Any sort of body modification is considered surgery and requires precision, care, and expertise. Even the most prestigious surgeons need to start somewhere, and it is important to learn the correct way from experts.
19-year-old Sidney Lepore grew up with many artists in her family. She took an interest in art early on in life and always wanted a career that required creativity. At 18, she drew up a design of her cat, took it to a local shop, and got her first tattoo.
“Seeing my own drawing as art on my body brought me so much joy,” Lepore says. “It sparked my love for tattoos.” A few tattoos later, she realized that this was the career path she wanted to follow.
“Being a tattoo artist is different because your canvas is a person,” Lepore says. “It is important to be able to create a piece that doesn’t just satisfy me but also is something the client will love.”
Lepore set out searching for an apprenticeship at a local shop. She put together a portfolio of her best artwork, showcasing her vast range of styles, and started reaching out to nearby shops.
“I went through five or six shops before landing on one that was accepting apprenticeships,” Lepore says. “I had a meeting with Victoria Loring, owner of Sacred Traditions Tattoo, where I presented my portfolio and was accepted for the position. Victoria became my mentor.”
“Sidney stood out immediately,” Loring says. “She has a natural passion, a strong artistic foundation, and a clear sense of purpose. Becoming a tattoo artist wasn’t just an idea for her — it was something she truly cared about.”
Lepore explains that the role of an apprentice is to learn and understand all of the fundamentals of tattooing, which includes design building, hygiene, technique, and safety. Loring says that being a mentor and having an apprentice is one of the most rewarding things she does because of the structure and real-time guidance needed to learn correctly and build a strong, lasting career.
“Tattooing involves far more than art — it requires a deep understanding of sanitation, skin, and safety,” Loring adds. “Proper training ensures both the artist and the client are protected. Technical elements like needle depth, for example, can make the difference between a tattoo that heals beautifully and one that scars or fades. It’s a balance of support and accountability.”
“My journey started off with creating designs on the ipad as well as paper, while taking care of front desk needs,” Lepore says. “I handle clients coming in, paperwork, and cleaning duties. I will eventually tattoo myself. Once my mentor believes I’m ready, I will tattoo family and friends. After my mentor believes I’ve learned all I need to, I will start taking walk-ins and bookings.”
“Mentorship goes far beyond technique,” Loring says. “I believe in creating a space where artists feel safe to learn, while also challenging them to grow. While I guide apprentices through the fundamentals of tattooing, I also support their growth on a deeper level — emotionally, professionally, and personally. That means pushing them to stay disciplined, step outside of their comfort zones, and hold themselves to a high standard.”
“Her role as a mentor is friendly and supportive,” Lepore says. “I instantly felt included into the shop family with her and the other artists. My mentor has told me stories about her apprenticeship days and why she wants to change the way apprenticeships are viewed. She believes in a drama-free space without bullying. I have assignments and cleaning duties, but I am never overworked.”
“At Sacred Traditions Tattoo, we’ve built an environment that prioritizes both artistry and integrity,” Loring says. “Our apprenticeship program is rooted in intention. We don’t rush the process, and we don’t cut corners. Every artist is guided with care, held to a high standard, and supported as they grow into their own.”
“One way my mentor has me prepare for tattooing is by tracing the margin line in a notebook every day,” Lepore says. “You have to be able to draw straight lines to be able to tattoo straight lines.”
Readiness to tattoo is a process that is different for each artist and has no timeline. Loring says that Sacred Traditions tailors the apprenticeship to the individual. Beyond technical skill and an understanding of skin, they look for professionalism, safety, and the ability to communicate clearly with the clients.
“We know an apprentice is ready when they can confidently apply their skills while remaining open to guidance,” Loring says. “Our goal is to ensure they create a safe, positive experience from the very start.”
“Once my mentor has me tattoo myself, I will feel more confident to tattoo others,” Lepore says. “I will be able to understand my technique and needle depth better. Additionally, tattooing on family and friends will help me get used to tattooing on skin without the anxiety of tattooing a stranger.”
Most clients don’t mind having an apprentice learn as they are getting tattooed, with many embracing being part of the learning opportunity. Loring says that they are transparent and inform clients that apprentices are there to learn about the craft and provide support.
“Seeing the finished pieces that the artists do gets me so excited,” Lepore exclaims. “I can’t wait to be able to start on skin!”
“The atmosphere of tattoo shops is always so welcoming for anyone,” Lepore says. “The thought of getting a piece of art on your skin lifts people’s mood. I prioritize friendliness while I interact with clients; if you can make them feel like a friend, they will want to go back to you for more tattoos.”
“For us, it’s about more than just teaching someone how to tattoo,” Loring says. “It’s about building confident, well-rounded artists who respect the craft, value their clients, and carry themselves with professionalism. The skill of an apprentice matters, but it’s not everything.
This industry is built on trust and connection, so who you are matters just as much as what you create. We’re proud to be creating a space where artists feel safe to learn, and clients feel safe to be tattooed. That balance is everything.”
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