TL;DR

New tattoo artists should begin with a simple, reliable, professional-grade setup: one solid machine (rotary or coil), a dependable power supply, sterilized cartridges, a small set of essential inks, basic hygiene supplies, aftercare, and practice materials. Avoid cheap, unregulated kits and build your setup with tools from trusted suppliers to learn safely and correctly.

Introduction

Starting a tattoo career is an exciting step — but knowing what equipment you actually need can feel overwhelming. The internet is filled with cheap “starter kits” that look appealing but often include unsafe, low-quality components that can hinder your learning or even compromise client safety.

A professional beginner setup doesn’t need to be huge or expensive. It just needs to be safe, reliable, and functional. This guide outlines exactly what new tattoo artists should invest in as they start their journey, based on what professionals actually use in the studio.

1. A Reliable Tattoo Machine

Your machine is the foundation of your setup. Beginners should choose equipment that is easy to use, durable, and consistent.

Rotary Machines

Best for beginners because they:

• Require little tuning
• Produce less vibration
• Work well for lining, shading, and color packing
• Are lightweight and beginner-friendly

Coil Machines

Packed with tradition, but require more tuning and understanding.

Great for learning linework and machine mechanics once you’re comfortable.

What Beginners Should Look For

• Stable performance
• Solid build quality
• Smooth needle motion
• Compatibility with standard cartridges or tubes
• Reliable support from the manufacturer

Start with one high-quality machine, then expand your collection as your skills grow.

2. A Dependable Power Supply

A good power supply helps maintain proper needle speed and consistent performance — crucial for developing clean technique.

Look for features like:

• Digital voltage display
• Smooth, stable voltage output
• Easy adjustments
• Compatibility with multiple machines
• Optional foot pedal support

Avoid unregulated, off-brand power supplies. A stable voltage source helps prevent blowouts, shaky lines, or inconsistent shading.

3. Sterilized Needle Cartridges

Using professional, membrane-sealed cartridges is essential for safety and control. Beginners should stock:

• Round liners: 3RL, 5RL
• Round shaders: 5RS, 7RS
• Curved magnums: 7CM, 9CM

Cartridges from authorized suppliers ensure:

• Sterility
• Even needle groupings
• Smooth puncture
• Consistent ink delivery

Never reuse cartridges or buy unsterilized unknown brands.

4. Essential Tattoo Inks for Beginners

Start with a small, professional selection — quality matters more than quantity.

Beginner ink essentials include:

• Black for lining
• Black for shading
• White for highlights
• Basic primary colors (red, blue, yellow)
• A mid-range skin tone if practicing realism

Always use gamma-sterilized, batch-tested inks from reputable manufacturers.

5. Basic Hygiene & Safety Supplies

Tattooing is a medical procedure. Beginners must follow strict hygiene practices.

Essential safety supplies include:

• Nitrile gloves
• Barrier film
• Machine bags
• Clip cord covers
• Disposable razors
• Tattoo bibs or dental bibs
• Sharps container
• EPA-registered surface disinfectant
• Green soap
• Paper towels

Never tattoo without proper cross-contamination prevention.

6. Grip & Tube Options

Choose what feels comfortable in your hand.

Options include:

• Disposable grips (sterile and convenient)
• Aluminum grips (reusable, autoclavable)
• Stainless-steel tubes ( durable, traditional)

Beginners often prefer disposable tubes for simplicity.

7. Aftercare & Client Essentials

Whether you’re practicing or working under a mentor, you need aftercare products on hand.

Keep stocked:

• Tattoo aftercare ointment
• Second-skin bandages
• Antibacterial foam wash
• Non-stick pads for larger pieces

Educating clients on proper aftercare is part of being a professional.

8. Practice Materials (Before Tattooing Real Skin)

Beginners should practice extensively before tattooing people.

Use:

• Synthetic practice skin
• Fruit (oranges, bananas, grapefruit)
• Paper stencils
• Pre-drawn line sheets

Practice helps build line control, depth awareness, and shading technique.

9. Workspace Setup Tools

A clean workstation is part of becoming a professional artist.

Useful additions:

• Silicone workstation mat
• Stainless-steel trays
• Clip-on LED lamp or adjustable task light
• Rolling cart for organization
• Cable management clips

A clean, organized setup dramatically improves your learning experience.

10. What to Avoid as a Beginner

Skip anything labeled as:

• “Tattoo starter kit” from unknown sellers
• Unsterilized inks
• Cheap machines with no specs
• Cartridges without membranes
• Used equipment with unclear maintenance history

Building your setup correctly from the start helps you develop good technique and safe habits.

FAQ

Is it okay to start tattooing with cheap online kits?

No. These kits often contain unsafe, unsterilized components. Always buy professional supplies.

Should beginners start with rotary or coil machines?

Rotaries are easier for beginners due to lower vibration and no tuning required.

How many inks does a beginner need?

Start with a small set: black lining, black shading, white, and a few basic colors.

What size cartridges should beginners practice with?

Start with 3RL, 5RL, 5RS, and 7CM for basic linework and shading.

Where should I buy my beginner supplies?

Only from reputable suppliers such as Tommy’s Supplies, which offers sterilized inks, safe cartridges, and professional equipment built for learning.

Conclusion

Starting your tattoo journey is exciting — and investing in the right beginner setup sets the foundation for safe, successful, and consistent tattooing. Focus on professional-grade tools, proper hygiene, and reliable equipment from trusted suppliers.

For sterilized inks, dependable machines, premium cartridges, and all the essentials for beginner artists, visit Tommy’s Supplies — your source for everything needed to begin your tattoo career the right way.