To become a tattoo artist online is an exciting way to turn your passion for art into a career, without the long, unpaid apprenticeships of traditional studios.
But one fact about tattooing, the actual art requires a lot.
And am talking health considerations, licences, and the actual art of drawing the tattoo to perfection.
Remember most of them are permanent, and you can’t afford to say “oopsy!”
Anyways, thanks to online courses and virtual training of late, you can now learn tattooing from home at your own pace.
Join me today as we explore the best ways to start, plus all the requirements and options available.
This could actually lead to a rewarding career in the tattoo industry.
Let’s see!
What Does It Take to Become a Tattoo Artist?
To become a tattoo artist, online or not, the first requirements are skill, patience, and a strong commitment to learning.
So, what do you need to know before you start?
Key Skills You Need
Artistic Talent – You need solid drawing skills to create unique, eye-catching designs. Clients rely on you to bring their ideas to life! And remember, you can’t get to be sorry.
Attention to Detail – Since tattoos are permanent, precision is everything. You must understand color, shading, and how designs fit the body.
Hygiene and Safety – A clean workspace is a must! You’ll need to follow strict sterilization and safety rules to prevent infections. It would be a shame if a client picked a bug from your service.
Good Communication – Understanding what a client wants and managing expectations is key to a happy customer.
Physical Stamina – Tattooing can take hours, so steady hands and endurance are essential.
How Do You Learn Tattooing?
Traditional Route:
🔹 Apprenticeships – Learning under an experienced tattoo artist in a studio is the best way to get hands-on training. You’ll practice techniques, safety, and customer service.
🔹 Studio Experience – Working in a shop helps you learn real-world skills, from dealing with clients to maintaining a sterile environment.
Modern Approach:
Online Learning – Many artists start with online courses to build a foundation before hands-on training.
Digital Design Tools – Software like Photoshop helps create and refine designs before inking them on the skin.
Hybrid Learning – A mix of online study and in-person training can give you a strong start in the tattooing world.
Tattooing is an art and a craft.
It takes dedication, practice, and a willingness to keep learning.
Can You Learn Tattooing Online?
Yes, you can!
The digital landscape is growing everyday that goes by, and that gives us access to various online courses that apply advanced tech to pass on the tattooing techniques among other things to learn.
However, while online learning can give you a solid foundation, hands-on experience is still crucial.
What can you gain from online tattoo courses?
Best Online Tattoo Courses
Here are some platforms offering tattoo training:
Skinart Training UK – Covers tattooing basics, safety, and hands-on projects with certification.
iisdt – Beginner-friendly certificate course with online exams.
Alison – Free “Tattoo Basics for Beginners” course with certification.
IBMS – Focuses on blood-borne pathogens, essential for licensure.
Tattooing 101 – A structured 9-step course with mentorship.
Certified Tattoo Academy – Various online courses with certification.
Where to Learn?
Private Tattoo Academies – Specialized courses from Skinart Training UK, Certified Tattoo Academy, etc.
Udemy and Skillshare – Art and design courses to enhance tattooing skills.
Reed.co.uk – Infection control & tattoo-related training.
Pros of Learning Tattooing Online
Flexible and Accessible – Learn at your own pace from anywhere.
Cost-Effective – More affordable than traditional apprenticeships.
Expert Feedback – Some courses offer direct guidance from professionals.
Limitations to Consider
Lack of Hands-On Practice – Online courses can’t replace real tattooing experience.
Safety & Hygiene Training – Practical experience is vital for mastering safe tattooing.
Limited Industry Recognition – Some certifications may not be widely accepted.
Online courses are a great starting point, but to become a professional tattoo artist, you’ll need real-world practice, mentorship, and industry-approved certification.
If you’re serious about tattooing, consider combining online learning with hands-on training!
What About Hands-On Practice?
Online courses can teach you the basics, but real-world practice is what helps you develop your skills and confidence.
So how do you make that happen when you’re learning online?
Well, let’s first find out why hands-on practice is so important:
Mastering Techniques – You can’t be having shaky hands when drawing a tattoo, so you need to practice and gather all the confidence you can master.
Understanding Skin – Online doesn’t give you real skin to practice on. Different skin types react differently to ink and needles, and real practice helps you learn how to adjust.
Safety and Hygiene – Knowing how to sterilize equipment and prevent infections is just as important as the art itself.
Working with Clients – Tattooing is personal, so if you can talk well with people and make them comfortable, you have it locked.
How to Practice Tattooing at Home
Here is where you get things rolling. If you can’t get access to a studio yet, do it at home:
Use Fake Skin – Latex or silicone sheets can act as skin since they have that skin feel for tattooing without real skin.
Fruit Practice – Interestingly, oranges and grapefruits are used as substitutes for the surface texture of human skin to enhance the hand control.
Silicone Pads – You can get these special tattoo practice pads that are designed to feel like real skin.
