I've long sought to educate piercers, since the very beginning of my career in the 1980s. When other piercers would call or come into Gauntlet (where I first worked as a professional), I would share whatever information I had. For more than two decades, I have taught classes at the Association of Professional Piercers' educational conferences and other seminars for piercers in the US, Europe, Mexico, etc. I also wrote a book (The Piercing Bible, of course--second edition coming June 2021!). The book contains lots of helpful information for piercers (and anyone with an interest in the subject). Additionally, I write the "Ask Angel" monthly question-and-answer column for piercers in Pain Magazine, a body art trade publication. And I make informative blog posts here. But all of that just wasn't enough to provide the help that's needed.
Because of my work performing online consultations for piercing problems, I'm acutely aware of how many poorly placed and botched piercings are being done in the US and all around the world. Sometimes issues are caused by a lack of ethics or care on the part of the practitioner. But many times, it is because piercers have had limited or poor--often terrible--training or apprenticeships. There are countless piercers working who have had incomplete educations, and some who have learned little that is safe, accurate, or helpful from their mentors. Many piercers are doing the best they can, but educational opportunities are extremely limited. Sadly, without specific training in the placements and techniques, piercers often fall short, and it is consumers--piercees--who suffer as a result.
I've always wanted to do more to share my knowledge and experience with other professionals. Finally, I have launched a new online service: one-on-one coaching for piercers ("thanks" to the COVID pandemic, which caused me to stop touring temporarily). This is a new form of customized continuing education for any piercer with questions I can answer. I've had students with studio experience levels from one year to over a decade. All have remarked that they've learned a GREAT deal in the time we spent together.
If you are a piercer and you want to learn more, I can help (depending on your area of interest). I will tailor a session to YOUR specific needs. To clarify my perspectives, I often prepare detailed PowerPoint Presentations with photos and videos, depending on the subject matter.
If you are a piercee who has received a less-than-stellar piercing, especially if it was improperly placed, feel free to share this page with your piercer and suggest that they contact me to upgrade their skills. If you've gotten a surface VCH piercing or a shallow VCH piercing, an accidental clitoral glans piercing, or a botched triangle or other piercing, you're not alone. But let's all do what we can to assure that it doesn't happen to others!
