Clients
The Best Hypoallergenic Metals for Piercings: ROUNDUP
Wondering which metals are best for new piercings and sensitive skin? Check out this roundup of the best options.
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Tattoo Artists
Tattoo Inks, Allergies, and Hypoallergenic Aftercare Products: What You Need to Know
In this blog, get the skinny about tattoo ink allergies: what’s typical, what deserves a bombastic side-eye, and steps to keep reactions far away.
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Tattoo Artists
Why Autoclaves Are Essential for Tattoo and Piercing Artists
Learn why autoclaves are essential for tattoo and piercing professionals, how they work, and where to find top-notch sterilization gear to keep your shop safe, professional, and budget-friendly.
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Tattoo Artists
How to Choose Between Disposable vs Autoclavable Tattoo Equipment
Learn the benefits of using both disposable and autoclavable tattoo equipment & piercing equipment in your shop, like tattoo tubes, barrels, needles, & more.
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Clients
Choosing the Right Piercing Needle: A Beginner’s Guide to Quality Tools
Learn how to pick the right piercing needle gauge for nose, ear, & body piercings, among other styles, to ensure proper healing timelines & easy aftercare.
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Clients
Tough, But Loving: The Mom Tattoo
The mom tattoo is an enduring symbol of love and appreciation, one that has remained popular for decades.
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Clients
Top Piercing Trends for 2025
Lets dive into the most popular piercings for 2025, what's trending, and what you'll need to stay on top of the latest trends.
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Clients
Septum Piercing Jewelry: Which Material Is Best for Sensitive Skin
Discover the most common material options for septum piercings, the best choices for sensitive skin, and how long clients should wait before switching jewelry.
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Tattoo Artists
Tattoo Numbing Spray — How It Enhances the Tattoo Experience (for You and Your Clients)
In this blog, we break down how numbing sprays work, how long they last, and what to expect when using them. You'll also learn how these sprays can impact the tattooing process itself—and why they might just be the key to a more comfortable, satisfying experience for your clients.
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Clients
Piercing Aftercare — What to Tell Your Clients
Learn what to tell your clients about piercing aftercare (and how to get them to actually listen). Plus, a full breakdown of healing times for common piercings, including ear, nose, belly button, and nipple.
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Clients
Guide to Piercing Aftercare — How to Avoid Scars and Promote Healing
Discover essential aftercare tips for piercings and dermals in our guide. Learn how to promote healing, prevent scarring, and choose the right aftercare products.
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Clients
Labret Piercing Guide — Vertical vs Horizontal, Aftercare, and More
Learn the difference between vertical and horizontal labret piercings, how long they take to heal, and the top tips for labret aftercare.
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Clients
Surface Piercings vs Dermal Anchors — Learning the Difference
Learn about the differences between dermal anchors and surface piercings including how long they last, how much pain you should expect, and more!
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Tattoo Artists
Tattoo Gun vs. Tattoo Machine – Understanding the Correct Tattoo Terminology
Learn why tattoo artists call it a tattoo machine and not a tattoo "gun." This is your official guide to tattoo lingo that many new tattoo artists mess up.
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Tattoo Artists
Creating Your Tattoo Portfolio
Learn how to build a standout tattoo portfolio with ease—organize your work, present it like a pro, and attract new clients!
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Tattoo Artists
Black and Gray Tattoo Shading – Best Practices
Master black and gray tattoo shading with ease! This guide covers setup, grey wash, and pro-level shading techniques to elevate your skills.
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Tattoo Artists
Five Black Tattoo Artists Redefining Greatness
Meet five Black tattoo artists redefining the industry and championing diversity, education, and excellence.
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Tattoo Artists
Tattoo Shading 101
Learn all the different kinds of tattoo shading you need to master shading as a whole. This is your complete guide: tattoo shading 101.
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Tattoo Artists
Tattoo Aftercare in the Winter—Do’s and Don’ts
Master winter tattoo aftercare with our ultimate guide! Learn what to do—and avoid—to keep your ink looking its best during the winter.
