Best "Tip" for Linework- Tattoo University

[@derekwa8374]

The middle finger tip is probably the best line work tip I've tried so far...it helps so much...Good shit.

[@gregsummerville8896]

it's so hard to find honest people these days that take time out of their day to help others by giving actual real time info and pinpointing pros and cons with a true unbiased approach. that my freind is integrity and your videos are the best on KZbin the most helpful you give knowledge in a humble way and not in a bragging way or a show off way you have helped me make a 10 dollar tattoo machine and turn it into a beast you have helped me with technique and so much More! it took people years to learn what I've learned in weeks. I played games from your website and feel like I wish I could tip you more! and when I can i am going to!

[@TattooUniversity]

Appreciate all the help and the comments. It has taken me years to learn these things. Because you guys are learning quicker with this information I want everyone to take tattooing to the next level.

[@black990ops]

Mr. Nick is funny without even trying hard at all and I just got a middle finger pointed at me and I'm not even mad lol great video!

[@g-snypebeatz9462]

Thank you this help me a lot

[@mattcap5103]

Lmao

[@Graza25]

I know lol.... "She's probably gonna kick you out the house!!" for getting a bad tattoo.... so funny man.

[@coolkidbmx6851]

Yeah this bro knows how to tat.

[@mistielawrence7847]

Omg finally an actual working explanation... I can not thank you enough. I have watched hours of video to no avail but at last I found someone who actually knows what the hell they are doing....I bow down to you sir!!

[@Ivy-yl2gq]

BEST tip I came across so far concerning lining!!! Just tried it out and the difference is massive!!! Thank you a LOT! Keep up the great work

[@Sarah-ed8oy]

This tip is so fantastic. Since trying it out myself I'm actually constantly surprised at how clean I can often get my lines with only a single pass. Thank you for making my tattooing a hell of a lot easier!

[@TattooUniversity]

This technique makes tattooing lines soo much easier. Straight solid lines all day long. Doesn't matter how long the line is you can take the time and do it nice and smooth in one pass. Glad this is helping you.

[@pough2racing121]

I've been getting alot of help with my line work and my shading! Thanks man. YOU ARE A LEGEND TO ME!

[@chitoramos3512]

Also, lube that middle finger so you can glide smoothly for consistent speed (its not a joke)

[@smailee716]

When I first showed my master this method, she wasn't really happy... she said i should do it like her... stabilize the tattoohand at the stretchinghands thumb with the pinky of the tattoohand... but I totally failed this way and i became so frustrated...so she finally agreed with it. To me it's Mitch easier to use the middlefinger. While practicing on fake skin, I'm only allowed to use a 3rl because she wants to see the mistakes... but even with this small needle I'm doin pretty well with this method. Though I still need to improve...thank u so much

[@TattooUniversity]

I understand that everyone has methods that work for them. I try to give people options. I show them what works for me and let them decide to use it or not. There are certain situations where it is hard to use the middle finger method. You switch to the other method. Knowing more gives you options. The more options you have the better you will work. Everyone has their training methods. Some people say to do things one way only. I say be very open minded and it will take you further.

[@craigbailey9351]

Found this out by accident while self teaching,really good for calligraphy as you can just throw them curves out massive and keep the right depth using the feel in your middle finger😁🖕😁

[@dakryadedigs9838]

I just got a kit for Christmas. I am so happy I finally found someone who is actually trying to teach good technique and isn't just spouting off a bunch of BS on tattoos! Thank you!!!!

[@TattooUniversity]

I do what I can. Thanks for the comment

[@lukeedwards8018]

Goes without saying this video is super helpful man. You know how to explain things really well

[@bzaygurung2186]

Yeah thats the best lining tip out there... i have been lining like that since i started and did not struggle for lining that much.. thanks so much nick. I appreciate your efforts to help us.. you the best👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@TattooUniversity]

You're welcome. I have really solid line work. Like you I don't struggle with it. I think this method makes all the difference.

[@NWFBOY]

Bijaya Gurung yes it is

[@krisc6327]

This guy is a fucking gift. Lets all appreciate him

[@TattooUniversity]

Thanks Kris. I appreciate your comment.

