Do you want to take tattooing as a hobby? Or you might be interested in starting your tattooing career. Are you wondering what do I need to start tattooing at home safely? Tattooing has become a popular art form, and an increasing number of beginner-friendly tattoo kits are available on the market. However, with numerous options to choose from, being able to find the right tool can seem like finding a needle in a haystack. This is especially true for those new to tattooing.
Ahead, we will break down the key components of an ideal beginner's tattoo kit. From various types of tattoo guns, practice skin, needles, and inks to safety tattoo supplies, we will discuss everything you need to know to start your tattooing journey.
Tattoo Machine: The Heart of the Kit
As an aspiring tattoo artist, the tattoo machine you select will impact your ability to create high-quality tattoos. That’s why choosing the right machine is important for your success. Tattooing is a sophisticated form of art that requires precision, control, and a deep understanding of the tools you are using. The tattoo machine can take your artistry to the next level. Two types of machines are commonly found, including coil machines and rotary machines. They differ in their mechanisms of operation and the type of feel they provide. For beginners, starting with a rotary machine is often recommended. These are generally lighter, easier to handle, and provide a smoother motion than coil machines. This makes them more appealing for beginners and can help you develop your technique without feeling overwhelmed.
However, coil machines can also be suitable, especially for those with experience in other artistic fields. They offer more versatility, making them perfect for certain styles of tattooing.
Ultimately, the best tattoo machine will depend on your preferences, experience level, and the style of tattooing you want to specialize in.
What Tattoo Needles Should a Beginner Use?
Tattoo needles come in various sizes and configurations, and each has its own specific purpose. Let's learn more about the configurations:
- Round liners: The pins in round lining needles are arranged in a round pattern. These are ideal choices if you want to practice dot work, lining work, script, and lettering.
- Round shaders: The pins are not placed as close as those in round lining needles. You can consider these for basic shading and color filling.
The size of a tattoo needle affects how much ink flows. For example, #8 (0.25 mm) is a smaller size needle, ideal for intricate work. The most common needle size is #10 (0.30 mm), which you can use for most tattoo styles. #12 (0.35 mm) needle size offers faster ink flow and is perfect for creating bold lines and color shading large areas. The right size depends on the design and style you want to create.
Essential Safety Supplies
A beginner tattoo kit must contain essential safety supplies and sterilizing equipment. Tattooing involves needles and blood, making it extremely important to prevent the transmission of bloodborne diseases. Ensure the kit comes with all the necessary supplies that help you provide a safe tattooing experience for your clients. Here are the essential safety items you should look for in a beginner-friendly tattoo kit:
- Gloves: Disposable gloves help protect you and your clients from bloodborne pathogens and germs.
- Green Soap: It’s another safety supply you need before and after tattooing. It helps eliminate dirt, remaining inks, and bacteria.
- Disposable Tips: It’s a hygienic solution that helps prevent cross-contamination during tattooing.
- Ink Cups: Ink cups are containers that hold ink during tattooing. Disposable ink cups help maintain a sterile environment for your inks.
- Sterilizing Sprays: You will need these for disinfecting surfaces and tattoo equipment before and after the tattooing process.
Necessary Tattooing Accessories
Now that we have discussed all the essential items a beginner-friendly tattoo kit should contain, it's time to discuss the must-have accessories. If you want to create a complete set-up and make the tattooing experience complete, look for these necessary accessories:
- Power Supply: Tattoo machines require a power source to function. The source converts AC power into DC power and controls the machine's voltage.
- Foot Pedal: It provides more precise control over the machine's speed. This allows you to adjust the speed depending on the design's specific needs and the client's comfort level.
- Stencil Paper: It transfers the design from the paper onto the skin and allows you to create an accurate tattoo outline.
- Stencil Spray: As you work, the stencil paper can shift, so you need a spray to secure the stencil in place and prevent it from moving.
