Podcast Summary: Barely Famous – "Prison Tattoos" with Larry Normile

Host: Kail Lowry
Guest: Larry Normile (Owner of Artistic Editions Tattoo Studio, Prison Program Educator)
Date: January 9, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode explores the convergence of art, personal transformation, and rehabilitation within the prison system. Kail sits down with Larry Normile, owner of Artistic Editions in Dover, Delaware, to discuss his unconventional journey from foster care and the prison system to tattoo artistry and entrepreneurship—and, more recently, his work teaching tattooing as a path to rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals. The conversation touches on the evolution of tattoo culture, breaking social stigma, second chances, and building both artistic and life skills behind bars.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Origin Story: From Self-Taught Artist to Shop Owner

• Larry’s Early Exposure: Fascinated with tattooing as a teen, Larry began in his friend’s neighborhood, learning through experience—not formal training.
• Lack of Guidance: In the late '80s/early '90s, resources for aspiring tattoo artists were extremely limited.
• Artistic Evolution: “For, like, 10 years of my life, I was just tearing everybody up.” (Larry, 01:55)
• Growth Through Mistakes: Larry reflects now with gratitude for early supporters, even those who returned for cover-ups: “Thank you for giving me the opportunity. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I’m at.” (02:57)

Shifting Perceptions of Tattoos

• Changing Stigmas: The mainstream now accepts visible tattoos, unlike a decade or two ago when they drew judgment. “I love my tattoos no matter how ugly they are… But I would cover them up for the sole fact that I wanted people to judge me based on who they saw without the tattoos.” (Kail, 04:32)
• Influence of Media: Tattoo shows and social media have highlighted artists’ stories, broadening cultural acceptance.
• Professional Spaces: Even politicians, lawyers, and doctors now comfortably display tattoos.

The Prison Tattoo Program: How It Started

• Chance Encounters: The idea began after Delaware prison commissioner Tara Taylor visited Larry’s shop, noticed the code of professionalism, and discussed the possible impact of bringing these skills to incarcerated individuals.
• Inspired by Other States: When Missouri began a similar prison tattoo program, Larry used it as leverage to convince local authorities.

Why Larry?

• Community Involvement: Beyond tattooing, Larry worked in Group Violence Intervention (GVI), helping to reform at-risk individuals—a fact known to prison leadership.
• Boots-on-the-Ground Experience: He’s been involved in direct intervention, such as defusing potentially violent situations.

How the Prison Apprenticeship Works

• Eligibility: Selection is based on behavior, programming, and recommendations. Lifers can participate; however, participants must have GEDs and no recent major rule violations.
  • “You can’t have a write up for a year… all the prison from the warden down… aren’t going to let me take you in if they don’t believe you’re a right fit.” (Larry, 16:24)
• Phases of Training:
  • Classroom: First 12 weeks—history, health regulations, art fundamentals, bloodborne pathogens (required for licensing).
    • “We start with the history of tattooing in Delaware… teach them all the rules and regulations, bloodborne pathogen… then art.” (Larry, 17:25)
  • Fake Skin Practice: Second 12 weeks—intense practice using synthetic skin to build technique.
  • On-Skin Work: One year of supervised tattooing on other inmates. “They all have a job between electrician, plumber… They run that prison.” (Larry, 19:10)
• Structure: 3 days/week initially, then 5 days/week during in-depth phases.
• Licensed Studio: The prison studio meets the same health and regulatory standards as shops on the outside.

Real-World Skills & Reentry

• Skills Beyond Tattooing: Teaches business management and interpersonal skills, but Larry recommends years in a shop before aspiring to ownership.
  • “As the owner you gotta go through as the tattoo artist… I just come in, tattoo, go home…” (Larry, 42:25)
• Exit Planning: Larry plays an active role in planning reentry—helping secure jobs, housing, transportation, and basics for those being released.
  • "I build an exit plan while we're in jail still... I find landlords... I already have him a job..." (Larry, 57:44)

On Finding the Right People—Inside and Out

• Selection for the Program: It's about mindset and willingness to change, not just artistic skill.
  • “If they’re not ready, I’m going to kick you out of the program… you need more programming.” (Larry, 22:54)
• Second Chances: Larry applies lessons from his own second chance: “Somebody took the chance on you… so you kind of take that same mindset and use that for this whole program.” (Kail, 36:40)
• Potential & Pitfalls: While some will thrive, others may fall short due to attitude or dishonesty.

Personal Journey: Foster Care, Incarceration, and Redemption

• Larry's Background: After his stepdad died, Larry’s life spiraled—foster care, juvenile detention, and prison followed.
  • “It was almost like a foster to prison pipeline.” (Kail, 28:57)
• Key Influence: Mentorship from fellow inmates pushed Larry toward legitimate work and the pursuit of tattooing after release.
  • “No, you’re not going back to jail… if you come back, I’ma tear your ass up.” (Rich’s advice to Larry, 34:41)
• Cycle Broken: Larry credits mentors for giving him—and now, in turn, others—a chance.

Funding and Capacity

• Program Funding: Initially from the prison arts budget; current and future funding through Larry's nonprofit, Next Generation Outcome, and donations.
• How to Help: Donations (even small) are vital; also in need of in-kind support (clothes, furniture), and more landlord/realtor partners for reentry housing.
• Scaling: Six to ten participants per year. Larry provides active support for those transitioning out.

Notable Achievements and Future Plans

• Tangible Impact: Marked reduction in prison medical costs for tattoo-related incidents—from $2.5 million to under $80,000 annually—due to safe, supervised practice.
• Cultural Success: The shop’s atmosphere mimics outside tattoo parlors to better prepare inmates; fellow inmates and staff are now getting tattoos by inmates.
  • “If they were not in white clothes… you’d never know you were in a prison. You’d be like, yo, this is a pretty dope tattoo studio.” (Larry, 48:29)
• Barber/Cosmetology Expansion: The prison plans to add barbering and salon training in future.
• Media: A TV show is in the works, in partnership with Wheelhouse, to share these stories more broadly.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Growth and Accountability:
  • "Thank you for giving me the opportunity… If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I’m at." — Larry (02:57)
• On Prison Program’s Purpose:
  • "Second chances are real… Just know that one word could change that." — Larry (77:22)
• On Work Ethic:
  • "There’s no tattoo artists around here working 9:00am to 10:00pm at night. So you’re bridging a gap." — Larry (64:34)
• On Breaking Stigma:
  • "Don’t ever give up on somebody… Never judge that book until you read it." — Larry (77:22, 77:48)
• On the Business of Tattoos:
  • "I want them [a shop manager] just to run a business. I don’t need them to be your best friend." — Larry (39:55)
• On Measuring Success:
  • "The shop is as close to a real tattoo studio as possible. That was the only way I was going to do it." — Larry (48:19)

Important Timestamps

• 01:05 — Larry’s introduction to tattooing
• 04:32 — Changing attitudes toward visible tattoos
• 06:46 — How the prison tattoo program started
• 13:43 — Who can join the program?
• 17:25 — Overview of the training curriculum
• 22:38 — Selection criteria: It’s about mindset
• 29:02 – 34:39 — Larry’s journey from foster care to prison and eventual reform
• 42:25 — Business education for apprentices
• 48:19 — Creating a “real” shop environment in prison
• 57:44 — Reentry planning: jobs, housing, and support
• 73:12 — The role of tattoo studio licensing and health regulations in Delaware prisons
• 77:22 — Key lesson: never give up on anyone

Where to Find & Support

• Larry Normile: @LarryNormile on social media
• Artistic Editions Tattoo Studio: Search on all platforms
• Next Generation Outcome (nonprofit): Find on Facebook; contact Larry for donation links or to offer support (clothing, rental assistance, jobs, etc.)

Takeaway Message

Second chances, support, and the right opportunities can transform lives—even for those written off by society. By teaching real skills, offering humane support, and breaking social stigma, programs like Larry’s don’t just produce tattoo artists—they facilitate lasting change.
As Larry says:
"Never judge that book until you read it." (77:53)

(End of summary)