Tattoos are a major commitment in life as they are permanent ink drawings etched onto your skin. Once the tattoo is inked on the skin, it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!
For this very reason, it can be nerve-wracking to get a tattoo for the first time and choosing the design is yet another ordeal. To overcome this hurdle and make choosing the tattoo design easy for clients, tattoo artists end up using Tattoo Stencils.
Tattoo stencils are used because they place a removable sketch of the client’s chosen design onto their skin in temporary ink. This helps the clients tweak their design and decide on their tattoo design before fully committing to it.
One of the most popular tattoo designs that is done using tattoo stencils is the cloud tattoo design. Clouds are pretty hard to tattoo onto the skin freehanded, which is why the cloud tattoo stencil is used. So, keep on reading to learn more about tattoo stencils and the 10 best cloud stencil tattoo designs of 2023!
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What is a Tattoo Stencil?
Tattoo stencils are something that is the beginning of a great tattoo. For both professionals and beginners, tattoo stencils are a great way to ensure that the client is happy with their design and getting precisely what they wanted in their design.
Knowing how to create and use a tattoo stencil properly is essential to a tattoo artist’s career. But it can be something that is hard to get the hang of because this skill is perfected over time with loads of practice.
This stencil method has to be perfected with lots of practice and some more, you guessed it, practice! Creating draft tattoo stencils and learning placement on human dummies is the easiest way to practice and develop the stencil method skill.
In this article, we will share the exact purpose of a tattoo stencil and how it is made. You will also learn how to use a tattoo stencil properly, so keep on reading to find out!
What is the purpose of using a Tattoo Stencil?
As mentioned before, tattoo stencils are an amazing way to make sure that the client is happy with their design and getting what they asked for. Tattoo stencils give a client the liberty of getting to see the placement of the tattoo and how it looks on their skin before fully committing to it.
Not only that, tattoo stencils help tattoo artists avoid mistakes during the process of tattooing the client. It also helps the tattoo artist to make sure that the end result will be the client’s desired tattoo design in the perfect form.
While professionals can create fantastic tattoo designs freehand, most clients are reluctant to do so. For this reason, even professionals opt to use tattoo stencils for the reassurance of their clients.
How to make a Tattoo Stencil
Making a tattoo stencil is quite an easy concept and doesn’t require many materials either. But it is vital to have the right materials and proper knowledge on how to create the stencil.
There are two different methods available for making tattoo stencils. The kind of method a tattoo artist chooses depends on whether they hand draw, aka freehand designs, or digitally draw them.
The name of two different methods is the hectograph paper method and the thermal paper method. The creation process of both of the methods and the materials needed for each of them are given as follows:
Hectograph Paper Method
The hectograph paper or freehand paper method is the method used by tattoo artists that opt for drawing their tattoo stencils by hand. Hectograph paper is known to have 3 layers of sheets that are used to create the tattoo stencil.
The 3 layers are the top layer that you draw on, the middle or onion layer that acts as the control layer preventing the top and bottom layers of sheets from sticking together and the bottom layer that becomes the final product, i.e., the tattoo stencil.
The only materials you will need for this method are tracing paper, hectograph paper and hectograph pencil. Now, without further ado, let’s learn about how you can make a tattoo stencil using the hectograph paper method:
Step 1: Take your three layers of Hectograph paper and separate the middle or onion layer from the stack.
Step 2: Create a rough draft of your sketch on the tracing paper before beginning to draw on the hectograph paper.
Step 3: Take your tracing paper with the sketch on it and place it on top of the hectograph paper’s top layer to begin the tracing process.
Step 4: Pick up your hectograph pencil and begin tracing the sketch from the tracing paper to the hectograph paper’s top layer with enough pressure so that it will make the sketch transfer to the bottom layer of the hectograph paper.
Step 5: Once you’re done drawing, step back and admire it because you’re done!
The hectograph paper method is relatively quick and easy because the bottom layer of the hectograph paper becomes the tattoo stencil. But it isn’t preferred by artists that much anymore because we live in a digital world, and digital artistry is more easier to go through with.
