THE ULTIMATE TATTOO SHADING GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS

[@ChrisRavage]

A lot seem to be worried about overworking so I shall explain. If your machine is soft and your hand is soft, you gain more time on skin. Think of it like a gentle scratch vs a balls to the wall hard scratch. It does take a little more time to work on fake skin than real skin and it wouldn’t take as long and as many passes on real skin also. But you will not over work, if you know what to look for and have the machine set up correctly with your own hand.

[@elijahboxley7522]

You make it look so easy!!!

[@beingAsAnOcean40]

You answered my question before I could ask it. You went over that circle so many times I was beginning to wonder at what point does it become harmful to real skin? I tattooed for 3 years in prison and it's all single needle work so everything we do in there is cricle shading. There are some who can pepper shade but I never tried it. Circle shading was my go to, but boy did I scar some people at first. I'm just starting out with a real machine so I'm trying to gain some knowledge. Not a big fan of mags simply because I'm not accustomed to them yet.

[@j.d5007]

😢thank you for explaining helps a lot new to your channel appreciate you.

[@henrykolep9503]

Hey Chris you think you would have time to meet with me via messenger so I could talk with you in real time ?

[@ShadowCasterTattoo]

I just last night finally stared to grasp this! Finished 90% of the tattoo with my 14RLT. It felt more controlled that the RM.

[@brian1291]

Finally!! Too many artist be gate keeping these tips/tricks. This channel and Art-Something are the only channels I follow

[@hifi8844]

Check out fireside and oliver ayre too. What I wish is we had someone showing a bit of colour realism technique explaining that it's all black and grey guaranteed very rare to get colour realism explanation.

[@brian1291]

@@hifi8844 ahh yes!! Oliver!! He's dope af! But his explanations aren't really that good to me and he really doesn't engage with his followers. Right!! I still can't find anyone who explains color realism. All I see are ppl who post a video of them doing color realism (no explanation), or the cartoon color packing stuff. So annoying!

[@hifi8844]

@@brian1291 exactly my point maybe because it's a bit more advanced than black n grey.

[@brian1291]

@@hifi8844 I think so. I do color realism with oil based pencils, but from what I keep seeing. Most color realism guys are painters, and most say practice painting. I suck at painting. It seems like the color realism guys do the "color blocking" technique like painters do.

[@hifi8844]

Yeah it is like oil painting you can build layers up. I know the technique just need to apply myself to it more.

[@Fioservices]

Those shadings are nicely done I’m definitely tuning in as a self taught artist

[@pascal643]

Respect! Very professional artist and down to earth person, sending you immense positive vibes, keep it up

[@hotspur666]

Laser surgery...HOW TO ERASE STUPID TATTOOS! (Most are too ugly!) Q-switched lasers - which release energy in a single, powerful pulse - are often the treatment of choice for tattoo removal. A special type of laser - called a Q-switched Nd:YAG - might be used on darker skin to avoid changing the skin's pigment permanently.

[@fififellacio9416]

As a beginner, I find this artist so helpful!

[@EricJones-pr9vf]

Thank you for that video, I learned more in that short time than in several years trying to figure out why I couldn't get that SMOOTH shade you do so well.. thanks again

[@JoeStoked02]

Just got my very 1st tattoo machine yesterday. I'm glad I came about your video mate! Definitely be refering to this video through out my practice. Much love from the Philippines!

[@Fito_tattoos]

You deserve all the support in the world brother, i which i would have found this sooner, thank you for all your teachings and for showing all of us beginners the tips that no one wants to tell you. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@melonapng]

Thanks for dropping this info man. cant express how much I appreciate it

[@juanpereztattoo7781]

Cross hatching helps as well!

[@aaronwilliams9098]

And real skin won’t need so much work as to the fake skin..gentle and look for irritation to skin. If it’s Redding up you can move to diff spot to let it ease back. Making sure not to overwork the skin and damage.. cool vid

[@swim8k]

i heard in the past that if you start at one spot, move to a different spot, and then move back to the original spot it’ll be pretty painful cuz the skin starts to heal itself when you stop tattooing a spot. then again i could b wrong too it just makes sense in my head

[@OtakuDreamz]

Thank you so much for this video I didn’t understand how to apply pendulum shading until watching this video I just used it yesterday and it came out phenomenal !

