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You might want to try a value study before starting the tattoo if you have time in graphite. This will allow you to know where to put your darks and lights. Try using bugpins with a softer hitting machine. I use a aaron cain bottle opener running at 110 - 120 cycles per minute. Allows me to put in the solid black and is slow and soft enough for blending. If its color you're working in, a value study could definitely help out. Drawing it allows you to understand where to put tones. Getting it right on paper will help you get it right on skin. I pre-make my black and grey wash in cups before tattooing. mid size cups, solid black, 9-11 drops with distilled water or witch hazel for a dark grey, 4-6 drops with water for mid tone, and 3 drops with water for lightest tones. I whip shade to blend. Bigger pieces require bigger mags so the transition of tones will be smooth and less peppered looking. Same with color just match like colors of tone like power purple all the way to light magenta or fuschia. Just remember contrast, smooth gradation, and depth create the realism.