Female Tattoo Artists
The Women of Ink
Female Tattoo Artists are becoming more and more common. An estimated 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo, and one of the fastest-growing segments of the tattooed population is women. In fact, 45-65% of all tattoo customers are women. That has led to more women becoming tattoo artists. Kat Von D, highvoltagetattoo.com the star of TV reality show LA Ink, has brought female tattoo artists into the public eye. Among today’s most notable female tattoo artists are Pat Fish luckyfish.com of Santa Barbara, Kate Hellenbrand shanghaikates.com in Buffalo, Jen Beirola omahatattoo.com in Omaha, and Margaret Moose moosetattoo.net in North Carolina.
Approximately twenty percent of all tattoo artists in North America are female. Los Angeles and Seattle in particular are known for their female tattoo artists. Gypsy Jill, an artist from Seattle has been quoted saying “Women like to be tattooed by women, and men like to be tattooed by women.” So it stands to reason that female tattoo artists never have a shortage of canvases to work on.
One of history’s most famous female tattoo artist was Jessie Knight. During WWII, Jesse was Great Britain’s first professional female tattoo artist. Her father was a tattoo artist, and a sharp shooter in the circus. Jesse learned the art from him, studied under the infamous Charlie Bell, and then ventured out on her own. She enjoyed a successful career from 1920-1965.
In January 2012, the 17th annual Marked for Life Female Tattoo Artists Expo will be held in Kissimmee, Florida. This gathering of the best female tattooers from all over the country is the brainchild of Deana Lippens of Deana’s Tattoo in Orlando, Florida. The expo includes tattoo contests, The Finest Female Tattoo Artist on the Planet Earth Award, workshops on preventing disease transmission in tattooing, artist displays, a group project called Art Fusion, and an auction to benefit Shriner’s Hospital.
Tattoo contest categories are Color Tattoo, Tribal Tattoo, Oriental Tattoo, Patriotic/Military Tattoo, Black and Grey Tattoo, Celtic Tattoo, Wrap-around Tattoo, Most Unusual Tattoo, Portrait Tattoo, Native American Tattoo, Most Religious Tattoo, Best Overall Tattoo, Back Tattoo, Best Tattooed Legs, Sleeves Tattoo, Animal Tattoo, Cartoon Tattoo, “In Memory of” Tattoo, Nautical Tattoo, Smallest Tattoo, Best color flash sheet, Best black and gray flash sheet, Cover-up (before and after photos), Flat art, The Best Tattooed Babe on a Bike Contest (Babe must have tattoos & must have bike to pose on), and The P.M.S (Professional Male Supporter) Award
The public can attend the expo for $15 per day, and there are package prices for various special events during the expo. Local hotels are offering discounted rates for overnight stays.
