Curriculum
- 30 Sections
- 103 Lessons
- 52 Weeks
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- WelcomePlan your study route, find support and understand course access before starting practical work.3
- Study Resources and EquipmentDownload your handbook and study forms, then explore machines, power supplies and practice consumables.4
- Tattoo HistoryExplore historical and cultural contexts, and use the documentary as a starting point for further research.2
- Tattoo Art and StylesCompare themes and styles, develop your visual vocabulary and record references responsibly.4
- Planning Your Tattoo BusinessConsider the practical, financial and local compliance questions involved in running a tattoo business.1
- Planning Permission and Home StudiosCheck the requirements for your location and assess whether proposed premises are suitable.2
- Health and SafetyStudy local health requirements, waste handling, protective equipment, hygiene, vaccination and blood-exposure response.11
- 7.1Working with Your Local Health Authority20 Minutes
- 7.2Understanding Local Licensing Requirements15 Minutes
- 7.3Managing Sharps and Procedure Waste30 Minutes
- 7.4A Safe and Comfortable Client Space15 Minutes
- 7.5Choosing and Using Protective Equipment15 Minutes
- 7.6Preparing for a Studio Inspection15 Minutes
- 7.7Effective Hand Hygiene15 Minutes
- 7.8Hepatitis B Vaccination and Occupational Advice15 Minutes
- 7.9Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks60 Minutes
- 7.10Preventing Cross-Contamination
- 7.11Responding to a Blood Exposure
- Client Consultation and RecordsDevelop informed consent, useful records and responsible health-screening and referral processes.3
- Designing TattoosDevelop measured designs from authorised references and complete the existing design assignments.10
- 9.1Designing a Tattoo for a Person60 Minutes
- 9.2Choosing Your Design Software20 Minutes
- 9.3Setting Up a Measured Design Workspace20 Minutes
- 9.4Selections, Layers and Design Adjustments20 Minutes
- 9.5Working from References and Correcting Distortion20 Minutes
- 9.6Presenting a Digital Tattoo Concept20 Minutes
- 9.7Turning a Reference into a Useful Stencil Plan20 Minutes
- 9.8Assignment 1: Memorial Design and Curved Lettering30 Minutes
- 9.9Assignment 2: Praying Hands in Black and Grey20 Minutes
- 9.10Assignment 3: A Personalised Leopard Thigh Design30 Minutes
- Creating StencilsCompare hand tracing, thermal printing and ink-tank methods, and prepare the practice flash sheet.7
- 10.1Making a Stencil by Hand20 Minutes
- 10.2Understanding Thermal Stencil Printing20 Minutes
- 10.3Understanding Ink-Tank Stencil Systems20 Minutes
- 10.4Preparing the Practice Flash Sheet10 Minutes
- 10.5Choosing a Stencil-Making Method20 Minutes
- 10.6Checking a Thermal Stencil Print10 Minutes
- 10.7Checking an Ink-Tank Stencil Print20 Minutes
- Placement and Stencil TransferStudy placement and transfer methods, distinguishing client preparation from practice materials.4
- Setting Up a StudioPlan cleanable surfaces, suitable furniture and comfortable working positions.2
- Preparing the WorkstationOrganise the workstation and use suitable cleansing products according to their instructions.2
- Using a Pen MachineUnderstand pen-machine setup, cartridge compatibility and the limits of needle-projection measurements.1
- Understanding Coil MachinesExplore components, assembly, tuning and barriers. Read the updated guidance before following older demonstrations.17
- 15.1Introducing Coil Machines10 Minutes
- 15.2Comparing Machine Designs10 Minutes
- 15.3Recognising Coil-Machine Components10 Minutes
- 15.4Coil-Machine Assembly: Preparing the Parts20 Minutes
- 15.5Coil-Machine Assembly: Alignment and Connections20 Minutes
- 15.6Tubes, Grips and Tips20 Minutes
- 15.7Fitting the Armature and Springs20 Minutes
- 15.8Recognising Spring Wear and Setup Problems20 Minutes
- 15.9Assessing a Cartridge Conversion20 Minutes
- 15.10Understanding the Spring-Force Demonstration20 Minutes
- 15.11Understanding an RCA Connection Conversion20 Minutes
- 15.12Understanding the Coil-Machine Cycle20 Minutes
- 15.13Approaching Machine Tuning Methodically20 Minutes
- 15.14Understanding the Riding-the-Tip Setup20 Minutes
- 15.15Understanding the Riding-the-Needle Setup20 Minutes
- 15.16Applying Machine and Cable Barriers20 Minutes
- 15.17Reviewing Your Machine Practice20 Minutes
- Hand-Poke PracticeStudy the demonstration as a practice exercise, with appropriate supplies and contamination control.1
- Developing Tattoo TechniqueWork on control, support, visibility, movement and the existing linework assignment.5
- Blackwork on Practice SkinUse the blackwork demonstration to develop observation and control on practice material.1
- Skin Structure and Needle MovementStudy skin layers, responsible preparation and why needle depth is not a universal machine setting.4
- Black-and-Grey PracticeComplete the existing butterfly tracing, linework and shading exercises, using tutor feedback to guide progress.3
- Tattoo Needle ConfigurationsLearn to read needle labels and confirm specifications and compatibility with the manufacturer.2
- Tattoo InksConsider intended use, traceability, storage and the appropriate response to suspected reactions.1
- Colour PracticeFollow the swallow demonstration on practice material and reflect on your colour choices.1
- Combining Black-and-Grey and ColourDevelop the existing skull-and-rose assignment on practice skin.1
- Portrait Study and PracticeStudy portrait values and complete the existing Rock portrait exercise on practice skin.2
- Script and Lettering PracticeDevelop spacing, alignment and line control through the existing script exercise.1
- Aftercare, Clearing Down and PhotographyPrepare clear aftercare, maintain contamination control between clients and photograph work honestly.3
- Supervised Model PracticalConfirm competence, supervision, consent and local requirements before the existing model assessment.1
- Sterilisation and Equipment ProcessingDistinguish cleaning, disinfection and validated sterilisation, following the instructions for the actual equipment.1
- Reflection and Course CompletionReview progress, save permitted resources and understand the access warning before finishing the course.3
Make a Useful Start
You do not need to master every tool at once. Start with a clear routine and build accuracy through small, deliberate exercises.
Put it into practice
- Preview the curriculum so you understand how drawing, design, hygiene, equipment and practical work connect. Revisit earlier lessons when a later exercise reveals a gap.
- Keep one goal for each practice session, such as cleaner joins, more even line weight or a clearer stencil. Change one variable at a time and record what happened.
- Allow time for feedback and repetition. Confidence is useful, but consistent safe work and observable results are better measures of progress than speed.
- Plan your equipment purchases after reviewing the next three lessons and the current checklist. Confirm what is included in your enrolment before buying duplicates.
Your notes
Record your starting strengths, one skill you want to improve first and the evidence you will keep to track it.
Further reading: FDA: Tattoo safety.
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