Resources
We truly believe in an inclusive community and have compiled this information for your convenience. Please note that this information is intended for industry professionals ONLY. You must provide proof of industry affiliation to join or attend most of what is listed. This information is supplemental and not to be used as an alternative to an apprenticeship. See below for more information on how to become an industry professional.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
APP Legacy Scholarship
The Association of Professional Piercers organization offers the Legacy Scholarships to body piercers only.
For additional Information:
Alicia Cardenas Scholarship
Run by Luis Garcia and backed by Anatometal. It is open to
anyone. They will begin taking applications in February. Their offerings are one full conference
pass.
For more information: acardenasappscholarship@gmail.com
Front of House Scholarship
Run by Lynn Loheide funded by their Patreon. It is available ONLY to FoH/Jewelry Specialists working in studios. Piercers, Apprentices, or Piercers who work both FoH and pierce do not qualify. This Scholarship includes a full conference pass.
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For more information"
Deacon Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is a memorial to Deacon Matheson that aims to help fellow Canadian piercers. This includes full conference pass, paid host hotel and travel coverage.
For more information
Black Piercer Party Scholarship
Run by Kookie. This scholarship is community funded and is available to black piercers and front of house only. This covers one full conference pass, a travel stipend and lodging at the host hotel.
For more information:
Michaela Gray Scholarship
This is a newer scholarship run by Bridget Celeste and is for
women and gender non-conforming piercers. This covers one conference pass and 6 nights in the hotel.
For more information: mgappscholarship@gmail.com
Piercer Babes Scholarship
This scholarship is hosted by Courtney Rose and The Real Piercer Babes facebook group. It is open to women, nonbinary, gay, lesbian and trans piercers and apprentice group members, worldwide! This covers 4 full conference passes.
For more information, please email piercerbabes@gmail.com
BIPOC owned vendors
Disclaimer: The following vendors are known to offer the highest of quality jewelry available to our industry. Don't see a brand mentioned? Please submit their info to us to be reviewed/featured!
Black Lily Body Jewelry
Black owned, based in Eugene, OR, USA
Tawapa
POC and queer owned/operated, based in Los Angeles, CA, USA
Quetzalli Jewelry
Latina owned, based in Los Angeles, CA, USA
Tether
POC owned and women operated, based in Berkeley, CA, USA
Regalia Jewelry
Filipino owned, based in Oakland, CA, USA
Mettle & Silver
Chicano co-owned, based in New Orleans, LA, USA
Sacred Symbols
Latino owned, based in CDMX, Mexico
Grit Lapidary
Mixed Chicano owned, based in Seattle, WA, USA
Symmetry Body Jewelry
Mexican owned, based in Copenhagen, Denmark
Kiwi Jewelry
Latino owned, based in Mexico City, Mexico.
Alika Konti by Namaste
Latino owned, based in Guadalajara, Mexico
Biometal
POC owned, based in Atacama, Chile
Orthodox
Chicana owned, based in San Diego, CA, USA
Jalnar
Palestinian owned, based in Chattanooga, TN, USA
Gorilla Glass
POC co-owned, based in Oaxaca, Mexico
Modern Mood
POC co-owned, based in Los Angeles, CA, USA
Kraken Body Jewellery
POC owned, based in Colombia
Community
Filipino Piercing Peril
hosted by Nessa Rule
Online Resources - free
Online Resources - paywall
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APP Core Essentials (not currently active)
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Online & In Person Seminars (Luis Garcia, Ryan Ouellette)
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Patreon for Piercers (Mel Sprinkle, Luis Garcia, Lynn Loheide, Ruben Lew, Ryan Oullette, Jef Saunders)
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Patreon for Jewelry Makers (Origins Handmade, Dusk)
Heal This Way Foundation
501c3 non-profit dedicated to providing mental health resources for body piercing professionals.Â
Facebook Groups
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Piercers of Color
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Queercers
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Piercer Babes & Real Piercer Babes
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Body Modification Learning Forum
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Body Piercing Archive
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History of Body Piercing
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Freehand Piercing
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Piercing Photography 101
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Piercers Supporting Piercers
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Ask a Professional Piercer
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APP Members Only
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Body Art Manager/Owner Forum
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Counter Staff for Professional Body Piercing Studios
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APP Conference Attendees
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Local sub-groups like Bay Area Piercing Group, etc. Talk to your network!
Have resources to share with our community?
How to get into the industry
*Disclaimer: The following information is meant to provide insight but does NOT substitute a formal apprenticeship*
Contrary to what many believe, being a piercer is not the only valuable role in our studios and industry as a whole. Many find themselves creating fulfilling careers as Front of House (reception, jewelry specialist), studio/inventory managers, jewelry makers, supply distributors and more.
For most studio focused employment, the following training is often necessary and requires annual renewal:
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Bloodborne Pathogens training
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First Aid/CPR certifications
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For most studio positions and jewelry manufacturing/supply employment, the following training is often necessary or highly encouraged:
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International Gemological Institution certification
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Gemological Institute of America Applied Jewelry Professional diploma
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For apprenticeships, learning from a reputable professional mentor is highly encouraged and it can take many years to complete training to become a piercer. The link below includes information about what an apprenticeship is and what you should know before seeking one: