Current Artist-in-Residence, Josie, who studied on the HNC and HND Tattoo Illustration (Fine Art) at Kingston College, says: “I believe the Tattoo Illustration course would benefit any artist looking to step into the tattoo industry, while also opening doors to multiple creative pathways beyond it. It provides both structure and freedom, allowing students to develop strong technical foundations while exploring their own style, identity and artistic direction.”
Why did you choose to study Tattoo Illustration at Kingston College?
I chose to study Tattoo Illustration at Kingston College because I wanted to broaden my skill set within a higher education, professional learning environment. Tattooing and illustration had always been a passion of mine, and being able to study it as a dedicated course gave me the space to fully immerse myself in both the technical and conceptual sides of the practice.
The course allowed me to hyper-focus on developing my work while refining the style I use today, particularly through stippling and cross-hatching techniques. It gave me the structure, guidance, and creative freedom to build confidence in my artistic voice and push my work into darker, more expressive territory.
What were the highlights of the course for you?
One of the main highlights of the course was engaging in in-depth research into historical tattoo techniques, particularly Traditional American and Traditional Japanese tattooing, while also having our own freedom to research lesser known artists, styles and practices. Learning the origins, symbolism, and discipline behind these styles strengthened my understanding of tattoo illustration and deeply influenced my own work.
I also enjoyed working with structured briefs, as they encouraged me to interpret set themes while still implementing my own ideas and visual language. Another highlight was meeting like-minded artists who shared similar passions, creating an inspiring and supportive creative environment that allowed us all to grow together.
What are your future career goals, and will the course help you achieve them?
My overall future career goal is to become a tattoo artist, while also working as a freelance artist alongside this. My art style leans heavily towards illustration, and I enjoy creating work that can exist both on the body and beyond it — sometimes as something wearable, other times as something ritualistic or symbolic.
I see my future within the art industry as open-minded and ever-evolving, as I don’t like to confine myself to one medium or environment for too long. The course has helped me understand how my work can translate into tattooing while also supporting broader creative pathways, giving me the confidence to pursue a fluid and adaptable career.
What would you say to someone considering enrolling on the course?
If I could give any advice to someone considering enrolling on the course, it would be to do it. The course has given me many valuable opportunities — from discovering new artists and forming meaningful creative connections, to learning in a supportive environment with an encouraging and knowledgeable tutor.
