What actually changes.
Black level decides which fine strokes become part of the reference. Contrast separates a matte line from paper. Smoothing and Bézier simplification happen later and should remain cautious for personal handwriting.
The file is a reference for consultation. Tattoo feasibility, minimum gaps, ageing and transfer to a body placement belong with the tattoo studio. Vector Boy does not replace that work.
What the reference should show
- Every intended line is fully visible
- Paper, shadows and accidental marks are removed
- Small characteristics of the handwriting remain
- Both the original photo and cleaned file are available
Step by step.
- Photograph the source straight on without a hard shadow.
- Set Black level until the finest important line appears.
- Add Contrast carefully.
- Remove unrelated marks deliberately with the lasso.
- Compare Fine and Subpixel while keeping smoothing low.
- Bring the original and cleaned PDF to the appointment.
Do not change line weight blindly for a particular needle or placement. The studio adapts the reference to scale, technique, placement and healing behaviour.
Questions before export.
Is the SVG a finished tattoo stencil?
It is a clean scalable reference. The tattoo studio creates or approves the usable stencil.
How do small wobbles remain?
Keep smoothing and Bézier simplification low and compare frequently with the original.
Should I make very thin lines thicker?
Not automatically. Mark what matters to you and discuss practical line weight with the studio.