Tattoo Methodologies
Types of Tattooing Methods
Essentially, there are two types of tattooing methods we use here at Price Tattoo – modern electric tattooing and traditional hand poke tattooing. The main difference is in technique. Hand poke tattoos use a single needle to inject the ink, hand-powered instead of electric.
It used to be electric tattoo machines were only found at very high-end studios. Nowadays, they’re just as common in lower-budget shops. At Price Tattoo, our staff is trained in both methodologies to achieve the look each client desires. You may have already decided on which method you’d prefer, but in case you haven’t, we can walk you through each step to help inform your decision.
Price Tattoo uses both electric and hand poke methodologies to create a tattoo to match the client’s vision.
At Your Service
Welcome to Price Tattoo, home to some of the most talented tattoo and piercing artists in the Chicagoland area. We prioritize cleanliness and quality, intending to meet your highest standards and expectations. Your experience with us should be as memorable as the body art you leave with. We are committed to maintaining a sanitary working space, while simultaneously providing a relaxed atmosphere so both artist and client will feel calm and confident throughout the artistic process.
Our goal is to match you with your ideal artist in design and personality to create the perfect harmony between vision and talent. Our staff at Price Tattoo are certified in cutting-edge methodologies and skilled in the art of listening, so we can provide quality service to bring your ideas to life. Schedule your initial consultation today to get started!
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The Tradition of Tattooing
Iconic Traditional tattooing is more common among the Japanese, Polynesian, and Chinese cultures as well as the Māori culture. Most often associated with a certain social status or cultural heritage, many people still look for traditional hand poke tattoos for the meaning behind them. Iconic designs will cover more of the skin, with bolder lines and a bit of a rough texture to give it a real hand-done look – which is the point! Traditional tattooing takes skill to master. The artist must control the needle so they don’t scrape against the skin or miss the ink pouch, and also ensure they are applying the right amount of pressure. With hand poke tattoos you can go as deep or as shallow as you’d like.
Traditional tattoos are also more likely to come in black and grey as opposed to color, though it really depends on the artist and what they prefer to do. In Japan, for example, you’ll find bolder lines with a lot of solid areas of black ink as opposed to American tattoos which are more likely to have shading in their tattoo pieces.
Most traditional tattoos will be very large and made up of multiple pieces that cover the entire body. The Maori culture in New Zealand uses traditional tattoos called moko to signify status. It is seen as very disrespectful to cover a person’s face or head with a tattoo because the Maori believe it blocks their connection with their ancestors and God. Tattoos are also used as protection from danger.
Hand Poke Tattoo Method
Hand poke tattoos are done using a single needle, and they offer a unique look, unlike any traditional tattoo you’ve seen before. The process takes longer than an electric tattoo because the artist has to go slowly and manually inject the ink into your skin, tapping constantly to ensure all the right places are hit.
Your design will be drawn out on paper first. The tattooist uses a magnifying glass and pencil to draw, then traces the design onto your skin with a transfer tool.
Hand poke tattoos are more of an investment because there’s no lining up of needles on multiple flash sheets or power settings, so you don’t need to be worried about it being done incorrectly – even if you haven’t been to the shop before or aren’t familiar with your artist. Instead, it’s more like a work of art using delicate skill and manual dexterity. The difference in technique is what gives each tattoo its unique look, which can be hard to replicate when you walk into another shop for another hand poke tattoo later on down the road.
Hand poke tattoos are usually done in stages instead of all at once because the ink has to go into your skin gradually for it to look truly custom.
This is a great choice if you’re looking for an alternative with a unique flair, or if you want something fast and looks like it was professionally done. Just be sure to stop back in for touch-ups so it’s as perfect as can be.
Electric Tattoo Method
Electric tattoos are different since there is a power source and multiple needles. Instead of the artist tapping each needle, the machine automatically moves and lines them up on their own.
The original electric tattoo machines were standing-height desks with a large motor at the bottom. Nowadays, they’re usually mounted on a standard table and can be placed comfortably at the same level as your body.
There are plenty of benefits to using electric tattoo machines: there’s no need for the artist to focus so much time on getting the placement right; you don’t have to worry about side effects like infection since it’s done painlessly, and the ink is infused much quicker, so you’ll be able to get your tattoo finished a lot faster.
However, the biggest benefit of getting an electric tattoo is the machine does all the work for you. Because of this, there’s a lot less room for error and it will look great every time. If you’re looking for a good quality electric tattoo then come see us at Price Tattoo!
Electric Modern technology has played a large part in changing the look of tattoos; modern electric tattoo machines are digital, efficient, and built with precision. They’re able to adjust speed as well as consistency, allowing for precise placement and detail. Electric tattoos are much flatter in style than hand poke, with little to no evidence of scratchy lines or bold color.