My Mt Moon Apprenticeship Story

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It’s wild to think how much has changed since November 2023, the day I met Tiggy for the first time.

I’d booked in for a Get What You Get Pokémon tattoo, not knowing it would completely change my life.

I remember walking into Mt Moon for the first time, a mix of nerves and excitement but I vividly remember thinking what a cool tattoo studio.

The moment Tiggy started tattooing, I knew this was different. It wasn’t just a great tattoo experience (honestly, it was the best I’d ever had) but I just felt so at ease, and had such a good time. I probably came across as a total loser, but I instantly wanted to be her friend (lol).

Funny thing is, Tiggy already knew of me from my jewellery business Galaxy Games where I make laser-cut Pokémon, gaming, and anime acrylic jewellery. She’d followed my work for a while, and I’d admired her tattoos for years, so realising we both loved each other’s art felt like such a full-circle moment.

Fast forward a year, and that day ended up helping me land my apprenticeship.

Finding My Path

I’ve wanted to be a tattoo artist for as long as I can remember. Art and creativity have always been huge parts of my life, but I never really knew how to make the leap, or felt in the right place in life to do it. I’d looked into those “tattoo courses” before (yuck!), but deep down, I knew that wasn’t the right or ethical way to learn.

Meeting Tiggy honestly felt like divine timing. I was finally at a point in my life where I could commit to learning properly, and I had the chance to learn from someone I genuinely admired. Even though I was 36, I knew this was my moment.

I feel incredibly lucky that Tiggy took a chance on me.

Starting Out at Mt Moon

January 2024 - my first official day as an apprentice. I was absolutely terrified, but the moment I walked through the door, Tiggy made me feel so welcome. It didn’t take long for me to realise I’d found my place.

Those first few months were full of learning. I absorbed everything I could: watching how she set up and cleaned down, how she applied stencils, her approach to drawing for different body shapes, her colour theory, her process, her care for every client. Every day, I learned something new and took another small step forward.

Eventually, I moved on to fake skin for a few months and then came the real deal. My very first human tattoo. On my dad!

He picked a knife from Counter Strike, and I don’t think I’ve ever been that nervous in my life. I remember thinking 'how the hell am I going to do this... where do i start.. ahh!!

With Tiggy watching over me for support, I did it. Looking back now, I’m genuinely proud of that that tattoo. Its not even close to perfect but I did it! Even though I was terrified. Since then iv done another knife on my dad and its a lot better lol!

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Growing as an Artist

Over the following six months, I worked with some amazing clients who trusted me enough to help me grow. I learned about skin textures, movement, needle depth, saturation, and how every person’s skin tells its own story and is different.

I’ve seen so many “tattoo courses” pop up now that claim to teach you in two weeks, and honestly, I can’t imagine how that’s even possible. The real apprenticeship process, cleaning, mopping, learning proper hygiene and blood-borne pathogen safety. It’s all part of it. 

EVERY step matters.

Even now, almost two years on, I still ask Tiggy questions, watch how she works, and learn something new from her every single day (sorry Tiggy, I probably always will).

Finding My Style

At some point in my journey, I found my little niche, pixel tattoos. Iv always been a fan of retro gaming and I reaaallllyyyy wanted a Zelda: Link To The Past pixel tattoo but couldn't find anyone to do it so I thought hey! Ill learn myself. I still dont have that tattoo but I did one for my husband, so thats cool! They’re my absolute favourite thing to create, though I also love doing smaller blackwork and colour pieces.

It’s funny to think back to that little Get What You Get Ivysaur tattoo. the one that brought me into Mt Moon. It’s still one of my favourites because it marks the start of everything.

And one of my proudest moments so far? In January 2025, I became a sponsored partner with Magnum Tattoo Supplies. That was a huge milestone for me. Proof that the hard work, long days, and endless learning have been worth it.

A Little Reminder

I know I’ve waffled on, but I wanted to share this for anyone who’s ever doubted themselves. It doesn’t matter how old you are or where you’ve come from, what matters is your passion and your willingness to put in the work.

If you’ve got a dream, chase it.

If you want to start that small business - do it.

If you want to go back to uni or learn something new — do it.

You want to start a new career - do it.

You never know where it might lead you 💜