Thermal Paper Method
The thermal paper method is the most common and popular tattoo stenciling method at present. It is the method used by tattoo artists who prefer to draw their tattoo designs digitally, but it can also be used by freehand tattoo artists.
There are two ways through which the thermal paper method can be used: one is by using a thermal copier, and another is by using a thermal printer. Most tattoo artists prefer to use the thermal printer for their tattoo stencils because the thermal copier adds in an extra step to the process, which can be time consuming.
For that reason, we will be talking about how to create a tattoo stencil using the thermal printer method. Firstly, let’s take a look at all the materials you’ll be needing:
- A thermal printer, ReproFX SpiritTM Pocketjet Burner Thermal Tattoo Printer, is the best for the job.
- Thermal printer paper.
- A USB cable is always included in the printer kit.
- An adapter cord is also always included in the printer kit.
- Developed driver for your PC, which is also always included in the kit.
- A computer or tablet.
Now, without further ado, let’s learn about how you can make a tattoo stencil using the thermal paper method with a thermal printer:
Step 1: Set up your thermal printer by hooking it up to a power outlet and then by connecting it to your PC using the USB cable included in the kit.
Step 2: Choose the image file of your digital drawing and open an editing app to reverse the image file horizontally. This is done to ensure that the printout is printed backwards so that once it’s on the client’s skin, it will be the right side up.
Step 3: Take the top or yellow sheet of the thermal paper stack and fold it backwards along the perforated line given on the paper.
Step 4: Crease the top or yellow sheet along the perforated line and carefully tear it off. This will leave you with the middle or white paper sheet and the bottom or purple carbon paper sheet.
Step 5: Go ahead and lift the middle or white paper sheet up, and then remove the protective cover on top of the bottom or purple carbon paper sheet.
Step 6: Now that there is no extra layer in between the top or white paper sheet and the bottom or purple carbon paper sheet, it is time to put it into the thermal printer. Feed the carbon paper sheet into the thermal printer with the top or white paper sheet facing down.
Step 7: Select your reversed image file of the tattoo design and hit the “Print” button to send the image file from your PC to the thermal printer, just like how you would with any other printer.
Step 8: Let the thermal printer do its job, and once the printer is done printing, take the carbon paper sheet out.
Step 9: Remove the purple carbon paper sheet attached to the white paper sheet, and now you’re left with your finished tattoo stencil ready for use!
And following these 9 easy steps, you can easily create a tattoo stencil using the thermal paper method. It is much quicker and easier to manage than dealing with a thermal copier which is why tattoo artists love this tattoo stenciling method.
How to use a Tattoo Stencil
Well, now that we know both of the ways on how exactly to create a tattoo stencil, it’s time to learn how to use our freshly made tattoo stencil. Starting with the materials you’ll need to apply a tattoo stencil successfully, they are given as follows:
- Tattoo gloves.
- Your tattoo stencil with the tattoo design on it.
- Green soap or medical-grade sanitizing soap.
- Disinfectant spray or wipes.
- Shaving razor.
- Shaving cream or foam.
- Tattoo Stencil transfer solution like Stencil Stuff, Spirit Stencil Transfer Cream or Recovery Stencil Lock.
- A dry towel.
Now that we know what materials are required for transferring a stencil onto a client’s skin, the steps on how to apply or use a tattoo stencil are given as follows:
Step 1: Determine the placement for the tattoo design chosen by your client. Your client will definitely have an idea about where they want their tattoo. Still, as a professional tattoo artist, you need to ensure that the tattoo design is appropriately placed onto the skin. So, make them sit down or stand up in accordance with the tattoo design’s placement on the body.
Step 2: Prep the skin of your client to achieve the best results with the stenciling job. Firstly, wash the client’s skin with your chosen medical grade soap.
Step 3: Apply some shaving cream or foam onto your client’s skin and use a shaving razor to shave the skin for smooth application and to ensure that the tattoo stencil will stick.