[@macthesmac]

I’ve always had dreams of learning to tattoo. Not sure how to get an apprenticeship but I figured acquiring my BA in graphic design and another in education would further my chances of certified artist apprenticing me

[@HairJordan]

Haha this is great. Dude, thank you so much for making these videos - I'm learning so much and you do a really great job at teaching I really appreciate these videos a lot

[@TattooUniversity]

Thanks! It should only get better from here. Check out the website for more information. I'll be adding stuff every time I can.

[@dbsturtles5666]

I just started tattooing again after 10 yrs, and I wanted to tell you great job! Your videos are very well made and you cover every aspect of the subject at hand. I like the way you thoroughly explain and demonstrate. Thank you!

[@TattooUniversity]

Thanks for the comments. I'm glad you like the videos and they help.

[@zackb3688]

Thanks Again buddy!. The middle finger makes it so much of a better grip.... Cool I'm learning on my own on how to tattoo and your videos have been the most helpful for me on teaching me the how to thing's I'm struggling with... Z

[@pauliestabbs5051]

Thank you so much, Nick! The patient mentor I always wish I had.

[@TattooUniversity]

Glad I could help!

[@furrowh1]

Honest, straight forward and easy to understand, you make some of the best videos on tattooing on youtube.👏👏 Thank you for making these!! I've played around with this method and it absolutely improved my line work, a problem I'm having is a lot of ink gets on my middle finger. Causes me to have to wipe the area more than I like too. Any suggestions?

[@biranicolella3509]

I feel guilty for getting all that precious information and not paying for it. Thanks a lot, mate. I wish all the success you deserve.

[@TattooUniversity]

Thank you

[@s.z.z.5921]

i visited a "Tattoo school"without practising on real skin..bullshit.. learned the most from KZbin and the most of your videos.. can't say enough thank you !

[@TattooUniversity]

@PSFY 777 Accidentally deleted your comment. It was "LOL". Sorry about that and thanks for watching.

[@oliviapinheiro4462]

Thank you. I've been tattooing professionally for 6 years now and I have good and bad days. Could never figure out why my lines heal like crap sometimes. Now I know, thank you!!!!!! I'm always learning

[@TattooUniversity]

Glad I could help!

[@valdisstrauts2145]

Same with me.Thanks for video!

[@go2zgoldhollum383]

Dude! Thanks for flippin me off! Been doin custom pieces for 10+yrs and after the vid instantly improved my drawing an called a bud to ink and had the best time ever! Thank you an keep up the great work you do! I'm a fan...rob of Uff Da tattoo. Central Cali

[@TattooUniversity]

Where abouts in Central Cali are you?

[@brittanyellis79]

Thank you so much! Can't wait to try these techniques.

[@marissaslater8184]

I always wondered how they held the machine to make lines so smooth! This makes a lot of sense and I haven’t heard it yet. Thank you!

[@healthwealthharmony4113]

Awesome cool teacher guy. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[@xSMOKExEMxALLx]

Thank you for the awesome finger tip. I've watched a few good tatt people on KZbin & none of them, mention that tip!

[@JackBQuick79]

Thank you for sharing wisdom for us new-bees to use as a foundation to what hopefully becomes all i do in life

[@mayormccheez2289]

I watch all your videos and they've made my tattooing so much cleaner

[@TattooUniversity]

Glad I could help

In such a specialized job that seems to hate newbies you and Johnny Gault are some of the best people to watch

[@TattooUniversity]

Thanks. I try to give honest information that will prepare new artist for what they will need to succeed

[@TattooUniversity]

It doesn't make sense to shun people who want to learn and do things correctly

[@Phixor2000]

Can't thank you enough for this. It both improved my tattoo lineworks and my drawing skills in general.

[@TattooUniversity]

You are welcome. Glad it helped.

