Rotary tattoo machines have become the go-to setup for loads of artists today, and for good reason. They’re smooth, versatile, and easy to work with across a huge range of styles. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to figure out which one is the right fit for you.

Pen-style rotary machines have become a go-to choice for tattoo artists over the past few years. The marker-like grip, balanced feel, and versatility across different styles have made the tattoo pen machine a modern staple in studios worldwide.

Throughout this blog, we’ll cover how to choose inks that are going to help you bring your designs to life as well as break down some of the best brands for different tattooing styles, including blackwork, colour realism, old school, and new school.

We’re going to run through the best tattoo cartridges that are available to order from Killer Ink Tattoo in 2025 to help find the right ones for you.

We had a chat with Phillip Trier, the founder and creator of the innovative stencil products, who gave us more insight into how the spray and film work together to take your stencil transfer game to the next level.

We had the pleasure of visiting Aggie Vnek; Sponsored Artist at Killer Ink, Resident Artist at Abrakadavra Studio, and Pro Artist at Whitfields Tattoo Co. While there, we watched her create an incredible cyborg colour surrealism tattoo featuring bold blackwork elements. 

We spoke to two of our sponsored artists, Adrian Delargue and Joshua Beatson, for tips on blackwork techniques and healing advice as well as their go-to inks, cartridges, and machines!

Continue reading to learn more about Rachel’s career, including where she started, where she continues to find inspiration as an artist, her experience of winning 1st place for Best Collaboration at Shropshire Tattoo Show, and what the future holds!

Watch the full video to see Alex’s technique in action and get a closer look at this bold blackwork raccoon coming to life!

Finger tattoos can be tough to create. Small canvas, thin skin, and constant movement make them one of the most demanding areas to work on. But when you lock in, the results can be some of the most rewarding artwork you’ll ever produce.