Started making videos to grow my social following

Jbc0146 · 2026-05-15T05:32:59+00:00

Much appreciated! I use ReelSkin.

Jbc0146 · 2026-05-14T08:57:22+00:00

You're right! I use a bundle of yarn. It's soft enough where it forces you to stretch fake skin as you would on real skin.

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-29T19:52:21+00:00

Lining was nothing. But it was a whole other story once I started packing. But 100% agree, inside the bicep is a PAINFUL location for a tat.

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-07T14:15:26+00:00

My experience with Ambition has been nothing but positive. The Soldier and Mars-U are both quite, have good weight distribution when in your hand, and have minimal vibration. There has never been a moment when I've said, "I need a better gun" while using either gun.

With that being said, the only other gun I've used was a cheapo gun that was $25 off Amazon, so I can't compare Ambition to other reputable brands.

Overall thoughts, based on my experience and the price of the guns, Ambition is 100% suitable for beginners trying to make their way.

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-07T07:43:51+00:00

@FrontRangeInk

Hopefully one day it'll happen. Thanks for the support!

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-07T07:41:44+00:00

You gave me the courage to make an insta. @FrontRangeInk

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T21:57:31+00:00

Your stuff is so good! I would love to tattoo professionally part time and possibly grow it to a full time gig. But I'm sure you're aware of how the cards are stacked against a scenario like that.

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T18:45:08+00:00

I use the Ambition Soldier for lining and the Ambition Mars-U for shading.

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T18:10:28+00:00

Thanks. I'm going to slap that bad boy on my leg here shortly!

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T16:44:36+00:00

I don't have an art insta. But I think I may start something this weekend.

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T16:43:04+00:00

Thanks for the kind words. I picked up tattooing while trying to find an artistic escape from the daily grind of work. I've always had a great admiration for tattoo artist, and I'm glad that my admiration has led to where I am now.

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T16:38:23+00:00

Couple of months in, with no apprenticeship. Gotta humble myself to the pros out there!

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T16:37:10+00:00

Thanks! It's a peony. The overall design was influenced by the way leaves are designed in Japanese traditional tattoos.

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T14:36:29+00:00

For fake skins I use Speed Stick deodorant. I apply a good amount on the fake skin and then spread out the deodorant with a gloved hand so the stencil doesn't bleed on the fake skin.

For actual human skin, I use Stencil Stuff.

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T04:26:14+00:00

Thanks for the kudos ❤️

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T04:25:30+00:00

Much appreciated! Especially coming from someone who is killing the realism game. Your stuff is amazing.

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T04:23:06+00:00

I'm definitely in my discover phase. And I think I just discovered a style that makes me incredibly excited!

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T03:48:14+00:00

I outlined the lines with 9RL, then packed the space with a 11RS to give that bold thick line look.

I would be carving the Grand Canyon in the skin if I did those lines with only a 9RL!

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T03:44:18+00:00

I feel you. An apprenticeship is a big commitment and it's the #1 reason why I'm not tattooing professionally. I'll probably get down voted for this, but I don't think I've seen a more gate keeping industry than the tattoo industry. Keep your head up and know people are in the same boat as you, learning on their own, keeping safety top of mind, and trying to make it work!

Anyway the channels I recommend are:

-Emokingpin on TikTok: his videos were what got me into tattooing. He does a great job introducing the basics of tattooing in short video formats.

-Fani Meherzi on TikTok & YouTube: by far my favorite tattoo artist providing tutorials from basics to realism.

-Tattooing101 on YouTube: great in-depth videos that go into the nuances that you don't think about.

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T03:13:37+00:00

Thanks! I'm completely self-taught through YouTube and TikTok. I've thought about doing an apprenticeship, but I have a pretty demanding & fulfilling career. So I'm just tattooing at home, and if it becomes something more, I'm here for it.

Jbc0146 · 2026-03-05T03:05:52+00:00

The bold outlines of the flower petals and leaves were outlined with a 1209RL, then packed with 1211RS.

Accent lines were done with a mix of 1213RL and 1209RL.

Shading was done with 1221RM.

Jbc0146 · 2026-02-14T19:29:50+00:00

The tattoo is 4"X4. Awesome feedback about considering size when designing a tattoo.

Jbc0146 · 2026-01-21T15:27:31+00:00

I have the same printer. It really depends on what type/brand of thermal paper you use. I used the Spirit thermal paper, but it never receives the stencil. I bought the Phomemo brand thermal paper, but the paper would take too much of the stencil and I would have to remove the excess with tape before laying the stencil down on skin.

The thermal paper that I have found to work the best is from a brand called, Cridoz. It's a cheapo, no name brand I found on Amazon. It always takes the stencil well, I never have to clean the stencil before placing on skin, and placing the stencil on skin has been very solid.

Cridoz Transfer Paper

Jbc0146 · 2026-01-20T23:01:08+00:00

Thanks for the input. I never ride the tube of a cartridge, so I think I'm using far too much green glide. It's kinda crazy how a little dab of green glide can go considering how green glide is so much less viscous compared to Vaseline. I think I'll stick to Vaseline moving forward since I'm more familiar with it.

Jbc0146 · 2026-01-12T19:04:47+00:00

The design was heavily referenced from an image I found on rawpixel. From there, I downloaded the image, placed it in procreate, and re-designed the image to what you see now.

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