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Can You Learn Tattooing Online? What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a tattoo artist, you’ve probably heard of online tattoo courses like Tattoo Artistry Basics. With promises of providing beginners with essential skills, these courses have become a popular choice for aspiring tattooists who want a flexible, cost-effective way to get started.
But here’s the big question: Does an online tattoo course really prepare you for a career in tattooing? Or is it just a stepping stone toward an apprenticeship? In this guide, we’ll break down what Tattoo Artistry Basics (and other similar online courses) offer, their limitations, and whether they’re worth your investment.
What Is Tattoo Artistry Basics?
While there is no single “Tattoo Artistry Basics” course that dominates the market, many online platforms offer beginner tattoo courses designed to teach foundational concepts. These often include:
- The history and evolution of tattooing
- Proper tattoo equipment and how to use it
- Basic tattoo designs and techniques
- Color theory for tattoos
- Practicing designs on fake skin
- How to consult with clients
- Tattoo aftercare
Most online tattoo courses aim to provide structured learning for beginners—but can they truly replace traditional tattoo school or an apprenticeship? Let’s explore.
Pros:
- ✅ Flexible Learning – Study at your own pace, from anywhere.
- ✅ Lower Cost – A fraction of what in-person tattoo schools charge.
- ✅ Basic Knowledge – A decent introduction if you’re brand new to tattooing.
- ✅ Potential Certification – Some courses provide a certificate of completion.
Cons:
- ❌ Lack of Hands-On Experience – You won’t be working on real skin.
- ❌ Limited Industry Recognition – Most tattoo shops don’t consider online courses as sufficient training.
- ❌ No Live Feedback – You won’t get mentorship from experienced tattoo artists.
- ❌ Quality Varies – Some courses contain outdated or misleading information.
Bottom Line:
An online tattoo course can be useful for beginners, but it won’t replace in-person training. If you’re serious about a career in tattoo artistry, an apprenticeship is essential to get experience with real clients.
Do Tattoo Artists Respect Online Courses?
A common concern among aspiring tattoo artists is whether an online course is worth the money if it doesn’t lead directly to a job. Many professional tattoo artists believe that:
- 🔹 Online courses do NOT replace an apprenticeship, which is still the gold standard for learning tattooing.
- 🔹 Some online courses teach bad habits or fail to cover proper sterilization procedures.
- 🔹 Tattoo shops rarely hire artists who trained exclusively online.
User Review from Reddit:
“I took an online tattoo course, and while it helped with the basics, I still needed hands-on training. No tattoo shop will take you seriously without an apprenticeship.”
While online courses can be a great introduction, real-world experience is a must if you want to build a professional portfolio.
How Much Do Online Tattoo Courses Cost?
Pricing for online tattoo courses varies significantly. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- 💲 Beginner Courses: $100 – $500 (Basic training, often self-paced)
- 💲 Comprehensive Online Training: $500 – $2500 (Includes theory, supplies, and sometimes certification)
- 💲 In-Person Tattoo Schools: $5,000+ (More respected, but still not a replacement for an apprenticeship)
Many students find that a combination of online education + apprenticeship is the best way to learn tattooing thoroughly.
Are There Better Alternatives?
If you’re serious about becoming a tattoo artist, consider these training options:
✅ Apprenticeship (Best Option)
- Pros: Hands-on experience, mentorship, industry credibility
- Cons: Takes time, can be hard to find
✅ In-Person Tattoo Schools
- Pros: Formal education, structured lessons, access to professional tools
- Cons: Expensive, doesn’t guarantee a job afterward
✅ Online Courses (Good Supplement)
- Pros: Great for learning theory, affordable, flexible
- Cons: No real tattooing experience, lacks credibility with tattoo shops
The best route? Take an online course for the basics and then pursue an apprenticeship for real hands-on experience.
Our Verdict: Is an Online Tattoo Course Worth It?
If you’re curious about tattooing and want to learn the fundamentals before committing to an apprenticeship, an online beginner’s course can be a good starting point.
However:
- ⚠️ It won’t qualify you to tattoo professionally.
- ⚠️ It can’t replace in-person mentorship from experienced tattoo artists.
- ⚠️ You must get real-world experience to be taken seriously in the industry.
Who Should Take an Online Tattoo Course?
- ✅ Absolute beginners who want a structured introduction to tattooing
- ✅ Aspiring tattoo artists looking to supplement their apprenticeship
- ✅ Artists from other mediums (painters, illustrators) who want to explore tattooing
Who Should Skip It?
- ❌ Anyone expecting an online course to replace an apprenticeship
- ❌ Those looking for instant certification to work in a tattoo shop
- ❌ People who want hands-on guidance right away
Final Thoughts: Take the Next Step
Tattoo Artistry Basics and similar online courses can be a helpful introduction to tattooing, but they should be seen as a first step, not a final certification.
If you’re serious about tattooing as a career, consider pairing an online course with hands-on practice and a professional apprenticeship. Just remember to research thoroughly before investing your time and money into any training program.
💡 Ready to Start Your Tattoo Journey?
If you want to dive into the fundamentals of tattooing, check out the top-rated online tattoo courses available today. Many programs offer step-by-step lessons on tattoo equipment, hygiene, design techniques, and client consultations.
Explore your passion for tattoo art today—the first step is yours to take!
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