[@TheJoshRocksMan]

Very rarely comment on KZbin videos , but this was extremely helpful , appreciate it brother , dropped you a sub

[@ChrisRavage]

Legend. Thanks Josh

[@angelfernandezmesa95]

Man! you explained everything really nice and well, thank so much, you got a new subscribed.

[@shotnva777]

Wow! Im glad i caught your video! Ive been drawing my entire life and just recently really got into tattooing (again). My old artist used to do entire pieces on me with a 1RL and 3RL, shading and all included. So i knew about that. But ive never seen someone use their lighest wash first and then build UP... its always been vice versa! I think that's going to be a game changer for me. Thanks for the vid and subscribed!!!

[@shotnva777]

Also I can't wait to try the pendulum method!😊

[@ChrisRavage]

My Pleasure..THANK YOU for supporting me

[@jmeloarts6480]

Not sure if you done this but, I would love to see in depth on how to build build values Light, med, dark and blacks , I’m sure it’s preference but still basic fundamentals still apply, we all know skin can only take so much trauma before being overworked

[@andyhowden7655]

When filling larger areas with a lighter tone. Say for example a wave on a Japanese piece. And you have tranistioned from dark to light but there is a big patch that needs to be all the same lighter tone (say a medium black) Would you colour pack this. Or do you only need to colour pack if you have a solid black or colour. Not a gray tone. Hope it makes sense. As in would you never need to pack in anything lighter than solid black or solid colour.

[@ChrisRavage]

@@andyhowden7655 never pack Greywash..it will lead to blotchiness..build up to the required tone using your techniques.

[@andyhowden7655]

@ChrisRavage cheers man

[@aliciabravo2402]

Omg, thank you. I really needed this video.

[@gennarodeleo8542]

Thank you so much bro, this video is mindblowing! I 've just loved every minute, it's so detailed and helpful. Keep going please. Much respect. Peace

[@ButGod.n]

Thank you for such a thorough explanation! 🙏🏼

[@tattoosbyrodo]

As always very helpful. Will be trying a portrait for the first time soon. On practice skin of course 😂. Always appreciate the tips you share. Thank you for doing what you do. And sharing your knowledge.

[@MM-jw4um]

Good practice skin link???

[@MM-jw4um]

Been looking

[@petreadrianmanole3968]

@@MM-jw4um reel skin bro

[@ckernick]

Great content man. Thank you!

[@jrcandela77]

Hi Chris 👋 Great video explaining this technique... Can you please recommend me a beginner kit to start tattooing? Thanks

[@timigold3909]

I love your video , I'm a new tattoo artist , I'm trying I guess , but your video gave me more strength so I subscribe, thanks so much ,champ 🙏

[@DjMrGrimM]

How come no one ever explains transitioning tone variations with the grey wash ? And why isn't it important to explain creating shape with the direction that you are shading ? I see a lot of the same information over and over agion, but I still feel as though there are a few aspects to black and grey and realism shading I am not understand yet.

[@ChrisRavage]

Tonal variations are an individual person to person thing. My tones may be completely to anyone else’s but transitions to those tones are shown at the end and explained in other videos of mine. 😬

[@aaronwilliams9098]

Yeh I’d say each person and design vary in transition.. I like to dip water as I’m going from dark to light, I know ppl that just follow their cups bro, just work your own technique

[@fuzzy-man-peach6258]

Some people achieve a certain value in different ways. Some tattooers will completely saturate their grey washes and others use a black or darker wash and pepper it with varied saturation and they let the variance in saturation act as their value change

[@pieculver]

Really all just comes down to practice, practice, practice.

[@MrArtifacts205]

Trial and error. Small error tho 😉

[@marcelhenrique89]

Muito obrigado conseguiu me tirar uma dúvida que estava quase me fazendo desistir Deus te abençoe irmão 🙏 Brazil

[@proworldchannel]

Yo where you been Chris. You are a true master of skill. ✊🏾

[@langhiax]

thank you so much, its so helpful! i do with handpoke but now im training with machine :D onece again thank you!!!!!

