For National Apprenticeship Week we want to celebrate the future of tattooing, and we gave tattoo artists the chance to say the things they don’t always say out loud to their apprentices.

The proud moments. The progress. The potential. A reminder to every apprentice, that their hard work is seen.

Mara @mara.tattoo

Mara’s apprentice: Beth @beths_tattoos

She's been with us for a year and I am so proud of her progress, hardwork and determination! Here’s some of her artwork, her first tattoo on fake skin and her tattoo work now, a year on from starting her apprenticeship. She's super passionate and I am always inspired by her will to be constantly improving her skills

 

How long have they been apprenticing with you?

Beth started a year ago

 

What made you choose them as your apprentice?

Her paintings and Illustrations really stood out, and she had already developed a unique style that I thought would translate well into tattoos. 

 

What was their very first tattoo — and how did it go?

Her first tattoo was on my leg, and it exceeded my expectations, she was very gentle too which is a bonus

 

What’s a tattoo they’ve done recently that made you really proud?

She's recently completed her first sleeve, and it turned out so good, I can’t believe she’s only been tattooing a few months!

 

What’s the biggest improvement you’ve seen in them?

She's super keen to learn new techniques and try new things, so every new tattoo she does is better than the last as she incorporates new ways to do things in her work. 

 

What’s something they don’t give themselves enough credit for?

She's very modest and doesn't realise how much she's learnt and improved!

 

Describe them in three words.

Resilient, hard working, talented

 

 

 

Chloe @chlofazztattoos

Chloe’s apprentice: Jess @skelly.tattoos

She’s come out of her shell & managing clients amazingly, such personal growth & so so eager to learn. She’s been a breeze & comes up with ideas that even teach me something new! So awesome to have someone to bounce ideas off & someone young with a fresh prospective. Go Jess! ❤️

 

Jess recently had her first fainter and she handled it so well.  For something that’s normal for us tattooists, it’s super scary for an apprentice, and I could not have been prouder. 

 

How long have they been apprenticing with you?

Jess has been apprenticing with me for a year and a half on skin, and 6 months on fake skin. 

 

What made you choose them as your apprentice?

Jess was one of my clients and I found her secret art account on Instagram, and then approached her to ask if she’d like an apprenticeship and if she could get a portfolio together for me. 

 

What was their very first tattoo — and how did it go?

Jess’s very first tattoo was a Japanese style small tattoo, she did so well and it must have taken her 10 mins before the needle even managed to touch my skin. She was so nervous! She’s come soooo far since then! 

 

What’s a tattoo they’ve done recently that made you really proud?

Jess recently did a side of thigh snake piece which was her biggest yet. She managed to do it all in one sitting and her client was absolutely chuffed with it. Lots of new techniques in it for her & her biggest learning piece yet! 

 

What’s the biggest improvement you’ve seen in them? 

Her biggest improvement has definitely been her confidence, she’s moved mountains to make sure she has the confidence to make clients comfortable & put her own anxieties aside. 

 

What’s something they don’t give themselves enough credit for?

She doesn’t give herself credit for how stylised her work already is, only two years in! Some people take years to find a style they like, but with all her previous art experience, she really managed to hone in quick! 

 

Describe them in three words.

Kind, confident, and level headed. 

 

What kind of artist do you think they’re going to become?

A bloody good one! That’s what every mentor wants for their apprentice isn’t it! 

If you could say one thing to them about their future in tattooing, what would it be?

You’re only at the beginning, what you put into tattooing is what you’ll get out. Tattooing is way more than just the designs and the drawing, it’s the connections you make with clients and other peers along the way. 

 

 

 

 

Sean @seanrigg

Sean’s apprentice: Taia @taias_art

Taia has been apprenticing with us for roughly two years, on skin for just under a year.  Not even a year on skin and killing it already. A lot of hard work and hours put in so far, as well as going above and beyond to keep on top of the shop. 

 

We had a few people approach us for apprenticeships and in all honesty we weren’t ready to offer another one at the time but Taia didn’t give up. She kept messaging, turning up to the shop, asking if we would mind her helping out or to watch over the shop just to gain some insight into the industry . She pretty much made our mind up for us through sheer determination to get an apprenticeship. It gave us plenty of confidence in showing she would be a great asset to the shop!

 

The most recent realism pieces have really stood out, colour flowers / black and grey Native American theme and a Zeus portrait.

