Utilize Dotwork and Stippling For Less Skin Trauma In The Tattoo

Submitted 01.17.24

Utilize Dotwork and Stippling For Less Skin Trauma In The Tattoo

“Do kind of a whipped stipple, like you’re doing a light gray wash. Like your lightly working off the tip of the needle and brushing the skin”

- Jake Meeks

This stippling technique stands out for its forgiving nature, enabling tattooers to gradually build texture and values with minimal skin trauma. The method is characterized by its low impact, causing almost no redness or bleeding when executed correctly. 

This approach involves a whipped stipple or raking movement, akin to applying a light gray wash, delicately working off the needle's tip and brushing the skin. You can also try scumbling or quickly making little circular movements in small areas to achieve similar effects with a different sort of pattern.

Stippling effect on skin

The result is a remarkably consistent stippled look, offering a distinctive texture to the tattoo. The precision of working off the needle's tip allows for meticulous dot work and texture creation without compromising the skin.

Watch the full episode:

Tattoo Techniques: Dotwork Trick Faster and More Efficient Stippling 3 Minutes to Better Tattooing

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