Hey everyone! Here are a few new tattoos from the last few weeks (see below). The first sessions were done with Neuma, but I finished them with coil machines (Next Generation Orion to be specific). It was great to use coils again.
Right away I noticed how fast I could work vs Neumas. I am hoping the Hybrid's new cam design will reduce the drag of the Neuma (I hear it does), because this is the main cause of the slow down. Comfort wise...coils still suck. LOL! So clunky and awkward...It is a trade off for speed in some cases though...
I will say this, Neuma did change the way I tattoo and think. I found myself running my coils in a way that duplicated the feel of my Neumas. Once I found that Neuma-ish sweet spot It was no problem to do all the effects and techniques I have come to expect from Neuma. Again the difference ws less drag and more speed.
Conclusion...I still see myself tattooing with Neuma (especially if the Hybrid addresses all the issues it is supposed to), because the comfort and ergonomics are simply the best. I also see myself using coil machines (as I did for 15 years), but with the sensitivity and techniques I developed in the last year or so of using Neuma. For the record I prefer light-weight aluminum machines. My favorite is the Orion from Next Generation. I have some great "Irons" too, but I get hand fatigue from them.
NEWS:
- I am giving my seminar in Miami @ Visionary Expo.
- Also look for my first DVD release later this year.
- Lastly, I will be holding a tattoo artists' "Summer Boot Camp" two day seminar that will go beyond the "Keep it Real" seminar and deal with all styles of tattooing, portfolio review, basic painting techniques in oil & acrylic, photography, basic photoshop skills, machine tuning and care, tattoo workflow...a soup to nuts two day adventure. Seating will be limited to 20. Date and price TBA
Keith
