Tattooing 101

In September of 2025, the State of Michigan updated its Body Art Facilities Rules (Mich Admin Code, R 333.13101-R 333.13118), rolling out a wave of new regulations that set the tattoo industry ablaze. While many of these changes were necessary to improve safety for tattoo and piercing clients alike, one rule in particular sparked major conversation amongst both artists and tattoo fanatics: numbing cream. Michigan officially outlawed the use of numbing creams and sprays witho

As a tattoo artist, I’m asked on the daily if the placement my client chose is going to hurt. Usually I reply, “How honest do you want me to be?” — especially when I know that shit is going to suuuck. But honestly? That fear is completely valid. The pain is real, tattoos do in fact hurt, and anyone who tells you otherwise has nerves of steel or is straight up lying to you. But coming from the artist herself: I hate getting tattooed. Yes, it’s ironic. Why do I hate it?

If you’ve ever Googled “how to get a tattoo apprenticeship”, you’ve probably been shown a plethora of Facebook posts, Reddit threads or unverifiable websites full of advice that tell you to “do this” and “don’t do that”.  The problem?  Much of this information is confusing, conflicting, and could send an aspiring artist down the wrong path.  So let’s set the record straight! First thing’s first: I’ll admit, I got lucky when I landed my apprenticeship, and I’m forever grateful