Rising Stars: Meet Lauren Dirksen of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Dirksen.

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ll be honest, I don’t remember what triggered me to be so intrigued by tattoos, but it happened at a young age! In elementary school I did a “what do you want to be when you grow up” on it (and my small town school looked at me like I was crazy – haha) and any chance I could use flash in my art projects or write about it in English class, I did.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Having respect for the industry and history, and wanting to do things the right way puts a lot of hurdles out that you have to maneuver. My first apprenticeship was around 2016. The guy was a jerk and basically just took advantage of my persistence to learn and used me as his free assistant. Then he got caught doing a drug deal for a tattoo and instead of owning up to it he “fired” me. (He also got fired- it was a whole thing) After that I wanted to really make sure my next step was a better one, so it wasn’t until I moved to Kentucky and met everyone at Tattoo Charlie’s that I had the opportunity again in 2020 to step back into the industry.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a tattoo artist of 5.5 years at Tattoo Charlie’s in Lexington KY. My main style I would say I “specialize” in is traditional tattooing. Bold, clean lines, whip shading, bold colors. I also enjoy doing stipple work and geometric projects! Really anything that has line work, I’m up for. Whether it’s a loved one’s handwriting or a full geometric patterned sleeve.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Find someone who you WANT to learn from. Someone who does a similar style, who talks to people and treats people the way you would and that you would want to continue to work alongside for a while, or would be happy for you for finding your own path.
It’s NOT for everyone. Just because the tools are “accessible” doesn’t mean just anyone should pick them up and use them. There are a lot of problems on BOTH sides of the industry right now. Tons of people with ZERO professional experience or respect for the craft opening up shop wherever they want because state regulations are basically nonexistent about requiring any sort of training, as well as “mentors” taking on 4, 5, 10 apprentices at a time with only dollar signs in their eyes, not respect for the craft and wanting to make sure the next generation respects, persists, and proves that they deserve the knowledge to be passed on. Lineage used to matter, but that seems to have faded.
Call me old school, but it’s like people forget that we are PERMANENTLY altering someone’s body. It isn’t just fun and games. It isn’t a hobby. It’s something that should be taken seriously and respected and too many people have lost that respect.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/lauren_tattoos

Image Credits
Personal Photo by Neon Demon Photography – Joseph Benitez