Tattoo Shading Tips For Beginners! Top 5 Mistakes Made!

[@solserpi6769]

The absolute commitment bro, it's just amazing 🤣 thank you for sacrificing your skin to get the point across, respect. You're doing so much for us artists that can't get an apprenticeship. Thank you so much!!!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for the awesome feedback!

[@scottcarlson3475]

Well said sol serpi

[@LyndrixTV]

Actually did an apprenticeship but nobody really took the time to break these sorts of things down as well as you did. Thank u

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@atsirdsart7386]

THIS. I love my mentor but he doesn't actually give advice. KZbin was the real mentor

[@mikerogers2173]

Two years later I still come back to his videos, pure boss

[@Harsh_Sharma98]

He is no more

[@rab46290]

You are doing a great service by helping tattooists give better quality tattoos. I pick up some tricks here and there from your channel and it has improved my work 10 fold. I appreciate it. I like how you demonstrate what not to do. It helps newer tattoo artists, such as myself. Keep up the great work.

[@Scott-YouTubeAddict]

Great video - I really appreciate the demonstration on what “not” to do - that and the animations set you apart from the rest. Thankyou 👌😊🇦🇺

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thank you! I really appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🇦🇺

[@xdavis2919]

I've been tattooing almost half my life now and still love picking up new tips, or even refreshing and reinforcing what I already know. Good stuff.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Great attitude! Thanks for watching!

[@PeachiiWubs]

Question for the vets. If you have a potential client asking for a piece that is wayy out of your style/comfort zone or artistic strengths. Do you take it and send that shit or do you say no as it's permanent

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

@@PeachiiWubs Just my opinion but taking on jobs which you absolutely know are beyond your capacity is probably one of the quickest ways to ruin your reputation. It’s that age old thing, you do a good tattoo, the client tells 10 people, you do a bad one they tell a 1000. Not to say never progress but if you know it’s not time for a particular job it’s probably best to turn it away and just be honest with the client.

[@xdavis2919]

@@PeachiiWubs I'll personally refer em to another place. I was lucky enough to not feel I need the money and risk doing a really bad job, and I've got some amazing friends around the city I can always refer clients to

[@angelar9119]

Omg this video could not have come out at a much better time! I’m a new apprentice and I just did one of my first tattoos on my bf yesterday. I still have a lot to learn but your videos ESPECIALLY this video have really helped me in understanding what I’m doing and what I’m doing wrong. Thank youuuu!!!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I’m glad the channel is helping you out. Thanks for watching!

[@SeriousGatheringCo.]

are u still dating now does he regret

[@ajhproductions2347]

@@SeriousGatheringCo.😂

[@kingessy8089]

Anybody this committed to teaching is worth listening to

[@TeresaBroadhurst]

I’ve been struggling with shading for so long and getting mixed advice from different people. I feel like this is going to make all the difference for me. I can’t wait to get into the studio and try it out. Thank you.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnjacob9976]

Ive being tattooing for about 22 years. I love watching your videos. Even on the aspects that Im really strong in. Keep up the great content my man.

[@shanewalters3610]

To anyone new to tattooing: listen to what this man says. He’s a wealth of knowledge and he explains everything in such understandable terms. I’m no expert, by any means…but his videos have helped me go from a know-nothing beginner, to someone who understands the basics and am excited to see where it takes me. My technique has skyrocketed thanks to you. You do a service for the tattoo community, sir. Thank you!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thank you for the amazing feedback! I’m glad the channel is helping you out.

[@kaelad8414]

how’s your work going

[@careluisillo]

I really do appreciate the time and effort you put into showing us the right path we must follow. I felt so much pain just by watching you hurt your leg. you deserve sooooo much respect!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thank you I really appreciate that!

[@bradleymerrills2142]

Thanks for the content again man :) been tattooing for about a month on fake skin and honestly getting on well, impossible to find an apprenticeship in my area , so being self taught KZbin guides are a god send

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I’m glad the channel is helping you out. Thanks for watching!