[@petarmanolov7429]

Good video. It reminds me the way you crosshatch the technic David Vega is using. Just he move a bit slower then you

[@AdamAWarren]

Knowing about the ink (type, mix etc) would be helpful. Also seems like an exceptional amount of time spent on one spot, layering, is that because of the fake skin or would you do this on a person as well?

[@ChrisRavage]

Read Pinned Comment 😉

[@TGImportant]

I really learn a lot from these video.. You are awesome I think I need to start letting the machine do the work cos I have been applying much pressure and my work seems to be good at first but later it ain’t.which voltage will you suggest I use while drawing with a Hyungjoon wireless tattoo pen

[@bona-lynsteyn4789]

Loved the tutorial, thanks Chris.

[@use.d.otrazs8365]

This is rily2 help me with my training..tq man for the tips..🤟

[@quintonkellygontinas2840]

Complete package tutorials!! thanks Mate.

[@poppylovestattooing-u8m]

Great video Chris! I realize that fake skin doesn't take ink like real skin.That was why you went over it as many times you did to achieve the shading that you were looking for. However when using a light touch of the needle on the skin, how do you know if the ink is deep enough to stay on real tattoo when heals or if it will all fall out, needing a touch up? 🙏Poppy

[@ChrisRavage]

The amount of Saturation applied but also, it’s one of those trial and error things unfortunately. You just get to know by doing 😬

[@dob1133]

Beautiful work man and thanks for the tips. So I only have a Bishop wand packer. What volts would you suggest? It hits harder than the shader.

[@ChrisRavage]

7.5ish

[@aaronwilliams9098]

Get all 3 bro ya won’t look back… the shader wand is amazing

[@joshuahall433]

Thank you ✌️ your information is priceless

[@taylormaddle6807]

You got a new sub! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@eddiesewell7337]

See... over the years, I've learned that tattooing is a lot like mastering martial arts. Everyone is practicing the same stuff all the time, but it's a process of going through learning what to do, how to do it, when to do it, and where to do it, to fully understand why a good tattoo is a good tattoo. And developing the disciplines necessary to successfully create masterful art... and that's why it's hard for older artists to just give new artists the game. Also, the only right way is the way that works for you and the client. I've seen artists doing pieces with round shaders that I would only do with liners and mags. I've seen someone use nothing but liners on pieces that I couldn't fathom using liners with at all. It takes time and experience going through all the what's, where's, when's and why's of it to really get the skills, and constantly relying on others to tell you how they do it inhibits that learning. And part of the reason for the traditional shit work that comes with apprenticeships is to force that thought process, bc at a certain point you ask yourself why are you willing to submit yourself to the crap... it's the first question of who are you and what are you really made of?

[@MonkEnthusiast]

Well said

[@JamesHoudini]

Thank u my my friend the know how cos knowledge is everything

[@matthewsmith-zv2vh]

Great quality tutorial!

[@chaketa1683]

Thank you for the teaching 💯

[@kevinstrosnider1545]

Hey Chris, another great video! Can you help me with something. How do you find that sweet spot in shading like you find in lining. You know that feeling where everything is working together and you think I found it. I have already tried to find it the same way you would with lining start out low work up but, I never feel like it's quite there. I've even tried turning my voltage down even more to just see what would happen. I guess what I'm trying to say is I can't wrap my brain around it like I could with finding my sweet spot in lining. I want to give you every piece of information I can so maybe you can run back a few suggestions. I use a machine built for shading the CNC Q2 suggested operating voltage is 6 to 10 volts but shouldn't be ran at 10 for long periods, it also has a Faulhaber motor. If I'm lining with it I run at about 7 to 7.5 volts results are good, depending on what grouping smaller than a 7rl I'll go lower than 7 volts. Color packing I run at 6 to 6.5 volts. Been shading around the same 6 to 6.5? I really don't know if that's where I should be or not? Sometimes it feels ok and sometimes it don't. Any suggestions would be great appreciated Chris! As always much much RESPECT and God bless bro!

