Glossary
Original editorial content, made for people who want to understand before they buy.
Lining
Lining is the making of a tattoo's lines and outlines. In products the term appears to indicate needle configurations, machines or inks designed or described for this type of work.
Shading
Shading is the making of shadows and gradients in a tattoo, that is, the gradual passage between tones. In products the term indicates needle configurations or inks described by the manufacturer as suited to this type of work.
Packing
Packing is filling an area with colour or black in a solid, even way. In products the term appears to indicate needle configurations and inks described as suited to filling surfaces.
Whip Shading
Whip shading is a shading technique based on quick, short, whip-like movements that produce a progressive gradation of tone. It is a technique term, not a product characteristic.
Dotwork
Dotwork is a style and technique in which the design is built from single dots, whose density creates shapes and gradients. In products it appears in descriptions of needles and machines indicated by the manufacturer for this type of work.
Pass
A pass is a single going-over of the needle on the same area. The term describes the repetition of the gesture, for example «one pass» or «several passes» over a line or an area.
Hand Speed
Hand speed is how fast the artist moves the hand over the skin while working. It is a variable of execution, not a product specification, and has no standard unit of measure.
Machine Speed
Machine speed is the machine's running speed, generally meaning needle hits per minute. The term is used inconsistently: sometimes it indicates motor revolutions (RPM), sometimes the voltage set.