[@daniellebrownn0101]

Thank you for this video I started tattooing myself and I definitely caused tearing on my skin and it’s been healing terribly so this helped me so much

[@bigcarp11]

I’ve been searching for this specific explanation for forever cause I’m trying to start my realism and this was perfect thank you!!!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I'm glad it's helped you out! Thanks for watching!

[@chiefbeef6621]

I’m only an apprentice but I’ve been trying to take in literally all the information I can from my mentor/internet and you are hands down the BEST channel I’ve come across. The in depth explanations with the animations has absolutely skyrocketed me. Keep up the killer work my dude! Hopefully I’ll be above the other apprentices in the studio in no time ;)

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thank for the awesome feedback! I’m glad the channel is helping you out! Good luck with it all!

[@Axillity]

Daniel Yuck is pretty good too

[@swanc6378]

Best video I’ve seen on the matter - super helpful, thank you so much 🙏🏻 I really appreciate you for going all the way and actually showing us how *not* to do it on your own skin 🙌

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for the awesome comment!

[@bartoszm1121]

OMG best shading explanation on YT ! thanks a LOT! You saved my life :)))

[@WolfheartArt]

Dude thanks for the demonstration 😅 I am grateful that you are sacrificing your skin for us new guys. Much love ❤️

[@xyrius3209]

I’ve watched so many shading tip vids and this one helped out a bunch thanks man

[@biancabarbeito1483]

Tha k you so so so much the thorough demonstration. It helped me a tremendous amount. To see it and at dame time tiu made the analogies to how we should think ,really helped me. Thanks

[@chadgreenlees7191]

love love love your energy. I didn't even pay attention to what you are teaching thru the entire intro. Love it J

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thank you! I really appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@beckylarsson6697]

Been scratching myself the past couple of years, and I think I have kind of got a hang of it by now. But boy what a great video! So helpful, so easy to understand with the animations, and then seeing it in practice on real skin. I have easily made all these mistakes on myself, many times over, but lately my shading has been closer to what it should be. Looking forward to my next go, after having seen this video. Thank you, good sir!

[@Overnighttattooist]

Loving the content I’m still learning on fake skin and this advice is well appreciated.

[@kaylagreenawalt7940]

As always, thank you so much Jono - you have played a huge role in all of my obtained knowledge - I am learning stuff from you that MANY people overlook. I thoroughly appreciate all you do for us! Thanks, man!

[@jamessayshi5262]

Thank you!! Just started all of my family members have told me to tattoo because of my love for drawing over the years. I wanna learn as much as I can thank you very much!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Good luck with your journey! Thanks for watching!

[@kaelad8414]

update

[@cammieblaisdell1261]

Duuude. I’ve never seen a video where someone tears up their own skin as an example of what not to do. Thanks again for another great tutorial!

[@SuperShootah]

Thank you so much, I've just started tattooing and some videos I've watched don't cover certain parts that you do, so again THANK YOU 😊

[@Untitleddd3]

Dope video , you edited it and showed it so well w animations and used your own skin to show us. Much appreciated it helped

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thank you!

[@juv3ydvs3vb3vst7]

Is filling w shader higher pressure or same

[@victorduran987]

Tienes carisma y muy profesional, es agradable ver tus vídeos porque los explicas de una forma muy técnica y entendible. Mis respetos y saludos, sigue así Bro! 👌

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

¡Gracias por tu increíble comentario! Realmente aprecio eso. ¡Gracias por ver!

[@hoholin3595]

oh my god you use your skin to be class！！good job man！

[@MrJuuddss]

Thanks Jono for your continuous efforts to help and encourage us on our learning journey, you have helped me so much to fine tune my fundamental skills and you have aided me in gaining the confidence to transition from fake skin to human skin with what i have learnt from you thank you so much for your dedication to teach us and show us the correct ways to achieve fantastic results.

