Today we’d like to introduce you to Aurora Sandelands
Hi Aurora, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Aurora Sandelands, and I’m a tattoo artist at Two Muses Tattoo Studio in Osseo, Minnesota. I recently completed my apprenticeship under the guidance of my incredible mentor, Zack Kinsey, the shop’s owner. While I’ve always been surrounded by the tattoo craft—both of my parents are tattooers—I was initially hesitant to follow in their footsteps. I wanted to carve out my own path and be my own person. I tried the traditional route, enrolling in college several times, but each time, something just didn’t feel right. I ended up dropping out literally five times. While I explored other career options I continued collecting tattoos and creating art on the side. It wasn’t until nearly ten years after graduating high school that I finally asked my mom if she thought tattooing might be a good fit for me. She told me she’d been waiting for me to ask that very question for years.
With her encouragement, I approached Zack, who had tattooed me many times and was a close family friend. I brought a leather journal filled with my paintings and some tattoo designs, though looking back, I can’t help but laugh at how rough those drawings were. To my surprise, Zack offered me a chance to work at his shop temporarily to learn the ropes of the industry before pursuing a formal apprenticeship elsewhere. But once I started working at Two Muses, I knew I didn’t want to go anywhere else. This was my opportunity, and I wasn’t about to let it slip away. I quit my day job, showed up early every day, and immersed myself in the world of tattooing—drawing, painting, and shadowing Zack as he tattooed clients until late in the evening.
After about six months of dedication, Zack agreed to formally apprentice me. Following the traditional apprenticeship model, I didn’t use tattoo machine for the first year. Instead, I focused solely on honing my art and understanding how designs must be drawn to ensure they hold up well on skin over time. The skin is a unique medium, and tattooing requires a specific approach to create lasting, beautiful work.
After months of preparation, I was finally ready to use my first tattoo machine. I began practicing on fake skin, then progressed to tattooing friends and family. Six months later, I had completed the required hours and earned my license as a tattoo artist in the state of Minnesota.
Through this journey, I’ve truly found myself. Tattooing has not only become my craft but also my passion. It’s given me confidence, a sense of purpose, and a career that brings me joy every single day. I couldn’t be more grateful for where I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Unlike many traditional tattoo apprenticeships that often rely on negative reinforcement and tough methods, my mentor has focused on fostering my growth through positive reinforcement and kindness. For this, I’m incredibly grateful, and in that sense, I consider myself fortunate. That being said, there have still been challenges along the way. A tattoo apprenticeship is much like being in college—where the focus is on learning and developing your craft more than earning a paycheck. For nearly the entire two years of my apprenticeship, I wasn’t earning money from tattoos yet, so I took on a second job waitressing. I worked six days a week, with four of those days consisting of twelve-hour shifts—half at the tattoo shop and the other half at the restaurant. Balancing this intense schedule, I pushed myself to draw, improve my skills, and remain creatively engaged every day, which, in itself, is exhausting. While being a tattoo artist is an incredibly rewarding career, it’s also one that demands hard work, dedication, and a constant drive to improve. This commitment is essential, not only for personal growth but also because it’s a responsibility to the clients who trust you to do permanent art on their bodies.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I enjoy creating a wide range of tattoos, from bold traditional designs with vibrant colors to intricate black and grey work and delicate fine line pieces. While I haven’t yet settled into a specific style, I believe that mastering the fundamentals early in a tattoo career is crucial. My mentor often reminds me that style will naturally evolve over time, so there’s no need to rush it. That being said, I absolutely love the opportunity to tattoo my own original artwork, especially for clients who are open to unique, custom designs. I’m particularly drawn to creating colorful, high-fantasy pieces.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 pandemic was a particularly dark time for me. It was my first experience living alone in a studio apartment, and during the lockdown, I went weeks without seeing another person. As a pretty social person, that isolation was really hard for me. However, I do credit that period with sparking a lot of creative growth. With little else to do but stay inside, I threw myself into my art. This was before I started my tattoo apprenticeship, so I spent most of my time painting watercolor portraits, which was my medium of choice before I discovered tattooing.
Pricing:
- My minimum is $80
- I’m $100 an hour
- Subject to change
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aurorastattoos.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aurorastattoos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/YWDX6C9sbhT8NRbq/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
