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Most modern machines use one or two “coils,” or electro-magnets, through which an electric current passes and turns the magnets off and on in rapid succession. Originally, a tattoo machine used a rotary system originally developed by Edison himself to apply a tattoo design. To really understand what makes this fine line tattoo approach so unique, a better understanding of how a tattoo machine works provides an important starting point. Most tattoo machines operate with a range of different needles, however in single needle technique the tattoo machine is loaded with a solo needle to etch. While it may seem obvious-single needle means one needle is used in creating a tattoo. One more of these trends that has seen a resurgence in tattoo culture popularity applies to designs using the single needle tattoo tip technique. New tattoo style exemplified by techniques such as Hyper-realism, three-dimensional optical illusions and geometric designs all demonstrate just how far tattooing has come in the last 100 years. Traditional tattoo has come a long way from the simple designs of anchors and swallows that characterized early American work made famous by Sailor Jerry Collins.
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Examine why single needle ink has re-emerged as a popular form of contemporary body art application. Learn about single needle tattoos and how they’re used.