[@machietheapachie7214]

Go on Jono, the king of analogies and video explanations. Great stuff man

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Aww thanks I really appreciate that!

[@donfurbush9522]

bit of a refresher never hurts ,much thanks

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

It hurt me 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@jimmyboomsemtex9735]

thanx for the vid and education here i did some white tattoo colouring on my existing tattoos i will see how it turns out

[@seriesx5461]

Thank u I'm learning so much from u ur saving me so much learning time ur like cliff notes of tattoing

[@demonadragovv5257]

I thank you for all your videos and for sacrificing your skin ! Luv ya mate !! 🖤

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for the awesome comment! And as always thanks for watching and supporting the channel. It’s really appreciated!

[@missymariemm6252]

This tutorial is beautiful. It describes everything in and segments it's not too long. It's a great video Thank you.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@chaysamaratunga6918]

This is true dedication to spreading your love and knowledge for tattooing! Thank you for sharing Jono✊🏻🙏🏻

[@joserivas8771]

This videos are so fun to watch and learn. Thanks ❤

[@edvuks123]

Simple and clear explanation 👌. Nice man.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@madisonlangley9978]

Do you have a video on what kind of needles you use while doing this? Is it a mag or a round shader? Also I have problems with ink getting every where! Idk if I'm wiping it wrong or what but ink gets everywhere and either takes off my stencil or I can't see what I've done bc it's a mess

[@fatherofdragons4880]

Curved mag say 13 or 17 for blending blacks and greys, and small straight mags say 5 or 7 for colour packing is a good start

[@fatherofdragons4880]

Also to stop ink spreading, take the paper towel and press it onto the fresh ink once, quite hard and remove, then wipe it down with a green soap dampened paper towel. That should help.Using tattoo glide is better than vasaline by a mile.

[@andyhowden7655]

Solid information on shading. Been tattooing for a fair few months now n still find this stuff very useful

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks Andy!

[@riannedavies4736]

How would you go about doing quite a large dark area, then feathering it out as a gradient? Would you pack the dark in as you would a flat colour, then feather the edges?

[@fatherofdragons4880]

Exactly

[@jamescornell8382]

Thank you for all the great information. I am just starting out and this video helped. I did my first tattoo yesterday and was wondering what mistakes i was making and now i know and can correct them. Thank you so much!!!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I’m glad the channel is helping you out. Thanks for watching!

[@tevisfredericks3822]

Awesome. Video came just in time as I get ready and prepare myself for my session with a client on Thursday or Friday. Tips are always helpful. Though I still have the knowledge on shading and color packing. Always good to brush up skills. Tattooing is forever learning and ongoing.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

What a great attitude you have. Thanks for watching!

[@leagueunited8841]

Its all about the technique and passion. The result is perfect... Keep it up bro you are just amazing.❤️

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@poppylovestattooing-u8m]

Thanks for another great video Jono because I always learn something new from watching your videos!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@kyledunnuck1782]

Thats pretty helpful. I think i was running my machine a bit too high. My shading isnt near as bad as the first example but not as good as the 2nd. I guess a question i have is how big or small is needle throw. I have mine relativy shallow for black and grey but idk the pinpoint of where it should be. Also i dont know if my pendelum swing technique needs to be more consistent, i try but a lot of times it seems like when i try to put the ink in i dont see hardly anything, so i keep going and then when its finally in, its too much. Its not too red or bloody but my smooth blends are intertupted by mag lines, idk if its my throw, speed, or hand motion or combo of all 3. My greywash set i use is nocturnal premade set. I ad a couple drops of black to each and stir it and im pretty happy with the way each tone heals, its just the smoothness. Without the few added black drops, it heals too light especially the dark where you want it close enough to blend into the black

[@j.cvaltierra2990]

This is why I follow you my man! Thank you.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@seahookfpv]

Appreciate your explanation using your own skin.

