[Jehan Chumomisto]

Jehan nodded as he took the needle he created back examining it. He noticed it now though he hadn’t at first. It was only slightly off center he couldn’t help but wonder if it would really matter all that much. He assumed that it must have if he was being told about the flaw but he needed to know why. “What will happen if it is off center like this?” he asked slowly not sure I the was question time.

The old woman smiled “You will still be able to do great works of art however you will just have to watch the tip more carefully. Having a straight bone is more or less a comfort thing, a luxury as it were. These are your tools young Jehan, you should want the best” he answered looking at him. He nodded looking a little ashamed of the question. “It was a good question to ask though small manus so do not fear asking more. These are things that you must know, for you never know when you may be teaching someone else no?”

He nodded his head. “Very good, if there are no more questions we can continue?” she paused a few seconds before continuing. “Very well then, we will move on to creating inks. This is something that is very much a secret from non-tattooists and therefore is a sign of trust to those that are chosen to learn. It is essential in becoming a tattooist that you are not wasting resources and time trying to acquire inks. It is also good to be able to modify your ink for the person that you are tattooing. It is not unheard of for herbs or other things to be slipped into the ink for the benefit of the receiver. It is always best however to check with an expert before doing so.

Ink is created using pigments such as soot, for black, which is the most common one as well as a carrier, The carrier may be a single substance or a mixture, either way it is used to keep the pigment evenly distributed and to inhibit the growth of pathogens, to prevent clumping of pigment, and to aid in application to the skin. The most common, and safest ones are; Strong Liquor that must be clear spirit or higher, Purified Water or Witch Hazel.” She informed Jehan has she pulled out a jar of black pigment as well as a bottle of Clear Spirit and placed them on the table.

“It will take time and practice before you can make a good ink. I will let you experiment as much as you want to and comment with suggestions.” She told Jehan as she put a few empty bottles, a funnel, and a mixing bowel on the table as well. “Just make small quantities for now eh?”