Convention Connection: How Two Tattoo Apprenticeships Shaped Blackwork Tattoo Artist Sarah Marxx
Sarah Marxx went to about 15 tattoo shops in Nashville before one said yes. That first tattoo apprenticeship opened the door. But it was her second, two years under her Mentor, Amanda, that she calls perfect. Today, Sarah is a blackwork Tattoo Artist at Long Live Tattoo Collective in Denver. She’s busy when many Tattoo Artists say things are slow. We caught up with her at the Villain Arts Tattoo Festival in Kansas City for Convention Connection. She was in the middle of tattooing “True Grit” in dark lettering across a client’s fingers.
Key Takeaways
Persistence: Sarah visited about 15 tattoo shops in Nashville before landing her first tattoo apprenticeship.
Two tattoo apprenticeships: Her first taught her what she wanted. Her second, under Amanda, taught her everything.
Blackwork technique: She slows down, keeps her machine low, and fully saturates every piece.
Conventions for learning: She says you’ll meet some of the best people in tattooing at conventions.
Guest spot first: Her advice for joining a tattoo shop is to guest spot and feel the vibe before committing.
Who Is Blackwork Tattoo Artist Sarah Marxx?
Sarah Marxx is a blackwork Tattoo Artist at Long Live Tattoo Collective in Denver, a three-story tattoo shop with 12 Tattoo Artists. It opened just after COVID.
The tattoo shop is owned by her husband, Jymi Calkins. Sarah has been helping him build it. She calls the team “the best” and says they’re all good people and good Tattoo Artists.
Her love of art started early. She went to 12 or 13 different schools growing up. She didn’t talk much in class, so she drew instead, everywhere she went.
Today, her focus is blackwork. She loves the flow of it and how it shapes and moves with the body. She’s especially drawn to dark ornamental work, dark lettering, and pieces with a venom-like look.
What Is the "Convention Connection" in a Tattoo Career?
A convention connection is a relationship or lesson that comes from showing up at tattoo conventions. For Sarah, conventions became a place to learn and grow after she moved to Denver.
Long Live Tattoo Collective travels a lot, and that helped her jump into the convention circuit. She plans her calendar about three months ahead and keeps it flexible, so she can explore new cities.
Conventions inspire her. She loves seeing Tattoo Artists come together, checking out their techniques, collaborating, and simply watching. She says conventions helped her a lot when she first started attending.
Her advice is simple. If you want to learn, go. You’ll meet some of the best people there.
She’s competed, too. In her first couple of years, she entered competitions and won some awards. Now she mostly enjoys tattooing at conventions. If she does a piece she’s proud of, she’ll enter it. She says she may dive back into competing someday.
Pro Tip: Sarah booked up quickly at this convention. Planning your convention calendar a few months ahead gives clients time to find you and book.
Why Did Two Apprenticeships Matter More Than One?
For Sarah, her first tattoo apprenticeship opened the door. Her second is where everything clicked.
Her first tattoo apprenticeship
Sarah moved from a small town with nothing going on to Nashville, which felt like a very big city. She went from tattoo shop to tattoo shop, about 15 in all, asking if anyone would take her on. Finally, one did.
She says that first tattoo apprenticeship opened a lot of doors. She learned who she wanted to be, what she wanted to learn, and how to go about things. When she started, she didn’t understand the unwritten rules of a tattoo shop. Those are things you only learn once you’re immersed in it.
Her second tattoo apprenticeship
By her second tattoo apprenticeship, Sarah was more motivated and ready. She understood tattoo shops better.
She spent two years under her Mentor, Amanda. She calls that tattoo apprenticeship perfect and says Amanda taught her everything. They still talk all the time.
Her story shows how much the right Mentor matters. If you’re starting your search, read about the mistakes aspiring tattoo apprentices should avoid.
What Is Blackwork Tattooing and Why Does It Demand Mentorship?
Blackwork tattooing uses solid black ink for bold shapes, lettering, ornamental designs, and heavy saturation. There’s nowhere to hide a mistake.
Sarah’s approach is all about patience:
She slows down. She works very slowly and isn’t in a hurry.
She keeps her machine low. She doesn’t turn her machine up very high.
She fully saturates. She takes the time to completely pack the black.
These are the kinds of techniques that take time and guidance to master. A Mentor can correct your hand while you work, before a habit forms.
Safety is part of that training, too. Every Tattoo Artist should know the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard.
