Methods & Techniques of Tattooing
Throughout the history of tattooing, several methods and techniques have been developed to achieve a permeant body modification. Some of these methods and techniques are deeply rooted in tradition. While others are modern practices. To understand techniques of tattooing, one will need to understand the methods of applying ink into skin.
Methods of Tattooing
There are three main methods for tattooing: piercing, puncturing, and cutting skin. Piercing is most common among modern tattoo artists. Piercing uses an object, such as a needle, to push ink into the skin. Puncturing is another method. It requires a great deal of force in order to break through the skin. Usually, it requires a tattooing device to be at a 90-degree angle. The last method is cutting. It requires tools dipped in ink to cut into the skin.
Tattooing Techniques
There are several different techniques for tattooing including:
- Stick and Poke
- Hand Poke
- Single Needle
- Yantra/Sak Yants
- Tebori
Stick and Poke
The stick and poke technique are often someone performs the technique on themselves. It consists of repeatedly piercing the needle into skin. Often using various types of inks found around the home. We do not recommend doing this on yourself or others. It is important to go to a professional who is trained in tattooing in sterile environments.
Hand Poke
Hand poking is the oldest technique of tattooing. Similarly, to stick and poke, a single needle is used to pierce ink into the skin dot by dot. It is a slow method. It is typically minimal in pain. Artists who preform hand poke tattoos are preserving traditions of tattooing.
Single Needle
Single needle technique also uses the method of piercing. Similarly to hand poke and stick and poke, this technique uses a single needle. However, the needle is run by a tattoo machine. These tattoos are usually small, heavy in detail and monochromatic.
Yantra/Sak Yants Technique
This ancient technique. Therefore, it involves puncturing the skin with a bamboo stick dipped in ink. The technique originates from the Khmer Empire and had spread its practice among several other countries within Southeast Asia. In addition, traditionally monk masters perform this technique. Yantra follows specific Yantra patterns steeped in tradition. Tradition says these patterns are magic and grant mystical powers. Such as protection and good luck amongst its wearers.
Tebori Technique
Similar to the Yantra technique, Tebori also uses a method of puncturing with a small instrument. Traditionally using bamboo sticks dipped in ink. The technique originates from Japan and uses hand-poking to achieve designs and imagery.
Just the Beginning
These techniques listed here are just the beginning of a long history of tattooing. However, there are lots of tattoo artists who tattoo in ancient traditional techniques and use different methods for applying ink into the skin.
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