A Seven Round

I've now been tattooing short of seven months. Here are some more skills I am noticing:

1. I finally feel comfortable lining. But I have yet to feel comfortable continuing a line over four inches.

2. A seven round is great. The guys compare it to driving a 4x4. (I've been using a 5 for half a year).

3. My left hand is way more sensitive to the vibration of the needle going in the skin. I'm almost feel like if I have any doubts of needle depth, I could close my eyes - but, obviously, that won't happen.

4. Listening to the altered sound my machine makes when it goes into the skin (resistance) is also a great indicator.

5. The strength in my right hand has doubled.

6. Some color ink washes require more drops of ink than what you're used to with a standard grey wash. And when doing tribal, plasma will slowly dilute your pure black (thanks Big G).

7. I need to fully embrace the concept of warm and cool colors.

9. I'm beginning to know, from all angles, where my shader (9 mag) will leave ink. I can't get exactly up to the line every single time, but 70% of the time I can.

10. The smell of your hands after working with your machine is manly.

11. I find myself concentrating on equal depth, steady circles, and even placement when applying a light wash.

12. When the guys in the shop talk about needle grouping, I actually know what they're talking about.

13. I completely skipped number 8.