So you want my arts job: Tattoo Artist

What does it take to be a tattoo artist? We speak with Ink Sphinx about how she broke into the industry.
Nina K Pirola, aka Ink Sphinx, is a Sydney-based tattoo artist. Image: Supplied.

Nina K Pirola is a Sydney-based tattoo artist who works under the moniker Ink Sphinx.

Pirola graduated from University of Technology, Sydney with a double degree – Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication and Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation (2017-2020). She has also worked as a research assistant in these areas.

It is not surprising that her website presents her work as a photographer, illustrator and a potter. On her LinkedIn profile she says of her practice: ‘As a visual communications designer, I am intrigued by the intersection of social problem-solving and effective design… I find the process of designing to a shared vision to be incredibly fulfilling, as my passion involves designing for positive social and environmental impact.’

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Gina Fairley is ArtsHub's Senior Contributor, after 12 years in the role as National Visual Arts Editor. She has worked for extended periods in America and Southeast Asia, as gallerist, arts administrator and regional contributing editor for a number of magazines, including Hong Kong based Asian Art News and World Sculpture News. She is an Art Tour leader for the AGNSW Members, and lectures regularly on the state of the arts. She is based in Mittagong, regional NSW. Instagram: fairleygina