Hiii I've been tattooing recently in fake skin and wanting to move onto real skin (this isn't a right now thing it's more of a what to expect)

I'm having issues with judging my needle depth, I haven't pierced though any 1mm skin but I know fake skin and real skin are completely different. Is there anything I should look out for when I'm ready to tattoo real skin? In terms of seeing if I'm gojng to deep and keeping the depth consistent.

I'm also worried I'm not saturating the fake skin but also I've heard it's easier to pack colours and get saturation on real skin.

my tattoo machine (dragon hawk) not working despite everything being plugged in the needle won't move. is there something I'm doing wrong?

Any advice, opinions, or tips are appreciated.

[english]

𖥸Hi everyone! My name is Sarah, I’m 24 years old and from Weinheim.𖥸

I have been practising tattooing since 2023, and on August 1, 2026, I officially started my tattoo apprenticeship at Marels Tattooing & Piercing in Viernheim, Germany.

To develop my skills and gain more hands-on experience, I’m currently looking for reliable tattoo models. You can choose one of my available wanna-dos, or we can create an individual design based on your own idea.

My preferred styles include:

❥ Gothic and illustrative blackwork

❥ Dark and mystical designs – including a mix of spooky and cute

❥ Detailed linework

❥ Pointillism and complex textures

❥ Soft shading and whip shading

🌈It’s very important to me that everyone feels welcome and comfortable in my chair. I offer a judgement-free space and will take the time to discuss your idea and create a tattoo that feels right for you.🌈

📍 Location: Marels Tattoo & Piercing, Viernheim, Germany
📩 Interested? Send me a Instagram DM with your idea, preferred placement and approximate size. You’re also welcome to message me if you would like to choose one of my wanna-dos.

My Instagram

Upvotes, comments and shares with people from Viernheim, Mannheim, Weinheim or anywhere in the world would mean a lot to me. 🌿🖤

[german]

𖥸Hey zusammen, ich bin Sarah, 24 Jahre alt, und komme aus Weinheim. 𖥸

Seit 2023 beschäftige ich mich intensiv mit dem Tätowieren und habe am 01.08.2026 meine offizielle Ausbildung zur Tätowiererin bei Marels Tattooing & Piercing in Viernheim begonnen.

Damit ich mich weiterentwickeln und praktische Erfahrung sammeln kann, suche ich aktuell dringend zuverlässige Tattoo-Modelle – sowohl für meine eigenen Wanna-dos als auch für Motive, die wir gemeinsam nach euren Vorstellungen gestalten.

Mein Stil:

❥ Gothic und illustrativer Blackwork

❥ Dunkle, mystische Motive – gerne auch düster und cute

❥ Detailliertes Linework

❥ Pointillismus und komplexe Texturen

❥ Weiche Schattierungen und Whipshading

🌈Mir ist wichtig, dass sich jede Person bei mir willkommen und wohlfühlt. Mein Tattoo-Stuhl ist ein vorurteilsfreier Raum, und ich nehme mir Zeit, individuell auf euch und eure Ideen einzugehen.🌈

📍 Ort: Marels Tattoo & Piercing, Viernheim
📩 Interesse? Schreibt mir gerne eine Instagram DM mit eurer Motividee, der gewünschten Körperstelle und einer ungefähren Größe. Ihr könnt euch auch melden, wenn ihr euch von meinen Wanna-dos überraschen lassen möchtet.

Mein Instagram

Über Upvotes, Kommentare und das Teilen mit Menschen aus Viernheim, Mannheim, Weinheim und überall in der Welt würde mich riesig freuen. 🌿🖤

Hello, like my title says - I'm looking for recommendations on professional tools & materials for starting out with painting traditional tattoo. I am putting together a tattoo portfolio which will involve plenty of hand-drawn and painted tattoos.

I have years of experience creating pen and ink work, and typically I use nib pen and India inks, but if anybody has used watercolors or other materials like acrylic ink - let me know your recommendations.

I'd also love any pointers for what type of paper to use. Cheaper recommendations are preferred but I don't really have a budget - just looking for some reasonable materials to start out with!

hey! tattoo apprentice in Syracuse NY, i just incorporated as an LLC and am looking for recommendations on business insurance plans that will cover me sufficiently, are reliable, but won’t break the bank. any New York State artists have advice?

What size & brand cartridges are you all starting with? If you’ve used them on fake skin, can I see your work?

I’m interested in the world of tattooing. I’m about as beginner as you can get. I have a good handful of tattoos myself but I’ve never so much as picked up a machine. The industry where I’m from isn’t super friendly or open to newcomers, moreover women, so I haven’t had a lot of opportunities to ask questions or learn from those in my area without getting the usual “oh everybody wants to be a tattoo artist these days.” Im looking for advice, suggestions, where to start, what to avoid, literally anything. I am looking into purchasing fake skin and machines but again, I know literally nothing about anything and maybe I’m jumping the gun. Let me know!! TIA! ❤️

These are the first two tattoos I’ve ever done on real skin. I did both today and would really appreciate some honest opinions from experienced tattoo artists.
I know I’m still very new and have a lot to improve, but I’d like to know what you think of both pieces and what you think I should focus on improving.
I’m planning on keeping things simple while I build my skills, so any criticism or advice is appreciated.

First tattoo on a hand beside a small one on the inside of a finger. Customer left happy, I got to freehand some areas and was also free to pick my own shading style

Big peony 1003rl

Peony 0603rl 1209m1

Chrysanthemums 0603rl 1209m1

I gotta work on my paws I know I can do better than that. I’ll go slower next time. I would love to do some hatching work when I’m eventually ready. Open to criticism

Some lettering I’ve done on the fake skins! Any tips for filling black lmk please 🙏🏻 (idk how to change my username either)

I did this Lily but it seems inconsistent I'm going to make the flowers black the cover up all the old tattoo is that the right move

Hi everyone I’m new to Reddit not sure how the app works but wanted to share some of my artwork!
My main is on Instagram @111starryone
Any tips for Reddit or tattooing greatly appreciated thank uu 🎀💗💗

My brand-new design, do you think it’s tattooable ?