smoother shading....

okay, first of all, i guess im what a lot of you call a scratcher. although i hate the label, i respect your right to use it. im working on getting an apprenticeship through an artist in my area, although ive been tattoing for around 4 years. I have gained a lot of experience, and im not a bad artist, im proud of the work ive done and many artists have complimented my work, that being said i still know that in this profession, you never stop learning! Im seeking advise on how to obtain smoother grey shades, i regularly use magnum needles, 7's primarily, and almost always end up with a tapered stretch of color that seems to slightly bounce as it progresses. i have experimented on my self by changing the speed of my strokes, the angle of the machine, and the speed of the machine itself as well as the gap distance. after everything I have tried, i have still yet to obtain the smooth, even shades im looking for. any constructive advise would be appreciated. thanks.

usually the resident assholes would be all over you by now! i like curved mags.

it will all come with experience. keep practicing. work on getting that apprenticeship. theres no quicker or better way to learn. good luck.

my only piece of advice is cross dip

Dude, take $2000 and go get a black and grey sleeve from a decent artist and watch what he's doing.

well for one, ive already got a black and grey sleeve which is how i learned to shade in the first place. The cross dipping did work well though, thanks for that. although im still trying to get the lighter tones to flow softer. im trying to improve my grey scale portrait work.......

mix your own... if your grays aren't fading out enough wash em out... also adjust your hand speed and depth