Why Every Areola Artist Should Start on Paper

Dreaming of becoming an areola tattoo artist?
Already working in medical tattooing and wanting to improve your realism?
Or even curious about learning to draw but unsure where to begin?
This is for you.

Let me introduce you to something I wish existed when I started out, The Nipple Know-How.

My drawing and reference workbook, created specifically for tattoo artists, PMU artists and anyone wanting to understand the artistry behind truly realistic 3D nipple tattoos.

I have been a tattoo artist since 2013 and specialising in medical 3D areola tattooing since 2017. Over the years, I have worked with breast cancer patients, top surgery clients, all genders across all skin tones, supported by regular surgeon referrals from across the UK.

Over the years, one thing has become crystal clear to me through doing this work. Artists who train their eyes and hands to see the tiniest details before picking up a machine always create better quality realistic and most importantly, long lasting nipple tattoos.

And that is exactly why I created this book.

Start on paper first

When people think about areola tattooing, or 3D nipple tattoos, they often picture the machine, the skin and the emotional moment at the end.

But the real magic starts long before you touch skin. As artists it's our responsibility to put in the foundational work when it comes to learning medical tattooing.

Drawing is where you learn:
Shadows & light sources
How texture and depth work in harmony to create realism
How to build natural results efficiently
How to understand unique skin tones

Working on paper removes pressure. There is no fear of getting it wrong.

If you mess up a sketch, no harm is done. Tear out a page, take a breath and start again.

Scar tissue behaves differently to healthy skin. Compromised skin or scar tissue from mastectomy surgery or top surgery needs care, patience and a medical tattoo artist who understands what is happening beneath the surface.

This workbook teaches you the visual foundations that make the difference between a flat looking 3D areola drawing and something truly realistic that looks like its protruding oft the paper!

Inside you will find:
High quality reference images
Step by step pencil challenges
Realism hints that transfer to skin
Space to explore your own style

Whether you are a cosmetic tattoo artist stepping into medical tattooing, or a traditional tattooer expanding your skill set, the exercises meet you where you are. No experience is too little. No ego should be too big.

If you are planning to train with me at Areola Academy, this book acts as a warm up. It gives you confidence before you ever touch a model, in your own time, your own pace. If you are training with someone else, or even self taught so far, it will help tighten your technique, sharpen your eye and get your muscle memory flowing.

Medical tattoo work should never be rushed. High quality tattoos matter. People receiving these tattoos deserve the best possible experience. Practising on paper first is one of the most respectful ways we can honour that.

A quiet creative meditation

Drawing is something many artists forget once they are busy, but it is often where the love for this work began. Is there anything better than in a busy world to slow things down, put your favourite tunes on, grab your pencils and a cuppa and to draw?

This work is intimate, personal and transformational. Nipple Know-How helps you reconnect with that mindset before a client ever sits in your chair.

Ready to grow your skills?

If you are serious about learning areola tattooing, you need two things. Curiosity and practice.

This book gives you the practice part. You bring the rest.

Because the most beautiful healed results do not happen by accident. They are the result of time patience and an artist who cares enough to dedicate their time to mastering the basics.