1:1 mentorship for tattoo artists at any stage who are looking for grounded, ongoing support.
Whether you're a beginner learning the ins and outs of technique, hygiene and client communications; a seasoned artist navigating stylistic shifts and burnout; or an artist at any stage just wanting guidance and structure, this is a space to grow your tattoo practice with care and intention.
“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 etc, I have improved in many facets and all of which have been guided in a structured and organised way. 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. From all their guidance, I now feel more confident and excited to further carve out my own path in this industry.
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.”
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 tailored sessions, feedback, structured exercises, and guided reflection, you’ll receive support in shaping a tattoo practice that aligns with your values. Sessions will be tailored to individuals priorities and needs.
What’s included?
Weekly or biweekly 75-minute sessions (Zoom or in-person if local)
Weekly follow-up email with homework, notes and relevant resources
Sliding scale: $65–115/session($65–75 reserved for QTBIPOC)
5-week minimum recommended, single sessions also available
Payment plans offered
Virtual sessions via Zoom; in-person support available for local mentees (Bay Area)
Who is this best suited to?
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.
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.
You must have an active blood borne pathogen certification to work with me. Mentorship begins with a thorough sanitation/hygiene overview.
I can support you with:
Hygiene:
creating hygiene protocol that meets BBP and licensing standards
Guidance for station set up and break down
Technical development:
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
Stylistic Development:
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
Social media
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
Booking, business admin, systems
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.
Client communication, relational ethics, consent
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.
Energetic, Creative, Physical and Emotional hygiene
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!
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. I offer a knowledgeable, patient, and organized presence.