The Equipment I Use For My Single Needle Tattoos

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:
"take care with only using the tape on the grip, it is not liquid proof, always put plastic under your grip tape unless you use a disposable grips" -yri aan(taken from his comment on this video)
At 8:16, either add a plastic layer under the grip tape or use a much longer piece of grip tape to wrap it around many times around so it has a thick layer of grip tape to stop liquid from penetrating. Clean the machine with madacide disinfectant after each session too.
Sorry, I'm setting a bad example there lol.
Website: LUDINKTATTOO.com
Instagram: @jjjaylud
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[@n.o.kileherbisey6917]

"I've started doing new tattoos, and you are the most patient and skilled tattoo artist I've seen so far. You have inspired me a lot. I hope one day I'll send you the tattoos I've done for you 🙏"

[@Felrasyr]

One of, if not the best instructional tattoo channels i've found. Truly helpful, dow to earth, and with clear explanations. Keep it up man, you're helping alot of people getting started!

[@jjjaylud]

Thank you so much. I ask for nothing in return except to practice hard and responsibly! These are permanent so we need to make sure we are well practiced and not reckless. I am responsible for the newcomers so please represent me well.

[@jjjaylud]

I appreciate you all!!

[@PoppyC62]

Thank you for fully explaining how to properly tattoo with a single needle 1 round liner. I didn’t realize that creating grays isn’t like using a gray wash with larger needle groupings. This will help a lot. I would like to repay your kindness with some advice about wrapping your machine. Unfortunately just using grip tape to wrap the one end of the machine is not a true barrier for blood born pathogens. Since the grip tape has holes through it, you need to fully cover the needle cartridge end with plastic first before covering with grip tape. I hope this helps and again Thanks for helping me with single needle procedure. 🙏 Poppy

[@jjjaylud]

Yes Thank you for explaining that about the plastic layer, you're right. But yeah I think you can still use greywash with a single but Its just more practical with larger groupings. Single needle is just a bit different so it should be thought of in a diff way. its hard to explain 🥲

[@PoppyC62]

@@jjjaylud again thank you for your amazing videos!🙏

[@borregodanet]

Just hit gold when i found your channel! I really cant thank you enough! I'm drawing since i was a kid and always wanted to be a tattoo artist for the last 10 y or so... I love realism and im super picky and obsessed with perfection. I really want to invest a lot of time and energy to start with fake skin and improve as much as possible on it- i don't mind to train a year or more on it. it´s very hard to get an apprenticeship around here. But then i´m afraid that even training a lot in fake skin isn´t enough to became a good tattoo artist, that´s why i haven´t even started for the last 10 years. You think its possible? Anyway thank you again for all your effort in creating this premium content with quality knowledge. its really priceless.

[@williamrobert7359]

Just get all the necessary equipment and start practicing, you just need to start and see! I too wanted to try tattooing for a while, but never did.. until one day I just bought a tattoo machine (coil) and some black ink and just that gave me the push I needed to start practicing on fake skin. You know, sometimes you just need to try and see, in my country they say "not capable is dead without trying" ... I Hope I was helpful, and sorry in advance for any spelling mistake.

[@borregodanet]

​@@williamrobert7359 Thank you for your reply! maybe i should give it a try... and how did it go with tattooing?

[@williamrobert7359]

@@borregodanet To tell you the truth, I am still training on fake skin, I won't go tattooing people 'till i am not happy enough with the work I do, but i'm sure it will take some times to get great result after I start tattooing people. That's just how it is.. it's not the same medium, but at least you learn to use your tattoo machine and do clean line and shading, so it's always better than starting directly on people and doing work you will regret...

[@jjjaylud]

William said everything on point. You just need to do it. You waiting 10 years is too long. With tattooing and many things you have to take action. But I get it. William is right about practicing on fake skin until you are over-ready before attempting real skin. I always like being safe and responsible so I agree with him. This is a long journey so you won't see results until much later and you need to put in a lot of work too. You need to start taking action

[@jjjaylud]

Thanks for asking a great question and what you said about my channel too. Appreciate it!

