The Apprenticeship Diaries

Ep 139.”Whatcha Doin?” (Part 2 of Amy’s Interview with Darren Monnity and Halo)

In Part 2 we hear more from Halo and Darren Monnity, of  Black Lotus Tattoo Studio (located in Hanover, MD). Darren has been apprenticing for quite some time now. Going on a year if not over that mark now. 
Be sure to keep your eyes on Darren by following him on IG and also TikTok . Keep an eye on Halo and Black Lotus as I'm sure all will be excited to get Darren busy tattooing, when the time comes. This will be such a talent when tattooing starts (We're confident), so get in on the magic in the making and maybe you can help this artist by donating skin to the story. 
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano (Rico's our intro and exit man) 
Sound Design by: Amy this week, but typically: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn (@djchucknunn) Intros and Exits were also done by Chuck in this series.
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us!
Pardon the redundancy, but we're just so excited: We are now sponsored by Reinventing the Tattoo and if you would like to get off-the-wall value for continuing art education (from master tattoo artists) then follow this link to save 10% on a subscription: TAD10
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries~We were suspended permanently from Twitter but would LOVE it if you followed us there, just to spite f-ing Twitter. :P
We are on these listening platforms: 
Spotify
iTunes or iHeartRadio
 Amazon
Stitcher
Please follow rate and review wherever you find our show. We would love constructive criticism. :) 5 stars is always great, but we wanna earn it!
If you love the show and want to support us, please check our website and donate to the podcast. Every little bit helps. With your donation, write us a little note. We would love to hear from you and Thank you on the show. 
Another amazing way to support us would be to buy some swag. We have hoodies, t-shirts and more, hosted by TeePublic. You can go checkout our store by clicking here.
If you'd like to reach out to us directly, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at: 
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!
This phrase (above) will link you to our own independent website. :)

Ep 138. ”How it Happened” (Part 1 of Amy’s Interview with Darren Monnity and Halo)

Amy wanted this interview for a while and just like setting up a time to actually go and meet with Halo and Darren Monnity, this podcast airing had to be pushed. 
We extend our sincerest apologies to the fresh blood, Darren Monnity, over at Black Lotus Tattoo Studio (here in MD). Darren is the apprentice of Halo (a friend of the podcast and Season 4 Ink Master). This is just Part 1 and as this is all pre-recorded from earlier in the year, we know that this story just keeps unfolding, even past Part 2 (the conclusion next week).
Thanks to both of you for your time and patience with us. :) It's a grace we, very much so, appreciate. 
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano (Rico's our intro and exit man) 
Sound Design by: Amy this week, but typically: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn (@djchucknunn) Intros and Exits were also done by Chuck in this series.
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us!
Pardon the redundancy, but we're just so excited: We are now sponsored by Reinventing the Tattoo and if you would like to get off-the-wall value for continuing art education (from master tattoo artists) then follow this link to save 10% on a subscription: TAD10
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries~We were suspended permanently from Twitter but would LOVE it if you followed us there, just to spite f-ing Twitter. :P
We are on these listening platforms: 
Spotify
iTunes or iHeartRadio
 Amazon
Stitcher
Please follow rate and review wherever you find our show. We would love constructive criticism. :) 5 stars is always great, but we wanna earn it!
If you love the show and want to support us, please check our website and donate to the podcast. Every little bit helps. With your donation, write us a little note. We would love to hear from you and Thank you on the show. 
Another amazing way to support us would be to buy some swag. We have hoodies, t-shirts and more, hosted by TeePublic. You can go checkout our store by clicking here.
If you'd like to reach out to us directly, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at: 
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!
This phrase (above) will link you to our own independent website. :)

Ep 137. ”The Resurrection” (Part 3 of Amy’s Interview with Sabrina Mati)

