Sketch the tattoo design onto a sheet of blank white paper using your pencil. Take your time with each line and correct any mistakes with your eraser. The image should be drawn exactly the way you want it before moving on to step 2.
Trace over the pencil lines with your thin black marker. If certain areas require a thicker line, simply go over the area multiple time with the thin marker. Even if you want the tattoo in color, do not color the design at this point, just make the broad outlines.
Flip the paper over and begin copying the black lines onto the other side with your marker. This reverse image will be used to make the stencil so when it is applied it will lay frontwards on your skin. It is best to do this step in a well lit area, ideally a tracing table, but a desk with a bright lamp will suffice.
Tape a piece of stencil paper over the reverse side of the design to stave off any unnecessary sliding when tracing the image.
Trace the image onto your stencil paper using your stencil pencil. These lines can be difficult to erase, start over with a fresh piece of stencil paper if you make a mistake.
Give the stencil to your tattoo artist and allow him to make any corrections or minor adjustments, if necessary.
Allow your artist to shave the area to be tattooed and wipe it down with either a glycerin-based deodorant or another stencil solution so the stencil ink will stick to your skin.
Hold the ink side of the stencil against the prepared area of your skin and press it down firmly for 10 to 15 seconds before pulling away.