[@jesusalvez2325]

Aquí tienes la traducción al inglés: --- I apologize for my English. I am a great admirer of your work, and congratulations on demonstrating the patience, precision, and quality needed to be an artist. I have watched all your videos, and I fall more in love with your style every time. I hope to achieve this in a few years. In one of your videos, you mention that you use a single cup of ink for sessions lasting up to 9 hours. How do you manage to keep the black ink from diluting with plasma and blood so that your tone looks more like a gray? Thank you very much for your content. I hope you continue making it. You are the best. Hugs from Mexico.

[@jjjaylud]

I remember saying the ink dilutes with the blood and plasma in one of my videos yes. But now that I tattoo, I don't ever come across this problem. Maybe I have gotten to the point where I do not cause enough damage to the skin for my client to bleed a lot anymore? Or could I have been wrong back then about blood or plasma actually being a factor in the ink drying? Or it could be that I rarely tattoo for 6+ hours in one sitting anymore(I'm getting older I can't tattoo for that long now) so this problem of ink drying naturally does not occur anymore? In any case, If I happen to be right or wrong, you should replace that ink cup half way during one of your many breaks in a 9 hour+ session. Thank you for the question!

[@jesusalvez2325]

@@jjjaylud thank you so much for your reply, you are the best, I will always admire your work 🙏🏼

[@DOUPURUN]

Bro you are the best explaining, if it wasn't because of you I wouldn't have started in this. Thxs :)

[@jjjaylud]

😁that's awesome to hear that. Do your absolute best brother! I hope you enjoy it

[@taylorMFilms]

Keep the videos coming brother. They’re really great and filled with a ton of important and useful facts but also very generous to share your knowledge and experience ! I’m sure you’ll building a huge viewership on top of your success Thanks !

[@jjjaylud]

Appreciate you taking the time to write that. 🙏

[@ignaciotasinazzo240]

Thanks so much for your sharing!!! Love your works, greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷👋🏻😁😁😁

[@jjjaylud]

Hello! You're very welcome. :)

[@williamrobert7359]

Thank you for all the explanation you give for everything, i learned a lot.

[@jjjaylud]

I always love to hear that my videos can do this. Thank you!

[@williamrobert7359]

@@jjjaylud Hopefully you will make plenty more videos 😇

[@matsuoSonata]

I just came across Gold!!!! Thank you for your knowledge!!❤

[@jjjaylud]

lmao you're welcome

[@eto_ulia]

I wish there were more videos like this one. very simple explanation what is what) specially when you are trying to learn different styles and techniques you whant to know who your favourite artist in this style works to get closer to the same result) Thanks a lot for your youtube videos)

[@jjjaylud]

You are very welcome. I'm happy you're learning a lot. Yes sir! Practice a lot and safely, keep learning and never underestimate so you can avoid as many mistakes as possible. I will do the same ofc :)

[@eto_ulia]

@@jjjaylud trying to practice doing cheap or free tattoos now. Sometimes lack of money upsets so much, but every time learning something new and getting new skill is so inspiring)

[@jjjaylud]

@@eto_ulia yea.. in the beginning the MOST important thing is to gain knowledge and experience. It is tough I understand

[@jaysondronaarts]

Pls upload more.. i already consumed all your contents 🙌🏻👌🏻 Keep inspiring us.

[@jjjaylud]

I will keep making more! sometimes I'm tired or lazy but I will try

[@martinevandoorn4282]

Thank you very much for your good explanations.

[@aigulrieker4499]

Thank you for sharing! I’d love to hear about your experience with other machines though ☺️

[@jjjaylud]

ill keep that in mind

[@imalogui]

As always, thank you Jay

[@kevheng9137]

Appreciate you. Hopefully you come to California, I want to get some work done.

[@jjjaylud]

Thanks for the love!

[@vu5344]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! It’s nice to see a new video!

[@gabrielamaral936]

Thanks, Jay! I learn a lot with you🎇🎇

[@jjjaylud]

:)))))

[@amanip81]

As always awesome video always get hyped when I see you upload

[@jjjaylud]

🤩

[@dairlock]

Thank you so much

[@jjjaylud]

🙂👍

[@theaquariuspaintinglady]

This was cool to watch! Thanks for sharing!

