Women Leaving Their Mark in the Tattoo Industry: Lauren Westervelt
Meet Lauren
Lauren began her tattoo career four years ago in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, building upon a lifelong foundation in fine art. With a background in oil painting and academic drawing, she draws inspiration from art nouveau, romanticism, and the natural world. Before transitioning into tattooing, Lauren worked in graphic design—a skill that continues to shape her minimal yet dynamic compositions. Specializing in black and grey, micro-realism, and pet and wildlife portraits, she masterfully blends realism, line work, and negative space to create intricate, timeless designs.
While pursuing a degree in graphic design, she found herself drawn to tattooing at a time when the industry was becoming more diverse. Seeing more female artists emerge and the growing variety of styles fueled her ambition to become a tattoo artist herself.
Breaking Into the Industry
Like many aspiring artists, she faced her share of challenges when trying to break into the industry. Walking through the streets of New York City with her portfolio in hand, she encountered numerous rejections, often being judged for not having enough tattoos herself. However, perseverance paid off when she found a home at a female-owned tattoo studio. Starting as a manager, she eventually connected with mentors who guided her into the craft.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship played a crucial role in her journey. Her first mentor, Laura Martinez (@nothingwildtattoo), saw her potential and encouraged her to practice after hours. Later, she trained under Emrah Ozhan (@emrahozhan), whose kindness and guidance reinforced her belief in the importance of supportive mentorship. Experiencing mentorship from both male and female artists gave her a well-rounded perspective on the industry.
Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
While the tattoo industry has become more inclusive, there are still lingering gender biases. She recalls how women historically had to prove themselves far more than their male counterparts. For her, the biggest challenge came at the start, when she was judged not just for her gender but for not fitting the heavily tattooed stereotype.
Today, she takes pride in working at a studio that is over 70% female and offers a wide range of styles to accommodate diverse client preferences. With a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere, the studio prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring clients feel safe and welcome—especially those from marginalized communities.
Over the years, Lauren has seen a remarkable shift in representation. Many of the top artists today are women or non-binary individuals, and clients actively seek out artists they identify with. Tattooing can be an intimate and vulnerable experience, making this shift toward inclusivity even more significant.
Advice for Aspiring Female Tattoo Artists
Her advice to women looking to enter the industry is simple: GO FOR IT. Finding a supportive space and the right mentors is key. The opportunities for female tattoo artists continue to grow, and there is a place for everyone in the field.
Some of her proudest moments as a tattoo artist involve helping clients heal through ink. Whether it’s a pet portrait or a memorial tattoo, she cherishes the emotional connections formed through her work. She believes her empathetic nature enhances the client experience, making them feel heard and valued.
Collaboration and Community
Tattooing is an inherently collaborative industry. She has formed close friendships with prominent female tattoo artists and continuously shares knowledge with her peers. One of her biggest inspirations is Eva, the founder of her studio, who has made waves in the industry.
Looking ahead, Lauren hopes to see continued gender balance in tattooing and an end to the toxic work environments that some female artists have endured in the past. By fostering a culture of respect and support, she aims to create a legacy where women entering the industry feel safe and empowered.
Memorable Moments and Lasting Impact
One of her most unforgettable experiences was tattooing a 96-year-old woman who had always wanted ink. Getting a matching design with her granddaughter and great-granddaughter, the client’s excitement was a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue what you love.
Words of Wisdom
If she could give advice to her younger self, it would be to stop doubting herself. Overcoming imposter syndrome was a major hurdle, but confidence in her abilities grew with time and experience.
A Sense of Solidarity
Women in the tattoo industry share a strong sense of solidarity. She frequently collaborates with other women-owned tattoo shops, recommending artists and exchanging insights. The tattoo world may feel small, but the support within it is immense.
As more women and non-binary artists rise to prominence, the tattoo industry continues to evolve into a space where talent, creativity, and inclusivity reign. Through mentorship, community, and perseverance, the next generation of female tattoo artists will have an even stronger foundation to build upon.
Follow the artist on Instagram! ----> @law_ink