — color just shows it faster. 2. Dry Skin Makes Tattoos Look Dull When the surface layer of skin is dehydrated, it turns: • flaky• tight• uneven Light scatters differently across dry skin, making tattoos appear washed out even if the pigment underneath is fine. Consistent moisturization keeps your tattoo clear and vibrant. 3. Over-Exfoliating or Using Harsh Products Retinol, exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA), scrubs, and strong soaps can fade tattoos over time because they increase cell turnover at the surface. This doesn’t “erase” the tattoo, but it makes the top layer thinner and disrupts how the ink appears through the skin. Prevention:• avoid exfoliants directly on tattoos• use gentle cleansers• don’t scrub healing ink A pH-balanced, non-stripping wash like Electrum Cleanse is ideal when a tattoo is fresh and vulnerable. 4. Picking, Scratching, or Over-Washing a Healing Tattoo A healing tattoo is basically an open wound. Anything that removes scabs or disrupts healing can pull pigment out with it. Common mistakes that cause fading in the first week: • scratching itchy tattoos• picking flakes• using hot water• overwashing with harsh soaps• “letting it dry out” Healing tattoos need a gentle routine, not aggressive cleaning. 5. Friction From Clothing Areas that constantly rub (ribs, ankles, hips, under bra straps, socks, waistbands) can fade faster simply because pigment gets irritated over time. What helps:• breathable fabrics• avoiding harsh seams• proper moisturization• giving fresh tattoos space to heal 6. Poor Aftercare in the First 72 Hours Most long-term fading begins in the first few days, not years later. If the barrier is damaged early by: • overwashing• harsh soaps• tight clothing• sleeping on your tattoo• dirty environments …it can permanently affect how well the ink holds. Gentle cleansing and protecting from friction are the biggest factors in this early window. 7. Natural Skin Aging Even the best tattoos soften slightly over time, because: • collagen breaks down• skin loses elasticity• lines aren’t as sharp• cell turnover slows This is normal human biology — but how well you treat your skin determines how fast it happens. Sunscreen, moisturization, and avoiding harsh products will keep tattoos looking fresh much longer. How to Keep Tattoos Looking Sharp for Life • Wear sunscreen, even in winter• Moisturize daily• Use gentle cleansers• Avoid excessive exfoliation• Don’t pick at healing tattoos• Minimize friction• Keep skin hydrated from the inside out Tattoos don’t fade because they’re doomed.They fade because life, environment, and habits affect the skin. Treat the skin well, and the ink stays vibrant for years.
Linework Troubleshooting: 20 Problems and How to Fix Them
Linework is the foundation of tattooing — and it’s also the first thing to expose a beginner’s technique. If your lines feel shaky, inconsistent, or unpredictable, you’re not alone. Here are the most common linework problems apprentices face and exactly how to fix them. 1. Wobbly Lines Cause: No anchor point / floating handFix: Plant your pinky or side of your hand. Create a tripod with your grip. 2. Shaky Lines Cause: Death grip / over-caffeination / poor breathingFix: Relax your hand. Exhale during long pulls. Take breaks. 3. Inconsistent Line Weight Cause: Uneven speed or pressureFix: Maintain a steady machine speed and keep your hand movement consistent. 4. Lines Not Reaching the Dermis Cause: Shallow depthFix: Adjust hand angle, stretch tighter, and ensure the needle is hanging out properly. 5. Blown-Out Lines Cause: Too deep, too slow, or no stretchFix: Tighten your stretch and increase speed so you’re not dwelling in one spot. 6. Scratchy Texture Cause: Slow pulls or dragging needlesFix: Increase voltage slightly. Avoid dragging — let the machine do the work. 7. Patchy Lines Cause: Lifting too early or inconsistent saturationFix: Take slower pulls. Keep your machine angle consistent. 8. Double Lines Cause: Stencil movementFix: Let stencil fully dry before tattooing. Avoid leaning your hand on fresh stencil. 9. Lines Not Connecting Cause: Poor planningFix: Map your stroke direction. Tattoo from solid-to-open space. 10. Needle Clogging Cause: Heavy inks + slow cleaningFix: Rinse frequently, wipe less often, run the needle through Cleanse between dips. 11. Skipping Lines Cause: Poor stretch or tough skinFix: Triangle stretch. Flatten the skin before starting the pull. 12. Dragged Circles Cause: Pulling the whole circle in one goFix: Break circles into 3–4 segments. 13. Uneven Curves Cause: Overshooting during turnsFix: Move your body, not just your wrist. 14. Flicking Out Lines Cause: Lifting too fast at the endFix: Slow your lift. Finish with purpose, not panic. 15. Blowouts on Thinner Skin Cause: Using the same pressure everywhereFix: Reduce depth + lighten touch on wrists, ankles, inner arm, etc. 16. Chewed-Up Skin Cause: Overworking linesFix: One confident pass. If needed, do a second pass after a few minutes. 17. Ink Spreading Under Stencil Cause: Heavy globs of ointmentFix: Use less. Let stencil and skin fully dry. 18. Uneven Black Packing Near Lines Cause: Wrong needle groupingFix: Use proper liners for lines + mags for fill. 19. Needle Drag in Long Pulls Cause: Low-quality cartridges or poor membrane tensionFix: Use cartridges with consistent tension — like Fire — for smooth pulls. (Fire Cartridges note: Their stabilized membrane and tight grouping help with consistent hand speed and cleaner line flow. That’s why apprentices notice fewer skips and wobbles with them.) 20. Lines Look Great at First… Then Heal Thin Cause: inconsistent depth or timid pressureFix: Commit to the line. Confident pressure, solid stretch, steady speed.
About the Electrum Blog:
From tattooing's past to the future, the team of artists and shop owners at Electrum share their perspectives and knowledge on everything tattoo industry.
A few of the things you'll find in our blog posts:
- Business and Industry Insights: advice and ideas for tattoo business growth, current industry trends and strategies for attracting clients, whilst managing a full schedule.
- Compliance and Safety: Information regarding regulatory compliance and our mission to produce safe, compliant inks.
- Product Information: Details about our specific products.
- Interviews and Events: Discussions and recaps from industry events.
