Line Work Practice

Practicing short, medium, and long straight lines builds the muscle memory and confidence required to tattoo safely and professionally. While it may seem repetitive, line work drills are the foundation of every successful tattoo and permanent makeup procedure.

Strong fundamentals lead to better healed results, happier clients, and long-term success in the industry.

Learning Objectives

By completing these exercises, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate correct machine grip and body positioning

• Maintain consistent needle depth (approx. 2 mm)

• Execute clean tapers at the beginning and end of lines

• Control hand speed for smooth, saturated lines

• Successfully connect long lines without visible overlaps

Short Line Drills

Short lines are the starting point for all tattoo students. They allow you to focus on precision and control without overextending your hand movement.

Equipment Setup

• Needle: 9 Round Liner

• Machine: Bishop Packer

• Voltage: Approximately 8 volts

Technique Focus

• Hold the machine at approximately a 70-degree angle

• Maintain three points of contact:

  • Machine hand

  • Anchoring hand on the skin or table

  • Stretching hand

• Apply Vaseline or green glide to your hand—not the skin—to allow smooth sliding without losing control

Execution

• Set the needle to penetrate approximately 2 mm into the skin

• Maintain a steady hand speed

• Always taper in at the start of the line and taper out at the end

• Avoid stabbing or stopping abruptly, which can cause blotches or blowouts

Short line drills help students learn how to enter and exit the skin cleanly—an essential skill for eyebrows, eyeliner, and fine paramedical work.

Medium Line Drills

Once short lines are consistent, students advance to medium-length lines, which require more control and endurance.

Ink Management

• Dip the needle into ink before every single line

• Running out of ink mid-stroke leads to patchy, inconsistent lines

Pulling vs. Pushing Lines

• Pulling lines (moving the machine toward yourself) is often more stable and controlled

• Pushing lines may be required depending on angle or design placement

• Students are encouraged to practice both methods to build versatility

Correcting Shaky Lines

If a line becomes shaky:

1. Lift the needle

2. Clean the area

3. Re-enter the line by tapering back in

4. Continue smoothly to finish the stroke

Never force a line or continue through instability.

Grip Adjustment for Pushing Lines

When pushing a line:

• Slightly shift the machine into the pocket between the thumb and index finger

• Maintain the same finger positioning while changing the machine angle for control

Long Line Drills

Long lines are the most challenging and require full-body coordination, smooth movement, and confidence.

Smooth Hand Movement

• Apply green glide to the hand to allow seamless sliding across the skin

• Avoid lifting or hovering, which leads to uneven depth

Breaking Up Long Lines

• Long lines may need to be broken into two sections

• This is normal and professional when done correctly

The Importance of Tapering

Tapering is critical when breaking up long lines:

• Always taper out at the end of the first stroke

• Taper back in when continuing the line

• This prevents visible “bumps” or bulges in the finished line

When done properly, the connection point between strokes should be undetectable, creating the appearance of one continuous, smooth line.