Draw the image you will use as the tattoo on a piece of paper. Consult the approval of the person who wants the tattoo before turning the drawing into a stencil.
Have the image blown up and made into a stencil. Tattoo shops are normally equipped with the tools that are needed to create stencils that transfer an image onto the skin.
Spray down the work area with disinfectant spray or green soap. Prepare the area of skin for tattooing by also wiping it with disinfectant.
Apply skin lotion to the area of skin and rub thoroughly until all the lotion has been smoothed away.
Apply the stencil to the skin and press down on it firmly to transfer it to the skin. Peel the stencil carefully away from the skin.
Thread the needle into the tattoo machine and adjust it for depth. A shorter needle will produce lower shades of ink while a longer needle will produce darker shades.
Turn the tattoo machine on and hold it like you would hold a pencil or pen. Make sure that the skin is stretched enough before drawing with the machine. If needed, use your other hand to maintain the stretch in the skin.
Dip the needle in the black or colored ink. Dilute the ink in some water to create lighter colors or shades.
Tilt the machine sideways and position it onto the outline of the image of the skin to begin tracing the image with the ink. Apply tension with the needle to penetrate the skin.
Fill in the image with color and shades by moving the tattoo machine in a circular motion. Maintain the level of tilt with the position of the needle and change the tilt level when you want to create different shades.
Wipe the skin with a damp napkin and apply a clean bandage with medical tape to the skin.