[@grim-1369]

One thing that I don’t see discussed is the actual depth. Completely agree with the lighter touch but superficially hitting the skin you won’t hit the dermis. If you don’t get the ink past the epidermis it will not hold up over time as the skin regenerates. Excellent explanation overall though! Keep up the good work man!

[@brianbevans5644]

I feel like my biggest issue shading is it seem that my shade is always to dark, I can use 1-2 drop black and the rest mixing solution and one pass on the fake skin and it's just as dark as my 50/50 mix, this has been my biggest fear of switching to real skin, love all the help brother, your videos have help me and has gave me the confidence to keep on keeping on, awesome videos mate, Cheers

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

It sounds like it could be a pressure issue you’ve got. I’m glad the channel is helping you out. Thanks for watching!

[@hifi8844]

I think you may need a new grey wash drop system.

[@SI-xj5tq]

For whatever reason, black/gray shows up darker on fake skin than human skin. Its just how it is. If you put the same shade into real skin, it would be lighter than the fake skin.

[@hushlo7575]

Great editing man this is tops

[@tonywehnert8483]

Hey, can u make a video what it would look if the machine is running to slow? Thx 🙏

[@NickTorius]

Can you make a video on why when you use colors its always bloody and hard to see the colors

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I’ll put it on my list. Thanks for watching!

[@alexanderizzard1254]

Haha taking one for the team your awesome Jono! That badger was nice stuff bro well they all were actually but that one looked like a polaroid 👍

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thank you mate! I really appreciate that 😃

[@tokieo]

Not all heros wear capes. And this man’s tolerance is insane

[@LizMillerDesign]

so helpful! hope you can cover up that bad spot on your leg and it heals ok

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I’ll end up covering it at some point. Thanks for watching!

[@maribelpallares3565]

Thank you!!! Super informative videos!! ❤❤❤

[@ximena.jimenez7853]

I'm new in everything about tattooing and I was a little afraid because I didn't know how to start but I'm learning a lot with your videos, thank youu so much! 😄💖

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I’m glad the channel is helping you out. Thanks for watching!

[@jemarpiol312]

Thank you for this information and techniques 😊🇵🇭

[@chuckb6256]

Love your content brother keep it up and thank you

[@crestcoasttattoos]

What yiu thing about David Vega and Ralph nonwheiler technique where they make multiple passing and low voltage to get really smooth shading I use that same approach let me know your thoughts

[@arkde2807]

Desde Catalunya,te doy las gracias por este gran video e informacion.

[@sysko2564]

Absolute legend!! Since i started tattooing i never really got that red patch of skin. But there has been a few. And ive noticed its usually on med-darker skin tones and now i realize it's because of wrong choice of shade. I never like to go too dark because you can't go back... thanks for the info!! 🤙

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I’m glad the channel is helping you out. Thanks for watching!

[@robbypait6920]

Thank you for the video....I did learn something from it...and the few I have done now....have turned out good...not great...but good...I have now got myself a new pen...love it...still learning it....wish me luck...lol..

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I’m glad the channel is helping you out. Good luck!

[@plutoceanic]

Omg this helped so much actually, thank u for the video!!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@hood_da_vinci2735]

I love your videos they definitely helped me progress 🤙

[@CrazySlotz]

When you say set the machine to hit softer, I have an Ambition Lutin and I can change the cam stroke between 3.5mm and 4.0mm, so I should put the 3.5mm cam in when shading?

[@johntd4885]

Big Thanks for this video J. Smith, God Bless you.

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnlawson3014]

Being that we begin with very light pressure, that would mean that we’re not going 2mm into the skin at first correct? What I’ve always wondered is, the ink from those first passes as you’re building, does it drop out of the skin over time as the tattoo ages? I know if you don’t go deep enough when lining or packing the ink will drop out is what I’m thinking, so with shading wouldn’t it be the same? I’ve seen some incredible tattoos done in which the artist only goes maybe a half mm into the skin, but those details seem to fade fairly quickly.

