A DEEP DIVE INTO ILLUSTRATIVE REALISM

Learn to tattoo timeless, elegant subjects—the right way.

BUILD-A-BABE WORKSHOP: NIKKI SIMPSON

If you’re a tattoo artist ready to level up your portrait work, it’s time to master one of the most beloved and challenging subjects: beautiful ladies.


In this exclusive 2-day hands-on seminar, internationally recognized tattooer and host of Ink Master: Angels Nikki Simpson will walk you through her full creative process—from sketch, to stencil, to skin.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

In the Build-a-Babe Workshop, Nikki will guide you through her signature approach to illustrative realism—a style that combines lifelike dimension with stylized elegance.

You'll learn:

  • How to create powerful references that translate to strong tattoos

  • How Nikki builds dimension and softness into her faces

  • Her approach to stylizing features while maintaining a consistent and feminine look

  • The process behind a recognizable style that clients request again and again

  • And more. Q&A will be open both days for Nikki to answer any and all questions you’d like.

SEMINAR STRUCTURE

Day 1: Tattoo Techniques and Presentation

  • Check-in will begin at 10:00AM. A light breakfast and coffee will be provided. The seminar will begin promptly at 10:30AM.

  • Nikki will give a presentation on her techniques and approach to tattooing. She’ll also discuss career development, mindset, and the importance of solid tattoo and drawing fundamentals.

  • In real-time, Nikki will show how she finds references, draws, and designs her pieces.

  • The class will work on designing balanced, striking lady faces to apply in their own work.

  • Nikki will critique and work with the class on their designs.

Day 2: Hands-on Fake Skin and Design

  • Doors will open at 10:00AM. A light breakfast and coffee will be provided.

  • Each student will work through a tattoo designed by Nikki on pre-stenciled fake skin.

  • Throughout the day, Nikki will walk around to each participant to give them live feedback to tattoo exactly how she does.

  • Nikki will also have her own fake skin on the screen for the class to see to demonstrate specific tattoo techniques.

  • Lunch will be catered.

WHAT’S PROVIDED

  • A light breakfast and catered lunch each day (dietary restrictions will be accounted for)

  • Fake skin and references

  • A selection of slides from Nikki’s presentation for continued practice and reference

  • Everything you need to tattoo, except your machine/power supply.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS SEMINAR

Any tattoo artist can benefit from this seminar. Many of Nikki’s techniques and methods are transferrable to any style.

This seminar is for professional tattoo artists and apprentices only. You must be experienced using a tattoo machine.

ENROLLMENT

The cost of the seminar is $1,500. Payment due in full upon application acceptance and it is nonrefundable.

To preserve the quality of instruction and to give each of you as much time with Nikki as possible, this seminar is open to a limited number of students.

By applying for this seminar, you agree to these terms.

Click the link below to get your ticket.