Tebori vs. Machine: Answering Your Questions About The Traditional Hand-Poked Technique That Masters Still Use

The gentle tap-tap-tap of bamboo against skin echoes through a traditional Japanese studio, carrying with it centuries of cultural heritage. This is tebori—the ancient hand-poked method that gave birth to some of the world’s most revered body art. Yet in today’s studios, the electric hum of modern machines has largely replaced these meditative rhythms. This …

The Timeless Art of Blackwork: From Ancient Tribes to Modern Ink

You’ve probably seen those tattoos—bold, all-black designs with thick lines and patterns that practically jump off the skin. Blackwork tattoos are everywhere these days, from Instagram feeds to your local coffee shop. But here’s the thing: those striking geometric shapes and intricate illustrations aren’t just a trendy vibe. They’re part of a tradition that goes …

The Science Behind Skin Canvas Selection and Placement Strategy

So you’re thinking about getting inked. Maybe it’s your first tattoo, maybe it’s number twenty. Either way, you’re about to make a pretty permanent decision about your body’s biggest organ. And here’s the thing—your skin isn’t just sitting there waiting to be decorated. It’s got opinions about where you put that ink. There have been …

Sun and Ink: The Complete Guide to Protecting Your Tattoos Year-Round

Your tattoo represents hours of artistry, significant financial investment, and often deep personal meaning. Yet one of the greatest threats to preserving that investment comes from something as simple as stepping outside on a sunny day. Understanding the relationship between sun exposure and tattoo longevity isn't just about maintaining aesthetics—it's about protecting a piece of …

The Psychology of Permanent Art: Why Meaningful Tattoos Create Deeper Client Satisfaction

Most people have never heard of Otzi. He was a European Tyrolean Iceman who died around 3250 BC. When scientists discovered his body, they found 61 tattoos across his body. This discovery shows humans have been obtaining tattoos for centuries. When doing so, they used this body art to display their status, personal beliefs, or …

How Bad Is It Going to Hurt? A Guide to Tattoo Pain by Location

If you’re thinking of getting a tattoo but are worried about how painful it will be, you’re not alone. Tattoo artists are asked a lot of questions, with “What’s the most painful place to get a tattoo” being one of the most common. Every person has a different pain tolerance, but certain parts of the …