As a seasoned tattoo artist and supplies dealer, I journeyed through countless ink bottles, trying different hues, and experiencing the progression they’ve undergone over the years. Tattoo inks, a crucial component and arguably the lifeblood of the industry, carry an artistic and expressive potential that transcends the mundane. So, let’s dive a bit deeper into this essential tattoo supply, which, with a deft hand and a creative mind, can create masterpieces on skin.

It all starts with color. Tattoo inks are to us what paints are to a painter. Imagine looking in your box of tattoo supplies and confronting a bland or limited palette. The diversity of color in today’s tattoo inks is astounding and brings the possibility of creating almost any design. The past decade has seen a drastically improved quality and vibrancy of colors, allowing us more freedom in our artistry.

In the beginning of my career, the ink options were limited. Black, of course, was the backbone of every tattoo shop, accompanied by primary colors and a handful of secondary ones. Today, my eyes gleam at shelves lined with an entire spectrum, from soft pastels to sharp neons. Now you can find hues as specific as ‘Lemon Yellow’, ‘Cherry Bomb Red’ or ‘Galaxy Blue’.

Not just colors, the quality of inks has significantly progressed as well. When centrifugal mixers were introduced to manufacture tattoo inks, the industry got a powerful tool to create smoother ink, leading to better saturation and less trauma to the skin. My personal favorites are companies like ‘Eternal Ink’, ‘Starbrite’, and ‘Fusion’, which have shown consistent high-quality performance over the years.

Navigating through the vast ocean of tattoo inks, I’ve learned that three main aspects should be considered when choosing an ink: Vibrancy, Flow, and Longevity.

1. Vibrancy – This refers to the ink’s visual impact on the skin. It is determined by the pigment’s concentration. Higher pigment concentration results in more vibrant colors, but it might also make the ink thicker and harder to work with, which brings us to the second aspect.

2. Flow – Good flow is crucial for an even distribution of pigment under the skin. The ink needs to be thin enough to flow smoothly from the needle, yet thick enough to hold the pigment. Finding this balance is key.

3. Longevity – Last but not least, a long-lasting color keeps the artwork vibrant and fresh over the years. Nowadays, most decent inks have great longevity, but sun exposure, skin type, and aftercare play critical roles too.

Remember, as this is an industry that is relatively unregulated and lacks official oversight, it’s vital to purchase tattoo supplies from reputable sources. Inferior or counterfeit inks could be harmful, cause allergic reactions, and generally produce low-quality work. Always stick to known brands and established suppliers to ensure you’re getting a safe, high-quality product.

On my journey as a tattoo artist, getting to know these inks was not just a technical process, it was a deeply artistic and personal one. I remember the first time I used ‘Lining Black’ Ink from ‘Intenze’. The richness of the black, and how smoothly it laid into the skin was like a breath of fresh air. Since then, it’s been my trusted companion in every piece of my black-and-grey work.

Moreover, venturing into the vegan ink territory was another milestone for me- not just in adding something new to my tattoo supplies and catering to clients’ needs, but it also showed an evolution in the industry towards more ethical practices.

In conclusion, choosing the right tattoo ink is an art in itself, requiring knowledge, experience, and a bit of intuition. The industry has come a long way, with innovations in color variety, quality, and ethical production. As artists, we are living in an exciting era of endless possibilities, all the while creating a lasting impact on people’s lives through our art.

Choosing the right ink might seem overwhelming at times, but it doesn’t have to be. Trust reputable brands, consider your personal preferences, and your clientele’s needs. Every new bottle of ink is an opportunity to learn, grow, and create more amazing art. Each one tells a story, coloring the world one tattoo at a time.

I hope this insight into tattoo inks, drawn from my long love affair with the industry, will guide you in making informed choices. Always remember, our art is as good as our tattoo supplies. Happy Tattooing!