So this is the Resurrection phase... As Sabrina is in her tattoo apprenticeship now, I'm sure this is more the phase she finds herself in today, rather than at the end or this podcast series. 
Like a Phoenix, there will be many deaths within the life cycle of a creative. Sabrina Mati exemplified this journey completely and we hope to see all the many places she flies to in her future. 
For now, you can find Sabrina at Famous Tattoo in Ventura, CA.
We are beyond grateful to know you Sabrina. Thank you for your time and love. 
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano 
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn (@djchucknunn) Intros and Exits were also done by Chuck in this series.
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us!
Pardon the redundancy, but we're just so excited: We are now sponsored by Reinventing the Tattoo and if you would like to get off-the-wall value for continuing art education (from master tattoo artists) then follow this link to save 10% on a subscription: TAD10
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
We are on these listening platforms: 
Spotify
iTunes or iHeartRadio
 Amazon
Stitcher
Please follow rate and review wherever you find our show. We would love constructive criticism. :) 5 stars is always great, but we wanna earn it!
If you love the show and want to support us, please check our website and donate to the podcast. Every little bit helps. With your donation, write us a little note. We would love to hear from you and Thank you on the show. 
Another amazing way to support us would be to buy some swag. We have hoodies, t-shirts and more, hosted by TeePublic. You can go checkout our store by clicking here.
If you'd like to reach out to us directly, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at: 
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!
This phrase (above) will link you to our own independent website. :) 
 
 

Ep 136. ”The Ash” (Part 2 of Amy’s Interview with Sabrina Mati)

The ash is honestly the stage that both this podcast and Sabrina Mati met in. The ash stage is the stage where we aren't what we were or what we want to be. It's a call to reflect and to accept. In truth, this whole interview/conversation was really "The Ash" phase, but over all... We had to pay homage to the legend of the Phoenix as it's such a great symbol and so tattoo-centric. 
You can find Sabrina working at Famous Tattoo in Ventura, CA. She's their apprentice and a damn good one (if we get to say anything about it).
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano 
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn (@djchucknunn) Intros and Exits were also done by Chuck in this series.
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us!
Pardon the redundancy, but we're just so excited: We are now sponsored by Reinventing the Tattoo and if you would like to get off-the-wall value for continuing art education (from master tattoo artists) then follow this link to save 10% on a subscription: TAD10
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
We are on these listening platforms: 
Spotify
iTunes or iHeartRadio
 Amazon
Stitcher
Please follow rate and review wherever you find our show. We would love constructive criticism. :) 5 stars is always great, but we wanna earn it!
If you love the show and want to support us, please check our website and donate to the podcast. Every little bit helps. With your donation, write us a little note. We would love to hear from you and Thank you on the show. 
Another amazing way to support us would be to buy some swag. We have hoodies, t-shirts and more, hosted by TeePublic. You can go checkout our store by clicking here.
If you'd like to reach out to us directly, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at: 
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!
This phrase (above) will link you to our own independent website. :) 
 
 

Ep 135. ”The Dying” (Part 1 of Amy’s Interview with Sabrina Mati)

As introduced, this 3 part interview with Sabrina Mati, really is most like the life cycle of a phoenix. 
Sabrina is a new apprentice in the tattoo world, but a vetted art professional as she's spent most of her adult life as an animator; Even working on the hit "Rick and Morty". 
Amy met Sabrina on a FaceBook Forum for apprentices and from the moment Amy saw this talent, she knew she had to meet her. (What she was able to teach herself was amazing to say the least.) Sabrina is already such a force, but as far as what she's going to be in tattooing... The sky is the limit for this Phoenix. 
Sabrina has since been apprenticing and working at Famous Tattoo in Ventura. Please follow this studio and this talent to really be a part of the legend; We did. 
Thank you so very much for all of this time Sabrina. Our podcast is honored by you! 
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano 
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn (@djchucknunn) Intros and Exits were also done by Chuck in this series.
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us!
Pardon the redundancy, but we're just so excited: We are now sponsored by Reinventing the Tattoo and if you would like to get off-the-wall value for continuing art education (from master tattoo artists) then follow this link to save 10% on a subscription: TAD10
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
We are on these listening platforms: 
Spotify
iTunes or iHeartRadio
 Amazon
Stitcher
Please follow rate and review wherever you find our show. We would love constructive criticism. :) 5 stars is always great, but we wanna earn it!
If you love the show and want to support us, please check our website and donate to the podcast. Every little bit helps. With your donation, write us a little note. We would love to hear from you and Thank you on the show. 
Another amazing way to support us would be to buy some swag. We have hoodies, t-shirts and more, hosted by TeePublic. You can go checkout our store by clicking here.
If you'd like to reach out to us directly, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at: 
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!
 
