Things You'll Need:
- Tattoo machine
- Gloves
- Ink
- Ink cups
- Needles
- Sterilization methods
- Bandage
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Step 1
Sterilize your equipment. You can buy an autoclave which is a sterilization machine that is also used in hospitals. This will kill any germ that could possibly exist on your tattoo equipment.
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Step 2
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and then use a new pair of surgical gloves with each customer. Sterilization and cleanliness is of the utmost importance in order not to spread germs. This is just as important for you as it is for the customer.
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Step 3
Wash and disinfect the customer in the area they want the tattoo. If that area happens to be covered in hair you are going to have to shave it off. It will also be easier for you to see what you are doing without hair in the way.
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Step 4
Have your customer choose a tattoo from some designs you have. You should have a book of tattoo's that you are capable of creating that your customer can browse through and choose from.
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Step 5
Draw the customer's choice on their skin first. This is your outline.
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Step 6
Begin your permanent black lines. Start at the right bottom and work your way up so that the line doesn't smear. If you're left handed start on the left side and work you way up. Clean the skin.
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Step 7
Add shading and clean the skin again. Shading uses a thicker ink to make your lines more visible.
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Step 8
Finalize the tattoo with color. Use a different needle for color and fill in your tattoo. You may have to wipe blood away several times while doing this step so you can see if there are any spots that you have missed.
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Step 9
Give the tattoo area another cleaning and cover with a bandage. Bleeding should stop within a few minutes.