[@toxico2699]

Eeyyyyy feeling good timing 🔥🔥

[@valeriebergen125]

Thank you Jay! I recently started watching your videos and I really appreciate the information you give about your working style! :) I have checked your healed artworks and they look awesome! I just wondered if there are some specific requirements or aspects you take care of especially when it comes to microrealism, so that the tattoos heal better? Thanks a lot! 😊

[@jjjaylud]

Thank you for taking the time to write that I would say use lotion instead of ointment since fineline is less healing intensive vs traditional/bigger styles. Or if you use ointment, use much less. The goal is to prevent it from being TOO dry(cracking scab) so the scab is solid and not mushy so it can protect the healing underneath Also I use second skin bandage and recommend not leaving it on for more than 5 days. Limit movement and sweating on that area. Lastly, I wanna say my soft style and handiwork contributes to the smooth heals I think. I shouldn't leave that out of this. Other than that It's just my personal aftercare recommendations. Nothing proven or backed by science but it works for me and my clients.

[@valeriebergen125]

@@jjjaylud Thank you this helps a lot! I also checked you videos about the healing and longevity of fineline tattoos and it really also answered all my questions 😊 keep the work up 🙌🏼 I will be looking forward for more videos of you!

[@BoOrellana]

Bro, all your videos are gold for real! You are literally the best guy out there explaining and sharing ur knowledge on tattoo. I would like to ask for ur help, something that i really don't find out how to do it, how do u clean your sol nova unlimited, i mean the grip? I mean after tattooing somebody, do u wash it ? Do u wipe it with some caviwipes only? Or what do you usually do? I'm about to start tattooing real skin and that is a big concern i have about it. I also have the unlimited 3.5mm, not to mention, u help me a lot deciding on getting that one tho :) thanks!

[@jjjaylud]

Thank you. I appreciate the love and confirmation haha. I gotta make more videos.. I use madacide wipes(very strong cleaner) after use. I learned this while I worked at Atelier Eva with Eva. They're very thorough and clean with their process so I picked up a few important things from them. I also bought a autoclave machine since I work at my own private place now and you're required to have one. Though I rarely use it since the wipes kill everything.

[@omra2357]

Thank you always jay!

[@mariamarakixoxo]

I'm so coming to get a tattoo from you someday. 😍

[@jjjaylud]

awesome

[@araaenyc]

Thx 4 sharing your knowledge buddy.

[@jackjackson0]

Thank you

[@carloscaceresdiaz6875]

Hi. Amazing videos. What sort of filters you use to take pictures and what sort of editing you do to them? Thanks

[@jjjaylud]

I use Lightroom. I like to edit the redness down, make the lighting softer, balance shadows and contrast, and crop the tattoo as nicely as I can with 1x1 or 4x5 for instagram. Theres a learning curve for this unfortunately and time consuming. Compared to a one-click quick filter.

[@snek27]

cool man. take care with only using the tape on the grip, it is not liquid proof, always put plastic under your grip tape unless you use a disposable grips. how do you keep the skin from getting red ?

[@jjjaylud]

Ah you're very right. I should put an extra layer of plastic just incase. if not use a lengthier grip tape to wrap it around more times for extra layers so its more difficult for liquid to penetrate. Although I use maticide to clean the grip after each session. I'll need to make a caption in the video to layer extra so people will know the safe way if they are copying my example.. The skin does get red and/or swell sometimes. Maybe not too much since I'm very light handed, use a soft machine, and I don't go too deep with the needle.

[@charliewarrior2717]

Hi Jay, you recently said that you use another machine now. I couldn't find it 😪. Can u repeat the name? Thanks so much 🙏

[@jjjaylud]

Right now? I still use the Sol Nova 3.5 Unlimited. The one I used before was the Xion Pen. I prefer the SN

[@pamelaanelli6816]

thank you !!!

