Oranges and Pomelos and Pig Skin, OH MY!

I’ve been working in the Tattoo industry as a piercer for over 12 years now, and I LOVE it. Piercing hands down is the job I love the most. I’ve always been into art as well, drawing, painting, casting…. but every time someone would ask if (or when) I was going to get into tattooing, I would always say no. Honestly, I was afraid, I just didn’t feel like I’d have the talent to do it. I know I have the skills to paint and be artistic in other ways, but did I have what it took to be a tattoo artist?

Well, after a lot of encouragement from my co-workers, and my super supportive new boyfriend I’ve decided to finally take this step and start my apprenticeship. I’m super stoked!

The past month I’ve been drawing up a storm, learning everything about the set up, machines, and everything I don’t already know from working in the industry for so long (which really helps!). I’ve started practicing on the usual beginner mediums – Oranges, Pomelos (not sure if this is typically used, but looked like it would work – and did!) and Pig Skin! So far it’s been going really well, and I’m finding it more natural than I had expected it to be.

While there is a lot more Pig Skin in my future, I’ve recently tattooed myself (saving that for it’s own post!) and have a couple of people lined up I’ll be trying out some small pieces on. I have no idea how long it will be until I’ll be at the point I’ll be opening up for more people to be ‘Guinea Pigs’, but the response from friends on being willing to let me has been overwhelming. I’m feeling pretty lucky to have so many people have that much faith in what I can do.

Here are just a few pieces I’ve done so far. I’m sure there will be many more to follow!