Step 4: Use a disinfectant spray or wipes to sanitize and disinfect your client’s skin. Now, your client’s skin is ready for the tattoo stencil transfer solution.
Step 5: Take your choice of tattoo stencil transfer solution and apply a thin layer to the entire area of the client’s skin where the tattoo design will be placed.
Step 5: Let the tattoo stencil transfer solution dry and use a dry towel to pat over the entire area to speed up the drying process, alongside making sure that the tattoo stencil transfer solution has been applied evenly.
Step 6: Take your tattoo stencil with the client’s chosen tattoo design on it. Give the freshly created tattoo stencil about 15-20 minutes to dry, and while waiting, ensure all the details about the tattoo design, its process and its placement with your client one more time for good measure.
Step 7: Now, take your tattoo stencil paper and carefully place the stencil onto your client’s skin on the area with the dried down tattoo stencil transfer solution.
Step 8: Pat down the tattoo stencil paper thoroughly and then peel back the paper carefully. Let the transferred tattoo design dry down completely.
And voila, just like that, your tattoo stencil transferring process is complete! In just 8 easy steps, you can successfully use a tattoo stencil without any problems, and now, you can go ahead and start the tattooing process.
List of the 10 Best Cloud Stencil Tattoo Designs
Now that we all know about what tattoo stencils are and how they are made, it’s time to talk about the star of the show, cloud stencil tattoo designs. So, without any more delay, let’s take a look at the list of the 10 cloud stencil tattoo designs that we have compiled; they are given as follows:
1. Blue Cloud Tattoo
Out of all the cloud stencil tattoo designs that will be discussed below, the blue cloud tattoo design is the most classic and popular one. It is generally done as an arm sleeve tattoo design, so it is a larger-scale tattoo.
This tattoo is beautiful because of its visually striking blue color and softly blended shadows. The blue cloud tattoo design shows a happy horizon which represents moral upliftment. This makes it the perfect tattoo for someone who is struggling with past trauma in life and needs a little moral boost.
2. Rising Sun from Within Clouds Tattoo
There are a lot of people out there who like motivational quotes to bring more positivity into their life. The rising sun from within clouds tattoo is perfect for that because it is a very encouraging tattoo design.
The bright colors and almost cartoony style design of the tattoo make it very joyful looking and uplifting. The sun shining from within the clouds represents a brave person who always looks at the positive side of things and remains optimistic. On the other hand, the clouds represent a pleasant and cheerful atmosphere which adds to the meaning of the tattoo.
3. Moon with Clouds Tattoo
While colorful tattoos are rich in visuals and stand out against other tattoos, black and white tattoos are elegant and represent a dimmed classiness. For this reason, the moon with clouds tattoo is one of the most popular black and white cloud stencil tattoo designs out there.
The intricate detailing and flawless shading of the tattoo design makes it very alluring, and it gives an aesthetic vibe. The moon in the tattoo design represents growth, change and the passing of time, while the clouds in the tattoo design represent pleasant times ahead. Overall, this makes the tattoo design a symbol of strength and growing stronger in life.
4. Plain Jane Cloud Tattoo
The blue cloud tattoo and the plain Jane cloud tattoo are peas in the same pod, but they are different in their own essence. While the blue cloud tattoo represents moral upliftment, the plain Jane cloud tattoo has a more simpler meaning.
This tattoo design only includes simple clouds as an outline with little to no shading, based on the client’s preference. It is a very basic yet meaningful tattoo because the clouds mean that even the simpler things in life hold a lot of significance.
5. Japanese Cloud Pattern Tattoo
Taking a step into Japanese culture, the Japanese cloud tattoo design might just be the best type of cloud stencil tattoo design that you can get inked. It is a very attractive tattoo design and quite popular among men looking for a beginner tattoo.
This tattoo design is done in black and gray ink, with loads of intricate details and tons of shading. It is very visually rich and symbolic in its meaning of representing the hardships that one has faced in life and letting that mold them into a better person who is approaching life with a princely status.
6. Vampiric Night Cloud Tattoo
Most tattoos are very symbolic and hold great meanings in their materialistic forms, but fictional tattoos are also symbolic and unique in their essence. The vampiric night cloud tattoo is also one of those fictional tattoos with profound meaning behind it.
This tattoo design is rich in detail with its animated look and deep shading to bring out the vampiric aesthetic it represents. Getting this tattoo inked onto your skin means that you’re an open-minded person who does not hesitate to believe in the far-fetched aspects of life and has lots of dreams to pursue.
7. Floral Cloud Tattoo
Regardless of gender, cloud tattoos can be inked onto anyone’s skin in any tattoo design. But this floral cloud stencil tattoo design is targeted towards women precisely because it has a feminine aesthetic.
This floral cloud tattoo design is done in bright colors, generally pink, to add to the design’s feminine aesthetic, along with intricate details and blended shadows. This tattoo has a very appealing meaning which is approaching one’s future with feminine grace and positivity.
8. Thunder Cloud Tattoo
Another universally flattering cloud stencil tattoo is the thunder cloud tattoo design, which is generally done as a half-sleeve tattoo. This tattoo design is unique because its meaning is something you totally would not expect it to be.
This tattoo design is one of the most neatly detailed and heavily shadowed tattoos out there, as depicting a thunderstorm through ink is quite challenging. The meaning of this tattoo design goes all the way back to our childhood; it represents one’s growth in life and that they’ve been able to make the most out of their childhood.
9. Birds, Stars and Clouds Tattoo
Pursuing our dreams as we grow up in life, all while balancing growth and the changes we go through, is a very hard part of life. This tattoo design is for those people who want to give a tribute to the hardships they had to face in order to be successful.
This cloud stencil tattoo design is rather simple, but the details and shadows are still prominent in it. This tattoo has a broader meaning because the bird in the design means freedom. But this whole tattoo says that everyone is a star in their own world, and everyone is destined to achieve greatness.
10. After the Storm Cloud Tattoo
There are a truckload of uplifting and motivational tattoo designs with quotes out there, but the most amazing cloud stencil tattoo design with a quote is this one. The after the storm tattoo design is one of the best tattoos with a heart touching meaning behind it.
This tattoo design has a simple outline and is generally done using black and gray ink with some shadows in order to highlight the quote, which is the main focus of this design. The meaning of the quote “after the storm” is that there’s always a calm that follows after every storm, so no matter how difficult life gets, pleasant times are awaiting us.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do you make tattoo stencils?
There is a whole process for making tattoo stencils; the process has been explained above.
What is tattoo stencil paper made of?
Tattoo Stencil paper is made up of 3 layers, the top or white paper layer, the middle or protective “onion” layer and the bottom or purple carbon ink paper layer.
How much does getting a tattoo cost?
Depending on the size of the tattoo, which is measured in inches, tattoos can cost anywhere from $50-$8000.
What does getting a cloud stencil tattoo mean?
Getting a light cloud tattoo means pleasant and cheerful times ahead, whereas getting a dark or stormy cloud tattoo represents looming danger or emotional difficulties ahead.
What does the Japanese cloud tattoo mean?
The Japanese cloud tattoo means one’s princely status is approaching with breathtaking speed.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a newbie or a professional tattoo artist, knowing how to make and use tattoo stencils is an essential skill. If you want to earn a reputation for being a good tattoo artist, this skill is detrimental to your career.
Also, having the right supplies to properly create and apply a tattoo stencil is quite important as well. It is a skill that has to be developed in every tattoo artist to reach greater heights.
On the other hand, cloud stencil tattoo designs are very meaningful and beginner friendly because they can be done both on a small and larger scale. Because of its versatility, this tattoo design has garnered well-deserved popularity amongst tattoo enthusiasts.
So what are you waiting for? Please read up on all the information about tattoo stencils given above and use it for your career. Take a look at the 10 best cloud stencil tattoo designs of 2023 and choose the best one for yourself!