[@cami0915-1]

I just ordered a Cheyenne soul nova a few days ago and I'm so excite to try it. I’ve never tried single needle as I always felt that 3rl was fine enough and my client usually like their lines more visible. But you talked about how smoother the shading can be with 1rl and I never thought about it so I'm gonna order 1rl to try. I use 3rl (0.30/0.25) for most of my works. What diameter do you use for 1rl? I have Kwadron as well but I don't like it. It doesn't hold as much ink and it doesn't pull a solid line like WJX. Have you tried WJX cartridges? I'm from LA and WJX always takes time to deliver because it comes from China, so I really want to find a local brand that holds ink as much a WJX to make the switch. If you know any other brands(beside Kwadron) that pulls a clean line and hold ink well to recommend I'd appreciate. 🙏 Thank you for the great content as always.

[@jjjaylud]

I always use 35 diameter Kwadron. 12-01RL LT. It holds ink well for me. I never tried WJX before.

[@cami0915-1]

@@jjjaylud I wonder why Kwadron doesn’t work for me :/ could it be the machine? I’ll definitely try it again when my Cheyenne arrives next week. Thank you!

[@jjjaylud]

@@cami0915-1 Yea I'm not sure.. it could be the technique too? who knows. I hope you find some answers. Lmk what you find if you remember in the future

[@Alexis-nj8nw]

first of all, thank you SO much for your videos!!! i love it and really needed it as my teacher doesn’t tattoo single needle but I freaking love it and couldn’t find good advice online. I wanted to ask what your opinion on the textured single needles are and why you dont use it?

[@jjjaylud]

I get it. It's very unexplored territory. And very hard to master, out of all the other styles. I've never tried it but I heard once that the textured needles carry and transfer ink better. I haven't found myself needing this sort of thing so I never bothered to try it. So I can't say much on something I haven't experienced unfortunately.

[@Alexis-nj8nw]

@@jjjaylud Alright thank you!

[@poisonheart5256]

Close up videos... Needle depth and all your tattoo tips and tricks

[@fabianzeiner8450]

Hi, love your content so thanks for that! Do you use the Sol Nova Unlimited in steady or responsive mode? Or are there certain situations/skin conditions that make you switch between the two?

[@jjjaylud]

I've only ever used steady(the default one). Because I would imagine the responsive mode will mess with my already developed depth control. Maybe it may help me in some ways but I'm too stubborn to change and already made up my mind that it won't improve me hahaha

[@RainRoss]

Hey man, thank you so much for all the insight, tips and teachings. Your channel is amazing. I was curious if you had any insight on the new Cheyenne machine, the SOL Nova Unlimited 2.5 (2.5mm stroke). Do you think this would be a good all around machine for fine line/single needle tattooing or would you still recommend the 3.5 unlimited? Thanks again for all that you do for us!

[@jjjaylud]

man I wish I knew.. the 3.5 works perfectly for me at the moment. Since rendering time is a concern with the single, I would imagine if it is too weak then it will slow me down and I don't want that. I developed my habits around the 3.5 and I feels just right. I say this even though I never tried 2.5 or even 4 stroke because I can't imagine moving up in stroke(4) and softening down(2.5) from what I'm feeling with the 3.5. This is all speculation but given a lot of thought. Plus, be aware this is all based off my experience and my personal techniques. So I want to say no to your question but I never tried it so I can't give you a solid no.

[@bm-uk9lo]

@@jjjaylud I've been wondering the same about the 2.5 and 3.5... As I'm considering upgrading my machine and can't make my mind, I contacted directly Cheyenne to know which one is best suited for 1RL and 3RL. Here is their answer, for insight: "we will definetely recommend the 3.5 version in this case. The 2.5 is a very soft machine perfectly for soft b/g shadings. Even for 1- and 3-Liner you will need the punch of the 3.5 version. 2.5 is not enough. Even the 4.0 version would work for this, but 3.5 will be fine." Hope that helps :) Thank you for sharing all your knowledge, your videos help a lot!

[@jjjaylud]

@@bm-uk9lo Oh man if the big boss Cheyenne says that then thats a solid confirmation of what I thought hahaha. Thank you so much for sharing that info with me.

