About
How The Tattoo Mentorship Program Began...
Artist Taryn Elise always knew she wanted to pursue a creative career, but
didn’t know exactly what that would look like. She considered pursuing art
history, museum studies, or even teaching, until, as she says, tattooing
found her. However, back in 2009, the industry was difficult to gain
footing in, especially for a woman. Taryn’s journey was primarily
self-taught, and while it was exciting and rewarding, it was also long and
challenging.
In 2018, Taryn opened her first brick & mortar establishment, with best
friend and custom clothing designer Jackii Ramis, The Studio Phantasmagoria
in Rockaway, NY. Flash forward to 2023 - Taryn is now an award-winning
industry veteran of over fifteen years, and the proud owner of her third
tattoo establishment, Obscura, in her hometown of Long Beach, NY. Obscura
is the studio of Taryn’s dreams, and she works alongside the team of her
dreams as well: her body piercer and wife, Brittany Block, five year
graduated apprentice Amanda Leigh, and current apprentice Lilly Marinelli.
When Taryn took on Amanda as her first serious apprentice, she wanted to
give Amanda the apprenticeship she’d never had. Her goal was to teach the
art of tattooing in a positive, encouraging, open-minded environment. And
that was just what she did. Amanda is now a highly skilled and accomplished
tattooer, and as Taryn says, nothing compares to the joy of watching her
learn and excel. Proud is not even the word! Now, she has the pleasure of
watching her newest apprentice, Lilly, follow in both of their footsteps.
Fortifying her love of teaching with Amanda and Lilly, and knowing full
well the obstacles of entering the tattoo industry… Taryn wanted to create
a program where aspiring tattooers could learn in a non-judgemental, safe,
friendly environment. Thankfully, things are much different now than they
were years ago, when she herself was learning, but many archaic constructs
and practices still persist, and opportunities are still limited.
And with this in mind, The Tattoo Mentorship Program was born. A two part,
five week (sixteen day) intensive program to get artists the start they
need and deserve. It is important to note that The TMP is not a school; it
would be impossible to teach attendees everything within 5 weeks. The
Tattoo Mentorship Program is a laser focused, specialized, mentored course.
The program’s curriculum provides every willing attendee (over the age of
eighteen) with the necessary opportunities to gain a well-rounded, intimate
introduction to the tattoo industry, and it all takes place at Obscura’s
comfortable, inviting, private studio.