Daily drivers

Diego· 03 RL 0.25 · 05 RL 0.30 · 09 RL 0.30, long taper

“Mainly for linework, fine details, and occasionally whip shading or small areas of solid colour. For me, needles are like brushes: I choose them depending on the project and the canvas. Different types of skin sometimes respond better to different cartridge configurations, so I don't believe each needle should have only one purpose.”

Diego· 05 · 09 · 15 RS, 0.35 mm, long taper

“Mainly for small areas of shading, controlled colour packing, and places where a magnum would be too large. They give me more coverage than a liner while still allowing plenty of control.”

Frecher Franz· Union Black, 240 ml

“Since day one. As far as I know, most black and grey artists worldwide use it. It's reliable, easy to mix, and heals well.”

Frecher Franz

“A brutal game changer compared to Stencil Stuff and the like. Proton doesn't smear, because it's tacky rather than liquid. The stencil goes on much better and holds better and longer.”

Diego

“A must-have everywhere.”

FON· Curved magnum, long taper

“When I can't get Kwadron: Da Vinci Soft Edge. Same job. Very soft transitions between the shadows, and a lot of solidity.”

Frecher Franz· Dermalize Pro, roll

“The hours right after the tattoo matter most for healing. Second skin seals it.”

Diego· 09 · 13 · 19 curved magnum, 0.35 mm, long taper

“Curved – or round – magnums mainly for shading, smooth transitions, and larger areas of colour packing. Their rounded edge feels more forgiving and gentler on the skin, especially when working patiently in larger areas.”

FON· Magnum 15 and 23, long taper

“Magnum long taper, mainly Kwadron. They let me make very soft transitions between the shadows and give my tattoos a lot of solidity.”

Frecher Franz· 150 ml

“I use aftercare lotion during the tattoo, not just after. It helps reduce redness, and the skin benefits while you're still working on it.”

FON· Deluxe, 150 ml tub

“I use it during the session to soften the skin and minimise the damage the needle does when it hits the skin. It gives me a lot of smoothness while tattooing, brings the swelling down, and I really like the smell.”

Diego· 6x set

“Consistent and reliable results.”

Frecher Franz

“For wrapping the machine. Sits perfectly and keeps the work safe and hygienic. An absolute must.”

Frecher Franz· Coal Black – Black Finish

“Closes the pores after tattooing and reduces bleeding afterwards. Healing is faster and easier.”

Diego· Tactical Green

“I appreciate equipment that is simple, reliable, and built to a very high standard. What matters most to me is the quality and consistency of its power delivery. It gives the machine a very stable and predictable response throughout the entire session, so I can focus completely on the tattoo instead of constantly thinking about or adjusting my equipment.”

Diego· Olive

“I originally started using the Inkjecta because I saw that an artist I really admire, Ad Pancho, was using it. I tried it, felt very comfortable with it, and worked with it for many years. At some point I experimented with different wireless and battery-powered setups, but never felt completely comfortable. Then I went to get tattooed by Pancho, noticed he was still using the Inkjecta, bought one again – and as soon as I started using it, I felt completely at home.”

Diego· 33 mm

“The SOL Grip has always felt very well built to me. It holds the cartridge firmly and securely, which makes the whole setup feel stable and dependable while I'm working.”

FON

“I like the Cheyenne machines a lot too. If it's a portrait, I use the Cheyenne a lot. The Sol Nova.”

FON· Packer 4.2

“Right now I'm working a lot with Bishop. I can use either machine, it depends on the tattoo: for culture themes, animals, I like the Bishop a bit more. I use the Packer.”

Frecher Franz· Clip-on filter plus polarised film for the light

“The most important thing for us artists is to show our work properly. The filter takes the shine out of the photo, so the contrast comes through rich and saturated. An absolute must.”