No Pain Tattoo News & Tips: Numbing, Aftercare & Tattoo Advice
The Ultimate Guide to Scorpion Tattoos: Meanings, Styles, and Placement
(Banner image tattoo credit: Adam Defiglio (@acdpdx on IG). Tattooed at @historictattoo 2025) The scorpion tattoo is more than just a striking image. It is a profound symbol, an ancient...
What is a Halloween Flash Special? Your Guide to Spooky Ink & GWYG
(Banner Image: The Halloween GWYG machine at Historic Tattoo in Portland, OR) As the spooky season approaches, you might see your favorite tattoo studios buzzing with excitement about a special event:...
A Guide to Your First Tattoo on a Visible Area: Design, Jobs & Healing
You're ready for your first tattoo, and you're not interested in hiding it. You want a piece of art that you can see and enjoy every day—a bold statement on...
How Tattoo Artists Use Negative Space in a Design: A Guide to the Art of What Isn't There
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 is a "Color Test" in Tattooing? A Guide to a Safer Tattoo
You're in a tattoo consultation, discussing your first big color piece. You might mention to your artist that you have sensitive skin or are worried about a potential reaction to the...
The Art of White Ink: A Guide to Effective Use in Tattoos
White ink holds a certain mystique in the tattoo world. It can be used to create stunning, ethereal designs or the brilliant, high-contrast highlights that make a tattoo "pop." But...
What is a "Bloodline" Tattoo? A Guide to the Technique
You're in a consultation for a large, complex tattoo. As you and your artist are discussing the plan for a multi-session piece, they might mention starting with the "bloodlines." For...
How Do Tattoo Artists Set Up Their Station? A Guide to a Safe Tattoo
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...
What is a "Light Box" Used for in Tattooing?
You're deep in the process of planning a custom tattoo with your artist. They mention they're going to use a "light box" to refine the final drawing before creating your stencil....
A Guide to Color Theory in Tattoos: Choosing a Palette That Lasts
You're in the planning stages of a new color tattoo, and you're dreaming of a vibrant, eye-catching design. But how do you choose a color palette that will not only look...
How Do Tattoo Conventions Work? A Pro's Guide to Navigating the Floor
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
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...