Dennis Nowakowski - Learn the art of Tattooing - Become a Tattoo artist

Dennis Nowakowski

Learn the art of Tattooing

Become a Tattoo artist

The easy start

1st edition 2020

© / Copyright: 2020 Dennis Nowakowski

Cover design, illustration: Dennis Nowakowski

Cover/Photo © / Copyright: Valeska Harrer

Publisher: Dennis Nowakowski

Dennis Nowakowski

Dinnendahlstr. 43

46145 Oberhausen

E-Mail: tltw@dh-tattoo.de

This work including all contents is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Reprinting or reproduction (also in extracts) in any form (print, photocopy or other process) as well as storage, processing, duplication and distribution by means of electronic systems of any kind, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the express written permission of the publisher. All translation rights reserved.

Table of contents

About the author About the author Dennis Nowakowski, born 1976 in Oberhausen NRW, unmarried without children, is a trained carpenter, media operator and tattoo artist. For many years he kept his head above water with jobs that would turn out to be useful for his career. At a young age he discovered his passion for inking and drawing. Comics sparked his passion for developing his own stories and to transform them into pictures and speech bubbles. Working as a carpenter gave him insights into technical drawings and perspectives which he was able to implement in his comics. Later he worked as a show advertising designer, where light and presentation were important. Here, he adopted the knowledge he had learned for his private passion as well. Then came the retraining as a web designer, which was a huge leap forward. Modern media inspired him to new ideas and the implementation of his comic projects. Image processing programs, graphics tablet and the internet made it much easier for him to publish his own works. Enthusiastic about his drawing achievements, a good friend took him by the hand in 1999 and initiated him into the basic knowledge of tattooing. From scratch, Dennis learned how to solder needles, apply colors and shades, use the machines correctly, change motifs and much more. The required starting capital and the amount of time needed was not to be underestimated. Previously trained on pork rind or synthetic skin, he eventually got his first customers, which required patience and perseverance. Free of charge and in his spare time his work developed into acceptable results, which attracted more and more people. Stressed by his regular work and the rush of new clients, Dennis took a creative break for half a year. After the exclusion criterion of various people who simply wanted to be tattooed free of charge, he continued with loyal customers who at least paid him for the materials and appreciated his work. So he learned how to deal with customers and their demands on tattoos. His work developed further. At the end of 2014 came the point where he wanted to change his career. So he asked his friend Harald, who had tattooed for over 30 years, if he was interested in opening a tattoo studio with him. Enthusiastic about the idea, they got down to work. At the beginning of 2015 they opened their studio called Tattoo in Oberhausen. After some obstacles which just come with the self-employment, the first year passed by. More and more people became aware of Dennis' work. Sometimes even some of Harald’s customers switched to him, which Harald was quite happy with, because his schedule was bur tattoo at the seams. A solid partnership developed, which still exists today. The former beginner and the veteran exchange their knowledge in a professional way and stand by each other faithfully in the service of the art of tattooing.

Introduction Introduction Is it even possible to write a book about tattooing without visual aid? I was confronted with this question and, despite critical voices, I answered it with an unequivocal “Yes.” If somebody wants to learn this profession, he should be able to visualize things. With novels or audio books it works just as fine. The only difference is that you need to be able to visualize it for yourself. If you are not able to do this, you can’t advise a client who has a very specific idea of his tattoo motif. If you look around the internet or bookstores, you will find a lot of books, DVDs and Blu-Rays that deal with the topic of tattooing. Unfortunately at not very affordable prices, which discourages most buyers. Therefore I have set myself the goal to write a book that really anyone can afford.

Why this book?

I want to become a tattoo artist - How do I start?

Everyone inks differently

Find a place to start

Quality has its price

Don’t hesitate

Talent helps - but it is not everything

A standard education helps

Skin is not paper

The right equipment

My tip:

Draw everything by hand

Transfer to the skin

Preparations

Ink and other little things

A solid tattoo machine

Power supply and foot switch

List of materials

Conclusion

Coil machine, rotary or pen?

A little story

Which criteria are important?

What is Hub?

How fast does the tattoo machine have to run?

Types of needles

Roundliner

Roundshader

Magnums

MT and LT

My advice for beginners

Conclusion

Disposable tips or reconditioning?

Ink and shades

Which colors do I need?

Color Consistency

It's a slimy affair

Shades

Color or shading?

Mixing colors in the skin or in the pot?

An eye for detail

Some methods for implementation

The simple case

The more complex case

A tip on the side

10 mistakes you should avoid

Mistake #1 - The wrong setting

Mistake #2 - tardiness and rejection

Mistake #3 - The wrong way to deal with customers

Mistake #4 - Poor advice, too high price

Mistake #5 - Wrong place, incorrectly applied

Mistake #6 - Bad timing, no material

Mistake #7 - Too rough, too deep

Mistake #8 - No breaks, no food

Mistake #9 - Too impatient, miscalculated

Mistake #10 - Poor care advice

Useful tips

Stay healthy

Use moist cloths

Bend the needles

Ink depth and machine speed

Circles, up and down

Work speed

Cleaning in between

Watch out for flashes

Optimal settings

If the needle stirs

Dilute the colors

Glide better

Let it dry

Don’t go over the same spot too many times

Think big

Don't stop and be jealous

Practice makes perfect, if you like

Check if you have talent

The first time

Here we go

Comfortable and relaxed

In peace lies the strength

Ready

Faint, what to do?

The right care

Everyone says something different

Healing time

Portraits, the supreme discipline

Portraits are not the work of the devil

Size and body part

Draw correctly

A little tip

Two important rules

Shading gradations

Stitch depth and speed

Tattoo artists on TV

The right way to deal with customers

Customer types

The price pusher

The Sceptic

The Know-It-All

The decisive customer

The talkative type

The quiet type

The artistic type

The questioner

The appointment forgetting type

The loyal customer

Your own tattoo studio

A good location is a good location

Don't be a lone wolf

Little by little

Stay Positive

Scheduling

Tasks at hand

A healthy balance

Outrageous customers

Be consistent

Schedule

Conclusion

Legal and financial affairs

Secure yourself

Get a business account

A cash book

Do you also accept card payments?

Everything depends on your sales