Jenn Santoro at 7 Inks Tattoo studio
By: Jennifer Santoro
My name is Jennifer Santoro, and my journey into the world of ink began in December 2019 when I started my apprenticeship at 7 Inks Tattoo, under the guidance of artist and shop owner, Andrew Bissell. If you’re curious about what it’s like to walk the path of A Tattoo apprentice, you’ve come to the right place. Let me take you through a typical day in my life as I learn the intricate craft of tattooing.
The first step into any business sets the tone, and in a tattoo shop, cleanliness is paramount. Maintaining a studio that adheres to health department standards is a crucial responsibility for an apprentice. Therefore, my day often begins by ensuring the storefront and lobby are not only welcoming but also impeccably clean and organized. Regularly touched surfaces, from iPads in our lobby to door handles, light switches, the shop phone, scissors, and printers, are thoroughly sanitized. My morning routine extends to taking out the trash, sweeping or mopping the floors, meticulously cleaning and restocking the restrooms, and tidying up the artist lounge. This commitment to hygiene isn’t just a morning task; I maintain cleanliness throughout the day, particularly before and after lunch breaks, ensuring a pleasant and sanitary environment for both the artists and our valued clients.
Jennifer preparing tattoo stencils at the studio
Once the shop is prepped and ready, my focus shifts to supporting the artists. A simple yet essential task is ensuring each artist’s station is well-equipped with a fresh stack of ripped paper towels. Throughout the day, I become an extra pair of hands, assisting with various tasks as needed. This can range from setting up or breaking down their stations to retrieving designs from the printer and meticulously preparing stencils. Even during tattooing sessions, I remain attentive, ready to assist with quick tasks like refilling ink caps or fetching specific needles. These seemingly small contributions are vital in keeping the artists focused on their craft and ensuring smooth workflow within the studio.
Beyond assisting the artists directly, I also step into the role of receptionist. Answering phone calls and warmly greeting anyone who walks through our doors is part of my daily responsibilities. In today’s digital age, online presence is crucial, so I also contribute to running the 7 Inks Instagram page. This involves showcasing the incredible talent within our shop and expanding our reach to a wider audience, effectively advertising our artists and the unique work they create. Occasionally, my responsibilities extend beyond the studio walls to running errands for the shop. Whether it’s a supply run to replenish our stock or picking up lunch for the team, these tasks are all part of supporting the daily operations – and sometimes, those lunch runs come with the added perk of a free meal!
Jennifer focused on creating tattoo designs
When I’m not engaged in assisting or shop maintenance, my time is dedicated to two critical aspects of my development: honing my artistic skills through drawing and design, and immersing myself in the art of tattooing by observing the experienced artists at work. Consistent drawing is fundamental to artistic growth in tattooing. I dedicate time each day to drawing, constantly striving to refine my technique and expand my artistic vocabulary. When a potential tattoo design takes shape, I eagerly seek feedback from the established artists. Their experienced eyes offer invaluable critiques, guiding me on how to enhance the design for readability and impact specifically as a tattoo on skin. This iterative process of creation and critique is crucial for developing designs that translate effectively into stunning tattoos.
Observing experienced artists at work is an education in itself. I absorb every detail, asking countless questions to deepen my understanding. Andrew wisely told me at the outset of my apprenticeship that “there will be things that myself or the other artists will not be able to teach you directly.” Initially, this was puzzling, but with time, its profound truth has become clear. Much of the nuanced artistry of tattooing is learned through observation and immersion. While foundational techniques can be taught directly, the subtleties of the craft – the intuition, the finesse, the personal style – are often best gleaned by watching and internalizing the practices of masters.
Close observation of tattooing techniques by Jennifer
When I observe the artists tattooing, I’m meticulously studying every aspect of their process. I note the needle protrusion, the depth of penetration into the skin, the voltage settings of their machines and the rationale behind them. I analyze the pace of their lines, their hand and wrist positioning for line work, and the preparatory motions they employ before even beginning a stroke. I pay attention to the frequency of ink dips, needle changes throughout a tattoo session, the types of needles used and the reasons for each selection. Even seemingly minor details like the amount of soap used on a paper towel, the folding technique, and hand positioning while wiping are noted. I observe how they mix grey wash, apply and create stencils, and meticulously set up and break down their stations. Regularly witnessing the tear-down process reinforces the critical sterilization procedures I learned at the beginning of my apprenticeship, ensuring I maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety. Learning in a tattoo shop is not always structured or intentional. Often, valuable insights emerge from casual conversations between artists. Being surrounded by talented individuals with years of experience is an invaluable opportunity. I am deeply grateful to begin my tattoo career in such a supportive and motivating environment, surrounded by artists who share a passion for growth and continuous improvement in their craft and in the art of a tattoo.
My personal journey into tattooing began with practice on synthetic skin. Early in my apprenticeship, I had the opportunity to hone my skills on fake skin and even grapefruits, learning the fundamentals before progressing to tattooing human skin. As my confidence and skill grew, I began tattooing myself and willing friends, gaining invaluable experience with real skin. On days when I am scheduled to create a tattoo, I consistently seek guidance and approval from the experienced artists at every stage. From stencil application, ensuring correct size and placement, to needle selection and ink choices, I rely on their expertise. If unsure, I always ask for recommendations, valuing their seasoned perspectives. Throughout my tattoo sessions, the artists often check in, offering advice and support, fostering a collaborative and instructive learning environment.
Jennifer during her tattoo apprenticeship training
As I approach my one-year mark in the shop, a common question arises: “When will your apprenticeship be complete?” The answer is not straightforward, as there’s no fixed timeline. An apprenticeship concludes when both the mentor and the shop artists concur that the apprentice is ready to transition into a full-fledged tattoo artist. I am in no rush to graduate; I understand that mastery takes time and dedication. However long it takes to reach the required level of skill and artistry, I am committed to putting in the necessary work. My goal is to create artwork and tattoos that I am genuinely proud of, and I am prepared to embrace the journey, enjoying the learning process every step of the way. There is still so much to learn and discover in the world of tattooing, and I eagerly anticipate the day I officially begin my career as a tattoo artist. In the meantime, I remain dedicated to honing my skills and absorbing every lesson this invaluable apprenticeship offers. Thank you for joining me on this glimpse into my life at 7 Inks! You can follow my artistic journey and see my tattoo work on my Instagram page: @jennsantorotattoo.
