Setting up my new Neotat

[Vallee]

Hello,
I have recently switched over from a very light rotary pen to the NeoTat. I want to make sure I am on the right page. I am a cosmetic tattoo artist, 90% of the work I do is medical restoration of the areola. Allot of these women have had radiation, always dealing with scar tissue, and keep in mind there are often implants (Breast). I have a few questions...

1) Long taper or Short taper? Why? (My goal is to cause as little damage to the skin as possible).
2) 7mag or 9mag? (Curved) #8, #10, or #12?
3) Running my power source continuously at 9?
4) Shepherd's loop (Top of needle) facing towards me or away from me? I have found this to differ on needles, does it matter?
5) Needles always below the needle bar?

[TattoosByRob]

Hey, I've found long tapers feel more comfortable to be tattooed with and require less force to put in, You will definitely get better colour saturation with a 9mag as opposed to a seven, Curved magnums give you a softer look and are easier to blend with than flat mags (in my opinion). The voltage you run your NeoTat at will depend on how the skin is reacting to the colouring, start off low and turn it up until it puts it in the way you need for that particular application, Running the mag on the bottom of the bar ensures that the needle rides as flush as it can with the tube........

[spoonertattoos]

This is a interesting quandary. On one hand here we have a perminate make up technician who is doing pretty important work as far as cosmetic surgery goes. (im assuming she dealing with breast cancer survivors) On the other hand the questions being asked are like first week tattoo apprentice level. I mean which way does the needle go? On the other hand she's not a tattooer so whats the protical on answering these kind of questions?


Vallee, you might find more response if you have us a little history on your background, experience etc?

[Vallee]

Spooner- Thanks for making me feel so welcome. In fact, I've trained quite extensively with one of the most respected permanent makeup/paramedical restoration artists on the west coast. The reason I've asked the questions I've asked is that I haven't used a "traditional" coil-rotary machine because I haven't trained in a traditional tattoo artist atmosphere, though I would welcome the opportunity to learn techniques from a traditional tattoo artist.

I do appreciate the constructive feedback.

Thanks,
Val

[Administrator]

Cosmetic tattooers are trained very differently and Vallee may have been originally trained on a cartrige system like the hawk/neuvoux. that system is so proprietary they they will rename common needle groupings so they are not associated together.

[Administrator]

Also Vallee, please check this video out. It may be what you are looking for.



Aside from her unique choice of machine barrier, this video is done by one of the more well respected cosmetic tattoo instructors and practitioners currently using a NEOTAT.

[Alie K]

Hello,
I have recently switched over from a very light rotary pen to the NeoTat. I want to make sure I am on the right page. I am a cosmetic tattoo artist, 90% of the work I do is medical restoration of the areola. Allot of these women have had radiation, always dealing with scar tissue, and keep in mind there are often implants (Breast). I have a few questions...

1) Long taper or Short taper? Why? (My goal is to cause as little damage to the skin as possible).
2) 7mag or 9mag? (Curved) #8, #10, or #12?
3) Running my power source continuously at 9?
4) Shepherd's loop (Top of needle) facing towards me or away from me? I have found this to differ on needles, does it matter?
5) Needles always below the needle bar?

Which stroke neotat did you get? Sometimes voltages are different between the stroke models. I find the shortest stroke to give the 'softest/smudgiest' look (though for someone used to a long throw, it can take a bit to get used to), while the longest stroke can give you some really nice textures and can be the easiest to line with.

I prefer 7's or 5 mags (straight, not curved) to get nice saturation in small areas. Some artists find that a round shader can give them the best saturation (some prefer 11round shaders for larger work, where a 5 or 7 round shader can be nice for detail). You may need to experiment a bit to find what works best for you.

Do you have a supply company that you will be purchasing needles from? Some suppliers will let you buy needles in sheets of 5 instead of a full box of 50. That can be a good way to try things out.

[Vallee]

Thanks Alie K. I got the purple packer, NEO P = LONG Stroke Machine (3.5 mm) - PACKER. I will definitely check out the different needle configurations. I am mainly working in the "round", pointillism and shading where it is needed. it truly feels like I am starting graduate school with this new machine. A little intimidating, however I welcome the new education that comes along with it... I appreciate your .positive feedback.

[Vallee]

Just for the record... I have been in this business for 6 years. I am definitely not a baby. Just new to the Neotat.

[gravyray]

well the neo is not that different from most machines out there. you havent been in this business so as far as these machines and techniques ...you are a baby. you said you work with one of the most respected permanent makeup artist on the west coast, who might that be?? no ill intent here even though it will read that way,but this craft and industry is full of people scabbing tattoos and any info they can get. i would like to think this is not the case with you but i dont know either way. others are more open than me here ,but nobody handed me shit when i was learning and i feel the info that i have to offer is worth a lil background. ahhhh, maybe i jus need some coffee, have a great day