[@Lllllllllllllllll1lllll]

This trick changed everything for me. THANK YOU

[@harleythornton4896]

I learnt the hard way, not positioning the tube tip correctly and ended up with lined like my two year old son would draw. It was horrible and I almost threw the tattooing gear in the bin and almost gave up but I didn't, I was determined to learn and very determined to succeed. I got on the internet and did a Hella lot of research from learning how to set up a machine correctly for your specific designs, to depth control I learnt a lot from not just the internet but Utube videos I have watched a lot of your videos and have come a very long way in such small amount of time. I remember the first ever tattoo I did it was a absolute nightmare tried to tattooing using a 5rl in a 9rl tip and well I found myself having to cover that piece of crap "tattoo" up haha But every single day with all your videos of teaching is making me a better artist. Thank you mate keep em coming because I think thousand of people can really benefit and learn everything there is to know about this art form .

[@eduardtuskan1558]

Tanks for everything,I like your video and cep that because there's are not some many anest people like you!you are the king!Hi from Croatia

[@TattooUniversity]

Hi from California. Glad I could be helpful

[@krstnepriezviko7020]

Great video. 120pcs? I have Volt on my machine. How much Volts is 120pcs? Thx

[@amarjeetsinghghatororra7739]

Thank you very much for the very valuable tips. I enrolled in one of Thailand's tattoo school for a month but they haven't show up any tips such as like this you are helping the seekers. You are doing gores job I do appreciate. Many thanks.

[@robclinejr4085]

The middle finger trick has work so well for me I took a note book with lines and put me machine and put it on a pencil and traced ever line in the book front and back till I could run super clean lines

[@Maidelane]

So I went to a tattoo academy for about a month and they never told me about this "trick", gotta try this out, thank you very much!

[@TattooUniversity]

Hope it helps

[@blooz7134]

This actually helped ALOT!! Thank you man. I'm forsure subbing.

[@mitchelllayton24]

These are the best videos out there. Thanks for all the great info man! I’m just a total beginner and will probably never work in a shop but this has been so fun to learn and I appreciate all the help.

[@tygahoodz8539]

thanks for your videos. they're super informative and you break down the specifics and details to where I can understand.I appreciate that. Do you recommend to always tattoo towards the direction of the open part of the needle or is it ok to glide the machine whatever direction you want for example when doing a line or circle do you follow the outline and go backwards to darken it of do you start back from the beginning of the line or circle? thanks again!

[@TattooUniversity]

I use different techniques for different marks. If I want a solid line I usually try to go the direction the needle is traveling. If I'm in a weird spot and I have to travel the other direction I will. Probably put my needle more at a 90 degree angle to the skin. If I'm pepper shading or making looser marks I will travel the other direction. If I'm doing solid color with a mag I like to travel the direction of the needle. If I'm shading I will loosen up a little. Check out some of these feather shading videos on KZbin. This is something you pick up with practice. Do what works for you and gives you a good result.

[@tygahoodz8539]

Tattoo University cool, thanks.

[@NeneMuerta]

i tried wrapping the grip once and it changed my life (or at least, my tattoo life). i have to try the middle finger thing

[@AlucardsoHallo]

one of the best videotutorial i ever see

[@TattooUniversity]

Thank you!

[@ahmedyoussef2182]

Great video bro. I really like 14rl but I’m still debating power supply speed. If you have any advice about matching lining/round shader cartridges with power supply speed, it would be very appreciated. Can’t wait to try the middle finger technique.

[@knutz7]

Wow.! Where were you in 1986.? 30 years in the business, 18 of those owned my own studio, & I learnt a few things tonight. Back in the day it was near impossible to get in the biz & even when you did, it was bicycle spokes, etymology pins, train set transformers, sewing machine pedals, jewellers guages, soldering needles, making tubes and soldering tips..etc. To have such a humble, calm speaking and generous mentor offering really fucking good advice is a far cry from what I was up against in Australia (thumbcutters) Good on you for taking the time, it was a valuable video to watch and almost makes me want to come out of retirement as keeping my damn hand still has been my nexus the whole time, though I managed quite well, that birdie would’ve saved me a lot of stress.

[@knutz7]

I always rested my tattooing hand on my grip hand and never tattooed one handed per se or gripped the old school way. Incorrectly but it got me through.

