5 Day intensive tattoo course

 

Location : Tamworth, UK 🇬🇧 (full location will be emailed to students prior)

Date: 1st-5th April 2025 

spaces available: ONLY 20

The course structure 

Day 1: Introduction to Tattooing

Objective: Build foundational knowledge about the art and industry.

• Morning (Theory):

1. History of tattooing and its cultural significance.

2. Overview of the tattoo industry (styles, trends, ethics).

3. Health and safety regulations: sterilization, hygiene, and cross-contamination prevention.

4. Anatomy of the skin: how tattoos interact with different layers.

• Afternoon (Practical):

1. Introduction to tattoo machines and equipment: coil vs. rotary.

2. Setting up and breaking down a hygienic workstation.

3. Practicing machine control on practice skins.

 

Day 2: Design and Stencil Creation

 

Objective: Learn to conceptualize, design, and transfer artwork to skin.

• Morning (Theory):

1. Basics of tattoo design: line work, shading, and color theory.

2. Tools and software for creating designs.

3. Using reference images while maintaining originality.

• Afternoon (Practical):

1. Drawing exercises to improve line precision.

2. Creating stencils manually and digitally.

3. Transferring stencils onto practice skin.

 

Day 3: Tattoo Machines and Needle Theory

 

Objective: Deepen understanding of tools and needle techniques.

• Morning (Theory):

1. Machine mechanics: tuning and troubleshooting.

2. Needle groupings, configurations, and uses (liners, shaders, magnums).

• Afternoon (Practical):

1. Adjusting machine settings for various techniques.

2. Practicing needle depth and pressure on practice skin.

 

Day 4: Line Work Techniques

 

Objective: Master the foundation of every tattoo—clean and consistent lines.

• Morning (Theory):

1. Principles of clean line work.

2. Avoiding blowouts and overworking the skin.

• Afternoon (Practical):

1. Practicing straight lines, curves, and intricate designs on practice skin.

2. Simulating tattoos with linework designs.

 

Day 5: Shading Techniques

 

Objective: Learn shading to create depth and dimension.

• Morning (Theory):

1. Techniques: whip shading, stippling, and soft shading.

2. Adjusting machine speed and hand movements for shading.

• Afternoon (Practical):

1. Practicing shading gradients on practice skin.

2. Creating simple designs emphasizing shading.