What A Tattoo Kit Should Contain

By Author: Jamie Hanson
Total Articles: 3534
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Any new tattoo artist knows that they will need tattoo equipment, but it can be a bit overwhelming when you see just how much is required to get started. A tattoo kit can be a good investment, letting you pick up the basics to start off with and then move on from there. Often the kid will include everything from tattoo designs, a tattoo machine and tattoo ink. This is how many tattoo artists get started in the art.

You can't expect to have all the very best equipment right from the beginning, particularly I you are in starving artist mode. Even sorting through what tattoo equipment you need to get started can be a big task, though. If you decide to go with a tattoo kit, you'll be able to get started on your tattoo designs right away and will be able to start earning some money to build up your equipment.

What's In a Beginner's Kit?

While the actual tattoo equipment will depend on the tattoo kit and the provider, the following items are fairly common:

Tattoo designs

Transfer paper

Basic ink set

Needles

Practice skin

Tattoo machine (choose between liner or shader)

You'll ...
... also find that these beginner's kits contain all the small pieces required to assemble your machine and get started. The best ones will even include a training CD or DVD to help you get started or a training book. You can use the practice skin to test out the designs that are included in the book and learn to do your own tattooing.

These kits should come with a carry case, as well, so you can take it from place to place with you. If you're new to the world of tattoo art, you probably don't have a shop to work in so you'll likely be going to your clients once you have some experience. Many new artists practice first on the fake skin and then on themselves before working on friends and eventually paid clients. This lets you build up your experience slowly until you are good enough to charge money for what you do.

Not Just for Newbies

Don't think that tattoo kits are just for beginners, though! You'll also find them available in more professional versions which offer a better range of supplies. In fact, a pro kit can get pretty serious and usually includes a full ink set, rather than a basic one, one or two tattoo machines, plus all accessories required to make it work. You'll also find things like gloves which are handy when working on clients since you don't want to come into contact with their blood, and transfer paper and pencils to allow you to transfer the design you have in mind onto the person's skin.

Pros often favor these kits because they make it very easy to grab everything you need and head out to see a client. You can also take it on the road with you and still tattoo wherever you are, as long as you have a method of cleaning off your equipment. Since pro kits have a little more variety in them, they will be more expensive, but they can also be useful for those beginners who aren't satisfied with the basic kit.

Whether you are just starting out and need all the basic equipment or are an old pro, but want to add a portable case to your tattoo equipment, a tattoo kit can be a very good investment. Many tattoo artists use their kits even when they have a shop and are able to work in relative comfort. Having a portable kit with your tattoo ink, transfers and a tattoo machine is always handy.

A tattoo kit can be extremely useful, whether you are a tattoo newbie or a professional with years of experience under your belt. Adshi Tattoo Supplies provides a full set of tools in their kits, including designs, a machine and even a set of tattoo ink to get you started.