Photoshop and its use in tattooing

Many people associate Photoshop with designers or photographers, but anyone who works with tattoos knows that this tool can be one of the best allies in the creative process — from the initial idea to the presentation to the client.

I use Photoshop as an essential part of my work. It helps me create custom artwork, test how it fits on the body, and present projects in a clearer and more professional way. It's a way to move from a "mental sketch" to something visual, without having to jump in the dark.

How Photoshop helps me in my day-to-day life:

Creating custom artwork – I combine references, adjust proportions, and give the artwork the person's identity.

Mockups on the body – I can simulate how the tattoo will look on the skin, using a real photo of the client. This helps with decision-making and increases confidence.

Composing larger projects – Whether it's for a complete manga or something more specific, I can visually assemble the composition and ensure balance.

Preparation for realism – In portraits or tattoos with a lot of detail, Photoshop allows me to study shadows, light and textures before moving on to the stencil.

Portfolio editing – I also use it to edit photos of finished tattoos, so that my work presents itself with quality on social media or on the website.

The best part is that you don't need to be an expert. With basic notions of layers, selection, eraser and brush, you can already do a lot. And over time, you will discover tools such as liquify, image overlay, custom brushes and much more.

If you are a tattoo artist and don't yet use Photoshop, it is worth exploring. It gives you freedom to create, facilitates communication with clients and takes the presentation of your work to another level.