14 Essential Online Tattoo Courses for Beginners

Learn tattoo design techniques and artistry from experts
Beyond mastering illustration and design, in the tattoo design world it also is necessary to take into consideration aspects such as anatomy and the unique particularities of transferring designs to skin. These are the elements that make tattooing such a complex, unique, and fascinating technique.
To help you to learn how to tattoo, from the basics of setting up your machine and workspace, to the types of needles and hygienic practice to use, to techniques for design and illustration, we have selected the following courses:
These four experts share their secrets and techniques so that you too can become an expert in creating and tattooing original designs.
Tattoo for Beginners, a course by Polilla Tattoo
If you love tattooing but don't know where to start, this course is the solution. Florencia Landaeta (@polillatattoo), better known in the tattoo world as Polilla Tattoo, will teach you how to tattoo, from setting up the machine and workspace, to the types of needles and hygienic practice to use. She also teaches basic techniques for drawing a design and then inking it on skin.
With this course, you'll learn everything you need to get started with tattooing.
Blackwork Tattoo Design, a course by Sophie Mo
Want to learn how to turn your drawings into unforgettable tattoo designs?! Tattoo artist and illustrator Sophie Mo's (@sophiemoillustration) design techniques will help you. Specializing in creating blackwork tattoos, her original work and style has caught the attention of major brands such as Airbnb, BBC 6 Music, Squarespace, Microsoft, REVLON, and others.
In this course, you will learn how to create your own blackwork tattoo design, combining a range of manual and digital techniques. With Sophie's help, you will also learn how to create a unique aesthetic in your work that will help you attract new clients.
Botanical Tattoo with Pointillism, a course by Polilla Tattoo
Delicate details, expressive outlines, and lots of pointillism are some of the traits that mark the graphic style of Chilean tattoo artist Polilla Tattoo (@polillatattoo).
In this course, you will learn the technique of pointillism from start to finish in order to create a unique botanical tattoo. You will also learn basic concepts about human anatomy and how to develop your tattoo design so that it best fits the shape of the body, as well as tricks for achieving effects such as shadows, volume, and texture.
Custom Tattoo Design with Procreate, a course by Diana Felix
Custom tattoo designs are unique pieces of art tailored to an individual, never to be repeated again. Diana Felix (@dianafelixmx) is known for her impactful tattoos, in which female faces and human duality feature heavily, enriched with graphic elements with Japanese influence.
In this course, Diana will teach you how to define your own style by sharing her creative process, how to design for the human anatomy, and how to work with real clients to translate their needs and ideas into a final piece.
Digital Design and Illustration of Tattoos with Procreate, a course by Tania Maia
In only a short time, Procreate has become an essential tool for digital illustration, which in turn has helped it revolutionize tattoo design. Tania Maia (@taniamaia) is a Brazilian tattoo artist living in Peru who has participated in the NY Empire State Tattoo Expo three times.
She uses an iPad and Procreate to create her designs, something which has simplified her process, given her more flexibility, and which has allowed her to obtain more precision in her work. In this course you will learn the process behind creating digital illustrations that can be transferred to skin or framed.
Introduction to Tattooing, a course by Ella Storm
Having the image for your tattoo in mind and being able to design and tattoo seems a difficult wish to fulfill, but very easy to achieve it with this online course from Domestika. Ella Storm (@elrosestorm) is an illustrator and tattoo artist, specialized in floral illustration. Her source of inspiration is, without a doubt, nature.
In her course, you will start by taking a walk through the culture and history of tattooing, where you will discover different styles. She will recommend you the best equipment you need to start tattooing and will guide you in the elaboration of your tattoo through the contours, shading and details and you will finish practicing with a piece of fruit, which will simulate the texture of the skin.
Introduction to Blackwork Tattoo Illustration, a course by Mazvtier
Would you like to see your blackwork illustrations in tattoo? Mazvtier (@mazvtier) is the graphic designer, digital illustrator and tattoo professional you need to have your blackwork style represented in tattoos.
In this course, you will learn how to create illustrations with contrast and balance. Mazvtier will teach you how to elaborate different compositions taking into account the natural lines of movement of the body and will give you tips on how to apply shadows and details digitally.
Naturalist Tattoo: From Lines to Skin, a course by Icarus
Paloma Araneda, better known as Icarus (@pal_icarus), is a designer and naturalist tattoo artist. Flora and fauna are present in her designs in the form of fantastic narrative in the style of oriental painting.
In this online course, you will learn how to give life to your strokes through a tattoo with many organic details, always taking into account the movement of the human body and the changes to which it is subjected.
Custom Tattoo Design with Procreate, a course by Diana Felix
The energy and strength of the female face and the duality of every human being in the form of a tattoo. This is how Diana Feliz (@dianafelixmx) defines her work, in a style that incorporates graphic elements of Japanese influence.
In her course, she will teach you how to create signature designs, turning them into unrepeatable pieces. She will help you find your own style through practical exercises and you will learn which are the best compositions for the different parts of the body.
Color Techniques for Tattoos, a course by César Pinto
In addition to the line, colors and textures are also important to create harmony in the design of tattoos. In this online course, César Pinto (@cesarpintoartist), tattoo artist, will teach you traditional painting techniques to create shapes, volumes and textures to bring personality to your work. He will show you the materials needed, how to calibrate your tattoo machine and how to create and apply colors. You will learn tattoo techniques and how to transfer your design and fit it into the shapes of the human body.
Blackwork Tattoo Techniques with Fine Lines, a course by Juan Camilo Mazutier
In this online course, you will learn the art of creating intricate blackwork tattoos using fine lines. Taught by expert tattoo artist Juan Camilo Mazutier, this course covers essential techniques for mastering precision and detail in your designs. You'll explore various styles, learn about the tools and materials needed, and develop your own unique blackwork tattoo designs. Ideal for both beginners and experienced tattoo artists, this course provides a comprehensive guide to enhancing your tattooing skills.
Pepper Shading Techniques for Tattooing, a course by Alan Shepard
Professional tattoo artist Alan Shepard shares his expertise in creating stunning tattoos using the pepper shading technique. This course focuses on achieving smooth gradients and textures that add depth and dimension to your tattoos. You'll learn about the tools and materials required, various shading techniques, and how to apply them effectively to different tattoo styles. Suitable for both beginners and advanced tattoo artists, this course helps you refine your shading skills and elevate your tattoo art.
Botanical Tattoo Design with Procreate, a course by Jen Tonic
This course, led by expert tattoo artist Jen Tonic, teaches you how to create beautiful botanical designs using the Procreate app. This course guides you through the process of sketching, refining, and finalizing your botanical tattoos digitally. You'll learn about different plant species, design principles, and how to use Procreate's features to bring your botanical tattoo ideas to life. Perfect for those looking to blend digital art with tattoo design, this course offers valuable insights and practical skills.
Artistic Tattoo Design with Golden Effects in Procreate, a course by Olie Siiz
Explore the creation of striking tattoos with golden effects using Procreate. This course, taught by Olie Siiz, covers everything from initial concept sketches to adding intricate golden details that make your designs stand out. You'll learn about color theory, blending techniques, and how to use Procreate's tools to achieve the desired effect. This course is ideal for digital artists and tattoo designers looking to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to their work.
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