How Did Hands-On Training Shape Sarah's Skills?
Sarah’s skills came from being immersed in working tattoo shops, first in Nashville and then during two years with Amanda.
Her first tattoo apprenticeship taught her through trial and error. She learned how tattoo shops actually work, including things nobody tells you until you’re there.
Her second gave her a Mentor who taught her everything. That relationship still matters to her today.
That’s the difference between reading about tattooing and learning it hands-on. It’s also why tattooing remains AI-proof and deeply human.
How Can You Find Your Own Convention Connection?
You can find your own convention connection by showing up, learning from other Tattoo Artists, and building relationships over time.
Step 1: Keep drawing. Sarah’s love of art started with drawing in class. Build your skills every day.
Step 2: Find the right tattoo apprenticeship. Sarah visited about 15 tattoo shops before landing her first one. A structured tattoo apprenticeship can make that search easier.
Step 3: Learn from a great Mentor. Sarah says Amanda taught her everything. The right Mentor makes all the difference.
Step 4: Go to conventions. Watch other Tattoo Artists, study their techniques, and meet people.
Step 5: Guest spot before joining a tattoo shop. Sarah’s advice for anyone hoping to join Long Live is to guest spot first. Feel the space, feel the vibe, and see if you get along with everybody. She’s met many great people that way.
Step 6: Plan ahead. Sarah sets her convention calendar about three months out.
Step 7: Make it easy to book you. Sarah takes bookings through a link connected to her Instagram and through DMs.
When you’re ready to build your name, see our tips on platforms to help tattoo artists build their brand.
What You Can Expect From Our Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship?
Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is an 18 to 24 month, four-phase tattoo apprenticeship that takes beginners to job-ready Tattoo Artists with licensing support. No prior experience is required.
Not everyone can go door to door at 15 tattoo shops. The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship gives you a structured path and experienced Mentors from the start.
Phase One: Foundations in drawing, line work, and tattoo machine handling.
Phase Two: Supervised practice on synthetic skin to build consistency.
Phase Three: Live client work under direct Mentor supervision.
Phase Four: Building independence and preparing for licensing.
A Career That Comes With Confidence. You’ll finish with job-ready skills, licensing support, and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s tattoo studios. Ink Different has trained Tattoo Artists for 15 years and is a college alternative. See why tattoo apprenticeships are gaining ground as a solid alternative to college.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready for a career change through a tattoo apprenticeship, Ink Different can help you get there.
Mentorship That Pushes Your Brand and Skills Further
Once you’ve built your foundation, you can keep growing with Ink Different’s Master Mentors, including Al Fliction, Liz Cook, Kyle Dunbar, Boneface, and Jordi Pla.
Sarah’s story shows how much a great Mentor can shape your style. Learning from Tattoo Artists at that level helps you sharpen a specialty, like blackwork.
Making Tattoo Training Accessible for Everyone. Ink Different offers Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, NYC, Miami, San Antonio, and San Diego. You’ll also join a “Good Humans” culture, a supportive community from your very first day.
Ready to Become a Tattoo Artist?
Sarah Marxx knocked on about 15 doors before finding her first tattoo apprenticeship. Two tattoo apprenticeships later, she’s a blackwork Tattoo Artist who stays booked and grateful for her clients.
Your path doesn’t have to start with going door to door. Seats are limited, with only two apprentices per tattoo studio per Mentor.
Ready to become a tattoo artist? Apply now to Ink Different's Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship and start building an AI-proof career with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer. Prefer to test the waters first? Fill out our quick questionnaire to see if the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is right for you.
To get tattooed by Sarah, follow her on Instagram at @blxckmarxx and use the booking link in her bio or send her a DM.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Sarah Marxx get her first tattoo apprenticeship?
She moved to Nashville and visited about 15 tattoo shops before one agreed to take her on.
Who was Sarah Marxx’s Mentor?
Her second tattoo apprenticeship was two years under her Mentor, Amanda. Sarah says Amanda taught her everything.
What is Sarah Marxx’s blackwork technique?
She slows down, keeps her machine low, and fully saturates each piece.
How long does the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship take?
Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months across four phases, with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer.
Do I need art experience to become a blackwork Tattoo Artist?
No. Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship teaches drawing and line work fundamentals to beginners.
How do I join a tattoo shop like Long Live Tattoo Collective?
Sarah recommends doing a guest spot first. It’s the best way to feel the space and see if you get along with the team.
