​At Outsider Art, we believe creativity is about more than what happens inside the studio. We’re passionate about supporting emerging talent, sharing our industry knowledge and helping inspire the next generation of creatives. In 2026, we were proud to collaborate with Burton and South Derbyshire College on a live industry project with Level 3 Year 1 Contemporary Art and Illustration students. The project gave students the opportunity to explore the world of tattoo-inspired design and merchandise, developing creative concepts with input from an established, independent tattoo studio. We visited the college to review their ideas, offer professional feedback and share our experience of working in the creative industry. Selected designs were then brought to life on T-shirts and tote bags using traditional screen-printing techniques. The collaboration also included a live tattoo demonstration, giving students an insight into the techniques, processes and professionalism involved in the tattoo industry. Looking Ahead: Inspiring the Next Generation We’re delighted to be returning to Burton and South Derbyshire College in November 2026 for another tattoo demonstration — this time with our new apprentices taking the lead. For us, this is particularly exciting. It gives our apprentices the opportunity to share their experiences, demonstrate their developing skills and help students understand the dedication, creativity and commitment involved in pursuing a career in tattooing. We believe supporting the next generation starts with sharing knowledge, creating opportunities and encouraging people to explore their potential. By working with local education providers, we hope to help bridge the gap between creative education and the realities of working in the industry. As a family-run tattoo studio with more than 20 years of history in Burton-on-Trent, we’re proud to be part of our local creative community and to play a role in helping emerging artists find their way. A huge thank you to Burton and South Derbyshire College, its teaching team and the students involved for welcoming us and making these collaborations possible. At Outsider Art, we’re proud of where we’ve come from, passionate about what we do, and committed to helping shape the future of our industry. Creativity. Community. The next generation. Read more about our original collaboration in Burton and South Derbyshire College’s official article.