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...

What is "Green Soap" in Tattooing? An Insider's Guide

Michael Hollman
Tagged: design
If you've spent time in a tattoo studio, you've probably seen your artist using a squirt bottle filled with a golden-green, soapy liquid throughout the session. This ubiquitous product is...

How Do Tattoo Machines Work? Coil vs. Rotary

Michael Hollman
Tagged: design
You're in the tattoo chair, and you hear it: the iconic, loud, buzzing sound that is the universal signal of a tattoo session beginning. That sound comes from a tattoo...

What is a "Freehand" Tattoo? A Guide to Ultimate Custom Art

Michael Hollman
Tagged: design placement
You're in a tattoo consultation, discussing a large, flowing piece like a sleeve or a back piece. Your artist mentions that for this to work perfectly with your body, they'd like...

Blackwork vs. Black and Grey Tattoos: A Guide to the Styles

Michael Hollman
Tagged: design
You're scrolling for inspiration, and you know you want a tattoo without color. You're drawn to the timeless, classic look of black ink. But as you look deeper, you realize...

A Beginner's Guide to the Most Popular Tattoo Styles

Michael Hollman
When you first decide, "what tattoo should I get?" the subject matter is only half the battle. The other, equally important decision is the style in which it will be...

The Art of Preservation: 5 Rules for Keeping Tattoos Vibrant for Decades

Michael Hollman
Tagged: design longevity
A tattoo is one of the few things you will own for your entire life. It's a permanent investment in art, memory, and personal expression. When it's fresh, the lines...
The Godfather of Flash: Who Was Sailor Jerry? - No Pain Tattoo

The Godfather of Flash: Who Was Sailor Jerry?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: design
When you walk into a tattoo shop and see the walls covered in bold, iconic designs—swallows, skulls, pin-up girls, and majestic eagles—you are looking at the legacy of one man:...

What to Do if You Don't Like Your Tattoo Design: A Client's Guide

Michael Hollman
Tagged: design
It’s a moment of pure awkwardness. You're at your tattoo consultation, and your artist shows you the custom design they've created. Your heart sinks. It's just not what you wanted....

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...

Can You Ask an Artist to Tattoo in a Style That Isn't Theirs?

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist design
You've found a tattoo artist with a great reputation. They're professional, their studio is clean, and you love their personality. There's just one problem: their portfolio is filled with bold, beautiful...

What is a Tattoo Convention? And How to Getting Tattooed There

Michael Hollman
Tagged: artist design
You see it advertised online or on a poster at your local studio: a huge tattoo convention is coming to town. The event promises hundreds of world-class tattoo artists, live tattooing,...