Tattoo vocabulary

Design

• Flash – Pre-drawn tattoo designs available for clients to choose from

• Custom piece – A tattoo designed specifically for one client

• Linework – The outlines that define the tattoo’s shape and structure

• Composition – How design elements are arranged within a tattoo

• Flow – How the design follows the body’s natural curves or muscle lines

• Motif – A recurring element or symbol within tattoo design

• Stencil – The paper or transfer used to outline the tattoo design on the skin

• Placement – The area of the body where the tattoo will be applied

• Negative space – Untattooed areas that create contrast and definition in the design

• Reference – A source image used to inspire or guide the tattoo artwork

Prep and Sanitation

• Autoclave – A sterilization machine used to clean tools and equipment

• Disposable setup – Single-use materials to prevent cross-contamination

• Barrier film – Protective wrap placed over equipment and surfaces

• Antiseptic – Solution applied to disinfect the skin before tattooing

• Green soap – A mild, antibacterial soap used to clean the skin during tattooing

• Shave – Removing hair from the area to ensure a clean surface

• Transfer paper – Paper used to apply the stencil design to the skin

• Gloves – Worn to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination

Machine

• Tattoo machine (or tattoo gun) – The handheld device that inserts ink into the skin

• Coil machine – A traditional machine that uses electromagnetic coils

• Rotary machine – Uses a motor rather than coils for smoother operation

• Needle configuration – The arrangement of needles for different effects
   • Round liner (RL) – For precise linework
   • Round shader (RS) – For small shading areas
   • Magnum (M1 or M2) – For shading or coloring large areas

• Cartridge – A needle-and-tip assembly used in modern machines for quick changes

• Tube/Grip – The part held by the artist that guides the needle

• Power supply – Provides consistent voltage to the tattoo machine

• Foot pedal – Controls when the machine is active

• Ink caps – Small disposable cups that hold tattoo ink

• Clip cord – The wire that connects the machine to the power source

Process

• Linework – First step of tattooing; outlining the design

• Packing – Filling in areas with solid color or black

• Shading – Creating gradients or tonal depth with diluted ink

• Whip shading – A flicking motion used to create soft gradients

• Color blending – Gradually merging one hue into another

• Saturation – Ensuring the ink is fully and evenly embedded in the skin

• Layering – Building up tones and details by working in multiple passes

• Stretching – Pulling the skin taut to help the needle penetrate evenly

• Ink dilution – Mixing ink with water or solution to create lighter tones (especially for black and gray work)

• Blowout – When ink spreads under the skin due to improper depth or movement

Healing

• Plasma – Clear fluid that leaks from a fresh tattoo

• Bandage/wrap – Protective covering applied immediately after tattooing

• Saniderm (or second skin) – A breathable adhesive film that aids healing

• Ointment – Moisturizer used to prevent scabbing and promote healing

• Scabbing – The natural healing process where dried plasma forms over the tattoo

• Peeling – The shedding of old skin layers as the tattoo heals

• Touch-up – A later session to fix faded or uneven ink

• Healing time – The period (usually 2–4 weeks) required for the tattoo to fully settle

• Sun protection – Essential for preventing fading and damage post-healing

Styles

• Blackwork – Tattoos using only black ink and solid areas of fill

• Fine line – Tattoos with delicate, thin lines

• Traditional (American traditional) – A bold, limited-palette style with thick outlines

• Neo-traditional – Combines traditional structure with modern color and detail

• Stippling – Shading or imagery made entirely of dots

• Realism – Tattoos that resemble photographs or naturalistic imagery

• Illustrative – Combines drawing styles with tattoo techniques

• Cyber Sigilism - Geometric symmetry, metallic flow, and digital or biomechanical motifs

• Portraiture – Captures the likeness, emotion, and fine details of faces or figures through precise shading and tonal depth

• Calligraphy - Elegant linework, rhythmic flow, and stylized script