[@brothersmechanics2028]

What brand needles do you use?

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Usually TatSoul Envy Gen2.

[@brothersmechanics2028]

@Jono Smith Much Appreciated! Ill try them out.

[@davidgregory1229]

Can you use a lets say a standard 5 RL for soft shading as well

[@michalkramosz8738]

Hi I have a question whether to light shading for example nose eyes or this needle is good 13 bug pin soft edge magnum long taper 0.30

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Yes that’s a good needle for that job.

[@pardipsunwar8396]

Bro can u make video for the right size n types of needles to be used for the different types of tatto

[@Astralbody333]

This was a great tutorial! Right on brotha 🔥

[@bruceleehee9267]

It all depends on your machine for pressure. Gauge of springs , spring gap , speed and force has everything to go with depth / pressure. Only speaking for coil machines

[@jessemireles9596]

Bro can I used a 5rl with a 7round tube?or what can happen if so?

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I theory you can but the needle will be lose and might cause ink splatter. It could also be hard to pull an accurate line.

[@madekings.]

Love it thanks for sharing

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@martmarriner6793]

12.50; what about the big black dots in 2nd ex? will they blend in when healed?

[@lynxdeval]

I love it your video ❤️❤️ I new learning a tattoo But English not in my mind 😭😭😭😭 but you show thanking so much ❤️❤️❤️

[@Medidime]

JONO I cant find any videos about aftercare? Isn't aftercare a huge part of maintaining and looking after the tattoo, I'd love to know what products you suggest, in what order, how you tell your client to look after their tattoo what to apply and when?? Please?

[@mariaferreira-uq1tx]

This is great info for permanent cosmetic artists as well !

[@JmanRc]

Nice video how would u work up to a good motion to match your hand speed would u start at low volts then work up and would a shorter throw on a rotary be better for shading I got a couple spectra rotary machines and they got a few different ones a 2.8 , 3.4, and 4.0 ....

[@MrJamiez]

Hey mate, quick question. What number should tattoo guns be on to start with? Thx.

[@bil111978]

Alot of good tips, I could really use a video on color packing

[@naziamajid1772]

Another fine video thank you for sharing your top tips

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@traebinnebose2298]

Do you have any tips on cover ups with line work already layed down?.

[@Ava-fx6dq]

Your a total legend for this

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@JamesBrown-ei8wc]

Was that just one ink shade that produced the fading effect?

[@Lunatixstudioink]

Your a great teacher thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@taketha2urn188]

Duuuude you've shown me my exact miatake that I kept making thanks for the heads up man...peace✌🏾

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

I’m glad it’s helped you out! Thanks for watching! 😃

[@poohdiddy5326]

I think the backwards sweep will help a lot of beginners

[@dronelife2233]

Jono, please help...I'm considering my first cover-up (on myself). I have a light blue/turquoise cross that I tattooed on my leg about 4 years ago. It has lightened up, but is it feasible to cover with the cross on the Guns N Roses Appetite For Destruction cross minus the skulls because of the yellow over the blue? Any advice from Jono and/or additional comments would be greatly appreciated before putting ink to skin!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

To be honest I wouldn't really attempt covering blue with yellow.

[@dronelife2233]

@@JonoSmithTattoo Thank you Jono. I wasn't sure if I could progressively lighten it with yellow over a couple sessions.

[@genau2707]

Thank you!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@bostjanloncaric]

You did a nice show and described it, thank you.🤟👍

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!

[@BigIslandBuddy]

Mahalo for this info. I’m brand new to tattoo at age 50. Living on Hawaii island. New life new adventures!

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Good luck on your new venture!

[@johnwood6738]

Your videos are very helpful and easy to foller

[@JonoSmithTattoo]

Thanks for watching!