Schedule

  • Objective: Understand the tattooing process, tools, hygiene practices, and create basic lines and shapes.

  • Welcome & Course Overview

    • Brief introduction to the course and its goals.

      • What to expect each day.

      History & Evolution of Tattooing

      • Origins of tattooing.

      • Different styles and trends in tattoo art.

      Tattoo Tools & Equipment

      • Introduction to tattoo machines (coil vs. rotary).

      • Overview of needles (sizes, types) and their uses.

      • Inks, power supply, and other essential tools.

      • How to set up a tattoo station and ensure hygiene.

  • Health & Safety Standards

    • Proper sanitation and sterilization techniques.

    • Understanding the risks of tattooing (cross-contamination, bloodborne pathogens).

      Setting Up & Breaking Down the Tattoo Station

      • Setting up the workstation: how to prepare your tools.

      • Proper disposal of needles and ink caps.

      Basic Tattoo Machine Operation

      • Understanding the tattoo machine and how it works.

      • Setting up the machine (how to adjust speed, needle depth).

      • Proper machine handling and control.

      Practice on Synthetic Skin

      • Hands-on practice: basic linework on synthetic skin.

      • Introduction to using different needles for linework.

      • Developing steady hand control and hand positioning.

  • Objective: Learn how to work with different techniques like shading and color packing.

  • Basic Linework Review

    • Review of linework from Day 1.

      • How to control line thickness, consistency, and speed.

      Shading Techniques

      • Introduction to different shading techniques (dotwork, gradients, soft shading).

      • How to use different needle configurations for shading.

      • Understanding needle depth for smooth shading effects.

      Practice on Synthetic Skin

      • Practice shading techniques using a shader needle.

      • Practice creating smooth gradients and soft shading.

      • Tips for consistent, clean shading.

  • Introduction to Color Theory

    • The basics of color theory (warm vs. cool colors, complementary colors, etc.).

      • How to mix and create custom colors.

      Color Packing Techniques

      • Techniques for solid color application.

      • How to load and apply ink properly to avoid fading or patchy areas.

      Practice on Synthetic Skin

      • Practice color packing and shading with color on synthetic skin.

      • Focus on controlling the needle and ink for smooth color application.

      Troubleshooting Common Issues

      • Common problems with shading and color, and how to fix them.

      • Fixing uneven shading or patchy color.

  • Objective: Learn how to design, transfer a stencil, and complete a small tattoo on synthetic skin.

  • Tattoo Design Basics

    • How to draw a simple tattoo design.

      • Introduction to freehand drawing vs. stencil designs.

      Creating Stencils

      • How to make a stencil from your design.

      • Transferring the stencil onto synthetic skin or practice material.

      • Correct placement and alignment for a clean design.

  • Creating the Tattoo

    • Prepare the station and the skin for tattooing.

      • How to transfer the stencil to the synthetic skin.

      • The process of starting with lines, shading, and color.

      Hands-On Practice

      • Students will apply their stencil and complete a simple tattoo design.

      • Apply linework, shading, and color (depending on the complexity of the design).

      • Supervised practice on synthetic skin.

      Feedback & Improvement

      • Instructors provide feedback on each student’s work.

      • Focus on improving technique, machine control, and final tattoo quality.

  • Final Review & Q&A

    • A recap of all techniques learned over the past three days.

      • Answering any lingering questions.

      Demonstration of Aftercare

      • Proper aftercare instructions for clients (cleaning, ointments, healing process).

      Qualification of Completion

      • Students will receive a completion qualification for the beginner tattoo course.

      • Encourage further study and practice.

    • Equipment: Students should have access to basic tattoo equipment (tattoo machine, needles, ink, gloves, etc.) for practice.

    • Workbooks/Handouts: A course workbook containing design templates, notes on hygiene, tattooing tips, and resources for further learning.

      Ongoing Support: Provide access to online resources or a private group for continued learning and practice.

  • Objective: Tattooing!

    Students will spend the entire day focusing on hands-on tattooing.

    • Setting up stations and applying stencils to either practice skin or models.

    • Start tattooing, concentrating on clean line work and basic shading techniques, with the instructor providing individual feedback on machine control, needle depth, and consistency.

    • Taking a dive on advanced shading, detailing, and colour application.

    • Students finishing their tattoos, adding final touches, and cleaning up their stations.

    • A brief overview of aftercare will be provided before the course ends.