Use a transfer pencil to draw the tattoo onto transfer paper.
Set up your work space by organizing all the tools and materials you will be using in an easily accessible fashion. Make sure the work area and all equipment is clean and sterile. Use disposable needles and tubes to avoid having to sterilize equipment. Do not open needle or tube packaging until you are ready to use them. Use new needles and tubes for each person.
Clean and shave the area that will be tattooed. Wipe skin with an alcohol pad and let dry.
Apply a thin layer of deodorant to the shaved area.
Center the design on appropriate area and rub paper firmly and smoothly to transfer the design to skin.
Choose a color for the outline of the design. Many times the outline will be done in basic black. Fill an ink cap with the outline color.
Turn on the power supply, making sure the foot pedal and gun are securely attached. Insert an ink tube and appropriate needle into gun. Flat needles are typically used for thin outlines and fine detail. Round needles are usually used for thicker outlines and shading.
Adjust the speed of the gun by turning the small round knob on the gun. The best speed for you will depend on how fast you draw the tat on skin. Choose the speed you are most comfortable with in order to apply ink at a proper depth.
Wearing gloves, fill the tube with ink by dipping the needle tip into the ink cap while running the gun.
Begin outlining the design with the gun. Pull skin slightly with one hand to firm the skin's surface. Pull trigger on gun and apply needle to skin, beginning at one point of the design and continue around the outside of the tattoo consecutively. Wipe away excess blood and ink as needed, using a slightly damp washcloth or paper towel. refill tube with ink as needed.
Fill in the design. Fill in large areas with solid colors. Consider areas that will be shaded when filling solid color. Begin with areas that will be lighter at this first.
Shade the design by applying more or less ink as determined by the design. Lighten or darken color by adding white or black to the original ink color as necessary to create the proper shade. You can also shade lighter areas by reducing the depth of the needle's penetration slightly.
Wash the entire design with a mixture of green soap and water. The mixture should be stored in a wash bottle and then applied to skin. Use a clean, damp washcloth to remove blood and ink completely. Dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Apply a thin coat of A&D ointment to cover the tattoo. Place plastic wrap over the finished design.
Clean up work area and put away supplies and tools. Throw away all disposable items that were used. Sterilize reusable tubes and needles in an approved sterilization machine.