Schedule and needle depth.

Yes, I'm tattooing! And I realize my schedule seems all over the place. So I'll be posting the current month or so over on the sidebar. I'm always trying to make extra time within the schedule for more tattoos. So even if I'm booked, I may be able to work something out. (especially if I like the idea)

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Now that's out of the way, I was struggling a bit about two months ago. By struggling, I mean I was tattooing people and my fades were getting awkward. Skin was getting more inflamed and splotchy than usual and I could tell my clients were hurting a little more.

I've no problem admitting a struggle. It's just an unusual profession where concealing problems makes sense. As confident as I am, I make mistakes. I have so much to learn.

I was worried. Immediately I attributed it to the big change in my schedule. That maybe all the traveling and less time spent tattooing was directly effecting my work. It made sense, but it's not really like me. So I asked around and did some research... what was the difference? Why an uphill battle now... three years in?

I even called my buddy Monte. It went something like this...

"So, Monte, I'm having troubles, man. Like out of nowhere."
"What's that?"
"Either I'm completely lost, or I'm chewing people up."
"Hahaha. Good!"
"Good?"
"Yeah good. Assholes like you just come in and are doing well off the bat. You need a little struggle."
"That's great advice, thanks."

We talked some more but the only thing that stuck was his, "good". It helped me to look at the situation differently. I was in the middle of progress. It was up to me to change, learn, push myself or plateau.

Once my attitude changed, my search for answers was more effective. I had to deconstruct and go back to how I had learned. I was raised on 9 mags and 5 rounds. So I went back. I had only used Kuro Sumi outlining ink, even for my wash. Had my hand movements changed? Absolutely. Figuring that out was tedious. How was I running my machine? I'm sure it was different. Obviously, there were so many variables.

Was I staying in a spot too long? Before that wasn't a problem.

I was getting closer. But still wasn't absolutely sure. Then I read an old interview with Guy Aitchison. He had been tattooing awhile and, based on a quick conversation with somebody, Guy realized his needle depth wasn't right. Instantly it made sense to me.

My shading happens with washes, hand speed, movement, and needle depth. Slowly, over time, I've pulled out of the skin more and more. The next day I left more needle out. My machine hits kindly, so the extra depth was okay.

Thankfully, the change was instant. The answer was simple, but the process getting there was a challenge. I was tattooing deeper and the skin was holding it. Redness was minimal and fades were smooth. To top it off, that tattoo came back two weeks later and it had already peeled with no scabbing. The shiny new skin was on its way to strengthening.

It's behind me now, thankfully. But I look forward to my next lesson...

(Oh and no tattoos suffered during this time, just the healing process sucked)