How Online Learners Can Get Real-World Experience
1. Seek out and be assisted by a tattoo artist in a tattoo parlor in accomplishing a hands-on learning process.
2. Attend workshops and conventions whenever you can. These events involve live training, networking, and exposure to novel techniques.
3. Seek out experienced tattoo artists for feedback and guidance.
4. Join Communities. For example, online forums and local communities may help make you aware of artists with whom to exchange tips and contacts.
Bottom line? Studying on the web is wonderful, but the real thing is what turns you into a good tattoo artist!
Do You Need a License to Become a Tattoo Artist?
The short answer? It depends on where you live!
Different countries and states have their own rules, and if you’re serious about tattooing, it’s important to know what’s required.
Tattoo Licensing: What You Need to Know
Below is a brief overview of licensing practices in a few locations:
United States:
Washington State – Must be 18+ and have a bloodborne pathogens certificate.
Florida – Requires a license and a bloodborne pathogens course; guest artists need special registration.
New York City – Must pass an infection control course and an exam.
New Mexico – A license, $100 fee, CPR/First Aid training 1,400 hour apprenticeship are required.
Other Countries:
UK – No national license, but most local authorities require artists to register and follow safety guidelines.
Elsewhere – the rules are different, so please check your local health department!
Can You Get Certified Online?
Partially! Certain courses, such as bloodborne pathogens training, are also offered online.
However, in most instances you need so-called in-person training or apprenticeship before you are legally able to work as a tattoo artist.
Why Apprenticeships Matter
Hands-On Training – You’ll practice under a pro, learning the real skills of tattooing.
License Requirements – Some states (like New Mexico) require apprenticeships for licensing.
Mentorship – You’ll gain industry knowledge, safety protocols, and business skills.
Are There Fully Online Certification Programs for Tattoo Artists?
Yes, but with limitations.
There are online certification options for tattoo artists, but they focus mostly on theory, safety, and hygiene rather than on hands-on training.
If you want to be certified, here’s the information:
Online Tattoo Certification Programs
IISDT Certificate in Tattoo Artist – 90-hour online course program provides the background knowledge, followed by an online certification exam.
IBMS Online Tattoo School – Training in blood-borne pathogens and disease prevention, may be a requirement for licensure in certain U.S. states.
Certified Tattoo Academy – No hands-on training shown, but emphasizes in-person apprenticeship.
Mamatatto Prague – From foundations to the state of the art, with certification and a learner community.
Can Online Courses Help with Licensing?
They do.
Safety, hygiene and basic technique training are required for licensing exams.
Others Meet Legal Standards.
Courses such as IBMS are showing compliance with blood-borne pathogen training are legal requirements in some jurisdictions.
However, Hands-On Practice Still Needed – Practical training in tattooing is required by most states before tattooing license issuance.
How to Choose a Good Online Course
Verify Accreditation – Verify accreditation within your jurisdiction.
Look at the Course Content – It should cover safety, technique, and business skills.
Learn from Experts – Choose courses taught by experienced tattoo artists.
Read Reviews – See what past students say.
Find Support – Courses with mentorship or a learning community are more valuable.
How to Start a Tattooing Career After Online Training
So, you’ve completed your online tattoo training—what’s next?
Turning your skills into a successful career takes more than just knowledge.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Find an Apprenticeship or Mentor
Apprenticeship is the best way to gain hands-on experience. Visit tattoo studios, present a portfolio and inquire about openings.
In case an apprenticeship is not feasible, seek out an experienced tattoo artist (call/visit in person) who can mentor and even critique your work.
2. Build a Strong Portfolio
Digital Portfolio: Showcase your best work on social media and art platforms.
Physical Portfolio: Print your designs and drawings to show potential mentors or employers.
Variety Matters: Include different styles—blackwork, color, realism—to show versatility.
3. Network with Tattoo Professionals
Attend tattoo conventions and workshops to learn new techniques and connect with industry pros.
Join online tattoo communities to engage in discussions, ask for feedback, and stay updated.
Collaborate with Other Artists. Practicing with peers can improve your skills and open doors.
Final Tip: Be patient and persistent.
As mentioned earlier, tattooing is an art and a craft—it takes time to master. Keep learning, stay connected, and put yourself out there!
Conclusion
Although it may be, at least in part, possible to become a tattoo artist online, there is a lot more to add on to that to be fully certified and able to work.
All in all, it’s a time saving way to begin with the basics.
Eventually, you’ll need hands-on experience, starting with synthetic skin before working on real people, ideally under supervision.
Different areas have different licensing regulations and, all of them, require a live training or apprenticeship.
Make sure you do your due diligence and get informed before you begin.
The acquisition of a mentor is important for the development of skills and knowledge of the industry.
Moreover, creating a good portfolio and networking with other creatives can open up career paths.
Online learning is a good place to begin, however, to become a true master as a tattoo artist, you need personal experience and practical application!