Initiation Course | $2500 + HST

This tattoo initiation course is perfect for aspiring tattoo artists, especially students looking to explore tattooing. It offers the opportunity to build the 'Brain' and 'Eyes' of a professional tattoo artist, as well as the opportunity to try hands-on practice using fake skins, applying knowledge from theory lessons to life. The Initiation course is divided into two parts: Theory (Weeks 1-3) and Fake-Skin Practice (Weeks 4-8).

  • Duration: 2 months (Twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday, from 11 AM to 2 PM)

  • Class Attendance: Students must commit to the full schedule, as class days and hours are fixed.

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  • Theory

    Class 1: Understanding Tattoos & Hygiene

    • Brief introduction to tattoo history / Characteristics by genre.

    • Analyzing works of student’s favourite artists.

    • General understanding of hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, and sterilization.

    Class 2: Mastering Hardware (Machines & Needles)

    • Differences and principles of Coil vs. Rotary machines.

    • Introducing different machines and trying them out.

    • Types and uses of Needles (RL, RS, MG, RM, etc.), understanding skin depth, and basics on inks.

  • Theory:

    Class 3: Dermatology & Understanding Pain

    • Skin structure and the mechanism of how ink remains in the skin.

    • Getting deeper into understanding of the nerve system and muscle structure.

    • How to apply tension by body part, damage control, and differences in healed results (healed vs. fresh).

    Class 4: Stencil & Design Basics

    • Principles of stencilling (Hand stencil vs. Thermal printer).

    • Practicing stencil on real skin and fake skin.

    • Design placement know-how based on body curvature.

  • Theory

    Class 5: iPad Utilization for Tattooists

    • Essential brushes and layer usage in Procreate.

    • Photo compositing and creating mock-ups.

    • How to design and make a stencil ready for printing.

    Class 6 : Design Analysis by Genre

    • Reading the 'Flow' of the body and movement (directions in tattoo design).

    • Station setup and cleaning protocols.

    • Light and photography, video editing, and principles of social media.

  • Fake-Skin Practice

    Class 1: Line Work Fundamentals

    • Introduction to linework as the foundation of tattooing.

    • Understanding consistent line weight and developing steady, controlled hand movement.

    • Practice on fake-skin, connecting short strokes smoothly, drawing clean and uninterrupted straight lines, and corner control using angular shapes (squares, triangles, stars, etc.).

    Class 2: Advanced Line Control & Application

    • Refining line precision and applying linework to more complex forms.

    • Mastering circles, S-curves, and irregular curved lines.

    • Light waterline techniques using Grey Wash.

    • Techniques for clean, precise lettering linework.

  • Fake-Skin Practice

    Class 3: Shading Fundamentals & Grey Wash Control

    • Introduction to shading concepts and how value creates depth and form.

    • Understanding pendulum shading mechanics.

    • Grey Wash density levels and ink dilution theory.

    • Creating 5-step gradations through concentration control.

    Class 4: Shading Application & Form Building

    • Applying shading techniques to build three-dimensional forms while minimizing skin damage.

    • Shading basic forms (sphere, cylinder, cone, cube).

    • Grey Wash layering principles and overlap control.

    • Damage control techniques for cleaner healed results.

  • Fake-Skin Practice:

    Class 5: Packing Fundamentals

    • Understanding solid fill techniques and achieving consistent ink saturation.

    • Detail packing in small areas using liner needles.

    • Even and uniform packing in larger areas using magnum needles.

    • Zig-zag packing

    Class 6: Packing & Whip Shading Techniques

    • Combining solid fills with texture and movement.

    • Smooth blending between packed areas and shaded sections.

    • Texture expression using whip shading techniques

  • Fake-Skin Practice:

    Class 7: Colour Fundamentals & Ink Mixing

    • Learning how colour behaves in the skin and how to mix inks effectively.

    • Tattoo ink selection and colour theory.

    • Creating mid-tones for smooth colour transitions.

    • Core techniques for colour packing and colour shading

    Class 8: Advanced Colour Application & Skin Tone

    • Applying colour with consideration for skin tone and underlying values.

    • Layering colour over a Grey Wash base.

    • Predicting colour outcomes on different skin tones.

    • Emphasis techniques using complementary colour contrast.

  • Fake-Skin Practice:

    Class 9: Custom Design Development

    • Understanding the full tattoo design workflow from concept to execution.

    • From idea sketching to stencil preparation.

    • Building efficient design and working processes.

    Class 10: Final Custom Design Completion

    • Executing a complete custom design using all techniques learned.

    • Applying linework, shading, packing, and color together.

    • Enhancing quality through line harmony and texture balance.

    • Basics of client consultation based on design concepts.

•Benefits:

  1. All Learning Materials Provided - Course materials and practice equipment are provided by the academy.

  2. Additional Practice Time - Opportunities to practice and reinforce your skills outside of scheduled classes.

  3. Beginner-Friendly Curriculum - Designed for complete beginners with no prior tattooing experience.

  4. Industry Connections - Learn from experienced artists and build connections within the tattoo industry.

  5. Hands-On Learning - Apply theoretical knowledge through guided exercises and practical training on fake skin.

  6. Professional Guidance - Receive direct instruction and feedback from experienced Head Instructors.

  7. Small Class Environment - Enjoy a focused learning experience with more opportunities for individual guidance and support.

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FAQ

  • a portfolio is required to assess applicants' potential, regardless of the volume or number of works. Please bring your portfolio to the in-person consultation to showcase your style and skills.

  • The beginner course is an 8-week-long course, with 16 classes in total.

  • All supplies needed for the course will be provided by Tattoo People Academy, including needles, machines, ink, fake skin, and expendables.

  • Only students approved by mentors through an interview are eligible to enroll in the course.

    Book a complimentary interview or consultation to learn details.

  • 1071 Bathurst Street

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