 

Ep 134. ”Cross Examination” (Part 3 of Amy’s Interview with Tony Albanese)

This is our 3rd and final piece to Amy's talk with the artist and surgical technician, Tony Albanese. As you'll hear, Tony's journey has been very unique. Time will tell all things but as it stands now, Tony has many accolades that your hosts don't. We hope he's proud of his own path and all the amazing artwork that's already in his portfolio. 
You have our endless thanks Tony... for your service to this country, to the surgical room and for your passion to keep making regardless of the medium (a common default is a surgical drape). We are honored and will enjoy watching all that's ahead for you. 
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano (Intro and Exits) 
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn (@djchucknunn) Intros and Exits were also done by Chuck in this series.
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us!
Pardon the redundancy, but we're just so excited: We are now sponsored by Reinventing the Tattoo and if you would like to get off-the-wall value for continuing art education (from master tattoo artists) then follow this link to save 10% on a subscription: TAD10
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
We are on these listening platforms: 
Spotify
iTunes or iHeartRadio
 Amazon
Stitcher
Please follow rate and review wherever you find our show. We would love constructive criticism. :) 5 stars is always great, but we wanna earn it!
If you love the show and want to support us, please check our website and donate to the podcast. Every little bit helps. With your donation, write us a little note. We would love to hear from you and Thank you on the show. 
Another amazing way to support us would be to buy some swag. We have hoodies, t-shirts and more, hosted by TeePublic. You can go checkout our store by clicking here.
If you'd like to reach out to us directly, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at: 
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!
 

Ep 133. ”Cross Questioning” (Part 2 of Amy’s Interview with Tony Albanese)

In this second bite, Tony Albanese has a lot of questions for Amy about her experience in learning to tattoo. It's nice because we all know how difficult it is for Amy to listen :P (she's working on it always).
It's still such a mind-blow that tattooing gets so much attention in mainstream culture now; We can thank social media for that, coupled with curiosity and a natural, human, connection to art/creating. 
Tony is already an artist and we believe, still looking at tattooing to see if it's the right path for himself. This comes with wisdom as many tattoo tales are told by younger players who leaped into tattooing without really looking. It's clear Tony is looking and paying close attention. Solid play if you ask us!
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano (Intro and Exits) 
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn (@djchucknunn) Intros and Exits were also done by Chuck in this series.
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us!
Pardon the redundancy, but we're just so excited: We are now sponsored by Reinventing the Tattoo and if you would like to get off-the-wall value for continuing art education (from master tattoo artists) then follow this link to save 10% on a subscription: TAD10
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
We are on these listening platforms: 
Spotify
iTunes or iHeartRadio
 Amazon
Stitcher
Please follow rate and review wherever you find our show. We would love constructive criticism. :) 5 stars is always great, but we wanna earn it!
If you love the show and want to support us, please check our website and donate to the podcast. Every little bit helps. With your donation, write us a little note. We would love to hear from you and Thank you on the show. 
Another amazing way to support us would be to buy some swag. We have hoodies, t-shirts and more, hosted by TeePublic. You can go checkout our store by clicking here.
If you'd like to reach out to us directly, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at: 
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!
 
 

Ep 132. ”Cross Contamination” (Part 1 of Amy’s Interview with Tony Albanese)

Wow... Long time coming for this one. (Apologies Listeners.) Tony (Anthony) Albanese is a surgical technician (Not a nurse) and an aspiring tattoo artist. 
Tony wanted to meet us and be on the show as he really had a lot of questions himself. Amy was happy to oblige as we all know that she loveds to talk about her experience as well (:P).
Tony is an incredible talent no matter what he ends up applying it to.  Thank you for your patience with us. 
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano (Intro and Exits) 
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn (@djchucknunn) Intros and Exits were also done by Chuck in this series.
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us!
Pardon the redundancy, but we're just so excited: We are now sponsored by Reinventing the Tattoo and if you would like to get off-the-wall value for continuing art education (from master tattoo artists) then follow this link to save 10% on a subscription: TAD10
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
We are on these listening platforms: 
Spotify
iTunes or iHeartRadio
 Amazon
Stitcher
Please follow rate and review wherever you find our show. We would love constructive criticism. :) 5 stars is always great, but we wanna earn it!
If you love the show and want to support us, please check our website and donate to the podcast. Every little bit helps. With your donation, write us a little note. We would love to hear from you and Thank you on the show. 
Another amazing way to support us would be to buy some swag. We have hoodies, t-shirts and more, hosted by TeePublic. You can go checkout our store by clicking here.
If you'd like to reach out to us directly, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at: 
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!
 

