Glossary

Blast Over

A blast over is the act of creating a new tattoo over an existing one without completely covering it, unlike a cover-up. The goal is for both tattoos to work independently but also as a cohesive whole.

Bodysuit

A bodysuit is a tattoo covering the whole body, or a large part of it, usually from the neck down to the legs. It is usually composed of a specific style or coherent motifs that blend together to create an overall design. Bodysuits are usually made in several sessions over a long period of time.

Dermalise

A dermalise dressing is a special type of dressing used to cover and protect a freshly done tattoo during its healing phase. This dressing is designed to promote healing by providing protection against infections and maintaining a moist environment that helps reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. It is typically recommended to keep it on for about three days.

Dot Work

Dot work is an artistic technique based on the use of meticulously placed dots to create patterns and give shape to the desired model. This method allows you to play with nuances and volumes, creating a unique, textured aesthetic.

Flash

Flash tattoos are a quick and accessible option for customers looking for a tattoo without having to design a customised motif. They also allow tattoo artists to showcase their style and offer designs that can be completed quickly. Flash designs can be modified or personalised to suit the customer’s preferences, but they are generally “ready-to-use” drawings that simplify the tattooing process for those without a specific concept in mind.

Freehand

As the name suggests, freehand tattooing involves drawing directly onto the client’s skin without using a pre-printed stencil. This technique is particularly useful for designs that require precise adaptation to the body’s contours, but it demands advanced drawing skills and a high level of confidence in execution.

Full Black

Full Black is a technique aimed at covering a large area of the skin or the entire tattooed zone in solid black without leaving any empty spaces.

Full Blast

Full Blast is similar to Full Black. The only difference is that Full Blast does not focus solely on the use of black ink.

Needles

Liner needles

A Liner needle is a type of tattoo needle used primarily for outlining and creating clean, precise lines in a tattoo. The liner needle is generally quite thin and consists of a single row of needles closely spaced together.

Magnum needles

A Magnum needle is a type of tattoo needle used for shading and filling. They are arranged in two parallel rows of fine needles, allowing for rapid coverage of large areas and the creation of smooth shading.

Shader needles

A Shader needle is a type of needle used in tattooing, mainly for shading and filling large areas. They are often arranged in larger groups or multiple rows, which allows a larger surface area of skin to be covered and creates an effect of depth or smooth transition between different colours or shades.

Stencil

A stencil is a tool made up of carbon paper and a sheet of silk used to transfer a design or motif onto the skin before tattooing.

Whip Shading

Whip shading is a shading technique that involves tilting the needle slightly while making a fast, fluid sweeping movement, often in the shape of a whip, hence the name. It is ideal for delicate shading, smooth tonal transitions and textured effects. It is commonly used in styles such as realism, black and grey, or illustrative tattooing.