1:1 mentorship for early career tattoo artists who are looking for grounded, ongoing support.

Whether you're learning the ins and outs of technique, hygiene and client communications, navigating stylistic shifts and refinement, or just wanting guidance and structure, this is a space to grow your tattoo practice with care and intention.

Ongoing mentorship offers a structured, consistent container (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly). 70 minute sessions - $50-100 sliding scale

One-off/Office hours allows you to drop in as-needed to ask questions, receive feedback on tattoos/drawing, troubleshoot and brainstorm whatever is most pressing for you.

70 or 35 minute sessions - $50-100 or $25-50 sliding scale

Mentorship interest form
book a one-off "office hours" session

“Sophie welcomed me into the dynamic world of tattooing with so much warmth and without any judgment. They’ve provided me with honest, constructive feedback, while also encouraging me to think critically about tattooing as a whole. This thorough reappraisal has helped me grow awareness of my blindspots and this is reflected in the development of my work.

Sophie has been so insightful and encouraging when teaching me, from hygiene to technique to client communication etc. Whenever I faced challenges, they were always keen to offer different solutions and ideas, providing unwavering support.

Sophie has also really adapted to my learning style, tattoo aesthetic, and vision, all while pushing me to be more intentional and authentic with what I put out into the world. My understanding of what it takes to be a successful tattoo artist has strengthened, and my relationship with tattooing has transformed. I now feel a deeper connection to the craft and a greater sense of responsibility.

Not only have I grown significantly from this mentorship, I now feel that being a tattoo artist is truly precious and I’ve become fully devoted to the practice.” - Izzy, @Biotictattoos

FAQ:

You must have an active blood borne pathogen certification to work with me. Mentorship begins with a thorough sanitation/hygiene overview.

  • Together, we deep dive into any/all core tenets of tattooing:

    1. sanitation and hygiene

    2. technique

    3. developing and refining a style

    4. social media and marketing

    5. business admin and logistics

    6. relational ethics and consent.

    Sessions will be tailored to individuals priorities and needs.

    • Weekly/biweekly/monthly/one time/every now and again sessions.

    • Weekly follow-up email with homework, notes and relevant resources

    • Sliding scale: $50-100/70 minute session ($50–70 reserved for QTBIPOC)

    • sliding scale $25-50/ 35 minute sessions

    • Payment plans offered

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

    • Artists with at least 4–6+ months of experience who have foundational hygiene and setup skills.

    • Tattoo artists looking to refine sanitation protocols to meet licensing standards.

    • Those struggling with bookings, social media, or technique.

    • Those feeling uninspired, bored with their work, or seeking fresh approaches to drawing.

    • Neurodivergent artists wanting support in navigating the relational dimensions of tattooing.

    • Established tattoo artists who need accountability and systems to manage overwhelm, energy, or physical strain.

    I work best with individuals who are motivated to take charge of their own learning and are active participants in our sessions. Mentees should expect to co-create their own learning, arriving with goals and questions. This is not a class, and I am not creating individual curriculum - rather, we find what’s most pressing to you and establish a plan for enacting your goals together.

  • This is not an apprenticeship, I’m not here to teach you how to tattoo like me, but rather, to help you gain skills and tools to refine your own style and approach. I’m committed to supporting your technical development, alongside the often-overlooked dimensions of tattooing: relational, logistical, creative, and emotional.

    While technical tattooing mentorship is geared towards early stage (6months-2 years) hand poke tattoo artists, I am excited to support machine or later stage hand poke artists with the non-technical elements of their work and consider technical mentorship on a case-by-case basis.

  • For ongoing mentorship, fill out an interest form

    for one-off sessions, book directly via calendly

I can support you with:

    • creating hygiene protocol that meets BBP and licensing standards 

    • Guidance for station set up and break down 

    • 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 

    • Making your drawings more “tattoo able”

    • Homework and drawing exercises to develop your unique style 

    • Support with developing experimental processes for tattooing or image making

    • Critique and feedback on existing drawings

    • Developing an online presence that feels trustworthy and authentic

    • Creating a posting schedule

    • Growing an audience without capitulating to trends

    • Newsletter and alternative social media development

    • Support with digital boundaries

    • Website support

    • Creating a booking system

    • Figuring out how to price your work 

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

    • Developing systems for tracking of expenses, income, and taxes. 

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

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

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

    • Supporting introverts and neurodivergent folks in navigating the social and relational dimension of tattooing,

    • Developing practices to support neurodivergent clients.

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

    • Learning and understanding your limits 

    • Guidance around stretching, posture, self massage, and other hand/body care tools

    • protecting your art and your creative spirit from the demands of tattooing and social media!

  • Don’t see what you’re looking for here? I’m always open to following your lead and offering my insight and skills towards whatever is most helpful for you.

My approach

My approach is playful, collaborative, and attentive. I thrive in brainstorming, workshopping, and holding a structured yet open container. My background in art and outdoor education, combined with years of tattooing, has given me deep listening skills to communicate information in a way that best fits your learning style.

I value supporting queer and neurodivergent artists in navigating the relational, social and creative dimensions of tattooing, and I am eager to shape the future tattooing to become more consent-forward, trauma informed, inclusive and accessible for both artists and clients alike. 

I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on the infinite magic of tattooing, how it is at once a craft, a daily ritual, and a transformative process for both artist and client. As much as we transform others’ bodies, this role also transforms us. I’m here to be a supportive and encouraging presence as you learn to hold space for others in their transformation, while allowing tattooing to shape you as well.