A budget and beginner friendly entry into learning tattooing.
To keep my recommendations honest, everything listed is something I use or have used.
Some links are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Shop the full kit on AmazonOr browse it piece by piece below.
Machine & Power
CNC Tattoo MachineMy daily pen, and a forgiving one to learn on. (Sold on Amazon as the Hawink CNC-Q2, the same machine.)
Foot Pedal SwitchAny simple pedal does the job. This is just the cheap one I grabbed.
BRONC Power SupplyThe digital supply I run every day. Pops in and out of stock, grab it when it is up.
Needles
Hawink CartridgesThe budget cartridges I practice with. The mixed kit is the easiest way to start.
Papa CartridgesWhat I run on clients. The step up once you are tattooing real skin.
what I use
Inks
Dynamic InkMy go-to black, and the classic first bottle for learning clean lines.
Xtreme InksThe water-based color I reach for when I want more than black.
Stencils
Phomemo PrinterThe little thermal printer I make my stencils with. The M08F is the budget one to start on.
Stencil Stuff GelWhat actually keeps a stencil put. I do not skip it.
Transfer PaperThermal paper for the printer. Any of these are fine.
Practice
Budget Practice SkinCheap fake skin for drilling lines and warming up.
A Pound of FleshThe fake skin I practiced on for ages. Worth it over the cheap stuff.