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Clients
Can You Shower After a New Tattoo? —Your Guide
You can shower after a new tattoo—all it takes is a little TLC! Follow these tips to keep your tattoo clean, healthy, and looking amazing.
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Tattoo Artists
Gift Guide Must-Haves – Top Picks for 2024
Get into the Annual Holiday Gift Guide from Painful Pleasures! Check out our top gift picks for you this season.
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Tattoo Artists
Getting Started as a Guest Tattoo Artist
Becoming a guest tattoo artist is a great way to challenge yourself. Check out the pros of working as a guest artist + tips and more!
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Tattoo Artists
TOP 5 Horror Tattoo Icons│Painful Pleasures
Check out our top horror tattoo icons, why they're the best, and how these awesome artists bring these murderous characters to life.
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Tattoo Artists
Unlock the Secrets of Realism and More with Yomico Moreno
Tattooing realism and blending other styles with it is no easy feat. Yomico Moreno, a legendary artist, can help you do it with finesse.
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Tattoo Artists
The Best Tattoo Battery Packs for Wireless Tattooing
The best tattoo battery packs are all here... and we've ranked and rated 'em. Use this blog as a guide to find the best one for you.
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Tattoo Artists
Your Complete Guide to Color Packing Like a Pro
Welcome to Color Packing 101. Use these tips and applications to master the basics of color packing and saturation.
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Tattoo Artists
Mastering Floral Tattoos with Samantha Ford
Floral tattoos are one of the most versatile styles out there. Learn how to nail them with multi-talented artist Samantha Ford.
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Tattoo Artists
How to Do Jewel Tattoos, Your Complete Guide
Make jewel tattoos that sparkle in your portfolio! Here's your complete guide to mastering the art of jewel and gemstone tattoos.
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Tattoo Artists
How to Beat Creative Block as a Tattoo Artist
Creative block can be frustrating, but it's up to you to get past it! Here are our top tips for breaking through creative block.
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Tattoo Artists
Which Tattoo Machine Is Better, the Flux Max or the Power Wand?
Let's settle the Great Debate of the Flux Max versus the Power Wand. Which powerhouse is officially a better tattoo machine?
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Tattoo Artists
How to Do Blackout Tattoos, Your Complete Guide
Blackout tattoos are way trickier than they may appear. In this blog, you'll learn how to nail them with the right techniques and equipment.
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Tattoo Artists
Nailing Neotraditional Tattoos with Oba Jackson
Nailing neotraditional tattoos is all about standing out and adding your own personal twist. Learn from the best: Oba Jackson.
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Tattoo Artists
How LGBTQ+ Artists Are Redefining the Industry
Explore how queer tattoo artists are changing the industry with inclusive spaces and groundbreaking artistry. Plus, meet 6 trailblazing artists we got to chat with this month!
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Tattoo Artists
The Ultimate Guide to Tattoo Voltage
Understanding tattoo voltage is crucial to nailing your unique style and key techniques. Learn all about voltage in this blog!
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Tattoo Artists
How to Make Your Shop More Inclusive
If you're wondering how to make your shop more inclusive without being pander-y or insincere, this blog is for you. Check out our top tips.
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Tattoo Artists
Setup Essentials for Color Tattooing with Ali Marie
There are a few tattoo supplies you need for successful color tattooing in any style. Artist Ali Marie takes you through her own setup!
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Tattoo Artists
What Happens to Your Tattoo After Weight Loss or Gain?
Ever wonder what happens to your tattoo after weight loss or gain? We're breaking down all the changes you can expect in this blog.
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Tattoo Artists
How to Do Single Needle Tattoos
Mastering the art of doing a single needle tattoo is no easy feat. Check out these tips for nailing single needle tattoos every time.
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Tattoo Artists
Top Tips for Reducing No Shows and Cancellations
No-shows and cancellations are sometimes inevitable, but there are ways to keep them to a minimum. Check out our tips in this blog.
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Tattoo Artists
Beginner Tattoo Kits and Other Supplies You Need As A Tattoo Artist
Is a beginner tattoo kit right for you? This blog tells you all the supplies you need as a beginner tattoo artist.