[@ChrisRavage]

It may not have anything to do with the machine bro, it could just be a hand technique issue. Especially since you say sometimes it feels ok then it doesn’t.

[@kevinstrosnider1545]

@@ChrisRavage oh I didn't think it was the machine I know it's me lol. I just put some information about it to further help with my problem if you had to dissect it or something lol. I just can't find it all the time. Sometimes it feels much better than other days.

[@asian2go96]

@@kevinstrosnider1545 I'm also struggling with the same issues with shading. I feel comfortable with linework and pulling clean lines but shading has been a struggle to get consistent without overworking. It's hard to find that sweet spot like you mentioned

[@seand-rb8vv]

Love your work

[@bao7190]

Thanks for the great tutorial, but won't starting with the lightest tone would overwork the area no matter how soft we use the machine?

[@ChrisRavage]

Not if done correctly 😬

[@estebandeganutto894]

Great video, can You explain about needle dept and machine angle? I've heard some artist saying that You shouldn't go so deep like when you're lining

[@KienLe-ku9ey]

Thank you very much for sharing useful information

[@liucy3516]

Might sound stupid but am just learning. Is it OK to keep going over the same bit of skin like that when shading? I always worry about putting too much pressure on the skin.

[@ChrisRavage]

The softer the machine and your hand, more time you have to work on skin. If you keep going over, with a heavy hand and hard hit machine then you run the risk of over working big time

[@alexisgabrielle9511]

Loved this video!

[@traynice9633]

Thanks for your tips👍👍👍

[@subwooferroads]

I've got ez Evo tech s from tattoo shop the black 1 it's a 3.5 use it at 5.5 volts

[@teepaulini4589]

Great video. A big mistake at first for me was not taking my time to build slowly. Also i tended to lean on round shaders. Big mags have made it much easier i just had to learn that light touch. What kind of soap is that u use to wipe away excess ink at like 15 minute mark?

[@pk.36]

Are you using 11rl needles?❤❤

[@somahadid]

Hello my friend, can you explain to us about the uses of all tattoo needles in detail

[@twenty_eight_tattoo]

Hello, I have a question, if you do black and gray why do you use 100 percent black? For example, the fur structure of a Tieger 75 or 100. I'm sometimes unsure. I think with black and gray almost no 100 percent is used, right? Best regards✌️

[@ChrisRavage]

100% black is used on every tattoo I do 😬

[@JM-tf3rg]

Appreciate the video, well presented. Thank you. If I could provide feedback of what I find would benefit me; listening to your machine hitting the skin, the vibration gives some good insight. Equally, what drop ink does this video use? Again, thank you, I appreciate it!

[@ChrisRavage]

Silverback Insta Range 2,4,6,8,10

[@DavidToken]

Okay,bit confused. Pull= pushing your needles to the front? Push=pulling your needles to the back? Basically their both whipshading? I’m missing something.

[@ChrisRavage]

Yes depending on the angle you are coming in from pull can be push also lol. But they are technically two different styles of shading. And used in different ways, hand speeds and voltages.

[@DavidToken]

@@ChrisRavage so you could say whipshading is with lower speed machine and or faster hand. The other one with same speed machine and or same speed hand or even slower hand speed. I think there’s some light coming in the tunnel. ;-) thanks.

[@ChrisRavage]

@@DavidToken I can’t give it you all that easy 🤪😬

[@DavidToken]

@@ChrisRavage my bad. Forgive an old man. 🥸🤪 Try not to let it happen again.🤥😏

[@reneenmoniqueagenda5271]

What do you think about shading with large stroke machines 4,2? Great video by the way 🙏🏻🤙🏻

[@ChrisRavage]

I think they are great 👍

[@Ajay-pe7ux]

What are difference between pull and push ? The volume?

