Tattoo News& Stories
Articles, interviews, style guides, and studio updates from across the TattooNOW network — every post written by a real working tattoo artist or studio.
60 recent posts
Don't miss the Paradise Artist Retreat this year! David Cheifetz will be teaching an imaginative painting workshop to help you break out of creative ruts! Get your tickets today.
Day 2 in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari shrine was cool. Too many people though. Finished the day off with my first ever “Omikase experience” at Gion sushi Faro. Might be the best dining experience I’ve ever had. I’ve had 2 meals here so far that riv
Awesome night for @maxa_billion and me. @easymoneysniper and I are pretty tight now. We’ve been texting for days. He loves my fadeaway. go grizz!
A couple of still shots from Friday at @richmondtattooconvention Collab with my buddy @kjaketattoo He did all the drawing. I just showed up and took credit.Maybe we’ll finish it some day. Down with the help of our friends at @firesidetattoo
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So I have this horrible tattoo. It's actually already a coverup, and sort of an unfinished jailhouse coverup, if you can imagine that. It's got big areas that aren't shaded or anything, just outlin…
Ask Guy, June 2013: What about this scar?
This month I'm taking a look at work by Rusty Dornhecker of Red Tree Gallery in Columbus, Ohio. Rusty was a tattooist around 20 years ago, but (he feels) under the wrong circumstances and the wrong…
This month I'm critiquing Oliver Wong, who works in the Bay Area but has apprenticed in part with the great Just Shao of Shanghai, China. I recently had a chance to do a collaborative tattoo projec…
The work we're looking at today is by Mason of Blue Tattoo Cafe in San Diego, CA. He says: "Being a self taught artist of three years and a shop owner, I never pass on the opportunity to have anoth…
Lines and Edges: A Critique Example The tattoo that I'm critiquing for the Lines & Edges example is by Cecelia, who was asked by her client to do a "Mother Nature" type piece that represents the pr…
We are well into the second year of taking questions of all sorts from both artists and collectors, and have had many questions about improving overall tattooing. I think the best format for this i…
Welcome to this month's edition of Ask Guy, where I've been taking your most challenging questions over the past several years, and trying to make sense of them. For this past year the column has b…
Many of you have been asking about collaborations, since multiple artist tattooing has become a popular and successful experience for many tattooers. There have been a lot of high-profile collabora…
Critiques are a long-standing tradition among artists, especially in academic settings. Outside the classroom it's sometimes hard to get an honest critique aimed at helping rather than tearing down…
This month I'm taking a look at the work of Colin Byrne of DC Tattoos in Ireland, who aims to be a versatile artist who can work proficiently in many styles. Colin has been a client of mine for sev…
I'm always excited to do a critique, since there's generally such a positive response from everyone. I'm especially grateful to the individuals who are willing to come forward and have their work c…
from Wile: As a new tattooer to the industry, how do you go about sticking to a style when it isn't popular in your area? I'll give you my situation as an example. In my area traditional tattoos ar…
, from Robert: Hey Guy, I know you've done a lot of collaborations with other artists like Paul Booth and Jack Rudy. I work in a shop with some other pretty decent artists and we're starting to tal…
Welcome to the latest installment of Ask Guy, where I'm taking questions from both artists and collectors about all questions relating to the tattoo art form. I'm hoping that with my 26 years in th…
From Jennifer: Hello, I have severe acne scaring on my back, shoulders, & chest. The scars are older & smoothing out (15+ years). Can deep pitted skin be tattooed? If so how do I go about finding a…
I've gotten a great variety of questions ranging from artistic to professional to healing concerns, and I've been enjoying the diversity of conversation. This month, though, I'd like to touch on so…
Welcome to the third installment of my column, Ask Guy, where I'm responding to questions from both artists and collectors. Tattoo Magazine has generously provided me with the space to share these …
Welcome to the second installment of my column, Ask Guy, where I'm responding to questions from both artists and collectors. I want to thank Tattoo Magazine for providing the space for me to do thi…
As seen in Tattoo Magazine, December 2012
So I went in to try to apply for a tattoo apprenticeship, and basically they told me that flamer like me has no place in the tattoo industry and would never be able to break in. They were the only…
I have been tattooing for about 15 years and I am well-known in my area. I do well and I am also a High School Art teacher of 23 years. Unfortunately my shading does not have a smooth transitioni…
When im tattooing and the tattoo requires to use a solid black in some areas, the tattoo doesn't look damaged or swollen when it's fresh, but when it starts to heal it tends to look damaged- a heav…
I'm still early into my apprenticeship although I am pleased with my progress, im am still looking for a really light gray wash, i want to use a really light gray and get more values into my tattoos.
I'm having a real problem with blowing people out, left and right... any advice?
