Why Following Your Artist’s Aftercare Instructions Matters

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare artist
You’ve just finished your session. The tattoo artist has created a beautiful piece of custom tattoo art, and you’re thrilled. Before you leave, they hand you a sheet of paper or...

What to Do if You Feel Uncomfortable at Your Tattoo Appointment

Michael Hollman
Tagged: aftercare artist
You did all your research. You had a great tattoo consultation and you were excited for your appointment. But now you're at the studio, and something feels wrong. Maybe the artist...

How Tattoo Artists Use Negative Space in a Design: A Guide to the Art of What Isn't There

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist design
It’s a perfect time to be scrolling for inspiration for your next piece of ink. As you look at stunning, complex designs, you might notice that the most powerful tattoos...

What Happens if You "Tap Out" During a Tattoo Session?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist pain
You're hours into a long tattoo session. You've done everything right to prepare for tattoo pain, but you've hit a wall. The pain is becoming unbearable, you're starting to feel unwell,...

What is a "Shop Rate" vs. an "Artist Rate" in Tattooing?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist
You're in the planning stages of a new tattoo, and you're trying to figure out the cost. You've probably heard artists talk about their "hourly rate," but you might also...

How Do Tattoo Artists Set Up Their Station? A Guide to a Safe Tattoo

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist design health
You're in a professional tattoo studio, ready for your session. You see your artist meticulously preparing their workspace, tearing open sterile packages and carefully arranging their tools. This pre-session ritual...

How Do Artists Prevent Cross-Contamination? A Guide to Tattoo Safety

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist health
When you're getting a new tattoo, your focus is likely on the art, the design, and the pain. But the single most important factor in the entire process is something...

A Guide to the Best Tattoo Ink Brands: What Artists Use

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist
You're in the planning stages of your next tattoo, and you're focused on finding the right artist and design. But have you ever considered the most fundamental tool of the...

How Do Tattoo Conventions Work? A Pro's Guide to Navigating the Floor

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist design
You see it advertised online: a huge tattoo convention is coming to your city, featuring hundreds of world-class tattoo artists. It's a thrilling opportunity, but the environment is a world away...

How Do Artists Create a "Grey Wash"? A Guide to Black and Grey Tattoos

Michael Hollman
You're in love with the look of a black and grey realism tattoo. You're amazed by the smooth, soft, photorealistic shading that creates a sense of depth and dimension. But...

What is a Tattoo Apprenticeship? A Guide to Becoming a Tattoo Artist

Michael Hollman
For every person with a passion for tattoo art, the ultimate dream is often to become a professional artist. But the path from a sketchbook to a tattoo machine is...

How to Choose a Tattoo Artist for Your First Sleeve

Michael Hollman
You've made the decision. You're ready to move beyond smaller pieces and commit to the ultimate tattoo project: your first full sleeve. This is a massive and exciting undertaking, but...