[@poisonheart5256]

Brother single needle tutorial video plz

[@jjjaylud]

yep!

[@go7video234]

Nice Video Bro 👊

[@she_paintsthesky]

you’re the best thank you keep the videos coming! 🫶🏻

[@jjjaylud]

I will do my best to make time to make more!

[@manudeleon1184]

Bro, amazing information, how you do solid fillings of black?

[@jjjaylud]

I use the 1RL but this is only practical when its not a big area to fill solid black cause you can imagine how crazy long that would take. I do a stippling and scribbling motion as you can see in many of my tattoo videos where I fill very dark grey or black. It isn't as dark as if you'd use a mag and pack it in but for my preference and aesthetic I'm going for, I like what Im doing.

[@borregodanet]

If i may ask you, to achieve the lighter tones you just put the very tip of the needle in the correct skin layer. So a smaller pixel will stay if i understood it correctly. In terms of final work, would it be different to do the " normal technique" you use for black but with a wash? I know you like to keep it simple, I'm asking because it seems hard enough to hit the correct layer, hitting just with the tip of the needle seems almost impossible to master!!

[@jjjaylud]

Yeah the tip technique is very hard I understand.. You can always use greywash and use it normally, without worrying about being so shallow. Also better if you use 3rl or more or mags with greywash. It's a bit complicated. I need to sit on this for a while and make a video about greywash

[@borregodanet]

@@jjjaylud that would be another premium content coming from you! 🙏 Can't wait 😁

[@sieteseiszerozero8970]

You are the man brother thank u

[@yiwang4820]

你的工作非常辛苦、非常耐心、非常心细我为你點赞！

[@jjjaylud]

謝謝😁

[@ljmusicofficial9237]

Nice Video!!! Greetings from MR. J . fineline

[@hammielover198]

How do you make sure the shallow graze won’t fade away after healing, when you do a light gray wash? I’m worried if my hand is too light for stipple shading it will disappear after 6months-3 years. Thank you sm btw for not gatekeeping❤❤❤

[@jjjaylud]

hahah no problem. You mean when I do a light grey with 100% black ink? because I don't use greywash. Greywash will easily fade out when grazed lightly. But I'm grazing it with all black to get a light grey and using all black tends to heal slightly darker than what you see when it's fresh. If it disappears then I went too light. But usually I get it just shallow enough where it doesn't fall out and it lasts as long as any other depth deeper than that.

[@j_Vaz]

Is there any cons to using gray washes with single needle?

[@jjjaylud]

I don't think so. It just behaves differently using it to render tattoos and how it heals afterwards. My preference is only using black. I bet there are more possibilities that I have yet to try if I used greywash(used correctly) . But I can get all the grey tones I want with all black ink so no need for me as of now.

[@ricarlosada]

Great video! Do you use the sol nova in responsive mode or steady mode?

[@jjjaylud]

Ive never tried the blinking mode (I think that's then responsive mode). I use the default. I think if I tried the responsive mode maybe it'll mess with my depth control. I should try it

[@leungvinzan1218]

Hi I'm using sol nova as well but not the unlimited one , to achieve single needle result like yours which voltage do u recommend? Same 7 volt? Thankyou

[@jjjaylud]

Yeah I would say try 6v, 6.5v, then 7v and see which feels best for you. I also have the 3.5 stroke so make sure that is the same before you compare.

[@AlexandraDevetag]

thank you for your efforts Jason, very helpful as always

[@KM-qo3hi]

Hi! Do you use the SOL NOVA Unlimited on Steady or Responsive mode for your type of work? Is there any specific applications that you use the different mode for?

[@jjjaylud]

No I only use the normal mode. the non blinking one. I think I'm too used to it so if I use the blinking mode it might mess with me. I think it's best to rely on your own sense of depth control instead of a machine. But maybe it is ok to use it to help you get to the point where you can rely on your own hands?

