Level Two and Three Art and Design students at the College of West Anglia (CWA) were given a unique insight into the world of professional tattooing as respected tattoo artist, Alice Nicholls visited the college to speak about her career, industry trends and the creative opportunities within the field.
Alice, known for her distinctive style and growing presence within the tattoo community, delivered an engaging session that explored the realities of working as a tattoo artists. The session covered subjects from building a portfolio and developing a personal brand to navigating client relationships, industry regulations and the increasing influence of social media in shaping modern tattoo culture.
Students gained first hand understanding of the creative and technical skills required in tattooing as well as the dedication, professionalism and safe practice standards expected in the industry. The session also highlighted the importance of storytelling through body art and how media skills such as photography, videography, and content creation can support artists in promoting their work.
The workshop formed part of CWA’s continued commitment to giving students meaningful encounters with industry professionals, expanding their understanding of creative career paths and helping them explore areas they may not have previously considered.
Alice Nicholls said “Visiting colleges gives young artists a real glimpse into the world of tattooing, offering honest guidance, practical skills, and the confidence to turn their creativity into a career.”
Lydia Dennis, Work Placement Coordinator for Creative Arts, said “We have many aspiring tattoo artists on our art and design courses, and it’s not always easy to provide them with opportunities due to age and safety restrictions. Alice’s workshops are perfect for bridging this gap by providing an introduction into the industry, apprenticeship and portfolio tips, and allowing our students to experience designing and tattooing first-hand in a safe environment. Alice is an inspiration and we can’t wait to work with her again!”
Students responded enthusiastically to the visit, asking questions about apprenticeships, design processes and what it takes to establish yourself in a competitive creative field.