yeah i usually use long tapers. just started using the bugpin curved mags.. they are pretty awesome. but it coulda just been the girls arm. she was ghost white and the ink just slid right in... i got some med tapers from cam i'll try. if you do have something big or a portrait i would def suggest the curved mags even the bugpins cuz they are alot less damaging to the skin and you can layer alot easier..