 

Client care and communication has been spot on and has gone a long way through her building a client base from the get go. 

 

Taia really wants to improve and learn colour realism, I have no doubt she will be reaping the rewards with the effort she puts in, and I strongly believe being a quick learner she will be one to watch in the not so distant future! 

 

 

 

 

Paul @pauljwaretattoo

Paul’s apprentice: Katie @piercedbykatiemarie

 

She has been tattooing for just five months, and in that short time her realism work has gone from strength to strength. Her technical progress, understanding of values, and overall confidence have developed quickly, which has been great to watch as a mentor.

More importantly, her attitude is spot on. She listens carefully, follows instruction, takes on feedback without ego, and consistently applies what she’s taught. She grafts hard in the shop every day and puts the extra hours in to improve her craft.

On top of that, she’s fantastic with people. She has a natural way with clients and genuinely lights up the room - professional, warm, and easy to trust, which makes a big difference for anyone coming in to get tattooed.

 

How long have they been apprenticing with you?

5 months 

 

What made you choose them as your apprentice?

I chose them as my apprentice for pure dedication, passion and respect for the industry and the history of tattooing

 

What’s a tattoo they’ve done recently that made you really proud?

They’ve recently tattooed a spider in realism and it looked lovely - perfect almost.  

 

Describe them in three words.

Caring, conscientious and passionate 

 

What kind of artist do you think they’re going to become?

I think she will become a very well refined realism artist 

 

If you could say one thing to them about their future in tattooing, what would it be?

Look after your clients, they’re not just numbers and they enjoy the whole experience - not just the tattoo.

 

 

 

Dunkan @alordinwinterart

Dunkan’s apprentice: Catarina @catarina.ink

 

 

So, I've started writing this script like, a million times, but how do I put into words how proud I am of my apprentice? 

 

Cat has grown so much over these 3 years working together: she's learned to tattoo smoothly and always shown interest in trying new techniques and improving herself. 

 

We've found a middle ground during her apprenticeship; she learned from me whatever I could give her, and I never missed a chance to learn from her whatever she could offer, as she's part of this new generation of artists facing the future of this art tradition. 

 

We had very different apprenticeships, but we made it work at its best. 

Still, nowadays, we're always checking in with each other, asking where we can improve and what can be done better, where our flaws are and our best assets. We share our customers and help each other out, doing our best. 

 

When she's away on holiday, we put her obituary picture at her station because she's that missed. Trust me, you can feel it when she's not around. 

 

As I always say, we never stop learning and improving. 

 

Cat's started this 2026 as a young tattoo artist, and I know her future will be splendid, like our friendship. 

 

I wish her all the best; she's a strong one, even when she meows. 

 

Kitty-Cat, may your lines always be smooth and your colours always fully saturated :3

 

 

 

Jenna @jenna_jones_tattoo

Jenna’s apprentice: @kmo_tattoo_

 

She is just 19 years old and is one of the most committed, hard-working people I have ever met. I am incredibly proud of how far she has come in just a year. I saw something in her when I first met her, not only on her drawing abilities and love of art, but her dedication to the tattoo industry and determination to succeed within in. She has proved herself time and time again and I’m so grateful for her support to me and my studio. 

Myself and all of us at the studio are so excited to watch her flourish and continue to grow. Watch this space!

 

 

 

Unholy Thirteen @unholythirteentattoostudio

Unholy Thirteen’s apprentice: @griizzly_tattoos

 

 

Like most apprentices, he’s a pain in the a*se… but unlike most, over the last year he’s actually put the work in. Not just showing up to the studio, but grinding behind the scenes too. The homework doesn’t get skipped. The sketchbook is always full. The effort is consistent.

 

Every single week he’s pushing out new flash designs, constantly drawing, refining, and coming up with fresh ideas. He’s always thinking ahead with different theme weeks to reel in his willing victims (you know who you are). It’s not just about tattooing for him, it’s about building something creative and engaging.

 

What really stands out is that he actually cares about the craft. He’s taken the time to learn the history of tattooing, understand where it all came from, and respect the roots of what we do. That mindset matters.

 

On top of that, he’s been a massive help with running the studio’s social media: content ideas, filming videos, editing, posting, keeping things moving. It’s graft that most people don’t see, but it makes a difference.

 

Proud of the progress this past year. Still a pain in the a*se… but our pain in the a*se.

