The Team
About Us
Our Journey and Passion
We are a family-run training academy, home to six dedicated artists who specialize in tattooing, permanent makeup (PMU), microblading, tattoo removal, and body piercing. Our founder, Gary, brings over 20 years of experience and has trained more than 1,000 artists worldwide.
Gary’s journey began in 2001 when he opened his first tattoo studio in Ballito, KZN. Just eight months later, he expanded by opening his second studio, followed by several more. In those early days, finding experienced artists was challenging, so Gary took it upon himself to train new talent.
Recognizing the industry’s need for structured training, Gary developed unique courses designed to transform young art students into competent professionals quickly. At that time, traditional apprenticeships took three years and involved long hours of shop tasks, leaving many artists with bad habits. Gary streamlined the training process into 36 intensive modules, focusing on the technical skills necessary for smooth and efficient work in tattooing, PMU, microblading, and more.
Within six years, Gary had established 15 studios and employed 30 artists. Realizing his true passion lay in teaching, he founded Skinart Training Academy. Combining his deep industry knowledge and advanced skills as a software developer, Gary created our comprehensive training website. Fourteen years later, he continues to travel the world, teaching hundreds of students and never tiring of it. Currently, his wife and daughter are conducting courses in New Zealand, while Gary and his son, Zane, offer courses in South Africa.
Our students have gone on to open studios across South Africa, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Angola, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, and beyond. Whether you aim to start your own business, earn extra income, or explore a new art form, our courses are designed for you.
Gary and Zane own the tattoo studio at uShaka Marine World, and at Pavilion Shopping Center.
We have been in business since 1998
We love art and beauty services, so we opened our first studio and never looked back. We have opened over 20 studios and trained over 5 thousand people.
At Skinart Training SA, we are committed to delivering exceptional online education in the art of tattooing and beauty treatments. Our virtual platform ensures accessibility and flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace, from anywhere in SA. We emphasize a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing you for real-world applications in the safest and most innovative ways possible.
Skinart is home to a vibrant community of aspiring artists and seasoned professionals looking to expand their skills. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspective and creativity. They are united by a common passion for the art of tattooing, piercing, and beauty enhancements, eager to excel and innovate in their chosen fields.
Our CPD-accredited courses cover a broad spectrum, including tattooing, piercing, permanent makeup (PMU), microblading, tattoo removal, and blood-borne pathogen (BBP) training. Our programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the industry, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet professional standards and client expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Skinart?
At Skinart, we specialize in providing a comprehensive training experience in tattooing, permanent makeup, microblading, tattoo removal, and body piercing. If you’re wondering whether you have what it takes to embark on this exciting career path, know that it’s a journey filled with discovery and creativity.
Can You Really Learn These Skills in a Few Days?
Yes, you can! With over 20 years of experience, we have refined our courses to provide complete training in just a few days. We’ve trained individuals from diverse backgrounds, including doctors, lawyers, nurses, renowned artists, circus performers, jewelry designers, graphic designers, models, male strippers, computer salesmen, bikers, professional wrestlers, and even famous comedians.
Why Enroll in Our Courses?
Our courses equip you with essential skills that might not be learned through traditional apprenticeships. We cover disease prevention, skin diseases and infections, and blood-borne pathogen prevention, all of which are crucial for licensing in various regions. We also offer guidance on the steps needed to become licensed, as requirements vary by location.
Advice for Aspiring Young Artists
For young aspiring artists, taking art classes in high school or through a local community center can be incredibly beneficial. These classes help develop crucial art skills such as scale, proportion, and shading, all essential for success in the tattoo and body art industry.
CHECK OUT THE WORK OF SOME OF OUR STUDENTS
