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Check Out Some of My High-Performing Blogs



I manage the blog calendars for Painful Pleasures and Ultimate Tattoo Supply. I also occasionally write content for other affiliate companies, such as Ultimate Beauty and Perma Blend. My blogs consistently rank among the most-clicked pages on the Painful Pleasures website, driving more traffic than any other content. Check out some of the most engaging blogs—each written (with love and finesse!) to educate, entertain, and convert.

Ultimate Tattoo Supply •

How to Choose the Best Tattoo Ink for You & Your Clients

Choosing tattoo ink isn’t as simple as grabbing the first bottle you see. Sure, most pro-level inks are solid, but once you start using them, you’ll notice differences—how they lay in the skin, how they heal, how they flow, and so on.

So, what’s the best ink for you? That’s all preference. But before you spend a fortune testing everything, here’s a quick breakdown of what to look for.

Selecting the best tattoo ink involves considering color saturation, longevity, consistency, and ethical formu...
Painful Pleasures Community •

Your Ultimate Guide to Tattoo Voltage | PainfulPleasures

There are so many adjustable factors to consider when you’re tattooing… and tattoo voltage is one of THE. MOST. IMPORTANT. If you’re just starting out or you’re trying a new style, knowing what voltage to use can get confusing. If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head (hopefully not while holding a live machine) over what voltage to use and when, you’re not alone.

So we’re diving into the (perhaps shocking) subject of what voltages to use and when. Let’s zap through the basics so you’...
Painful Pleasures Community •

Nailing Glitter Tattoos with Amanda Graves | PainfulPleasures

Glitter tattoos: they’re like a party on your client’s skin, but only if you’ve got the secret sauce to make them disco-bright. You might think these sparkling bangers are child’s play, but let’s set the record straight—they’re an art form that demands professional skill and attention to detail. We’re talking stippling, shading, blending, solid line work, and color packing… all coming together in one vibrant, show-stopping piece. And let’s not forget, these glittery wonders need to last longer t...
Painful Pleasures Community •

Best Tattoo Aftercare in the Game - RANKED | PainfulPleasures

Stocking your shop with the right tattoo aftercare is critical. Making sure you have aftercare that’s high-quality and effective is a great way to:

Check out our round-up of the best tattoo aftercare you’ll find on the market. These options are artist- and client-approved.

Tattoo aftercare bandages have become the go-to aftercare choice for clients and artists alike. But which one should you offer your clients? One thing’s for sure—you don’t want to send them away from your shop to go buy less...
Painful Pleasures Community •

Tattoo Photography 101 - Snap the Best Tattoo Pictures | PainfulPleasures

Quality tattoo photography means a lot more than just a nice picture. Knowing how to photograph your tattoos is key to building your client list. In fact, you can land several new clients before they even set foot in your shop — sometimes all it takes is an attractive Instagram feed.

Fortunately, there’s no need for thousands of dollars of equipment or a full-fledged photo studio. Nowadays, it’s easy to take amazing shots of your own work without much more than a smartphone.

No matter what you...
Painful Pleasures Community •

Tattoo Gun vs Tattoo Machine | PainfulPleasures

If you’re an aspiring artist—or even just an avid collector—you may have heard a debate over what to call one of the most critical tools in tattooing. Some people say “tattoo gun.” Please don’t be “some people.” Every seasoned professional, shop owner, and serious collector knows it’s called a tattoo machine.

But why does it matter? Good question. Let’s dive into the terminology, why professionals prefer “tattoo machine,” and how understanding the difference helps you sound like a pro.

Lots of...
Ultimate Beauty •

Becoming a Microblade Artist - What You Need to Know

Thinking about a future as a microblading artist? Before you take the plunge into the realm of professional microblading or permanent makeup (PMU)Opens a new window, there are key aspects to consider. In this guide, we'll delve into the essentials of becoming a microblader and tips for starting your career!

Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing technique that involves applying pigmentsOpens a new window in hair-like strokes to create natural-looking eyebrows. It exploded in popula...
Painful Pleasures Community •

Tattoo Shading 101 | PainfulPleasures

Shading is where the magic happens, folks. It turns a basic outline into a masterpiece that jumps off the skin. Whether you’re going for that buttery smooth black-and-grey look, crisp textures, or something a little more abstract, shading is your bread and butter. Mastering the various tattoo shading techniques to make these looks happen requires dedication and practice (as with anything).

But don’t stress—we’ve got your back with this crash course on essential shading techniques. Pro Tip for A...
Ultimate Beauty •

Which Microbeau PMU Machine Is Best for You?

If you haven’t tried using a Microbeau machine yet, you’re missing out on a brand that’s pioneering the world of PMU! Microbeau gives you a high-quality range of machines tailored to different skill levels and preferences. Each machine empowers you to hone your craft and create your most gorgeous results, no matter your skill level. But which one is right for you? Let’s explore the selection of Microbeau machines and see which one is the right fit.

Designed for intermediate artists, the Xion Mi...
Painful Pleasures Community •

Your Complete Guide to Color Packing | PainfulPleasures

Color packing takes hard work to master. But it’s a skill you need, particularly if you’re an artist specializing in traditional, neotraditional, or anime tattoos where vibrant, lurid color takes the spotlight. And that’s just to name a small few styles that require color packing.

Your ultimate goal when color packing is to create a solid, saturated look. Colors should blend seamlessly. There shouldn’t be any patchiness or uneven tones. Overall, this technique ensures a vibrant and smooth finis...
Painful Pleasures Community •

How to Do Blackout Tattoos, A Complete Guide | PainfulPleasures

Blackout tattoos are here to stay. These bold tattoos have become radically popular statement pieces in the past year. Consequently, maybe you’ve had a few clients ask about them. Or maybe you’re looking to expand your skill set. Whatever your interest in blackout tattoos may be, one thing’s for sure: they’re hella challenging.

Blackout tattoos might look simple, but creating that solid, bold black look without any patchiness is no easy feat.

Blackout tattoos involve covering large areas of th...
Painful Pleasures Community •

Understanding Stroke Length for Tattoo Machines | PainfulPleasures

Stroke length is important for all basic tattooing techniques: lining, shading, and packing. But you may have asked yourself, “What the hell is it, exactly?”

Also known as “throw,” stroke (or stroke length) is sometimes confused for needle depth. So, let’s clarify. For starters, stroke length has two (2) different definitions. It all depends on the kind of tattoo machine you’re using.

For coil machines, stroke length is the distance the armature bar travels before it strikes your needle.

For...