Hi everyone, I'm Katie, I'm a lifelong artist, a nurse of 15 years and a brand new aspiring tattoo artist! I have 11 professional tattoos and as of 2 days ago I'm sporting my first self made one! It's not half bad for a first attempt but I am definitely eager to learn how to do better! I'm happy to be here!
Introducing myself!
- Starter Katiekate
- Start date
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Hi and welcome Katie, show us the one you did! 
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- Starter
- #3
I definitely tore it up in areas and some blowouts have developed over the past few days but I don't hate it. It was my first time so much as holding the machine!
howdy from Texas...that's a chewed up tattoo!!! hope the healing isn't too painful. Lots of great lessons in that one.
couple questions to ask yourself...
why so much time in spots?
why such random shading?
what needles, what machine, what voltage, what ink, how long? What did you struggle with, what felt natural? We're a learning site and the more you give us with each attempt the more we will try to help you progress.
we all have first tattoos...yours is better than mine was.
couple questions to ask yourself...
why so much time in spots?
why such random shading?
what needles, what machine, what voltage, what ink, how long? What did you struggle with, what felt natural? We're a learning site and the more you give us with each attempt the more we will try to help you progress.
we all have first tattoos...yours is better than mine was.
- Starter
- #6
Complete inexperience in every category is the explanation for its chewed up nature for sure. This was my very first time even turning the machine on, admittedly I have no idea what I'm doing, which is why I was my own guinea pig ? I let the design get away from me for sure, and blowouts have continued over the last few days, ugh
So I guess I need an education on voltage for lining, I definitely struggled with needle depth too! I've hot some studying to do and will happily take links and reading/watching suggestions!
So I guess I need an education on voltage for lining, I definitely struggled with needle depth too! I've hot some studying to do and will happily take links and reading/watching suggestions!
so much information on here if you just search...or ask specific questions.
what machine are you using?
What needles did you use?
what voltage were you running...because there is a huge spectrum of correct voltage but if we don't know what you're using we can't even guess.
and finally, this is the hard one, why would you put something permanent on your body if you have ZERO experience? Why not practice, learn, and treat yourself better than that??
what machine are you using?
What needles did you use?
what voltage were you running...because there is a huge spectrum of correct voltage but if we don't know what you're using we can't even guess.
and finally, this is the hard one, why would you put something permanent on your body if you have ZERO experience? Why not practice, learn, and treat yourself better than that??
- Starter
- #8
TexasPT it was pure overconfidence, or even arrogance to think I could just pick up a machine and draw onto my skin like I can on paper, I'll own that for sure!
I have a Hawink Pen style machine, I used the round liners and shaders that came with it, and I operated the machine at around 7-8 volts I believe. It was trial and (so many) errors! I definitely went too fast, and too deep in many spots. I think once it's healed I'll just recognize it as the start of my tattooing journey and a humbling experience (indeed).
I'm here to learn and grow, and I have a long way to go!
But, I'm a full time mom of three and nurse, so I don't have the option of apprenticing at a local shop to learn, its here, YouTube and other online resources for me for now
Thanks for your input!
Katie
I have a Hawink Pen style machine, I used the round liners and shaders that came with it, and I operated the machine at around 7-8 volts I believe. It was trial and (so many) errors! I definitely went too fast, and too deep in many spots. I think once it's healed I'll just recognize it as the start of my tattooing journey and a humbling experience (indeed).
I'm here to learn and grow, and I have a long way to go!
But, I'm a full time mom of three and nurse, so I don't have the option of apprenticing at a local shop to learn, its here, YouTube and other online resources for me for now
Thanks for your input!
Katie
- Starter
- #10
I'm working on year 16!
My tattoo is healing rough, I deserved that, it's been humbling for sure
Katie
My tattoo is healing rough, I deserved that, it's been humbling for sure
Katie
I'm working on year 16!
My tattoo is healing rough, I deserved that, it's been humbling for sure
Katie
in the beginning I had healing that scared me...and scarred me.
Keep it hidden as much as you can initially. Trust me on this one.- Starter
- #12
I'm definitely prepared for scarring! Not my prettiest piece by any means!
And I thought it looked so nice 
Sierrac11
Basic
Hi Katie,
Do you mind me asking what kind of art mediums you have done prior to tattooing? I am a nurse of 5 years myself and enjoy art in my free time. I am seriously considering working to become a tattoo artist also. I am a mom also!
Welcome.....read, watch and learn....read the posts on here, watch youtube videos (some are really good, some are bad) It's all a learning experience.
Your tattoo isn't the worst that I have seen, the good thing about it is that the colour will fade very quickly because it's not very well packed, and you can redo it when you're more experienced.
Your tattoo isn't the worst that I have seen, the good thing about it is that the colour will fade very quickly because it's not very well packed, and you can redo it when you're more experienced.
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