 

 

 

Rogue @roguetattoowindsor

Rogue’s apprentice: Bex @lil.bex.ink

 

 

Bex started her journey with us as a week’s work experience for college. In that week she already had the whole team discussing how best to offer her an apprenticeship. Her artwork, work ethic and loyalty are second to none. It was a no brainer. 

 

Since that point she spent as much time as she could at the studio soaking up knowledge from everyone around her. Whilst still juggling college and exams. 

 

After completing her exams, she jumped in full time at the studio, doing all the typical apprentice shizzle. And yet, still finding time to hand draw flash ideas and build tattoo machines with colleagues. 

 

Summer 2025 we dragged her to download fest to help in the tattoo tent. Aftercare application and advice for people that had just been tattooed. After a long weekend she came back to the studio and built a machine for Darren (old Sarum tattoo), as a thank you for letting her work at the festival.

 

She has since started working on pieces for friends and family. Allowing her to practice many different styles. Finding her feet with real skin.

It’s an absolute pleasure to watch someone come to life through tattooing, and be as interested in it all, from machines, history and current day. 

 

 

 

Sara @til_death_bologna

Sara’s apprentice: Liera @eriia_art_tattoo

 

 

My apprentice’s name is Liera (short for Valeeria) and she's from Ukraine.

She's been with me for like 3 years or so, and started tattooing on real clients inside the studio about a year ago.

 

I've believed in her since the first day cause I saw myself in her back then. She had no tattoos, no clue of how it worked, no machine, but so much talent.

And 20 years ago, I was the same. And I found an artist who believed in me and saw potential in me. And I wanted to be that person for her. Cause I saw so much potential.

 

She loves drawing. She's always tablet in hand drawing, from when she enters the studio til when she goes out. Her original designs are amazing, I love her style and ideas.

When she came asking for an apprenticeship, she came in with all sort of paintings and drawings... She even painted bus tickets!!! That's commitment, on whatever media she could find...

 

Best moment was when her first real client picked one of her designs that I thought was amazing and absolutely needed to find its place on somebody's skin.

 

Sadly she lately had to find a second job cause clients aren't enough to pay her expenses. I wish for her to have all the clients she deserves so she can get back to tattooing 100%.

 

 

 

Francieli @francielitattooart

Francieli’s apprentice: @whatsthemattah

 

 I would like to send a shout out to my hard working apprentice Mikayla! I am so proud of her, she is really dedicated to learning and improving her skills at all times. But the main reason is how helpful she is, there was a day when an artist had to come super earlier to the studio for a tattoo appointment and other staff members had other obligations so couldn’t open. She volunteered herself without being asked, she opened the studio and kept the artist company. That was the moment that made me see how she was becoming a part of our team and understanding what team work is all about. 

 

What made you choose them as your apprentice?

On her interview I could see the passion and commitment she had, and a lot of potential showed in her portfolio! I could feel that with the right guidance she could go far and become an amazing skilled artist.

 

What’s a tattoo they’ve done recently that made you really proud? 

She is still developing on fake skin, but I am really proud of the style she is already developing on her designs, she really loves blackwork, mandalas and geometric patterns, I can’t wait to see them on real skin.

 

What’s something they don’t give themselves enough credit for? 

How hard she works consistently, and how much she is improving everyday 

 

Describe them in three words.

Dedicated, punctual and a team player 

 

If you could say one thing to them about their future in tattooing, what would it be?

Be patient and trust the process - we always have up and downs. As long we know where we wanna be, that is a positive thing to keep us strong, and always stay focused.

 

 

 

Daisy @daisyhestertattoo

Daisy’s apprentice: Rhi @kingb1eu

 

 

 

I approached Rhi to be my apprentice after seeing her put in so much work in her own time, to build a portfolio to get into tattooing. Alongside working a full time job, and with no apprenticeship even in sight, she dedicated a lot of her own time to learning about the industry and practicing her skills - this stood out to me a lot, and told me that she was really serious about loving an industry before she was even in it. Since being with me at the studio, and still having her full time job, she has come leaps and bounds, really focusing in on her technique. There are 3 other artists in the shop, and it is so evident that she has taken inspiration and time to learn from them also. These are her first official tattoos on skin, I couldn’t be prouder of her! She is the epitome of hard work and dedication, and I would love for her to know how much she is appreciated, not just by me but everyone in the studio.