Award-winning Swindon tattoo artist Tarren Malham had long struggled to find a genuinely committed apprentice. She needed someone dedicated to mastering the craft, and a stickler for high standards, but the right candidate remained elusive – until she realised the perfect person was right under her nose!
And now Tarren (known as Taz), who runs Ruby Lou’s Tattoo Studio, is celebrating as her best friend Liz Dowdell – who she first met 20 years ago – is about to qualify.
Taz has been a tattoo artist for 18 years, first as an apprentice herself and then founding Ruby Lou’s in 2011. She has gone on to win a national award for her tattooing at an industry convention, and is also a published book illustrator.
Keen to bring others into the industry, and passionate about maintaining the highest levels of skill and hygiene, Taz was delighted when Liz applied for an apprenticeship.
Now, two years on, Liz is about to become fully qualified, and will team up with Taz at her studio in the Orbit Centre in Ashcroft Road.
“I have always been artistic, and have a degree in children’s book illustration, so I was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship in Swindon, which led to a full-time job,” said Taz.
“I wanted to set up my own business and particularly wanted to run female-led tattoo studio, in what was then a very male-dominated industry. I trialled one or two apprentices, but they just weren’t what I was looking for. When Liz said she wanted to train, I was over the moon!”
Liz is now looking forward to embarking on her career as a qualified tattoo artist.
Liz said: “We’ve been best friends since the day we met, and I have sort of lived Taz’s tattoo apprenticeship journey with her. When my children were a bit older, the time was right for me to join as an apprentice, and I haven’t looked back.”
As well as creating exceptional designs on skin, Ruby Lou’s also specialises in brow and scalp micropigmentation, to give the appearance of hair.
And Taz is regularly recommended by a local surgeon to create areola tattoos for women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer.
While the tattooing industry remains unregulated, Taz believes it’s too easy for people to take a short course, often online, and set up their studios.
She said: “The way to becoming a qualified tattoo artist is to take an apprenticeship in a reputable tattoo studio, with an experienced practitioner and learn everything there is to know about tattooing and, really importantly, high standards of hygiene.”
Taz and Liz are now looking forward to growing the business. As both have ADHD, they particularly welcome neurodiverse people among their clients, providing a safe space and calming atmosphere.
For more about Ruby Lou’s Tattoo Studio visit https://www.rubyloustattoos.co.uk/.
Article by Jo Smyth, Word Worker
