Old Marine Arts Group’s very own licensed tattoo artist TomCatTatt and former microbiologist Julie Russell have designed a half-day training course for aspiring tattooists that brings the science of safe practice into a field where it is too often an afterthought, reports Leïla Davaud

A man in a hoodie with a cat's head on the front holding a picture frame containing a drawing of a cat. — TomCatTatt at Old Marine Arts Group (Credit – **Leïla Davaud**)

“We won’t make an artist out of you, but we will help you tattoo safely and consciously,” says Julie Russell, co-owner of Old Marine Arts Group, a tattoo and art studio in Colney Hatch Lane. Together with licensed tattoo artist TomCatTatt, she has designed a half-day course to help raise the standards of tattoo practice.

She adds: “Becoming a tattoo artist isn’t just about delivering a beautiful piece, it’s also about preventing infections, developing good technique, and offering clients a safe space.”

During the four hour course, participants will learn the fundamentals: tattoo safety and hygiene, using rotary tattoo machines, choosing needles, how to set up a professional tattoo station and hands-on practice on synthetic skin in a licensed studio.

Former microbiologist Julie teaches the basics of her field, client assessment and consent, infection prevention and hygiene, environmental cleanliness and contamination control. Finally,”I make a point of explaining precisely UK guidelines and legislation around tattooing.”

TomCatTatt explains: “Barnet has very high standards when it comes to safe practice. Most courses teach the rules but don’t really explain why they matter. That’s where we come in.”

The former criminal defence lawyer changed career three years ago. “You can buy a tattoo machine online and learn from tutorials but without proper training, it’s very easy to pick up bad habits that put clients at risk.”

Now a licensed artist teaching others, he sees those risks in action. “We had a really talented artist on the course, great designs and real ability but because he’d been practising on lower quality fake skin and without enough experience, he didn’t realise he was going too deep and ripping the skin. Once he understood what was happening, his technique completely transformed. The results are awesome.” Throughout the course, Tom will introduce different techniques and how to avoid common mistakes.

He adds: “This course is not a replacement for an apprenticeship, it is not an art lesson, it does not give you a qualification. However, you will gain a clearer understanding of whether tattooing could be the career for you. You’ll also have the opportunity for supervised follow-up sessions if you decide to work towards becoming a professional tattoo artist”

“Our goal isn’t to make money from this but to help our field evolve in good conditions. We tattoo a lot of people, we are responsible for what happens to them once they are out of our studio. Let’s not forget it!”

The course costs £200, with a £40 deposit payable on booking. Old Marine Arts Group is located at 95 Colney Hatch Lane, Muswell Hill, N10 1LR. To book or enquire, call 07551 560439 or email [email protected].

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