might try practicing the straight lines and smooth curves with a wristbrace on. it helped me a ton when i was learning to get my muscle memory built up for a steady movement.

I believe that would be a hindrance to me actually. I have always been of the school of thought that using an aid, while it may help in the immediate, causes long term problems that are hard to get rid of.

Honestly yesterday was the first day I really picked up the machine and felt comfortable with it, and found a good grip for it.

I am only 2 weeks in to learning the physical aspect of tattooing so I still have a ways to go :)

ahh for me it was just to build the muscle memory to keep from having lateral tremors while i move the machine in a straight line. i would alternate 30 min on 30 min off.

Is this all freehand?

Yes in that it was me running the tattoo machine, no in that I had stencils I made and re-used over and over again... you can't just "freehand" a tattoo XD. Even "Freehand" Artists like Corry Miller draw a sketch on the skin before they put the needle down XD.

Yeah, I have tattoos and I understand that. I just wasn't sure how widespread it was or how much people use it to practice etc.

[yt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oALxLNOhI6I[/yt]

Sorry....

Nicely done! Keep it up!