Ep 131. ”Brand Yourself!” (Part 3 of our interview with Garrett Rautio)

Wishing everyone a wonderful week as we release the 3rd and final part, to our time with Garrett Rautio (owner and operator) of Black Coffin Tattoo (and Piercing)  . Garrett's goal is legacy. He runs a stable of amazing talent and is father/mentor to Ivy Rautio. (One of the tattoo artists at Garrett's studio.)
In this episode, Rico joins us and the convo goes many fun places as it often does when Rico comes in. :) Just so our listeners aren't deprived of the information, Garrett had mentioned "Mr. FlashMachine" right when Rico came in, and we never circled back to this inspiration. We hope to make up for that by mentioning him and calling attention to the talent. 
Thank you again and again, and one more time for measure, Garrett. We will look you up when we go back to MN and do some ice fishing. We've always wanted to do that. 
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano 
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn (@djchucknunn) Intros and Exits were also done by Chuck in this series.
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us!
Pardon the redundancy, but we're just so excited: We are now sponsored by Reinventing the Tattoo and if you would like to get off-the-wall value for continuing art education (from master tattoo artists) then follow this link to save 10% on a subscription: TAD10
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
We are on these listening platforms: 
Spotify
iTunes or iHeartRadio
 Amazon
Stitcher
Please follow rate and review wherever you find our show. We would love constructive criticism. :) 5 stars is always great, but we wanna earn it!
If you love the show and want to support us, please check our website and donate to the podcast. Every little bit helps. With your donation, write us a little note. We would love to hear from you and Thank you on the show. 
Another amazing way to support us would be to buy some swag. We have hoodies, t-shirts and more, hosted by TeePublic. You can go checkout our store by clicking here.
If you'd like to reach out to us directly, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at: 
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!
 

Ep 130. ”Building Shops” (Part 2 of our Interview with Garrett Rautio)

Hope everyone, including Garrett Rautio (owner and operator) of Black Coffin Tattoo (and Piercing)  , had a fantastic Father's Day! Garrett is, not only a father but a mentor to his daughter, Ivy Rautio. (Ivy is a force already as a tattoo artist. Make sure to check her out too.)
When we meet a man like Garrett, visions of our youth spring up as both your hosts grew up in small business families. Our parents wanted to build something for us and show that we could do anything in this world, if we put our hearts and minds to it. 
Garrett is an amazing man and as you'll discover in this 3 part interview, he's still going and dreaming big. Now that he's built his shop, he's looking to help other's build theirs. 
Thank you so very much Garrett. We appreciate all your time and attention to our podcast; We are grateful for you.  
Hosts: Amy Nicholls & Rico Illiano (Rico joins in later.)
Sound Design by: (Sound Wizard) Chuck Nunn (@djchucknunn) Intros and Exits were also done by Chuck in this series.
New Intro and Exit Music by Chuck Nunn. "Jamuary 10" (list of Jamuary's found here at: Soundcloud.com/chuck-nunn )
OG Intro and Exit Music Created by: Brandon Carter at (Brandon Scott Carter Publishing). The name of the OG track is "Ink Apprentice". If you like Brandon's sound, you can email him at: (brandon.carter@outlook.com)
*If you liked The Apprenticeship Diaries (TAD), please follow us, rate, and review us!
Pardon the redundancy, but we're just so excited: We are now sponsored by Reinventing the Tattoo and if you would like to get off-the-wall value for continuing art education (from master tattoo artists) then follow this link to save 10% on a subscription: TAD10
You can find us currently on:
IG: @the_apprenticeship_diaries
FB: The Apprenticeship Diaries
Twitter: TheApprenticeshipDiaries
We are on these listening platforms: 
Spotify
iTunes or iHeartRadio
 Amazon
Stitcher
Please follow rate and review wherever you find our show. We would love constructive criticism. :) 5 stars is always great, but we wanna earn it!
If you love the show and want to support us, please check our website and donate to the podcast. Every little bit helps. With your donation, write us a little note. We would love to hear from you and Thank you on the show. 
Another amazing way to support us would be to buy some swag. We have hoodies, t-shirts and more, hosted by TeePublic. You can go checkout our store by clicking here.
If you'd like to reach out to us directly, comment, advise, or offer an interview, please email at: 
theapprenticeshipdiaries@gmail.com
Remember: The only difference between you and your mentors is time and how much you want to get the fuck out of your own way!