I like to draw on paper and on skin.
Hello! I'm Laura, a professional artist and fully licensed tattooist based in the West Midlands. On this website is a combination of my pet portrait gifts (in the form of pencil work; painted portrait baubles and plant pots); and my tattoo work. If you would like to find out more about me, please scroll down for a brief introduction.
Follow me
About Me
I was born and bred in the West Midlands, right in the heart of the Black Country - to outsiders we sound like Brummies, apparently.
I grew up with two huge passions in life - animals and art. As a child I was always surrounded by animals. Looking back through photos of me as a kid, there seem to be very few where I'm not stood proudly with some kind of creature. I have never grown tired of spending time with, and caring for, all sorts.
I currently share my home, garden and general life with a selection of animals including: Ernie, my big lump of a dog; Hodge and Hugo the cats; four Saxony ducks; and more recently, some hamsters!
My childhood career plans were clear - I wanted to be a vet. I spent most of my school life being told by most teachers to forget about art - it was "pointless" and "not going to lead to a real job". I eventually managed to get into the Royal Veterinary College where I did spend 3 years studying - but this did not pan out the way I had hoped so I left in 2013.
After wondering what my plan B would be, in a bid to share my passion for animals with others I eventually ended up opening a pet shop, which I ran for the next 3 years. During this time was when I found my pencils again, and became a pencil portrait artist alongside my shop.
I soon realised that running a pet shop wasn't really for me, either; I was taking in a lot of rescues, and it led to me really re-evaluating my stance on the animals that I loved so much.
As luck would have it, a local tattoo studio saw my drawings and asked if I'd be interested in an apprenticeship with them. I jumped at the chance and have never looked back. I quickly realised that those teachers were wrong - art CAN be a job, and a really fun one! And so Art By Laura Hyde was born.
Being trusted to draw permanently on people's skin is such a huge privilege. Finally, after several years, I have realised that I can easily combine my two lifelong passions, after all.
​
Thank you for reading this, and hope to chat with you properly soon :)
