FLOWER COVER UP TATTOO, originally uploaded by lasterstattoos.
The actual process of getting a tattoo works like this. First comes the outlining or ?black work?. By using a single-tipped needle and thin ink, usually black, the artist creates a line over the stencil outline. Most tattooists start at the bottom of the right side and work up so they don’t smear the stencil outline when cleaning the excess ink from the newly laid line.
Next comes the shading. After cleaning the area with soap and water, the tattoo artist uses a thicker ink of the color of choice, also usually black, and a variety of needles to create an even, solid line. Improper shading technique during this part of the tattoo process can cause shadowed lines, excessive pain and delayed healing.
Then comes the ?laying in? of the color or colors. The artist cleans the tattoo and then overlaps each line of color to ensure solid even hues. They will fix uneven areas where color has lifted out during the healing process to keep the tattoo from looking spotty.
