Tattoo Artist Spotlights
Interviews, features, and portfolios of the world's most talented tattoo artists.
Maud Wagner: America's First Known Female Tattoo Artist
A circus aerialist who traded a date for a tattoo lesson at the 1904 World's Fair. The story of Maud Wagner, the first known female tattoo artist in the United States, her hand-poked work and her legacy.
Sailor Jerry: The Real Tattoo Artist Behind the Name
Before it was a rum brand, Sailor Jerry was Norman Keith Collins, the Honolulu tattoo artist who shaped American traditional tattooing. His life, his Navy years, his style, and why his flash is still everywhere.
How to Find a Good Tattoo Artist: A Step by Step Guide
The right artist matters more than the design. How to find a good tattoo artist, what to look for in a portfolio, how to check a studio is licensed and clean, and the questions to ask before you book.
How Much Should You Tip a Tattoo Artist? UK, US and Canada Etiquette
Tipping is expected for tattoos in the US, common in Canada and a kind extra in the UK. How much to tip a tattoo artist, whether to include the deposit, what to do for multi-session pieces and touch ups.
How Much Do Tattoo Artists Earn? Salary in the UK and US
Salary sites disagree wildly on tattoo artist pay. What surveys suggest in the UK and US, why the numbers vary so much, and what really determines how much a tattoo artist takes home.
How to Become a Tattoo Artist in the US: Licensing Rules by State
There is no national tattoo license in the US. How tattoo licensing works, what most states require, and real examples from Oregon, Arkansas, New York City, California and Texas.
How Long Does a Tattoo Apprenticeship Take? The Real Timeline
Usually one to three years, but some US states set minimum training hours. What happens in each stage of a tattoo apprenticeship, how long it takes in the UK and US, and red flags to avoid.
How to Become a Tattoo Artist in the UK: Apprenticeship, Licence and Career Guide
No degree, no single exam. How to become a tattoo artist in the UK: building a portfolio, finding an apprenticeship, health training, and council registration and licensing in England, London and Scotland.
Stories In Ink Ottawa Celebrates Black Creatives
There's something truly magical about tattoos that tell stories, especially when those stories celebrate the incredible contributions of Black creatives in a community.
Ben Kaye Tattoo Artist Interview and Studio Spotlight
I've always believed that the best way to understand the tattoo world is through the artists who pour their hearts into it every single day.
Ogden First Friday Art Stroll: Where Tattoo Studios Join the Art Scene
Ogden's free monthly First Friday Art Stroll includes tattoo studios alongside galleries and musicians. How the event works, the tattoo shops that have taken part, and tips for meeting artists on the night.
Master Sgt. George Bender: Uniting People through Artistry as an Airman and Tattoo Maestro
In the tapestry of history, tattoos have woven tales of cultural significance across civilizations. From ancient Siberian nomads to Indigenous Polynesians, tattooing has left an indelible mark. Chief Master Sgt. George Bender, a distinguished member of the 168th Aircraft M