[@KM-qo3hi]

@@jjjaylud I see, thank you for the info! I’m planning to get a new machine and am considering the SOL NOVA too

[@robinocap]

hi jay. im currently looking for a new machine and im considering the sol nova unlimited. i saw that you recommend the 3.5 for lighter work, which makes sense to me. however i just saw that they released a "the beauty" version with a 2.5 stoke, which would be even softer hitting. You probably have not used it but do you think its better than the 3.5? Also i like to hang my needle quite a bit which would not be recommended with a shorter stroke right? Thank you for everything again! Greetings from Germany, robin

[@jjjaylud]

Hey Robin, you're right Ive only ever used the 3.5 and can't imagine going up to 4 or down to 2.5. 2.5 sounds too soft to be honest.. and without even trying it I really don't think it would be good because 3.5 already feels too soft to me sometimes. and If I need to go harder with the 3.5, I can just bump up the volts which I rarely do and I stay at 7 which is the lower end of the possible volt settings. I'd recommend the 3.5

[@robinocap]

@@jjjayludnoted. im so thankful for this answer, really. just keep it up dude. you‘re amazing.

[@goldenboy3492]

Hey jay! How come you switched to the Cheyenne when your bishop was also a 3.5? Is there a difference? Also, I see the artists at bang bang like mr.k and drag ink using the packer. Do they just turn their voltage way down? Appreciate your help!

[@jjjaylud]

I never used the bishop. I switched from the Xion from FKirons. I don't remember what stroke that was, whichever it was that came out of the box default. I have no idea how they do it and even less idea since I never used their machines. They don't use 1RL, they use 3RL so a stronger machine makes some sense. It's just too strong for a single. Anyways We'd have to ask them but I doubt they'll ever reply lol.

[@jjjaylud]

Actually I'm not sure what drag uses, 1 or 3, I think both. And I'm pretty sure K uses 3. Could be wrong but this is safer to say so I don't wrongly assume.

[@goldenboy3492]

appreciate your insight! there's just so much information out there it's hard to decide which route to take at times. anyway i have learned a ton from your channel and really appreciate what you're doing!

[@nayshine1995]

good job bro🙏

[@user-ni8gq1cq6e]

I just bought a bishop packer 4.2mm stroke, & I was wondering if i would be able to achieve similar results with 1rl? my hand speed is pretty fast so i thought it could be better to run at a low voltage like 6, thankyou so much for your videos. if you have any tips for me i would love to hear

[@jjjaylud]

hmm I've never tried that machine but I would imagine that since it is a packer and at 4.2 stroke, it hits much harder so no it won't achieve similar results to what I do. Although it may be similar results to the style of "babyjakktattooer". It looks more like dotted work and the ink "pixels" are a bit bigger as a result of the harder hitting machine. You must have fast, confident hand strokes because it hits harder to prevent too much damage on skin with 1RL. So you must have a softer machine than your bishop packer to do what I do.. Be careful

[@user-ni8gq1cq6e]

@@jjjaylud thankyou so much

[@hugocunha7542]

Amazing

[@jaysondronaarts]

Link for the machine?

[@jjjaylud]

Cheyennetattoo.com

[@poisonheart5256]

Good jop

[@valeriebergen125]

Thank you Jay! I recently started watching your videos and I really appreciate the information you give about your working style! :) I have checked your healed artworks and they look awesome! I just wondered if there are some specific requirements or aspects you take care of especially when it comes to microrealism, so that the tattoos heal better? Thanks a lot! 😊

[@jjjaylud]

Thank you for taking the time to write that I would say use lotion instead of ointment since fineline is less healing intensive vs traditional/bigger styles. Or if you use ointment, use much less. The goal is to prevent it from being TOO dry(cracking scab) so the scab is solid and not mushy so it can protect the healing underneath Also I use second skin bandage and recommend not leaving it on for more than 5 days. Limit movement and sweating on that area. Lastly, I wanna say my soft style and handiwork contributes to the smooth heals I think. I shouldn't leave that out of this. Other than that It's just my personal aftercare recommendations. Nothing proven or backed by science but it works for me and my clients.

[@Kisachamp7]

@@jjjayluddoes it matter what kind of lotion?

[@jjjaylud]

@@Kisachamp7 I guess non scented? and one that doesn't not irritate you. There's many brands and ingredients so you should look into that.