First time using a machine -- lining help needed

Hi yall, this is my first attempt tattooing (I know it sucks and is shaky). Some parts of my outline look really inconsistent and unsaturated -- I can see the individual needle marks rather than a consistent single line. Any advice is helpful -- using 03RL (ignore the shading -- I know its terrible but I did it just for fun. really want to focus on lines first) Thanks

Oh wow.....kudos to you for actually posting this pic....my first bit of advice is to not use a 3rl....go with a 9rl which is a lot more forgiving, small groupings will show every shake and wobble and you will get discouraged very quickly.
As for your effort with this one, seeing each individual needle line is usually a sign of not going deep enough or your machine isn't hitting hard enough. Your lines are very shaky, this is usually a sign that you are using your hand instead of your arm to move the machine, try to lock your hand into position and then move your arm from the elbow.
Personally I think you should draw some straight lines and some circles on practice skin and practice getting consistant depth and when you get that right, do it again and again before attempting to do an actual tattoo design.
I would never have had the courage to post my early attempts at tattooing, hopefully people with more knowledge than me will lead you on the correct path .

There’s a guy on YouTube that has put a decent course together that will give you a step-by-step guide to solving all of these problems, and explain why you do certain things the way you do (or should do).

I have no affiliation to him (Ben Fisher) at all, I just think it’s a great place for any real beginner to start. He does have a North English accent, (which I like), but may be weird to non-UK listeners, you’ll get used to it

This is lesson 1 - ‘Straight line’:

Get some better fake skin too

Hi, you'll get better so here are my tips:
- position your fake skin in the best way for you to keep your hand motion flowing, do some ghost moves to see if your motion won't be disturbed along the actual lining
- as already said, your hand needs to be locked and guided by your arm/elbow. It should touch thr fake skin to eliminate some machine
vibration, but not rest on it or else it won't glide.
- try to do some tattoo designs hyper clean with markers on paper, it'll tell you if you're stressed-shaky or if you just need to work more on your drawing skills. Don't spend your time using fake skin, ink and needles if you can't pull a decent line on paper, it's a must.

A majority here had shitty results over their first try, don't take it bad, it's totality normal.
I admire your courage, as you posted it here to ask for criticism, plus you finished the whole design even with such bad lining, kudos!!!

Peace,

DKJ