I've been tattooing close to a decade now and one of the things I still have trouble with is getting black in tribal tattoos to lay down smooth and in as few passes as possible. I've watched artist…
I have a question about clientele approach...
Sometimes when I am tattooing an outline I notice the needle sometimes sticks in the skin of who I am tattooing. Am I not using the correct amount of power to outline the tattoo?
I'm tattooïng for five years now. When i put in color, i always have to give it a second pass after three weeks, when the tattoo is healed, because it's never bright and smooth enough. Doesn't…
What is the proper way of obtaining a apprentice ship. when you have no tattoo experience but quality art work.
I was wondering about reactions to red pigments and any solutions to the very difficult heal that comes from it...any advice on severe reactions to red inks?
I've been tattooing about 5 years now and feel I've hit a barrier. I want to push myself in new artistic directions. Other artists at our shop seem to be happy doing only traditional and Oriental s…
, from Ryan: I'm a little over 6' tall and I find it extremely difficult to tattoo without leaning over. Because of this I've developed constant back strain that even multiple different chiropracto…
, from Dale: Hi Guy! I am a collector and have had 3 tattoos now for about 15 years. In the last year, I decided to update my current tattoos and add to them to create much larger more elaborate bo…
, from Ryan: What is your take on tattoo schools? Ive been drawing forever and have been seeking an apprenticeship for about a year. Most tattoo artists I speak to say the school will ruin my chanc…
A lot of artists I know are switching to disposable tubes. I have tried them a couple times and am not sure if I like them. What's the deal with disposable tubes, and do you recommend them?
I'm fifty and want another tattoo. I went to a shop on the Islands and the artist I spoke with made a negative reference to older skin. I decided not to work with her. I am not a sun worshipper, bu…
From Alex: I’ve had four tattoos done now by the same artist here in town. It’s a good shop and I like the work I’ve been getting so far. The last session was a little weird thoug…
I am a apprentice and i was taught also to work with the least amount of voltage. Sometimes when i set my voltage low and the machine sounds good, when doing the tattoo colour it seems like the nee…
I was wondering what type of markers you use to draw on the skin? Your drawing are fairly well detailed before you begin... how do you get it to stay on for long periods? I'm having trouble finding…
Layering colors seems to be an effective way of getting a painterly look to your tattoos, but how do you know when the skin has had too much before you start chewing it up and running the risk of s…
Do you use a power suply with digital readout? If so, what would be your typical power settings for lining, shading and coloring? If you use this type of power unit, I'd appreciate your suggestions…
I would like to talk to someone about becoming a tattoo artist. How would I go about doing it? How did you get started?
I wondered if you have any good idea how to handle the skin on those more sensitive areas, i.e. the inside of the elbow joint/lower arm, the shoulder just above the crease of the armpit, the back o…
I know this has nothing to do with education, but I'm curious. I've heard your name pronounced ten different ways... what's the right way?
<p>Tattoos can be painful, varying by location and individual pain tolerance. Less painful areas include upper arms and calves, while more painful spots include the ribs and neck. Preparation is key.</p>
<p>Booking a tattoo appointment involves gathering ideas, sending inquiries, consulting with an artist, making a deposit, and preparing for the session.</p>
<p>Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience, but what you do after you leave the studio is just as important as the tattoo itself. Proper aftercare plays a huge role in how your tattoo heals, how it looks in the long run, and how well your skin recovers from the process. A fresh tattoo […]</p>
Awarded by SF gate and voted for by the public Best Tattoo shop in San Francisco Award-winning tattoo shop, together we’ve won over 25 awards for tattooing! Castro Tattoo
<p>If you’re looking for a tattoo that truly stands out—something personal, expertly crafted, and built to last—Creative Ink Tattoo Studio in Keene, New Hampshire, sets the standard. Choosing the right tattoo shop isn’t just about convenience; it’s about trusting artists with your vision, your story, and your skin. Here’s why Creative Ink continues to be […]</p>
<p>Overview When it comes to tattoos, ink choice matters more than most people realize. While there are endless color options available today, black ink continues to be the most popular and trusted choice. This article explains why black ink stands out and why many artists and clients prefer it. What Is Black Tattoo Ink? Black […]</p>
This year, we’re honored to welcome Tim O’Connor—known online as @toc_tattoo—as part of our featured seminar series. Tattooing out of 10 Thousand Foxes Tattoo, Tim has built a ...
<p>How to Choose a Good Tattoo Shop: 10 Things Every Client Should Check Before Getting Tattooed Choosing the right tattoo shop is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before getting tattooed. A great shop doesn’t just produce amazing artwork—it also prioritizes safety, professionalism, and a comfortable experience for every client. With thousands of […]</p>