[@TattooUniversity]

Everyone can learn from these videos. Even experienced artist can learn because I'm doing new things. I do a lot of research but then I throw in some new things that I've learned on my own. With new technology comes new techniques also. I like to think I have the mentality of an older tattoo artist. Knowing how to tattoo with almost anything is a good skill to have. It helps when your equipment likes to take a shit. Old school mentality and learning new techniques. A little mix of both. I already have issues with my back, elbows, and fingers. I'm no spring chicken any more. I will be focused on things that will help a tattoo artist last a bit longer. Proper posture while tattooing. Foam grips for the tattoo machines and things like that. Thanks for the comment. The birdie was something I came up with myself because I was self taught. I don't mind sharing the finger with everyone I can.

[@quazlitty9550]

I love this, I mimicked the movement while watching the video and immediately felt the extra level of control, I can only compare it to driving a tank and then jumping into a car with power steering, but quick question, as your dragging the finger over as your tattooing, wouldn't that smeer your work, irritate the skin and possibly even wipe off the stencil??? I'm seriously asking because those are 3 things I noticed once i started using the movement.

[@johnnyjinx5181]

Your channel is a goldmine of information! Hope AdSense is paying you well. You've earned it.

[@TattooUniversity]

I probably spend more than I make doing KZbin videos. I put a lot of that money into research and testing new products. I mostly do it because I like to learn about new things and help other people. Tattooing isn't cheap. I'm probably going to buy a new printer just so I can test this new way of doing stencils. That will be a couple hundred dollars right there. I'm selling hand pokers and other things to supplement what I'm doing.

[@lastchancetattoo3284]

Hey buddy you have taught me so very much I'm passing it on I gave you a shout out in my line work video thanks a million your such an inspiration to me keep it coming

[@whtisthematrix]

Thank you, nick! I love your channel, you're very kind and helpful with tips I've never seen anywhere. My lines are way better now

[@TattooUniversity]

Glad to hear you are getting better lines. Thanks for watching. More videos coming soon.

[@whtisthematrix]

@@TattooUniversity i watched your vid on self tattoing and finally had the gust to try on myself and my first tattoo looks amazing, you're a real life saver

[@PixelKhaos]

Seen other people use other fingers as support in other ways, but none were comfortable to me, but as someone that normally draws really low on the pen I think this is the one grip I can do! Thanks for the tip, barely seen anyone talk about gripping at all!

[@natashavazquezperez7912]

This helped tremedously! Thank you!

[@TattooUniversity]

Glad I could help

[@natashavazquezperez7912]

@@TattooUniversity my friend who is an artist told me to plant the palm of my hand and pivot but this method works 100x better for me

[@TattooUniversity]

@@natashavazquezperez7912 There are different techniques. Use what works best for you. I have taken a lot of art classes and learned techniques that help with tattooing. It was good to have really strict art teachers who hammered proper technique into me.

[@jrigs1779]

Thanks for the pointers. Very helpful and practical and not over explained. Please keep the videos coming.

[@zenasia929]

Yes! Thank you. I appreciate the lesson. And you are funny which is extremely helpful. What do you think about using colors on dark skin?

[@TattooUniversity]

You can use color on dark skin. The issue is you can't see the tones that match the persons skin. You need to go brighter or darker. Certain colors like brown don't like to show up. So I use other colors. My clients who have darker skin love that I use colors and they show up. Really bump up the contrast and stick to colors that work.

[@parkave.nue.5626]

hey man you're a life saver. do you have a video tutorial on how to shadow correctly? and what needles you're gonna use?

[@TattooUniversity]

Long tapered or bugpin needles and a medium stroke machine. Your grey wash mix will depend on the ink you are using. If it is really dark you will mix your witch hazel or water differently. Some people use quarter system for mixing. Example: Full cup ink, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4. This might not give you enough of a change. My ink is so dark that the 3/4 cup is the same as the full black. You have to practice and test out what solutions are best for your grey wash. Finally don't try to slam it in. Build it up. Work your lighter areas out of the dark areas. I've talked about this in other videos. I think it was in the video where I introduced the hand pokers. It was recent. It has been put in my other videos but no videos yet that are just on shading. I will do this video soon.

