Electrum's tattoo culture blog
Electrum's Tattoo Culture Blog
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.
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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.
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.
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.
How to Get a Tattoo Apprenticeship in 2025 (Without Selling Your Soul or Getting Scammed)
So you want to be a tattoo artist in 2025? That’s amazing.But let’s get one thing straight from the start: There is no official “Apply Here” button.Tattoo apprenticeships aren’t handed out like college acceptances. You can’t just DM your favorite artist and expect to be welcomed with open arms. You have to earn it.With your art. Your attitude. And your ability to show up and shut up (with respect). Here’s exactly how to do it.
The 7-Step Sanitary Station Setup (So You Don’t Get Roasted on TikTok)
For new tattoo artists who want to work clean, stay legal, and keep clients safe. Your station is the foundation of your practice—not just how it looks, but how it protects. Whether you're setting up at a street shop, a private studio, or your first apprenticeship, these 7 steps will help you meet (or beat) health board standards and avoid the kind of viral videos no one wants.
You’re Not Supposed to Be Good Yet: Apprentice Imposter Syndrome 101
If you’re in an apprenticeship and feeling like a total fraud—you’re not alone. You might be staring at your shaky linework thinking, “Why am I even doing this?”“I’m never going to be as good as my mentor.”“They probably regret taking me on.” First of all: Breathe.Every artist you admire started here. And no—you’re not supposed to be good yet.
Can You Work While You Apprentice? (And What to Expect Financially)
Let’s be real:Tattoo apprenticeships don’t come with a 401(k), a steady paycheck, or health benefits. In fact, most of them come with zero income and plenty of expenses. So, can you work a job while you apprentice?Short answer: Usually, yes. But it’s complicated.
10 Questions You Should Ask Before Starting a Tattoo Apprenticeship
So you want to be a tattoo artist? Sick. But before you say yes to an apprenticeship—or drop a few thousand bucks—you need to ask the right questions. Why?Because not all apprenticeships are created equal. Some are solid mentorships that launch great careers. Others are overpriced, abusive, or… let’s just say questionable. These ten questions will help you spot the difference before you're scrubbing tubes for two years and learning nothing.
What Tattoo Suppies to Upgrade First When You Can’t Afford to Upgrade Everything
Every artist hits that point: your setup works… but barely. Your back hurts, your stencils slide off, your ink looks like it came from a gas station. You want to level up—but your bank account said, “be serious.” Here’s the realistic, not-sponsored, artist-approved guide to what you should actually upgrade first when money’s tight.Prioritized by: Client safety → Tattoo quality → Artist health.
Tattoo Shop Etiquette: What Every Apprentice Should Know (But Is Too Scared to Ask)
Because “just clean stuff” isn’t exactly a job description. Getting into a tattoo shop as an apprentice is exciting—and terrifying. You’re surrounded by experienced artists, intimidating tools, and a million unwritten rules no one explained. If you’re constantly wondering “Am I doing this right?” or “Are they mad at me?”, you’re not alone. So here it is: the etiquette guide you wish someone handed you on day one. Straightforward, respectful, and based on real shop experience—not TikTok myths. 1. Don’t Wait to Be Told to Clean—Just Clean If there’s dust on a baseboard, wipe it. If the garbage is 60% full, take it out. Tattoo shops need to be sterile, and nobody wants to ask you to do what’s obviously gross. Pro Tip: Re-cleaning something that already looks clean is part of the job. Get used to it. 2. Learn Everyone’s Routine Without Asking Watch how the artists set up their stations. See what grip tape they use. How many rinse cups they pour. When they like their coffee. Learn to anticipate. Don’t ask “Need help?”—just quietly do what you know they need. 3. Say “Good Morning” and “Good Night” It’s basic, but you'd be shocked how many apprentices treat the shop like a side quest. Greet everyone when you arrive. Say goodbye when you leave. You’re part of the team now. 4. Stay Off Your Phone (Unless You’re Filming Content They Asked For) Scrolling Instagram while your mentor is scrubbing tubes? Bad look. If you're not actively working or learning, ask what you should be doing. Use your downtime to restock gloves, refill paper towel, clean flash frames—anything. If you’re filming content for the shop, great! But ask before posting. 5. Don’t Touch Someone’s Station Without Permission Even if you think it’s just a towel. Even if it looks abandoned. Tattoo stations are treated like sterile zones. If you touch something while it’s being set up, you might’ve just cost that artist 20 minutes of rewrapping and re-cleaning. 6. Your Job Is to Learn—but Also to Watch, Listen, and Shut Up Sometimes You’ll have questions. That’s good. But there’s a time and place. Don’t interrupt a stencil application to ask what kind of liner someone’s using. Take notes and ask when there’s a break. ✍️ Keep a notebook. Write things down. Refer to it before asking the same question twice. 7. Know That Every Artist Teaches Differently Some mentors will micromanage you. Others will throw you into the deep end. Neither is wrong. Your job is to adapt, stay respectful, and show up with a good attitude—even if you’re washing tubes for the fifth time today. 8. If You Don’t Know—Ask. If You Mess Up—Own It. Mistakes happen. What matters is how you respond. Don’t lie. Don’t hide it. Be honest, fix what you can, and show that you’re paying attention. That builds trust faster than trying to act perfect. 9. Be Useful—Even If No One’s Watching Clean the bathroom. Mop behind the door. Restock the stencil paper before it runs out. When your mentor sees that you’re thinking ahead, that’s when real responsibility follows. 10. Don’t Tattoo at Home. Don’t Tattoo Without Permission. Period. This one is sacred. No kitchen tattoos. No scratching on friends. No “just practicing” on yourself. Your mentor is investing in your growth. Respect that. 🔥 Tattooing before you’re ready is not only dangerous—it’s a fast way to lose your apprenticeship. 🙏 TL;DR: Tattoo shop etiquette isn’t just about being polite. It’s about being aware, proactive, and humble. The best apprentices become the best artists—not because they knew everything, but because they knew how to listen, show up, and earn trust. Looking for supplies that won’t embarrass you in front of your mentor?👉 Check out Electrum's beginner gear picks here
Beginner Tattoo Gear Picks: What You Actually Need to Start Tattooing
A no-BS guide to getting your station together—without wasting money or pissing off your mentor. If you’re just starting out as a tattoo apprentice (or prepping to go pro), the internet will try to convince you that you need a $2,000 machine, 48 ink bottles, and a ring light the size of the moon. But real ones know: the best artists start with clean fundamentals, not flashy extras.
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.
