"whip shadeing"?

[krow]

could someone explain this technique to me ive never done any black and grey tattoos but i would like to learn.Im used to round needles and havent used flats or mags yet and from what i have read its really easy to rip the skin, which makes since.This "whip" action doesnt sound like a circular movment to me, so how do you do it without riping the skin :?: thanx

[imported_NeedleJack]

Whip Shading = The art of using mags to create the gradual dark to light by flicking away from the hardlines/bloodlines/etc. Hope this helps. I'm sure someone will now go more into detail to explain to you. Seems like a trend around here. No posts = no answer, 1 post = more than what you bargained for :D

[Papa Gee]

My personal experience with whip shading is this. Much like shading a drawing with a pencil or a pen. You start at the line or point where the shade will be the darkest. With a quick motion you move the needle away from that point quickly while lifting slightly. Repeat this motion along the line to give a rounded or 3d effect. This will give a stippled effect with a faster running machine or a smooth gradient effect with a slower softer hitting machine. For me pushing the needle away from the starting point gives a more gradual fade than pulling the needle towards myself.

I reccomend dropping the voltage on your power supply so as not to overwork the skin.(softer hitting machine) Especially using magnums or flats. I use mostly rounds and get good results even with tight liner configurations for shading small areas. Probably the best way to get great results would be to dilute your ink with a 1 to 5 ratio of black to cutting medium (witch hazel,distilled water). Shade an area then wipe to see the effect. Dont dig!!!. Just go lightly and gradually work in the effect.

You can do the same with color as you can with black ink..............Papa Gee