Getting Started: Three Essentials for Drawing with a Ballpoint Pen Cartridge

Tattoo artistry is all about precision, creativity, and mastery. You’re ready to hone your skills and create exquisite art. Whether you're a seasoned tattoo artist, a curious novice, or a new apprentice, these pens offer a unique canvas to hone your craft and explore the art of tattooing--they're especially perfect for tattoo apprentices in the beginning of their journey.

But before you dive into the world of Inlumino Heart Ballpoint Pens, there are a few essentials you need to get started:

Having the correct paper weight will make a difference in your experience using our dot pen.  Too thin of paper (such as printer paper) will likely end up with waves or creases due to the vibrations of the tattoo machine. We recommend using 300 lb watercolor paper or any other thick piece of paper that can handle the vibrating machine. 

To ensure your strokes are smooth and consistent and don’t leave ripples in your paper, use a foam pad or other soft backing. The soft backing behind the watercolor paper prevents it from becoming wavy as you work. You can use a booklet, cardboard, or even your watercolor pad to get underneath your watercolor paper.

While you can use your ballpoint pen with any tattoo machine, your machine will make a difference in the kind of art you’re able to create. The more adjustable your machine, the finer art you can create.

2.5-3.5 Stroke Setting
Typically, it’s best to use a 2.5-3.5 stroke setting. This stroke represents the distance from where your tattoo machine's stroke begins to where it ends. This setting allows for soft and consistent dots, which are crucial for creating clean, controlled lines and shading in your designs.

Adjustable Speeds: 5-7 Volts
Your tattoo machine should also have adjustable speeds, typically set between 5-7 volts. The ability to speed up or slow down your machine's operations makes a huge difference in mastering different techniques and achieving various shading effects. Experimenting with different speeds will help you understand how the ink interacts with the paper.

Now, it’s Time to Create
Now that you know what supplies you need, you can start creating and experimenting. In an upcoming, we’ll share tips on how to master the strokes behind incredible art pieces with Inlumino Heart Ink’s ballpoint pen. But for now, it's time to start creating.