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Tattoo Artists
Transform Your Workflow with Peak Stellar Needle Cartridges
Peak Stellar needle cartridges are officially on our shelves. Find out how these needle cartridges can change your whole game.
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Tattoo Artists
Mastering Blackwork Tattoos and Fine Lines with Boris Bianchi
Blackwork, fine lines, stippling, and lettering are key tattooing techniques. Learn how to conquer them from the best in the game, Boris Bianchi.
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Tattoo Artists
Top Tattoo Tips for Being a Great Artist
Check out these top tattoo tips for being the best tattoo artist you can possibly be! These tattoo tips will grow your artistry and mindset.
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Tattoo Artists
Signs of an Infected Tattoo
Learn all the signs of an infected tattoo so you can stop or prevent them altogether. This is your complete guide to healthy tattoo healing, aftercare, and infection prevention.
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Tattoo Artists
Mastering Mash-Up Tattoos with Harlan Kantner
Mash-up tattoos are especially tricky, but Harlan Kantner has the secrets to nail them every time. Check out his tips.
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Tattoo Artists
Celebrate 25 Years of PainfulPleasures
It's our 25th birthday party, but the celebration is all about YOU! Check out this blog to find out how you can celebrate.
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Tattoo Artists
How to Be a Tattoo Artist – Your Complete Guide
Wondering how to be a tattoo artist? This is your complete guide covering everything you need to do to make it happen.
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Clients
Common Piercing Problems and What to Do About Them
So many common piercing problems are just that - common and expected! Find out how to tackle the most common piercing problems in this blog.
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Tattoo Artists
How to Use Tattoo Transfer Paper
Check out this complete guide to using tattoo transfer paper so you can achieve clean stencil transfers every time!
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Clients
How Do Piercing Needles Work? Your Complete Guide
Clients often wonder, "how do piercing needles work?" We're demystifying the piercing needle in this blog and keeping it simple.
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PMU Artists
How to Choose the Best Needle for PMU
PMU needles are some of the most important tools for your success! But how do you choose the right ones? We'll break it down.
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Tattoo Artists
Magic Ink – The Future of Tattooing?
Magic Ink could revolutionize the tattoo industry and make great leaps in health care, too! Learn all about it in this blog.
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Tattoo Artists
Unlocking the Secrets to Illustrative Realism with Teresa Sharpe
Illustrative realism requires intense technical know-how and a little personalization. Learn the best tips with Teresa Sharpe.
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Tattoo Artists
How to Make a Tattoo Flow
Making a tattoo flow, especially with tattoos that wrap around the body, is a challenge. Learn how to do it like a pro in this blog!
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Body Piercers
How to Host A Piercing Party
Host a piercing party to grow your business and boost your client list! Here are all the best tips for a successful piercing party.
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Tattoo Artists
3 Black Tattoo Artists You Should Know
This Black History Month, we're spotlighting 3 Black tattoo artists who do transformative work and offer game-changing insights. Meet all of them in this blog!
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Tattoo Artists
Top Advantages of Specializing in One Tattoo Style
Find out how being the champion of one tattoo style can boost your career. Plus, check out other tattoo styles by specialty artists around the globe.
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Tattoo Artists
How to Stay Busy During the Tattoo Slow Season
The tattoo slow season can bring you down, but ONLY if you let it! Check out these top tips for staying busy, inspired, and creative through the rest of the slow season.
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Body Piercers
Top Body Piercing Trends for 2024
Ready to transform your shop into the epicenter of 2024’s hottest piercing trends? (Might as well dream big, right?) We’ve got the inside scoop on the piercing trends that are about to take the industry by storm this year. Staying ahead isn’t just a game—it’s an art form. So, let’s dive into the must-know trends […]
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Tattoo Artists
Step by Step Tattoo Design with Procreate
Tattoo design and stencil creation is a breeze with Procreate. Follow these step by step processes to create your next stencil.
