Whip shading.

[Alvin]

This may seem a real dumb question, but how exactly do you whip shade?

The way I understand it is you start with your needles deep & move them up & out (if that makes sense!), but how fast is this supposed to be done?

Do you actually whip the needles in the direction or just bring the needles up at the same speed as you shade?

[punkfloyd]

I do it like a flick of the wrist,fast, drawing the needles out for a lighter effect.
Hope that helps.

[Alvin]

Oh ok, cheers for that. It does help a lot.

Second question. What angle do you go in then?

For example if I had a 7 mag would I have the needle real close to the tip at about 70/90 degree when trying this method?

Otherwise wouldn't I rip the skin at 45 degree?

[punkfloyd]

For example if I had a 7 mag would I have the needle real close to the tip at about 70/90 degree when trying this method?



Didn't quite understand what you mean.
I hold the machine somewhere between 90 and 45 degrees , and everywhere else inbetween depending on where on the body I'm tattooing.

You want to use the broad edge of the mag otherwise you will slice them up.

Don't otherthink it, practise first, or go watch your tattooist, shit... you may even see someone whipshading on Miami ink.

Give it a go.

[Alvin]

Don't otherthink it

You know, this is my biggest problem. I'm constantly thinking twice about everything instead of doing it!

I'll give it a go on some practice skins & see what results I get.

Sincere thanks for the advice.

[krazy_tattooist]

yeah man deff practise on fake skin or yourself first... i practised quite a few times on fake skin before i used a mag on anyone but it was actually really easy to use and didnt over work the skin or slice up at all... just dont be afraid to go normal depth with mags cus i know i was and i was way to gentle so the ink faded a little bit in some places, just needs touched up and its all good, im not entirely sure what whip shading is used for...like dark to light effect you dont need to move hand very fast at all or even change depth ( depending how many diff shades of ink u mixed up ) only time i have done fast action wrist movment on shading is like the smoke effect kinda look and curves etc. other than that i usually stay at the same depth and just use diffrent mixes of shading ink... best to try both methods out and see what works for you... going light to dark and lifting the needle is kewl but can be tricky getting it all to line up on bigger pieces.... its always fun to go over the lighter shading with some diluted black ink with drop of brown suede ink mixed with it.. or even red. at least thats what i prfer anyway i just think it heals up a better tone. btw if you are gonna be lifting the needle depth i would ride the needle so u can see how much lift you get etc