Single needle? A single, solitary needle? Well surely that’s got to hurt less than the usual tattoo machine setup churning away? Afraid not, it still sucks.
Single needle tattoos are typically formed of light, graphite grey lines and airbrush-like shading. The style is similar to the types of graphics that adorn fairground rides and American trucker cabs – but much, much cooler. The wispy, illustrative appearance is polar opposite to the usual bold lines and heavy shading found in the majority of tattoo flash books. Think technical drawing pencil as opposed to thick black sharpie.
This style of tattooing is becoming increasingly popular with ink aficionados and celebrities alike having been etched into the skin of Drake, Ellie Goulding and Cara Delevingne. While some might shun the more out-there design choices – flaming skulls, tiger heads, grim reapers, etc – they may well be able to appreciate the finesse of a fine line style piece.
The pieces seen in the image gallery ahead demonstrate how the style lends itself to intricate natural subjects such as plants and insects, but don’t let that stop you getting a barbed wire biker or snarling Doberman...
The light pencil-like lines delicately blend into any skin tone, no matter how pale.
Drake’s Dr Woo praying hands (or is it a hi-5?)
Cara Delevingne's Coat of Arms tattoo by Dr Woo.
Cute little Kanken style rucksack piece by Dr Woo.
Delicate lines achieve an airbrushed look.
The fur on this cute pomeranian is so realistic it might be hard not to reach out and stroke the stranger's arm.
This botanical illustration wouldn’t be out of place in a encyclopaedia, never mind on someone’s skin.
This Doberman piece by Spider Sinclair is a perfect example of the soft, airbrush style shading.
Ellie Goulding's Dr Woo piece.
Butt tattoos are often considered tacky and things you might one day regret – but that won’t be the case with this beautiful Butt Peony.
While single needle tattoos are the other end of the spectrum to thick, bold lines, they actually compliment each other well.
Reminiscent of the girls painted on to Harley Davidsons and fairground rides, this piece by Spider Sinclair shows a sensual side to tattooing.
Colour can be a lovely addition to a single needle piece, used sparingly.
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