Rose Tattoo Artist Spotlight: Millie Hull
Millie Hull: The First Lady of American Tattooing
Long before tattooing became mainstream, a few daring artists shaped it into the respected craft we know today. Among those pioneers stands Millie Hull, often remembered as the First Lady of American Tattooing.
Working in New York City during the early 1900s — a time when female tattooers were nearly unheard of — Millie built a legacy defined by bold art, determination, and independence. Her story is one of grit, style, and lasting influence on generations of tattooers who followed.
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Early Life and Entry into Tattooing
Little is known about Millie Hull’s early years, but her presence in New York’s Bowery district during the 1920s placed her at the heart of America’s growing tattoo scene. The Bowery was home to some of the most famous names in tattoo history, including Charlie Wagner, Lew Alberts, and Samuel O’Reilly, who patented the first electric tattoo machine in 1891.
Millie is believed to have learned tattooing through this same Bowery network, where she gained a reputation for her steady hand and classic design work. In an era when women were discouraged from entering such trades, Millie carved out her own space and clientele — no small feat in a male-dominated world.
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The Bowery Studio and Tattooing in Old New York
Operating her own tattoo studio on the Bowery, Millie Hull became one of the first female tattoo shop owners in the United States. Her shop was small but busy, serving sailors, soldiers, and locals seeking everything from patriotic designs to romantic keepsakes.
At the time, tattoo flash lined the walls — bold eagles, hearts, anchors, and names inked in heavy black and bright red. Millie worked in the classic American Traditional style, contributing to the foundation of what would become the country’s most recognizable tattoo aesthetic.
Her confidence and professionalism helped normalize tattooing for women both as artists and as clients. She proved that tattooing wasn’t just a man’s trade — it was an art form open to anyone with talent and courage.
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A Pioneer for Women in Tattooing
Millie Hull’s greatest contribution to tattoo history is her role as one of America’s first known female tattooers. At a time when the art form was still considered taboo, her visibility helped open doors for future women artists such as Mildred “Millie” Rogers, Cindy Ray, and later, Shanghai Kate Hellenbrand, who would continue advocating for women in tattooing decades later.
Hull showed that women could not only tattoo but also run successful shops and establish respected reputations in the industry. Her example quietly challenged social expectations and inspired others to follow her lead.
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Legacy and Lasting Impact
Though there are few surviving photos or flash sheets directly attributed to her, Millie Hull’s name continues to appear in tattoo history books and museum archives. Her legacy endures through the many artists she influenced — particularly in the realms of American Traditional tattooing and women’s representation in the craft.
Today, artists and collectors alike recognize Hull as an early pioneer who helped shape tattoo culture into something more inclusive and enduring. Her work on the Bowery laid the groundwork for future generations to take tattooing from the fringes to the forefront of modern art and self-expression.
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Honoring Millie Hull at Rose Tattoo San Diego
At Rose Tattoo San Diego, we believe it’s important to honor the pioneers who paved the way. The bold lines, classic motifs, and fearless individuality seen in Millie Hull’s work remain core to what we do today.
Whether you’re collecting traditional tattoo art or looking to celebrate tattoo history through your own piece, our artists continue to draw inspiration from legends like Millie Hull — where every tattoo carries a bit of that old Bowery spirit.
👉 Book your session today and celebrate the roots of American tattooing with a design inspired by history.
