Drawing For Tattoo Design: Through The Never With Zack Singer Technique Talks EP 290

Through The Never With Zack Singer | Technique Talks | EP 290

Podcasts are great, but there's something different that happens when you get veteran tattooers breaking down their actual processes in real-time. That's exactly what we do in our Technique Talks at Inside Fireside Club. It's not just random shop talk or war stories - we're diving deep into the specific methods, materials, and problem-solving approaches that these artists have developed over decades in the industry.

This isn't your typical "watch me work" demo. Our whole community gets involved, asking questions and getting real answers about everything from setup techniques to color theory. When you've got artists with 20-plus years of experience sharing what they've learned the hard way, you better believe we're all taking notes. It's about learning from those who've already solved the problems you're facing right now.

This episode was made possible thanks to:

Join the Tattoo Club! Learn More About INSIDE FIRESIDE

Interview by By Jake Meeks —

Writing By Daniel Pushcarich —

Topics: Tattoo Technique Talks, Professional Tattoo Training, Veteran Tattoo Artists, Tattoo Artist Development, Advanced Tattoo Education, Tattoo Community Learning, Tattoo Artist Mentorship, Professional Tattoo Tips, Tattoo Industry Experience, Tattoo Technical Skills, Inside Fireside Club, Tattoo Artist Community, Professional Tattoo Development, Tattoo Learning Resources, Tattoo Industry Knowledge

“My goal is to give my clients the tattoo they never knew they always wanted.”

— Zack Singer

Zack Singer (@zacksingerink) has nearly two decades of experience, and has honed his craft since beginning his tattoo journey with a three-year apprenticeship. His passion for tattooing sparked early, especially when he immersed himself in the skateboarding scene as a young artist.

In 2014, Zack opened Perception Fine Body Art, a studio dedicated to fostering creativity and originality while delivering top-quality tattoos. Zack’s signature style combines dot work, realism, and surrealistic imagery with elements of the metaphysical, bringing a unique, visionary quality to each piece.

Zack is based in Dallas, TX, and owns/tattoos at Perception Fine Body Art.

Please enjoy!

INTERVIEW LINKS, MENTIONS, AND SHOW NOTES BELOW…

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Zack Singer:

Zack Singer Ink | @zacksingerink

SHOW NOTES

[00:00] Technique Talks Overview
[01:33] The Importance of Artistry and Evolution
[06:28] Predictability and Quality of Setup in Tattooing
[09:19] Transitioning from Gray Wash to Opaque Grays
[11:01] Blending Techniques and Color Dynamics
[14:11] Use of Natural Color Variation
[15:39] Designing Tattoos with Body Structure in Mind
[17:27] The Influence of Clothing on Tattoo Visibility
[18:02] Designing for Different Experiences of Sunlight
[19:34] Balancing Detail and Contrast
[22:20] Collaboration and Creative Process
[30:11] Challenges and Rewards of Group Projects
[34:09] Drawing vs. Tattooing Techniques
[35:25] Line Work and Machine Usage
[36:54] Influence and Evolution
[39:42] Client Interaction and Sketch Presentation
[43:31] The Importance of Reference and Cohesive Style
[45:00] Unique Tattoo Concepts and Client Trust
[46:30] Balancing Tattooing and Painting
[48:44] The Journey to Finding a Unique Artistic Voice
[52:24] Making Deliberate Tattoo Decisions
[01:00:56] Freehand Techniques and Decisions
[01:01:55] Color Theory and Value Importance
[01:11:00] Variety in Creative Expression
[01:13:42] Networking and Collaboration in Creative Communities

zack singer tattoo of abstract cat and dali tattoos

MORE Zack QUOTES FROM THIS INTERVIEW

Making Deliberate Tattoo Decisions

[52:24] “The consistency in your wash setups plays such a big part because I can take a dark wash and if I tattooed that in the skin, pretty much anybody around me... would be like, 'That's black,' and I'm like, 'I know in about 30 minutes... it's not black.'”

— Zack Singer

Predictability and Quality of Setup in Tattooing

[06:28] “The quality of your tattoo starts with the quality of your setup.”

— Zack Singer

Designing for Different Experiences of Sunlight

[18:02] “You have to design for where the person lives”

— Zack Singer

Balancing Detail and Contrast

[19:34] “If you can visualize those crystals fully rendered, they could easily turn into a distraction.”

— Zack Singer

zack singer snowflake hand tattoos

This episode was made possible thanks to:

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Want more tattoo education and resources?

Check out our Drawing for Tattoos catalog HERE!

The Fireside Tattoo Network is home to the Fireside podcast, Fireside Technique video series and our Fireside Weekly blog.

The Fireside Tattoo podcast is hosted by veteran tattooer Jake Meeks, check out our episodes where we discuss, argue and wax philosophical, from tips for all levels of artists to trends in the tattoo world. Many guest artists have sat down for interviews and in-depth conversations and many more are planned…check back often!

Our Fireside Tattoo Overview video series offers informative, short, and detailed videos geared towards helping artists understand the science and nuances of tattoos and make more informed decisions to improve their work. We often take some of our more technical topics from our Fireside podcast and film an in-depth, narrated, time-lapse video showing exactly how Jake or our featured artists handle certain issues.

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Drawing for Tattoo Design

Your tattoo designs starting to feel stagnant? Feel like you’re not progressing? Drawing is the single most important piece of the tattoo process. No level of technical tattoo skill can overcome bad composition and draftsmanship.

Fireside Tattoo Network simplifies the tattoo design process with the Fireside Method. By focusing on the principles of Shape, Value, Edge and Color, we help you identify and solve your biggest challenges early in the design process.

The Fireside Method: