L’Objectif: Artist Workshop

📍 Bellingham, WA — June 29-July 1, 2025

L’Objectif (meaning “The Objective” or “The Purpose”) is a three-day artist workshop designed for tattooers and creatives who want to go deeper—into their process, their philosophy, and the personal meaning behind their work.

This is not a retreat into quiet isolation—it’s a gathering of working artists who are ready to challenge themselves and each other to think, create, and explore what truly drives their work.

Who’s Leading the Workshop?

The workshop will be led by Jeff Gogue, alongside:

• Dr. Megan Burke — Professor of philosophy specializing in authenticity, embodiment, and self-other relationships

•Markus Lenhard — Acclaimed tattoo artist, known for his innovative design approach and technical mastery

What to Expect

Each day will follow a structured format, balancing big ideas with direct application:

•Segment One: Philosophy — Expanding our creative perspective through philosophy, art theory, and personal inquiry

•Segment Two: Practice & Technique — Hands-on creative presentations & exercises, guided by Jeff Gogue and special guest Markus Lenhard, exploring technical mastery and process

•Segment Three: Application — Open creative time, reflection, and group dialogue to apply everything in real-time

Through short presentations, guided exercises, and deep discussions, we’ll explore what it means to create work that is both technically strong and personally meaningful.

This workshop is about reconnecting with why you create—and walking away with both practical tools and a renewed sense of purpose.

Pricing & Registration

🔹 $600 per person

🔹 $900 for two artists registering together

🔹 Reserve your spot with a $200 non-refundable deposit per person

🔹 Final balance due 30 days before the event

💡 What’s Included:

✅ Full access to all presentations, discussions, and hands-on creative sessions

🚫 Lodging, food, and drinks are not included—attendees are responsible for their own accommodations and meals.

Special Guest Speakers

Dr. Megan Burke

“I’m a professor of philosophy who is interested in the various ways self-other relationships come to exist and unfold. I specialize in existentialism, phenomenology, and feminist philosophy—lines of inquiry that create transformative ideas about authenticity, embodiment, freedom, relationships, and transformation. I’ve written three books and numerous academic articles on these topics, and I am excited to have the chance to bring such work into the world of tattooing.”

Markus Lenhard

“Tattooing is more than just an aesthetic practice—it is a process of intentional design, technical discipline, and personal storytelling. My focus is on creating large-scale, biomechanical-inspired work that seamlessly integrates with the human form. At L’Objectif, I’ll be sharing my approach to composition, technique, and artistic problem-solving—as well as my thoughts on how tattooers can develop a distinct voice while honoring both tradition and innovation.”

Pre-Workshop Meet & Greet

📍 Olinjär Tattoo Studio – 107 W. Magnolia Street, Bellingham

📅 Saturday, June 28 — 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

A relaxed evening to meet your fellow attendees, check out the new studio, and set the tone for the days ahead.

Workshop Days

Sunday, June 29

• 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Segment One: Philosophy

Led by Jeff Gogue — Exploring Purpose, Meaning & Personal Truth in Art

•12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch (on your own)

• 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM, Segment Two: Practical Application

Hands-on creative exercise — breaking open your process, guided by Markus

•4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Coffee Break

• 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM, Segment Three: Discussion & Reflection

Group dialogue — What makes art meaningful? What do we owe our work, and what does our work owe us?

Monday, June 30

• 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Segment One: Philosophy

Philosophy talk & dialogue with Dr. Megan Burke — Authenticity, Embodiment & the Artist’s Role in Culture

•12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch (on your own)

• 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM, Segment Two: Practical Application

Hands-on creative session — personal symbolism & intentional choices, Markus and Jeff

•4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Coffee Break

• 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM, Segment Three: Discussion & Reflection

Guest speaker + open Q&A (guest TBA)

Tuesday, July 1

• 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Segment One: Philosophy

Panel conversation — Staying true to your voice in a trend-driven world (with Jeff, Megan & Guests)

•12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch (on your own)

• 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM, Segment Two: Practical Application

Final hands-on creative session — tying together everything we’ve explored

•4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Coffee Break

• 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM, Segment Three: Discussion & Reflection

Group share — final thoughts, insights, and next steps in your creative path

Afterparty

📍 Chrysalis Inn Restaurant & Patio

📅 Tuesday, July 1 — 7:00 PM until whenever

A closing gathering with food, drinks, and conversation to celebrate and wrap up our time together.