How to Prepare for a Tattoo Touch-Up Session: A Complete Guide

Michael Hollman
Your tattoo has made it through the tattoo healing stages, and it looks fantastic. However, upon close inspection, you've noticed a couple of tiny imperfections—a small spot in a black area...

What is the Best Placement for a Small, Hidden Tattoo?

Michael Hollman
You've decided you're ready for a new tattoo. You know the design you want—something small, personal, and meaningful. But you're not looking to make a loud public statement. You're searching...

Can You Get a Tattoo on Your Palm? A Guide to a Difficult Spot

Michael Hollman
In the world of tattooing, there are certain placements that are considered the final frontier—the ultimate test of a client's pain tolerance and a testament to an artist's skill. The...

How to Handle Swelling on a New Ankle or Foot Tattoo: A Survival Guide

Michael Hollman
You've just gotten a new tattoo on your foot or ankle. The art looks incredible, but within a few hours, you notice something dramatic: the area is incredibly swollen and...

A Guide to Healing a Tattoo on Your Side or Ribs

Michael Hollman
A tattoo on the ribs or side of the body is a powerful and beautiful choice. The way a design can flow with the natural curve of the torso creates...

Can You Get a Tattoo if You're Underweight? A Health and Safety Guide

Michael Hollman
You're ready to get a new tattoo. You've found an artist, planned your design, and you're excited to get started. But you have a specific concern related to your body...

How Do Artists Keep Their Lines So Straight? A Guide to the Art of the Perfect Line

Michael Hollman
You're in the tattoo chair, watching your artist work. They take a deep breath, and with a single, fluid motion, they pull a perfectly straight, crisp, and unwavering line across...

What Does It Mean to "Pack" Ink in Tattooing?

Michael Hollman
You're in the chair for a new tattoo. The linework is done, and now it's time for the color or the deep black shading. You hear your artist say they're...

What's the Best Clothing to Wear Over a New Tattoo?

Michael Hollman
You've just left the studio with a new tattoo. You've been given your aftercare instructions, and you're focused on how to care for a new tattoo. But there's a practical detail...

Does Tattoo Ink Expire? A Guide to Safety and Vibrancy

Michael Hollman
You're in the chair, watching your artist prepare their station. You see them pouring vibrant colors into small caps, and a question might cross your mind: Does tattoo ink expire? It's...

A Guide to Healing Tattoos in High-Friction Areas (like the Inner Arm)

Michael Hollman
Some of the most popular and aesthetically pleasing tattoo placements are also the most difficult to heal. The inner bicep, the inner thigh, the hip, and the ditch of the elbow...
How to Make Sure Your Lettering Tattoo is Legible: A Complete Guide

How to Make Sure Your Lettering Tattoo is Legible: A Complete Guide

Michael Hollman
Words are powerful. A lettering tattoo—whether it's a single meaningful word, a loved one's name, or a favorite quote—is one of the most personal and timeless forms of body art....