how is a tattoo done ?

Question

i know its with a needle, but do the put all the needles in simaltaneously or is it one by one. how do they get the colour of the tattoo. i will be getting one, but i am so scared. i'm geting one on my arm, so how painful do u think it will be on a scale of 1 to 10.
is there anything which can be done so that i dont feel as much pain, such as numb cream. i've got my ear pierced a few yrs ago and that didn't hurt one bit

Answer 1

To do a tattoo, the artist uses a tattoo machine...not an ink gun or any other name. The needles attach to the machine with a thin rod called a "needle bar" through the portion of the tattoo machine called the "tube" which is the part that looks like a fat pen. Only the tips of the needles stick out of the end of the tube when the machine is running. They only stick out a little...about the same as the thickness of a US nickel or a UK pound coin.

The needles are moved back and forth (which makes them go in and out of the skin) by the head of the machine. This is the part that makes the buzzing noise.

Outlining is done with 3, 5, or 7 needles (mostly) that are bunched together in a very tight circle. 1 needle is used occasionally for super fine lines, but it is quite uncommon. Shading is done with 5 or more needles and they are arranged different ways...in a circle, a flat line, or staggered (called a "magnum"). Each shape has a different use like different shaped and sized paint brushes each have different applications.

The artist dips the tip of the tube in the ink and starts drawing like one would using a fountain pen or calligraphy pen. As the ink is used, the artist dips the tip for more ink. Outlining is just that...making a smooth continuous line. Most people find this to be the more painful part of the tattoo process. Shading is using the machine to either fill in solid fields of color, or like painting where one uses gradual changes in color and shadow for depth , shape, texture, and light. Because the machine used for shading tends to run a little slower than for outlining, and because the needles used are a bit more spread apart, the sensation of shading and filling in tends to be less intense than the outlining.

Yes, the needle penetrates the skin...yes, there is generally bleeding...yes, it hurts
No, it's not going to make you pass out...no, numbing cream will not make any difference
Honestly, if it was *that* painful, all the people out there who have tattoos would not have tattoos right now. There's way too many to use the excuse of "well, some people are into pain" either...some, but not as many as have tattoos, I guarantee it!

Answer 2

ok ear piercing is a little different than a tattoo...and hurts more than going to the mall and getting an ear piercing gun put up to your ear.

outlining is a series of 4 to 6 needles that are inserted into your skin....shading is 10-12 needles that are inserted into your skin. They go 1/16" deep into your skin...basically immediately below your dermis. All are done with a tattoo machine.

Regarding the pain that you feel. Many artists will not touch you if they know that you used cream. Cream takes about 1 hour to work and lasts for approx 30-40 minutes. Also requires a prescription from the doctor...

I would recommend doing some homework re: the artist and the process before going in to get one done.

Answer 3

They use an ink gun. There are different size needles. Smaller needles are used for doing detail. The colors you want will be put into the needle. The lower arm and lower leg hurt less than the upper arm and upper leg. Take someone with you to talk to, that can help keep your mind off the pain. For more info go to TLC's website, click on the Miami Ink page and go to Kat's corner. She's a tattoo artist and she has tips. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

i have a lot of tattoo work done. it hurts in my opinion but it's bearable. you could probably call around to some tattoo shops and ask if it is possible to come in and see someone get a tattoo. some places have an open tattooing space like on miami ink, others have separate rooms.

here is what i got from wikipedia:

The most common method of tattooing in modern times is the electric tattoo machine, which inserts ink into the skin via a group of needles that are soldered onto a bar, which is attached to an oscillating unit. The unit rapidly and repeatedly drives the needles in and out of the skin, usually 80 to 150 times a second.

The modern electric tattoo machine is far removed from the machine invented by Samuel O'Reilly in 1891. O'Reilly's machine was based on the rotary technology of the electric engraving device invented by Thomas Edison.

Answer 5

Hello: Its plenty like being capable to decorate your self, but additionally like having a work of artwork for your frame that folks can "understand" some thing approximately you via. Yes, a tattoo will make you cooler considering the fact that you're so optimistic that you are going to desire a photo of Homer Simpson dancing a foot tall for your again...rattling thats cool. The indisputable fact that it's there endlessly makes it a facet of you. Mind you I am no longer pierced or inked (but at the moment one) I desire this is helping Rev Phil

Answer 6

they use an ink gun. it's one needle with ink on the tip that is repeatedly put into your skin over and over again very quickly. well if getting your ears pierced didn't hurt then this shouldn't either. it depends on how big you want the tattoo and where you put it. if you get it on your arm it's not that painful. just have fun with it and dont worry!

Answer 7

i suggest you watch miami ink on tlc that way you can see it for yourself..