Relationships · Real Life Stories
Alice Nicholls: Combining a talent and passion for fine art with a successful tattoo business
By Abby Knight · · 9 min read
Alice Nicholls was late-diagnosed with autism and ADHD but it hasn’t stopped her from building a successful tattoo studio that hosts regular art exhibitions. Now studying for a PhD in anthropology, she tells Elysium Lifestyle Magazine how she juggles being a busy mum with running a business while supporting neuro-divergent artists, too.
You’ve been a tattoo artist for over 15 years with a successful studio in Colchester, Essex. Tell us what you offer there.
I’ve actually been tattooing for over 20 years now, and The Fine Art of Tattoo has grown into so much more than just a tattoo studio. We specialise in a variety of tattoo styles, meaning every design is created specifically for the individual. We also offer body piercing, fine jewellery, permanent make-up, and medical reconstructive tattooing but creativity sits at the heart of everything we do. The studio also doubles as a gallery space where I exhibit artwork and host research-based exhibitions, creating conversations around tattooing as both an art form and a cultural practice.
It’s important to say you see a tattoo as a true expression of self and something to consider properly before choosing a design. What advice do you give to clients before they embark on a body art journey?
I always encourage people not to rush. A tattoo is one of the few things we choose to carry with us every day, so it should have meaning, whether that’s deeply personal or simply something that brings you joy. I tell clients to choose an artist whose work they genuinely love rather than shopping around for the cheapest price, and to think carefully about placement, longevity and how the tattoo will fit with them as they grow and change. The best tattoos are the ones that feel authentically yours.
We’re intrigued by the culture of tattoos. We know you are studying this as part of your PhD in anthropology. Tell us a little more about how and where tattoos originated.
Tattooing is one of humanity’s oldest art forms. Evidence suggests it has existed for thousands of years across many different cultures, from Ötzi the Iceman in the Alps to Ancient Egypt, Polynesia, Japan and Indigenous communities across the world. Rather than starting in one place, tattooing seems to have developed independently in different cultures, often carrying spiritual, social or cultural significance. My PhD explores tattooed hands throughout history and asks why we place images the way we do, looking at how culture influences the orientation and meaning of tattoos.
Tattoos and body art aren’t accepted in all countries and by all religions. What should we be aware of on our travels and how do you think some of the stigma around tattoos came about?
It’s always worth researching the culture and customs of the country you’re visiting. In some places tattoos are celebrated, while in others they can still carry negative associations. Historically, tattoos have sometimes been linked to criminality or rebellion in Western society, although that perception has changed dramatically over recent decades. Today tattoos are increasingly recognised as art, self-expression and cultural heritage, but respecting local traditions and beliefs is always important when travelling.
Around 14 million of us in the UK are predicted to have at least one tattoo. How do you explain tattoos that are created for the wearer versus others meant to be appreciated by everyone – the upside-down theory?
This is actually one of the main focuses of my PhD. Modern Western tattooing often follows an unwritten rule that tattoos should face the viewer when your arms are by your side. But historically, and across different cultures, that wasn’t always the case. Some tattoos seem to have been created for the wearer to see and experience themselves, while others were intended to communicate something to the outside world. I’m fascinated by what these choices reveal about identity, psychology and who tattoos are really for.
You are one of very few tattoo artists undertaking PhD-level research while actively working in the industry. What are you hoping your fresh knowledge will bring to your work and to other tattoo artists looking to expand what they do?
I hope it helps bridge the gap between academia and the tattoo industry. Tattoo artists possess an incredible amount of practical knowledge that often isn’t represented in academic research. By combining both worlds, I hope to contribute meaningful research while also encouraging artists to question traditions, think critically about their practice and recognise tattooing as an important art form worthy of serious study.
As well as being a tattoo artist, you’re also a celebrated artist in your own right. What inspired you to draw and paint and what is your favourite subject?
I’ve always loved drawing. I’ve mostly studied hand portraiture and more recently been fascinated by tattooed hands, because they reveal so much about identity, occupation and lived experience. They’re incredibly expressive and have become central to both my artwork and my research.
Have you completed any commissions for well-known people and/or celebrities? Who would you most like to sit for you?
