Whether you are just starting out as a tattoo artist or a veteran in the making, tattoo supplies are always needed. The machine itself that you use during the actual process will undergo many changes as you become more accustomed to it and want to try something new. And let's not forget the wide variety of inks and needles available in the market today.

When purchasing supplies, you will at some point end up buying individual pieces. If you are looking to buy multiple items at once, a kit may be the way to go. Whatever you have for a price range, you may just find the right one for you.

In your standardized kit you will most likely receive a tattoo machine, or, in other words, a tattoo gun. They consist of three pieces such as the coil wrap, the grip, and the tips. There is also the power supply and the pedal along with attached cables to make your machine run. To keep your machine together and running, you will need rubber bands, rubber rings, and grommets.

There are several things that you still need for basic tattooing supplies that may not come in a kit. Needles, for one, may be one of those things. You can buy them individually or in large quantities. The sizes and types vary depending on your preference as an artist. Then, there is practice skin. When trying out a new machine, this can come in handy so you can get some practice in before working on real skin.

If you can imagine it, then there is an ink that color out there for you. When deciding on what kind of ink to use, the color should not be your only consideration. From brand to brand there will be differences including the consistency of the ink itself. There are a variety of inks that work with different skin tones, types, and even in the works of covering up scars. Many of the inks are made from metals which some people will develop issues with. Organic inks are something to consider if you think this may be a concern of yours.

One of the most important items that will be used during tattooing, is the needle, or needles, itself. When considering on what to buy or to stock, it really is up to what the artist prefers. There are round needles which range from just a few needles to several that have been put together to form a cylindrical shape. Then there are also the flat kind of needles. Several needles lay in a flat row side by side, or in multiple layers.

Needles are not the only disposable item that you will be using. There are paper towels, surgical gloves antiseptic spray, petroleum jelly, ink cups, and a cream or gel that goes on to the tattoo when the process is over. These not only make the tattooing process safe, but just a bit more convenient when they are on hand and close by.

It is not very difficult to find the standard tattoo supplies. As you get into the higher quality items or more unique, then it can become difficult. Although the parts are interchangeable, your machine will remain a constant throughout your career. Most of your other supplies though, will be disposable and will continuously need to be replaced.