[@labratzwired3213]

Those old English letters on your fingers are huge that’s how I want mine because my shit look like it was done with a pen school pen not tattoo rotary haha . I like your tattoo style my dude keep it up G thank you for the videos

[@reneenmoniqueagenda5271]

Love your show, and your accent🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@somahadid]

Hello, my friend... Excuse me, what are the uses of RS needles in tattooing in general?

[@crrupesh73]

Sir I’m just begging tattoo artist which liner needle is good needles please tell me thank you love from India

[@georgelupascu5488]

Am I missing something or is the PULL technique the same thing as the PUSH technique !?

[@ChrisRavage]

On the surface, yes…but No also. Cryptic I know, but you will know the difference using them

[@georgelupascu5488]

@@ChrisRavage I really, really try to wrap my head around this after seeing your video.

[@djs9315]

Chris.. what's the best place to order Bayer Bactine.. any tips on who you use would be appreciated 😉

[@ChrisRavage]

Amazon bud

[@alteredalley]

Helpful video. Thank you ❤️

[@lukethegreatest]

Great video! What sort of needle throw do you work off ? Could you do small short video on that it’d be soo helpful! 👌🏻

[@ChrisRavage]

I use 3.5 Stroke atm

[@lukethegreatest]

@@ChrisRavage many thanks for replying dude! I meant how much needle do you have coming out when you work? Would be super helpful. Do you just kind of use no pressure and let the machine weight just hit the skin? Or are you actively sort of pull back so all the weight doesn’t hit? (I have wand shader same as you) thanks man. Much respect your the best 💥

[@ChrisRavage]

@@lukethegreatest Around 2mm sometimes 3mm depending on the situation. Slight pressure but mostly the machine does it for me bud

[@machietheapachie7214]

@@ChrisRavage place much stock in 3.0 stroke?

[@ChrisRavage]

@@machietheapachie7214 Sure, it’s a nice middle ground for B&G

[@WiseAncient]

When doing the pendulum how often could you or should you go over the skin? My skins cracking right now and looks like the top layer may have been over worked. Or it didn’t enjoy the first few days of healing. Any thoughts? 🙏

[@leoartist8019]

What size needle is used in the first part of the pendulum technique?

[@shanebowles4854]

Epic video bro

[@Fineanddandyart]

Are you using different washes in the demonstration or is it just black?

[@ChrisRavage]

different :)

[@xchrizOr]

Hello Chris, thanks for the video, what voltage are you using for whip or pendulum shading with a mag?

[@ChrisRavage]

8.5 to 8.7 😬

[@LeeRegan-c6h]

Man, super super helpful

[@matsuoSonata]

Hey Chris, just trying to buy a DSLR Canon to take photos of my tattoo work, do you have any recommendations? Maybe something that I can eventually take Timelapse videos with, appreciate you!

[@ChrisRavage]

My recommendation for anyone looking for a decent camera that takes great photos has 4k footage, Timelapse etc is always the Canon M50.

[@matsuoSonata]

@@ChrisRavage thank you Chris!! I will look into it! I hope to tattoo like you one day!!

[@noelprieto6851]

When i do color packing too many blood pouring on the skin, why is like that? what dept of needles recommend ? Thank you

[@ChrisRavage]

You could be hitting the skin to hard

[@williamcottam3990]

Great video wud you run a Cheyenne 3.5 m at the same speed

[@ChrisRavage]

Which Cheyenne? Thunder, Spirit, Nova…

[@williamcottam3990]

Sol nova

[@carlahanson9794]

My mentor has me using a 7RL "tight" to do detailed shading, but I find it streaky. What type of liner would you recommend for intricate shading?

[@ChrisRavage]

You can shade with a liner but Round Shaders would be best. The reason it’s streaky tho is a combination of machine set up and technique

[@stayhungry5063]

Thanks for the help 👍👍

[@RoxyRubyYoubyTubey]

I need a tutorial or some video talking about how to know when you’ve done enough shading in one spot. I tend to go overboard and make the shading look too dark 😭

[@johnclarksamorano]

Hi Chris! I just noticed when you said work on tones from light to dark to get a smooth transition and I agree with that. but, wouldn't that overwork the skin? If yes how can we avoid overworking the skin?