I’ve been fortunate enough to create artwork for people from many different walks of life including Anne Hegerty (the chase) and Sean Cronin (Bond Movies, Harry Potter) and some other known voices in Autism advocacy. If I could choose anyone to draw, it would always be someone whose hands tell an incredible story. I’m fascinated by people who have dedicated their lives to a craft.
We know you were late diagnosed with ADHD and autism. Does this add another dimension and perspective to your work?
Absolutely. Receiving my diagnosis helped me understand how I think and create. I believe it allows me to notice details and patterns that others might overlook, which is invaluable both as an artist and as a researcher. It has also made me passionate about creating opportunities for other neurodivergent artists and showing that different ways of thinking can be real strengths in creative industries.
You’re a busy mum of two. Give us one or two tips on how you manage your time.
Planning is everything. I rely on lists and calendars to keep track of work, research and family life, but I’ve also learnt to be realistic about what I can achieve in a day. Most importantly, I’ve stopped aiming for perfection. Progress is far more important than perfection.
We know you actively support neurodivergent artists in your community. Tell us more about your art exhibitions and how they have developed over time.
My exhibitions have grown from simply displaying artwork to becoming interactive experiences that encourage conversation. Through my In Your Hands project I’ve worked to create opportunities for neurodivergent artists while also challenging perceptions around tattooing, identity and disability. I love creating spaces where people feel represented and where art sparks meaningful discussion.
You use art exhibitions to challenge the way people see tattoos and the body. How does that work?
Rather than simply displaying artwork, I often invite visitors to become part of the research. My exhibitions include questionnaires, interactive installations and pieces that encourage people to question their own assumptions. For example, I’ve explored tattoo orientation by displaying portraits in unexpected ways and asking visitors how they respond, revealing just how much our perceptions are shaped by cultural expectations.
As well as your studio work you’ve also developed a skincare brand, Four Tattoo, that helps keep body art looking fresh and vibrant. How did you develop the range? Where is it sold and how do you use it?**
Four Tattoo came from wanting to offer something more personalised than a one-size-fits-all aftercare product. Different skin types have different needs, so I developed four balms designed for dry, oily, sensitive and mature skin using carefully selected natural ingredients. The range is currently available through my studio, and online with deals currently being negotiated in major wholesale retailers and high end studios. I recommend using it regularly to keep tattoos moisturised and looking vibrant long after they’ve healed.
The summer’s heatwaves keep on coming. Can you give us tips on how we can look after our body art and semi-permanent make-up?
Sun protection is the biggest one. UV exposure is the main cause of fading, so always wear a high-factor sunscreen once your tattoo is fully healed. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and moisturising regularly. If you’ve recently had a tattoo or semi-permanent make-up treatment, avoid direct sunlight, swimming pools and excessive sweating until it’s fully healed.
You are working with other artists in your studio space. Can you tell us who you will be collaborating with later this summer?
I’m really lucky to work alongside an incredibly talented team of artists, each bringing their own style and expertise. We’re continuing to develop collaborative creative projects within the studio, combining tattooing, fine art and exhibitions to give clients a unique experience that goes beyond simply getting a tattoo.
You have some fabulous body art. What is your favourite tattoo and why?
That’s a difficult question because every tattoo marks a different chapter in my life. I don’t think I have one absolute favourite, but I love tattoos that remind me of important moments, people and experiences. Those are the pieces that mean the most to me.
There are trends in tattoos you’ve explained to us. What are your thoughts on trends and what should people consider before having a tattoo?
Trends can be fun, but they’ll always change. I encourage people to ask themselves whether they’ll still love the design in ten or twenty years. Think about quality, placement and choosing an artist whose work genuinely resonates with you. A tattoo should reflect your story, not just what’s popular today.
You have a passion for art. What else do you do to relax away from the studio this autumn?
To be honest, I find it quite difficult to switch off because I genuinely love what I do. Drawing, reading and researching all feel relaxing to me. I also enjoy spending time with my two boys and visiting galleries or museums when I can. Sometimes the best ideas come when I step away from the studio for a while.
Explore Alice’s work at Fine Art of Tattoo and her original art on her artist portfolio Alice Fine Art.
Photo Credit: Jo Russell Photography
