Today is International Women’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than by shining a spotlight on the female tattoo artists who’ve broken down barriers and helped shape the tattoo industry? At No Regrets, we’re proud to showcase both the pioneers of the past and the talented women creating incredible art today.
We are honoured to work with such a talented team of women, all of whom specialise in sought-after styles such as fine line, neo-traditional, ornamental, and watercolour. From intricate designs to bold statements, each artist brings their unique perspective to tattooing. Below, we have selected some of our favourite designs from them. Take a deep dive with us and if any of our tattoo artists grab your attention, get in touch to book a free consultation.
We can’t celebrate International Women’s Day without showcasing Maud Wagner. Originally a circus performer born in 1877, Maud became the first known female tattoo artist in the United States. This was after she met her husband Gus Wagner who taught her how to tattoo in exchange for a date. Heavily tattooed herself, Maud went against typical female norms of the time, however, both she and Gus earned well both as tattoo artists and circus performers. They were two of the last tattoo artists to work by hand before the rise of the tattoo machine. Maud’s legacy carried on with her daughter, Lotteva becoming a tattoo artist herself.
Born in South London in 1904, Jessie Knight is known as the first female tattoo artist in the UK. Having learnt to tattoo from her father, Jessie began tattooing in 1921 when she was just 18. She eventually went on to open her own tattoo shops in Portsmouth and Aldershot. She was known for her freehand work and for predominately tattooing women. Jessie’s legacy lives on with her work being included in many exhibitions around the UK.
Heading back to the United States, we take a look at Mildred ‘Millie’ Hull. Similarly to Maud Wagner, Millie began her career in Vaudeville. After being tattooed by Charlie Wagner, Maud taught herself to tattoo by practising on her own skin, which differed from other female tattoo artists at the time, who learnt primarily from their partners. Millie opened her own tattoo studio, ‘Tattoo Emporium’ in Manhattan and became known for being NYC’s only female tattoo artist.
Known as the ‘Tattooed Venus’ and the most photographed tattooed lady of the 20th century, it’s not shocking to know that Betty Broadbent also worked as a tattoo artist throughout her life, working in shops throughout Montreal, San Francisco and New York.
Esther Evans worked as a tattoo artist after learning the trade from her husband and renowned tattoo artist, Sailor Eddie. She worked in shops alongside her husband in Philadelphia and New Jersey, however, while being known for her art skills, she was often left in the shadow of her husband Eddie.
Born in 1951, Jacci Gresham is the first known black female tattoo artist in the United States. She began her career in the 1970s and during this time, she was only one of five female artists practising in the United States. She has become a pioneer for female tattoo artists all over the world, helping to change outdated industry traditions.
These trailblazers paved the way for the talented women we’re honoured to work with today at No Regrets Studios.
Floral tattoos remain one of the most popular tattoo designs we see at No Regrets, with their fine lines, delicate compositions and the fluidity in which they flow with the shape of the body, it’s easy to see why they are a sought-after choice. We work with incredibly talented female floral tattoo artists, check them out here.
Fine-line tattoos require a steady hand and a sense of calm. It is a versatile style that can be showcased in both small and large designs. Popular fine-line tattoo designs rarely use colour, instead opting for black and grey ink to help intricate details remain prominent. Our female fine-line tattoo artists offer a range of designs in a fine-line tattoo style. Take a look here.
Colour tattoos come in all designs and styles. From Neo-traditional to watercolour, our female tattoo artists cover all bases. Whatever the style, colour tattoos have a way of making a bold statement and showing the wearer’s personality. Using vividly coloured inks, colour tattoos lend themselves to a variety of designs such as nature, portraits and even classic art movements such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
From microrealism to concept, to ornamental, our female tattoo artists cover all popular tattoo styles with passion and dedication. They have spent years perfecting their craft, offering their own unique perspective on popular tattoo styles.
This International Women’s Day, why not celebrate by supporting the work of these incredible women? Whether you’re after delicate florals or a bold colourful design, our team are ready to help bring your ideas to life.Get in touch to book your free consultation today.
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