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Tattoo Artists
Top 6 Tattoo Styles for 2024
These tattoo styles are making waves in the industry. Check out the top trending tattoo styles for 2024 and make sure you're offering one or more in your own shop!
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Tattoo Artists
Top 6 YouTube Videos of 2023 for Tattoo Techniques and Skills
Master essential tattoo techniques and skills with our top 6 videos of the year! Check them out and get plenty of pro advice from top-tier artists.
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Clients
Measuring Body Jewelry
Welcome to your quick reference guide for body jewelry measurement! Here, you'll find everything you need to accurately measure your body jewelry.
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Tattoo Artists
Create Captivating Color Surrealism with Autumn Hudson
Color surrealism can be tricky to master. Learn the art of nailing this wonderfully weird tattoo style with Autumn Hudson.
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Tattoo Artists
Unwrap the Magic – This Year’s Top Picks from Our Holiday Gift Guide
This year's Holiday Gift Guide is chock-full of high-quality gift ideas for artists of all styles. Check out our top recommendations.
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Tattoo Artists
Top UNNECESSARY Tattoo NECESSITIES for Your Setup
Some tattoo supplies may seem "unnecessary..." but they can actually streamline your setup and make your life way easier. Check out our roundup of the top "unnecessary" (but low-key essential) tattoo supplies.
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Body Piercers
TOP 10 Piercing Myths BUSTED – Don’t Let Your Clients Be Fooled
Too many clients buy into misinformation about piercings. Bust these top 10 most common piercing myths for you and your clients' peace of mind!
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Tattoo Artists
STEP-BY-STEP 3D Modeling for a Tattoo Sleeve with Javier Antunez
Learn how to use 3D Modeling to perfect your tattoo design. Here's pro artist Javier Antunez's step-by-step process.
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Tattoo Artists
Be A Tattoo Chameleon with Bobby Douglas
Tackle any tattoo style and grow your client list + social media following with artist Bobby Douglas. Check out his best career-growing tips.
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Body Piercers
Best Piercing Aftercare ROUNDUP
Offer your clients the best piercing aftercare in the game. Check out these top picks by Recovery and Tattoo Goo.
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Featured Posts
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Tattoo Artists
Top 10 Tattoo Products You Need This Black Friday
It’s almost here. Our ultimate Black Friday sale event — and we’re going harder than we’ve ever gone before. Brace yourself for the steepest discounts you’ve ever seen on artist-favorite brands. Now’s the time to get your wish list together. As the countdown begins, set an alarm for midnight on November 22nd. That’s when our […]
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Tattoo Artists
Battle of the Hands (Sponsored by APOF)
Enter our APOF-sponsored Battle of the Hands contest for your chance to win $2,500!
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Tattoo Artists
Semi-Annual Clearance Blowout Sale — Shop Up to 50% Off
Our Blowout Clearance Sale has arrived for the first time ever! Check out our top 9 favorites.
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Tattoo Artists
Tattooing on the High Seas
Tattoo on the high seas by stepping aboard the Scarlet Lady. Learn more about Squid Ink, the first-ever tattoo studio on a ship by Virgin Voyages.
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Tattoo Artists
6 LGBTQIA+ Tattoo Artists You Should Know
Meet 6 LGBTQ tattoo artists who are using their platforms to help the industry grow. Learn more to close out Pride month!
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Tattoo Artists
Top 6 Black Tattoo Inks You Need to Try
Let's find the best black tattoo ink for you. Learn more about the top 5 best black inks for lining, shading, and more.
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Tattoo Artists
The Return of Tattoo Conventions in 2021
Great news: tattoo conventions are making a comeback in 2021! Learn more and check out our interview with Troy Timpel.
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Tattoo Artists
Find Your Next Glove: Factors to Consider When Playing the Tattoo Field
If you’re opening a tattoo shop, you should find gloves you like. Learn the factors you should take into consideration when choosing tattoo gloves.
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Tattoo Artists
Top Tattoo Supplies for Shop Owners
Investing in quality tattoo supplies will keep you and your clients comfortable and safe. Check out the top tattoo supplies that are essential for your shop.
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