(The following is a blog post from 2014. It’s been edited with new photos.)

I’ve been tattooing for over 16 years now. I wouldn’t say that makes me super established, but I’ve been blessed enough to be featured in some magazines early on in my career. Because of this, a lot of younger tattooers remember me from these magazine articles and such.

When talking with tattooers who are in their first few years of working, I get asked the question “What can I do to make my tattoos better?”

In the past, I’ve given very individual advice. As time has gone on, though. I’ve found advice that applies to everyone. This is how everyone can make their work better.

The thing is though, you probably won’t do it. No one seems to. I’m not consistent with it.

First, take every design as far as it can go before tattooing. Do several thumbnail sketches for every piece. Pick your favorite. Draw out the piece, then do a value study and a color study. Get advice from people whose opinion you respect throughout the process.

Have the design in color completely finished and developed before you even start tattooing. Then you’re able to solely focus on the technical aspects of the piece when you’re tattooing.

If this seems like you don’t have enough time to do all this with your workload, then you need to learn to live more frugally and do fewer tattoos.

Second, in regards to technical elements of tattooing, keep a dated journal where you write detailed information on every tattoo- what needles you used, ink, color mixtures, machines, any info about the client’s situation that day, etc. This gives you a record so when you see stuff healed, you can refer back to it and know what worked well and what didn’t.

Invest as much money as you possibly can into the best equipment out there. Regularly try new things, but only try one new thing at a time. (For example, don’t try new needles and new ink using new machines.)

Third, while doing all that, constantly be working on new personal art that reflects an original direction you’re trying to push your work towards while also pushing the boundaries of what you’re capable of artistically. Share this work regularly; if you hide it, it doesn’t count. Also regularly work on basic universal art skills- life drawing, rendering, painting from observation, etc.

Last, develop relationships with people in a variety of fields who you admire both due to their work and their character; people who will challenge you. Regularly seek their feedback in regards to the work you’re doing. Listen but also develop the personal character to accept when advice is valid, and to know when it goes against your core principles and should be ignored.

This is how you become the best. This is the path. I know, though, that from what all this requires, most people will not do all this. They will avoid something either through refusal, laziness, or the core of it all- fear. That’s why the best are the best.

I know this is very specific to tattooing, but there are some universal principles there. I’m sure you can easily pinpoint the few different things you have to do to be the best in your own field.

Accept that you’re scared and face your fear. Be the best you can be. Then get better.

Thank you.