[@ChrisRavage]

I’ve pinned a comment bud at the top that explains for you

[@johnclarksamorano]

@@ChrisRavage Thanks! Such helpful, you're a great artist 🔥

[@amandaford6750]

I’m just starting out and I’m struggling with shading a Lilly I’m working on on my leg. Can you help me!!! I’m getting so frustrated🤦🏼‍♀️

[@macarelli2097]

How about top of the hand .. i cant get the shade ink to stay looks good than falls out ..the skin on the hand is giving me a hella of a time .

[@ChrisRavage]

Hands are a rough one they are 50/50 to whether or not they hold. But going dark will help

[@OrdinaryWorld]

What strength wash are you using here?

[@kevineastteam5520]

So how would you suggest packing if that is how you say it. I've had a really hard time doing it and I tend to over work the skin and it is no good at all

[@ChrisRavage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqiZl4mHbbWAb9k

[@Michenseki]

I have seen some people use a technique similar to pendulum shading, except the needle constantly remains in the skin… almost like color packing. What would this technique be used for and is it a useful technique?

[@ChrisRavage]

If the needle is in skin constantly then most likely it was a form of packing

[@vaithiarealvarez5817]

Hi, I have a simple question that's been hard to answer... Is stippling (dotwork), whip shading, and pepper shading different from each other? Or are they just different synonyms for the same technique? I mean, does the term vary the effects or the hand movements? I've found several conflicting views on the matter and am even more confused now. Thank you in advance!

[@ChrisRavage]

Stipple and Pepper is the same thing, done with a liner. Whip shading is a type of technique used with a liner or mag. 😀

[@eddiemonstha740]

yooo how can I tune my 8 rap coil machine for liner. and what's the best need for lettering

[@jatats7743]

I love this channel...

[@ChrisRavage]

😊

[@boughtonm]

What are your thoughts on this… I’ve heard that if you use like a light grey, and u go over and over and build it up to get darker, that when it heals it will go back to that same light shade…

[@ChrisRavage]

For the most part it would, you would need to do a lot of passes for it to stay darker, and I mean alot

[@boughtonm]

@@ChrisRavage true. But then you would be risking more trauma to the skin I would think. I’ve been doing a lot of black n grey, this was first video I’ve seen of yours and I like it. I subscribed and I’ll be watching more!

[@ChrisRavage]

@@boughtonm yes you’d have to be way overworking for it to be that dark to stay but it wouldn’t it would scar

[@sanazamiri]

Holy molly! I just got traumatized as a newbie with all the comment and information... Mind blowing... I gotto see where am I going!

[@MaxInkTattoo19]

Much love bro❤❤❤❤ thank you

[@BossMovesOfficial]

Thank you 🤘

[@mukelani1811]

Im sending a big thank you for this $

[@ChrisRavage]

You are very welcome 🙏

[@nixonwee2193]

thanks for sharing 💖

[@henrykolep9503]

Mam i love your videos bro!

[@henrykolep9503]

Bro I meant man* my bad homie

[@Johnny-yd2ct]

Like the saying goes" in order to keep it, you got to give it away. "

[@KuyaNealTV]

This video is very helpful...thank you for sharing sir...

[@yetii3510]

In the last part where you shaded the circle, you went over it so many times, wouldnt it normally cut up the skin after going over it so many times?

[@MM-jw4um]

Yep be careful especially with a mag you’ll chew them up

[@ChrisRavage]

No, my machine is hitting soft and my hand is light, which gives way more time on skin to get blends

[@MM-jw4um]

Well actually I just saw it, I’m wrong. If you’re using the correct voltage and hand speed you’ll be solid brotha

[@MM-jw4um]

@@ChrisRavage yeah just noticed in the video, also what voltage do you use man? I’m self taught so really tryna pick up shading more for traditional rhough

[@kogasoldier9379]

@@MM-jw4um you gotta find what works best for you but I recommend starting around 7 for lining and

[@AmbientRelaxmusic907]

That does not look like the amazon skins. Which skins is this one? I need good skins to practice.

[@zyzzjunior8]

How to not overwork the skin with a round liner?