Apprentice
The Complete Beginner Tattoo Setup
TatScout Editorial · 2026-05-02 · 8 min
What an apprentice actually needs, and the expensive things they do not need yet.
Buy once
A dependable mid-range wireless machine, a spare battery and a good grip. Skip the machine collection until you know how you tattoo.
Buy often
Cartridges, practice skin, black ink, gloves and barrier film. These are the running costs of learning.
Buy later
Colour sets, second machines and furniture. Use the studio's until your bookings justify your own.
