How to Design a Tattoo That Flows With Your Body: An Artist's Guide

How to Design a Tattoo That Flows With Your Body: An Artist's Guide

Michael Hollman
You're in the planning stages of your next tattoo, thinking about the subject matter, the style, and the size. But there's one crucial, often-overlooked element that can elevate a good...
How to Choose a Color Palette for Your Tattoo: A Complete Guide

How to Choose a Color Palette for Your Tattoo: A Complete Guide

Michael Hollman
You're working with your artist, and you've landed on the perfect design. Now comes one of the most exciting parts of the creative process: choosing the color palette. The colors...
How to Thank Your Tattoo Artist (Besides Tipping)

How to Thank Your Tattoo Artist (Besides Tipping)

Michael Hollman
You've just finished a session with your tattoo artist. They've poured hours of their skill, creativity, and intense focus into a permanent piece of art on your skin. You've given...
Can You Use Numbing Cream on Your Face for a Tattoo? A Safety Guide

Can You Use Numbing Cream on Your Face for a Tattoo? A Safety Guide

Michael Hollman
Getting a face tattoo is one of the boldest and most significant commitments a person can make in the world of body art. It's a powerful statement of identity that...
What to Do When Your Tattoo is Finished Peeling: The Final Stage of Healing

What to Do When Your Tattoo is Finished Peeling: The Final Stage of Healing

Michael Hollman
You've made it through the most challenging part of the tattoo healing process. The initial soreness is a distant memory, and the maddening, itchy, peeling phase has finally come to...
How to Heal a Large, Solid Blackout Tattoo: A Complete Guide

How to Heal a Large, Solid Blackout Tattoo: A Complete Guide

Michael Hollman
There is no tattoo style as bold, dense, and committed as the solid blackout. Whether it's a full sleeve, a leg, or a chest panel, a blackout tattoo is a...
What to Eat Before a Long Tattoo Session: A Guide to Fueling Your Ink

What to Eat Before a Long Tattoo Session: A Guide to Fueling Your Ink

Michael Hollman
You're preparing for a big tattoo session. You've picked your artist, finalized the design, and you're mentally getting ready for the time in the chair. You've likely thought a lot...
What is "Whip Shading" in Tattooing? A Guide to the Technique

What is "Whip Shading" in Tattooing? A Guide to the Technique

Michael Hollman
As you delve deeper into the world of tattoo art, you'll start to hear artists and collectors use specific technical terms. One you'll often hear, especially in styles like American...
How to Care for a Lip or Inner-Mouth Tattoo: A Complete Guide

How to Care for a Lip or Inner-Mouth Tattoo: A Complete Guide

Michael Hollman
Inner-lip and inner-mouth tattoos are the ultimate secret statement. They are a fun, rebellious, and deeply personal piece of art that you get to choose exactly when and with whom...
A Guide to Geometric and Mandala Tattoos: The Art of Precision

A Guide to Geometric and Mandala Tattoos: The Art of Precision

Michael Hollman
In the world of tattoo art, few styles are as mesmerizing, intricate, and deeply symbolic as geometric and mandala tattoos. These designs, built from a foundation of perfect lines, repeating...
What Does "Overwork" the Skin Mean in Tattooing? A Guide to Healing

What Does "Overwork" the Skin Mean in Tattooing? A Guide to Healing

Michael Hollman
You're in the tattoo chair, and the session is underway. You might be getting tattooed by an apprentice and you hear his or her mentor mention that the skin is...
Can You Use a Tanning Bed with Tattoos? A Guide to Protecting Your Ink

Can You Use a Tanning Bed with Tattoos? A Guide to Protecting Your Ink

Michael Hollman
You've invested in your body art, and you've also invested in your appearance. For many, a golden tan is a part of their aesthetic, and a tanning bed offers a...