We give a shit.
And we show up.
Project Northstar Overview
Project Northstar is an initiative designed to elevate and empower tattoo artists by providing them with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the tattoo industry, community dynamics, and opportunities for professional growth. Our mission is to educate artists about the complexities of tattoo ink formulation, safety, and performance, while also fostering a sense of community and ethical stewardship within the tattoo and body art industry.
Who We Work With:
We collaborate with tattoo artists, industry leaders, regulatory bodies, and educational institutions to ensure that artists have access to accurate information and resources. Our partners include professionals from various fields such as chemistry, public health, and business development, who are committed to advancing the art and science of tattooing.
Our Mission:
1. Educate Artists: We focus on ink formulation, design, and the chemistry behind tattoo inks, offering workshops, online courses, and technical guides to enhance artists' knowledge and skills.
2. Promote Community and Leadership: Project Northstar aims to build a strong sense of community among tattoo artists, encouraging leadership and advocacy for ethical practices, client safety, and public health.
3. Advance Understanding of Pigment Physics: We provide detailed insights into pigment types, lightfastness, opacity, and tinting strength to help artists understand how these factors affect the quality and longevity of tattoos.
4. Shift the Narrative: We strive to change the narrative from one of fear and misinformation to one of growth, innovation, and ethical stewardship, promoting the use of safe, high-quality products and compliance with regulations.
5. Empower Artists: By equipping artists with knowledge about industry regulations, product safety, and community involvement, we help them take charge of their career development and artistic journeys.
Objectives of Project Northstar:
1. Educate on Ink Formulation and Design:
Organize workshops and seminars.
Develop online courses and tutorials.
Create technical guides and manuals.
Encourage drawdown exercises to teach artists about ink performance.
2. Promote Community Inclusion and Leadership:
Develop mentorship programs.
Host networking events.
Create inclusive education initiatives.
Encourage collaborative community projects.
3. Enhance Understanding of Pigment Physics:
Develop visual learning tools like infographics and videos.
Partner with universities and research institutions.
Present case studies on tattoo performance over time.
4. Shift the Narrative to Growth and Ethical Stewardship:
Share success stories of ethical practices.
Develop educational campaigns and resources.
Advocate for ethical practices in industry forums.
5. Empower Artists for Career Development:
Offer career development programs.
Provide one-on-one coaching.
Share industry insights and updates.
Create community forums for support and discussion.
How We Support the Industry:
We provide tools, resources, and educational content to help tattoo artists navigate the complexities of the industry, particularly in relation to product safety, compliance, and professional growth. Through partnerships with organizations like the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) and collaborations with research institutions, we aim to protect and advance the art form while ensuring the well-being of both artists and clients.
By focusing on these core areas, Project Northstar supports the sustainable growth and development of the tattoo industry, fostering a community of well-informed, empowered, and ethically responsible artists.
