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Introduction and Basic Foundation in Artistic Tattooing

This apprenticeship program is designed to introduce students to the foundational skills and knowledge required for starting their journey in artistic tattooing. The program has 8 levels, each level of the program spans one month, with students advancing only after completing the previous level.
The tuition is paid monthly according to each level. The curriculum is structured to build upon each skill incrementally, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the art and practice of tattooing.

Program Curriculum

Level 1: Introduction & Color Theory

Overview: Students will be introduced to the history and culture of tattooing, basic design principles, and the importance of color in tattoo art.

Key Topics:

  • Finding your style and artistic voice

  • Introduction to design basics

  • Colour theory and application in tattooing

  • Drawing fundamentals

Level 2: Equipment, Supplies & Working on Your Designs 

Overview: This level covers the essential tools and supplies needed for tattooing and guides students through the process of developing their own tattoo designs.

Key Topics:

  • Introduction to tattoo equipment 

  • Understanding the use of needles

  • Basic design development and sketching

  • Preparing designs for tattoo application

Level 3: Setting Up & Linework Theory

Overview: Students will learn the proper setup for a tattoo session and the techniques for achieving clean, precise linework.

Key Topics:

  • Setting up a sterile workspace

  • Proper machine handling and needle selection

  • Linework techniques and practice

  • Troubleshooting common linework issues

Level 4: Shading Theory & Filling Theory

Overview: This level introduces students to the techniques for shading and filling, essential for creating depth and dimension in tattoos.

Key Topics:

  • Introduction to shading techniques (soft shading, whip shading)

  • Understanding gradient and depth in tattoo art

  • Colour packing and solid filling methods

  • Combining linework with shading for a complete design

Level 5: Practice Training 1 - Linework

Overview: Focused practice on linework, allowing students to refine their skills and build confidence in their technique.

Key Topics:

  • Intensive linework drills and exercises

  • Application of linework on practice skins

  • Evaluating and improving line consistency

  • Real skin linework applications (with supervision)

Level 6: Practice Training 2 - Shading

Overview: Students will practice shading techniques, learning to create smooth gradients and realistic effects in their work.

Key Topics:

  • Shading drills and exercises on practice skins

  • Experimenting with different shading styles

  • Mastering smooth transitions and gradient effects

  • Real skin shading applications (with supervision)

Level 7: Practice Training 3 - Color Filling

Overview: Focus on mastering colour filling techniques, ensuring vibrant, long-lasting results in tattoos.

Key Topics:

  • Colour packing exercises on practice skins

  • Understanding the impact of skin tone on colour selection

  • Techniques for even colour saturation

  • Real skin colour filling applications (with supervision)

Level 8: Practice Training 4 - Technique Mix & Final Project for Certificate

Overview: In the final level, students will combine all learned techniques into a final project, demonstrating their skills for certification.

Key Topics:

  • Integrating linework, shading, and colour filling

  • Creating a comprehensive tattoo design

  • Executing the final project on practice skins and a live model (with supervision)

  • Evaluation and feedback for certification

Upon successful completion of all levels, students will receive a certificate recognizing their accomplishment and readiness to advance in their tattooing career.

© 2025 by Fae Grove Studio

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