[@Avenged666]

Having the right tools for the job, set at the right settings for wht ur trying to achive, is the most important tip. Novices should ride the tip until theyre comfortable. Start with short lines, with time youl become confident and soon youl be doing smooth lines. If your power is too low/high then your lines will be shit no matter who you are. Set it at whtever setting creates smooth crisp lines, start low power and turn up 10cps or 1 volt until your lines are running nice for that machine/your technique.

[@dkkworley]

Best tip I have heard in a while... thanks!

[@TattooUniversity]

You are Welcome

[@oviteodor8850]

Best tattoo teacher !!!!Thanks !!!!!!!

[@johnboy5902]

I got stabbed in my right hand and i cant use my pointer finger. Trying this technic help me out tremendously! Thank you so much for the info! Watching these videos and practicing helped me so much. Took about a year and half of beiing a scratcher. Now iam a professional. Plus learning spitshading helped out alot too! Helps understanding where to putblack and highlights and what ur finished product should look like! Believe in urself and work hard! Thanks!

[@TattooUniversity]

Man your hands are really important as an artist. If you are going to get stabbed I would recommend the legs or gut next time. Somewhere non lethal. I had a pipe full of concrete break my ring finger. I thought it wouldn't bother me. Didn't realize how important that finger was. I dropped a lot of change and lost some of my grip. I'm working on an attachment that should make it more comfortable to do this technique. Also make it easier on the hands.

[@trevorflores8180]

Thank you for the tips I appreciate it bro

[@KORUN666]

that's a chanel i like, man, you did an outstanding job, i've learned more in two videos with you than 2 hrs looking for answers on others, thanks a lot for sharing, /clap from Canada - /subscribed

[@TattooUniversity]

glad I can help

[@aliciahagerty2941]

Omg great info in this video. Keep up the great job. Truly appreciated

[@Skywalker837A]

Man, yor tip help me so much, thanks for the advice.

[@TattooUniversity]

Glad I could help

[@eoinnisharrig9304]

i have learned so so much from you that i was never taught and it has improved my work greatly, i am now your apprentice, teach me master :)

[@bugleaf9603]

thank you so much for your tips. tattooing has been my dream since ive been so young, ill be watching all of your videos now 😹

[@rajalphamale]

You are doing a great job! I have learned a lot from you! Thank you

[@TattooUniversity]

You are welcome!

[@gramramn4575]

amazing..... great way to get your point across... thanks man !!! I'm going to apply your method to my inexperience today. wow, it just makes perfect sense now. thanks again for the simple explanation to a very common problem. I just subscribed and liked.

[@TattooUniversity]

Thanks

[@saraaurora2312]

Extremely helpful. Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@daltonsmith1906]

I’m telling you, your number #1

[@ramlaxman4865]

Thank u so much sir ur teaching is so brilliant and i follow ur instructions

[@TattooUniversity]

You are Welcome!

[@vivianefortin8615]

Thank you so much for giving technique tips :) It's also great to analyse our practice with those kind of videos. Also, I really loved your opening -I will surely remember it-!

[@giovannifigueroa6307]

I haven't been flipped off so much since the 90s

[@resikek1207]

absolutely fantastic resource thank you for sharing

[@nickiminaj7022]

Legendary introduction 😂😂😂 thanks again man !!! Great vid!!!

[@cburckner]

Awesome tips. You really helped me. Thanks!

[@TattooUniversity]

You are welcome!

[@alonry]

Thank you so much, this video was so helpful. God bless you for helping those who need it and I hope you continue to do this kind of videos. Thank you!

[@TattooUniversity]

Thanks for the compliment and I plan on doing this for a while.

[@jacobstalman1102]

Perfect helpful video. it works amazing for me with this middle finger thanks a lot 👍

[@TattooUniversity]

you are welcome

[@marjolb3024]

I wish I've seen this video earlier. Thank you for your time

[@gregsummerville8896]

that is the one I just picked out on amazon! I just showed that one to my wife ten minutes ago😆 it's just hard to tell quality when ordering online. thank you Nick! I wish I could do some tatts with you!