- Needle Holders: You will need these to create a clutter-free workspace where you have easy access to different needles.
- Practice Skin: Beginners can greatly benefit from practicing on artificial skin. This allows them to develop their skills and techniques before working on real clients.
Make sure your kit has all these accessories that help you ensure a successful tattooing experience in a professional setting.
All Focus on Tattoo Inks and Their Quality
Quality tattoo inks ensure your design will be long-lasting and retain its original color over time. Using high-quality inks helps ensure you produce professional-looking tattoos that will stand the test of time. You don’t want to invest in low-quality inks that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Plus, low-quality inks will likely cause the tattoo design to fade soon. Follow these tips on choosing quality inks:
- Choose tattoo inks from reputable brands to ensure quality and safety.
- Look for sterile inks to ensure they are free from contaminants.
- Check the ingredients list of the tattoo ink. Ensure the inks are made with quality pigments and free from harmful additives.
- Make sure the tattoo ink is FDA-certified. Choose inks that are compliant with the FDA standards.
Lastly, determine whether you need water or oil-based tattoo inks. Both have their own pros and cons. Choose the one depending on your specific tattooing needs.
Practice Materials: Fake Skin
As an aspiring tattoo artist, it's not only mandatory but also ethical to hone your skills using tattoo practice skin. Tattooing is a beautiful form of art that involves human skin. Such a permanent change must be approached with care. Tattoo practice fake skin allows you to practice as much as you want.
Tattooing is a complex art that requires mastering various techniques. Even if you are an experienced tattoo artist, you must constantly refine your skills to maintain high standards. Fake skin offers you the freedom to experiment with different techniques without the pressure of working on real skin.
Stick and Poke Tools: An Alternative to Machine Kits
As an aspiring tattoo artist, the idea of hand-poked tattoos might excite you? Stick and poke is a great alternative to machine tattooing, especially for beginners. It's simpler and more accessible, as it does not involve a complex tattoo machine.
The process involves dipping a needle into ink and poking it into the skin. This hands-on approach can be rewarding and satisfying, too. A stick-and-poke tattoo kit contains the same essentials as a machine tattoo kit, such as needles, ink, stencil paper, and a grip. The primary difference is that it does not require a tattoo machine or a power supply.
Mychway's Tattoo Kits
Mychway’s comprehensive tattoo kits are ideal for beginners and professional tattoo artists alike. Not only do they offer versatility, but they are also convenient to work with. The kit comes with a wireless cartridge needle pen power supply, meaning you don’t need to feel restricted by cords. This freedom of movement allows you to tattoo more comfortably and precisely. The kit contains the following:
- Cartridge needles
- Non-slip handle
- Power supply
- Power cord
- RCA cable
- Grip cover
- Hand switch
- Ink cartridges
- Tattoo inks
- Cups
- Practice skin
- Tattoo transfer papers
- Disposable gloves
If you prioritize comfort, Mychway's kits are your go-to solution. Their tattoo machine is comfortable to hold, lightweight, and sturdy.
Professional Tattoo Kits vs. Affordable Beginner Tattoo Kits
Professional tattoo kits should include quality components like premium tattoo machines, ink, and needles. They may also feature adjustable power supplies or ergonomic designs. Investing in professional kits can lead to better performance and long-term value for beginners. They allow you to hone your skills, experiment with different styles, and create more professional-looking tattoos. However, these kits can be significantly more expensive for beginners.
While affordable beginner tattoo kits do not have all the bells and whistles of professional kits, they are enough to learn the basics. As you gain experience and confidence about working on human skin, you can upgrade to a more advanced kit.
Final Thoughts
Beginning your journey as a tattoo artist requires the right supplies. A comprehensive tattoo starter kit for beginners should include a high-quality tattoo machine, needles, a power supply, a foot pedal, stencil paper, and sterilizing equipment. These supplies and accessories provide beginners with the tools to create high-quality tattoos and a safe working environment.
