CHILLICOTHE — Like any art form tattooing takes time and practice to master. This is why tattoo artists go through an apprenticeship at the beginning of their careers.
This apprenticeship period allows artists to learn from others in the field, including tips and tricks they have learned over the years. An apprentice at Envy Ink Tattoo and Piercing, Holly Speckman, said she has been able to learn several little things she never realized came along with being a tattoo artist, like being up close to customers and having to shave certain body parts.
The owner of the shop, Joshua LaBello also teaches Speckman how to place people so that the process is as comfortable as possible to her and the customer. While working with customers LaBello also lets Speckman work through the experience of setting up and getting everything ready letting her learn but saying he won’t let her make any big mistakes.
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LaBello trusts Speckman and her skills because before she was ever able to tattoo an actual customer she was working behind the scenes at the store for weeks drawing and practicing on fruit. Apprentice artists are given various tasks to help them get comfortable with the machines and work on building the various skills needed to create a tattoo. He said this training not only helps them build their skills but also their confidence.
With practice, Speckman eventually became acquainted enough with the equipment to be able to tattoo customers. While she is still learning others in the shop watch over her and continue to pass along tips until one day she will be able to tattoo in the shop by herself.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter@Shelby_Reeves_