[@TattooUniversity]

I like this power supply. The one thing that irritates me is the switch. You move the switch to the other clip cord, but the settings stay the same. On the better power supplies you can switch clip cords and the settings for the machine will also switch. I've taken up the minimalist approach. The less you use the less you have to clean up. I just hook up one clip cord and switch it to my other machines instead of using this switch.

[@TattooUniversity]

Some day we might do some tattoos together. You never know where things will go

[@LaDeeDah]

keep doing your thing ❤ Do you have a video for shading?? I'm doing permanent make and want to make a nice ombre eyebrow

[@TattooUniversity]

I mostly do tattoos, but I'm looking into cosmetic tattooing more. I might of touched on shading techniques in the other videos, but don't think I have one just about shading. That is something I will have to do. I see a lot of videos that are incorrect about cosmetic tattooing. I would like to help out people in this area also. Just going to take some time to get test things out and post it. A lot of regular tattooing principals apply to cosmetic tattooing. Learning these methods will help people tattooing lips and eyebrows. Someone tattooed hair on people and left a comment that I helped them. Keep watching the videos and I will put out a shading video. Also check in with the website and see if anything gets posted on there. gotattoou.com

[@alexcrouwel6942]

great video and very usefull tips thnx now i'm going to practice again with smooth line work

[@bobby.digital24]

Best helpful videos out there! Thanks for all your content!

[@lisag135]

Thank youuu!!!! Been looking for exactly theese tips and internet is a mess.

[@roter3651]

Very well explained and absolutely right ... my line work sucked but with this technique, it´s 100 % better .... !!! Move on ...

[@leandro_Esteban]

Who could ever would say that the middle finger would actually work for something useful... thanks for the tips bro. :)

[@Eivanl95]

This is actually VERY helpful omg

[@LaDeeDah]

that's such a good tip! I always say my brain is still adjusting from drawing to tattooing! good way to hold it I was holding it wrong

[@TattooUniversity]

Tattoo artist told me "When you learn how to tattoo you will start to tattoo like you draw". This is when things get fun. Your tattoos start to look like your drawings. That is when you start to see your style in the tattoos. I can hold up a pencil drawing and it looks exactly like my tattoos. When you get comfortable tattooing starts becoming fun. First couple years are horrible. You have to focus on everything and you make a lot of mistakes. Once you start getting the hang of it everything it feels like you are drawing on a piece of paper. You don't worry so much and the whole process is less complicated.

[@LaDeeDah]

Tattoo University ahh thanks so much for that! That's definitely something to look forward too! I am just starting out and need that reassurance, so far I really love doing it. Thanks so much for your tutorials

[@michealjackson3196]

Hey nick about you. It sounds strange but when you gave me the finger is the best thing that ever happend to me. My lines are finaly getting better bro. You are awesome.

[@s.z.z.5921]

The Trick with the middle Finger you showed in another Clip and it worked very well for me :)

[@meloyu1896]

Now it works!!! thank you so much today i tried and it works for me I was next to cry full of happiness thank you

[@Easy-wj1qj]

Thanks for your advice.. That's really helpful. 👍

[@vindababbar6825]

Thts very helpful mate I done my Tatto course about 2 years ago I did few Tatto but problem was shading whenever I make tribel or any Tatto color doesn't stay in the skin I stopped after Tatto work wot shall I do to make Tatto right so I can start again

[@TattooUniversity]

need to work on the correct depth of your tattoos

[@djnitrosketch1999]

Thank You

[@binaykumaryakso3440]

Wow...reallly helpful...first time someone gives a sign in ur face n u r loving it...

[@alexandremuleta8761]

You're the best man!! Loved the video.

[@TattooUniversity]

Thank You

[@iainooooo]

Seriously love this channel.

[@craigferguson7277]

this dude straight up toby from the office

[@mylovesodrew5183]

Dude I hate these rotary pens, will I get a different result with coils ?

[@rickfrier1647]

This one tip got me to the next level , thanks Nick

[@TattooUniversity]

That is awesome.