Tattoo Techniques
A Basic Guide to Tattoo Techniques
Although it might appear as though all tattoos are made with a needle and some ink, there actually are different types of tattoo techniques. Depending on the kind of tattoo you want, and the area that you live in, it's possible that you will have to make the decision regarding what technique you want to use. The following is a general guide to tattoo techniques and the various methods that are currently being used.
The most well known and common of the tattoo techniques is the western method. This utilizes an electric tattoo machine. In some places, it is also referred to as a tattoo gun. This technique is employed in both the United States and Europe.
The tattoo machine has actually been in existence since 1876, although it has gone through a few modifications since then. Today, a dual coil system is used, although in the past it was a simple modified version of the autographic printer. It is ideal for the artist because it allows him to penetrate the skin with ink without having to actually move his hand in the process.
Another one of the popular tattoo techniques is the Japanese method of Tebori. This is tattooing by hand and it basically translates as "carving." The tool that is used is simple in design. It has a long thin handle with needles attached to it. It is often made out of bamboo.
The needles are basically dipped into ink and then inserted into the skin. When the skin is punctured using this method, it usually makes a sound referred to as "shakki." Different sticks with different numbers of needles are used by the tattoo artist in order to complete the design. Sometimes, as many as 30 different needles are required if the design contains a lot of coloring or shading. Because it takes longer, this technique is usually causes a little more pain.
The Polynesian method is also often used in tattooing. Sometimes, you might hear it referred to under different names, as the rituals, traditions, and styles are dependent upon the various Polynesian islands themselves. After all, there are many Polynesian islands including Fiji, Hawaii, Samoa, and even Easter Island. Each one has its own customs and traditions.
The tools that are used in the Polynesian method are referred to as the comb, rake, or chisel. The needles are usually comprised of bird bones, pigs' teeth, shark teeth, bamboo, or shells from turtles. They are typically attached to the tattooing instrument, which is most often called a rake.
Before the needles are inserted into the skin, the image is outlined. The ink is then applied by using another instrument to push the needles into the skin itself. There is usually an assistant present to help stretch the skin since the artist's hands are busy. In New Zealand, a chisel was used to cut into the skin. Once the skin was cut, then ink would be rubbed over the cuts in order to form the design.
For the most part, you are probably going to find the western method most prominent when it comes to tattoo techniques. However, when visiting other countries, don't be surprised if the techniques that you see don't always employ an electric gun and modern equipment.