As a veteran of the tattoo industry, I’ve come to understand the importance of using high-quality tattoo supplies. From the sharpness of the needle, the vibrancy of the ink, to the reliability of the tattoo machine, each piece is critical to crafting a beautiful, enduring piece of body art. In this blog post, we’ll be focusing specifically on one of the most important supplies in our toolbox: tattoo inks.
When I began my journey into the world of tattoos decades ago, tattoo ink was largely limited to a basic set of colors and qualities. Today, however, tattoo ink has evolved significantly both in its color palette and chemical composition. Let’s explore why this evolution has been crucial and why investing in premium tattoo inks can take your tattoo artistry to the next level.
The Evolution of Tattoo Inks
One of the most significant changes in the continuity of tattooing is undoubtedly the expansion and refinement of tattoo ink. Just two decades ago, tattoo artists were limited to primary colors, black, and white. Complex tattoo designs requiring subtle color blending or unique shades were almost impossible to achieve. However, the global tattoo ink industry has studied this underdeveloped area and innovated accordingly.
Today, we can choose from a kaleidoscope of colors – pastels, neons, metallics, blacks with different undertones, and whites that provide softer or starker highlights. More than just expanding the rainbow we artists can create with, this expansion has also improved the chemical composition of the inks.
In my early years, I remember being cautious about tattoo inks’ environmental impact and potential to cause allergic reactions in my clients. But in today’s world, many high-quality inks are now vegan-friendly and made with non-toxic, organic ingredients that are safer for the environment and significantly reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction.
The Quality Difference
So, why should you invest in high-quality tattoo ink?
I remember the first time I used a quality tattoo ink, the vibrancy and luminosity it provided were in sharp contrast to the basic inks I had been using. The difference in the lasting power was evident too.
Quality tattoo ink, besides being well pigmented, is also more durable. Tattoos done with quality inks tend to fade less, maintaining their vibrancy and clarity years down the line. This quality also affects the experience of tattooing. Good tattoo ink has a smoother consistency that flows from the tattoo machine and colors the skin more efficiently.
Choosing Your Ink
There are many reputable tattoo ink brands in the current market, making it sometimes challenging to choose the best one. My advice is to stick with trusted, well-known brands that are open about the ingredients in their inks and might also provide batch numbers. Brands like Intenze, Eternal Ink, and Fusion are personal favourites of mine in terms of range, quality, and consistency.
Another factor to consider while buying tattoo ink is the color palette. Some brands may specialize in more vibrant hues, while others may provide meticulously formulated and distinctive shades of black, critical for grayscale or black and gray tattoos. It really depends on your art style and overall preference.
One last tip from my personal experience is always to buy smaller bottles when trying a new brand or color. This way, you can test the efficacy and suitability of the ink without making a hefty investment.
Concluding Thoughts
In essence, the evolution of tattoo ink has contributed significantly to the growth and depth of tattoo artistry. The wide availability of diverse, high-quality inks now allows artists to manifest their creative visions more accurately and vibrantly on the skin. As an artist, investing in quality tattoo supplies, especially tattoo ink that best suits your needs, will undeniably elevate your artwork and promote a safer and healthier tattooing ecosystem. It’s as much a win for you as it is for your clients, and the beautiful world of tattoos.
