What can I expect? 

Together, we will look at the core 6 tenets of tattooing: sanitation and hygiene, technique, developing and refining a style, social media and marketing, business admin and logistics, relational ethics and consent.

Through conversations, questions, portfolio reviews, critique and feedback on existing work, structured homework assignments, curated resource support, guided reflection exercises and more, we’ll support you in building your skills and developing a sustainable tattoo business that align with your values. Sessions will be tailored to individuals priorities and needs.

What’s included?

• Weekly 1-hour 1:1 session (or biweekly if preferred)

• bi-Monthly email check-in

• One additional hour long critique & feedback round per 3 month period

Session rate: $55/80/105/hour Monthly cost = around $200-420/month

• 3-month commitment recommended for continuity and growth

• Payment plans available

• Virtual sessions via Zoom; in-person support available for local mentees (Bay Area)

Examples of what I can support you with

Tattoo skill development: handpoke only 

• Understanding needles and when to use which kind

• Understanding skin types and tattooing “difficult” skin

• Figuring out the right techniques for your style 

• Providing feedback on existing work 

• Real-time observation and feedback (either video or in person)

Refining a style

• Translating your drawing style into tattooable imagery 

• Figuring out how to stay true to your creative voice while turning art into business

• Homework and drawing exercises 

• Support with developing experimental processes and unique offerings for tattooing or image making

• Critique and feedback on existing drawings

Guesting

• Navigating working in new spaces

• Studio communication and etiquette 

Social media

• Developing an online presence that feels trustworthy and authentic to you

• Creating a posting schedule, refining your voice 

• Growing an audience without capitulating to trends

• Newsletter and alternative social media development

• Developing channels of outreach beyond social media

Booking, business admin, systems

• Creating a booking system that meets your needs

• Figuring out how to price your work 

• Incorporating sliding scale, reduced rate, or mutual aid into your budgeting 

• Developing systems for financial tracking including expenses, income, and taxes. 

• Developing a structure to track your progress and record your learning. 

Hygiene

• creating hygiene protocol that meets BBP and licensing standards 

• Guidance for station set up and break down 

Client communication, relational ethics, consent

• Resource support (directing you to folks who have written extensively about these topics)

• Creating a loose and flexible “script” for structuring sessions

• Developing skills in attunement, intuition, and deep listening to clients. 

• Supporting introverts and neurodivergent folks in navigating the social and relational dimension of tattooing (Both tattooers and clients!)

• Navigating difficult interactions, creating and enforcing boundaries with clients in-session. 

Energetic, Creative, Physical and Emotional hygiene 

• Developing boundaries that support energy preservation

• Learning and understanding your limits 

• Support with managing the physical intensity of tattooing - guidance around stretching, posture, self massage, and other hand/body care tools

• Creating a schedule for incorporating non-tattoo creative practice into your week/month

• Personal rituals for self care

This could be for you if:

• You’ve been tattooing for at least 4-6 months, and have the basics of station set up, breakdown, sanitation and hygiene down.

• You’re looking to level up your sanitation and hygiene protocol to meet licensing and industry standards

• You find yourself struggling to get bookings, frustrated with instagram/social media, or hitting a plateau with your technique.

• You are first and foremost excited about learning the craft of handpoke tattooing - and are ready to dedicate consistent time, energy, and work to improving this skill. 

• You want to learn new skills but you’re not sure where to start

• You’re bored with your own work or feeling uninspired to draw

• You’re neurodivergent, queer, and wanting support in developing relational and administrative skills. 

• You’re an established artist who needs accountability and support putting systems in place to manage overwhelm, physical pain, and energy depletion.