Tutorials
HOW TO TATTOO STRAIGHT LINEs in different directions
HOW TO TATTOO STRAIGHT LINEs in different directions
In this lesson. I’m going to be expanding on what we covered in lesson one. Why is it important to learn how to tattoo in different directions? Well that’s a really good question. Look at any tattoo out there on the internet. Almost all the tattoos are made up of lines that go in all sorts of directions.
So, what’s the difference when we change the direction of the line and why have I dedicated an entire lesson to this one subject? The answer is simple, I want to teach tattooing in a way that helps you understand every aspect and gives you confidence in every angle possible. We’re going to start getting our hands and arms used to tattooing in different directions then through repetition we’re gong to embed the techniques in our minds and muscle memory. In this lesson we’re going to be btattooing a load of boxes. We are going to be tattooing each box A to B, B to C, C to D then completing the square D back to A (image 17). As we do these lines it’s really important to be constantly thinking about our 5 key skills:
1. A to B in one motion and practice (image 18). Practise doing the line without actually putting the machine into the skin, this confirms we have the full range of motion and are in a comfortable position.
2. Hand and machine positioning (image 19). Remember that the angle of the machine ever so slightly affects were the ink will be deposited under the skin.
3. Entry and exit of skin (image 20). Let’s make sure were not stabbing into or out of the skin but instead using the gradual and smooth start and finish to the lines.
4. Hand and machine speed (image 21). Remember they both work side by side, we need to be tattooing at a comfortable hand speed so make sure the machine is adjusted accordingly.
5. Stretching (image 22). Finally, its hard to replicate on the mats but always be aware that we would be stretching the skin.
Again, to begin with, for every line you tattoo I want you to explain what you’re doing to yourself out loud, and keep repeating this until these key skills become second nature.
One of the things that we can do to help in any direction is remember not to allow the fingers to do the tattooing. What I mean by this is don’t keep the hand stationary and move the machine with the fingers. Instead we want to be locking the hand and fingers into position and moving the entire arm gliding across the top of the skin. This can feel strange at first but it really does improve your line work. And will also help eliminate any wobble if you suffer from it.
Lines in different directions
So enough of the theory, lets get on with the lesson!
Line A to B: Line A to B is exactly the same as the one we did in Lesson 1. So that should be pretty straightforward!
Line B to C: For line B to C the only difference, in theory, is the direction. However, let’s think about the angle of the machine. If we keep the same arm position as A to B the machine is now at 90° to the line (image 23). If we stay in this position we just need to be aware that the ink could be deposited ever so slightly above the line. Wherever possible you want the machine to be going in the direction of the line, so here we can turn our arm 90° (image 24), then the machine will be going in the same direction as the line.
Now this is not always possible, sometimes it’s just uncomfortable or feels awkward, so you need to do it in the position you find most comfortable and as long as you have the understanding of how the angle of the machine can change where the ink is deposited, then you’ll be fine
line c to d: Let’s look at line C to D. This time instead of pushing the needle we’re now going to be pulling the needle towards us. Why did I focus on pushing the machine in lesson one and not explain pulling? Well, it was for a good reason. I actually believe that pushing the machine is always better for beginners to learn first. Most people find it more difficult to push a line as opposed to pulling a line, also when you are pulling the line the hand and machine often cover the view of the stencil. This makes it harder to see where you need to go. When pushing we can always see the stencil as clear as day. However if you keep thinking about your 5 key skills and keep practicing you’ll do fine.
line d to a: Obviously line D back to A is the same as B to C just in reverse. Again, find a position that is comfortable for you and remember to think about the angle of the machine and how this affects where the ink is deposited.
Brilliant. So what I want you to do now is complete all the squares on the stencil (image 25). Keep thinking about the 5 key skills and keep explaining what you are doing out loud.
I want to stress to you again just how important these little simple drills are. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking because they’re so simple that they’re easy to get right. It’s because they are so simple that they clearly show every error and detail, there’s nothing to hide or disguise any mistakes. So please, if you have any little wobbly parts, or little areas going off the lines here and there, don’t stress over it. It’s lesson two on what’s going to be an epic learning journey, so just take each lesson as it comes and enjoy the entire process. Throughout this course you’re going to be tattooing in every direction. However, I really do suggest constantly working on the areas you’ll feel less comfortable in. If after this lesson you find pushing the line harder than pulling, then really focus on practicing pushing and vice versa.
