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. 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.
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
Community
Filipino Piercing Peril
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.
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
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
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: