Whats the difference?

I've just recently done a tattoo on myself with color. It looked good after it was done, but turned out light and faded when it healed. Could the problem be the ink? Whats the difference between pigments and ink? What brand of ink is recommend for color and black outlining?

[canvasyou]

Tattoos will always be a little lighter when they heal.
If it is a big difference - I would guess that the pigment is not good - or.. possibly you went too deep.
Pigment is ground up metal or plastics used in most tattoo inks -
Ink is usually like Talens and Pelican - used for outlining and some grey wash.

When you tattoo with color - try to use magnums - go over it a few times, have your machine run smooth and soft - not too hard..
don't force the ink in.
What brand pigments you using?

I'm not sure the brand name is cause i dont have it with me but i got it from superior tattoo. And i use kuro sumi for outlining and all black filling. What would you prefer as far as color ink? and what happens to the ink when you go too deep?

[canvasyou]

too deep with color as in too deep with any ink:
You jack up the skin - bad healing - scabs inks comes out
there is a happy balance between poking and scratching - before it becomes tearing and hamburger meat

Prizm is probably what you used from superior... you dont have it anymore? why?

I recommend Starbrite - but Prizm is not that bad actually I kinda like some of their colors.. I first started w/ prizm..
but my tattoos were really light too when they healed - but that was because i sucked at tattooing - not cause the ink sucked..
a few year ago i did a tattoo with prizm - and it turned out really bright..

but I tattoo way different now than I did 8 years ago when I first started with prizm...
keep trying!

Prizm is amature ink. I use Star Brite and some times Fantasia now known as Eternal Ink but they are a water based ink however it more how YOU apply it and some people HAMMER the crap out of colors like red and green as it is hard to see when applied to the skin. I have been inking 15 years and have used a shit load of colors and want to use ETERNAL inks but use Star Brite and Fantasia (the first run of ETERNAL Inks( but cheap ink leads too shit looking work so use the better to get the best work you can

[canvasyou]

"Prizm is amature ink"
Don't write off Superior so fast. I have had some excellent tattoos with Prizm - especially the Purple and Red.
Prizm is pretty thick, but its not garbage. I personally use Starbrite for most of the work I do, but I am actually contemplating checking out Prizm again. Just be careful what you call novice ink.
One of my favorite machines is the light touch - but I replaced everything on the frame - haha. I love that frame though, and people look at me like I am crazy for using it - but I have it running perfectly with Pulse Coils and Eikon a-bar and springs.
Just something to think about... I'm not saying go out and buy stuff from them.
I am originally from Phoenix - and I know of a lot of local artists that use a lot of gear from them, very convenient because they are right there, and you can walk in and buy stuff in a rush if you need to. And these are respectable artists doing quality work too.

I haven't really done much color work yet so i dont have a favorite. iv'e heard of ink called "skin candy" has anyone used it before? i haven't used it or anything but the colors look good and i was thinking of trying it out. does the thickness of the ink determine its quality. for example, if the ink is thin, does it mean it sucks? or vice versa?

[canvasyou]

Def not.
Some people think thin ink goes in easier - so it is better
other people like thick ink -
depends on your style of tattooing - how you move your hand / w the needle
it is an art form - so these are tools.
I suggest buying the .5 oz bottle (sample kits) of a few brands and see which you like best...

Skin candy is decent< i got about 50 of their colors, including the UV set. dont like the pastels much.

http://www.eternaltattoos.com/Eternal%20Ink.htm
http://www.finelinetattoos.com/fantasiamain.html
eternals are made in Mich. and fantasia is made in texas...