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Tattoo practice on synthetic skin using a tattoo machine

In Person Tattoo Course

Price range: R28,000.00 through R30,000.00 incl. VAT

Learn tattooing in person, including fine line, blackwork, tribal, traditional, watercolour and colour realism, with practical assignments.

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Gary, Tattoo & PMU instructor · South Africa

Your in-person instructor

Gary

Tattoo & PMU instructor · South Africa

Gary teaches tattooing and permanent makeup in South Africa. Bring your course questions into the studio and build your practical skills with instructor guidance.

ONLINE OPTION
IN PERSON OPTION

Accredited In Person Tattoo Course

Embark on an enthralling journey into the world of tattoo artistry with our all-encompassing In Person Tattoo Course. Ideal for both aspiring artists and enthusiasts keen to sharpen their skills, this course delivers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary tattoo techniques.

Fine-line tattooing is now included. Study delicate linework alongside blackwork, tribal and Māori-inspired design exercises, traditional tattooing, watercolour and colour realism. Build your skills through the course lessons and practical assignments. Read our fine-line tattooing guide.

Video preview

Trainer Gary

Instructor

Gary is the founder and lead instructor of Skinart Academy, with over 23 years of experience in the tattoo, piercing, microblading, and permanent makeup (PMU) industries. He has trained hundreds of students globally, combining hands-on expertise with in-depth theoretical knowledge. Gary is passionate about empowering aspiring artists with world-class training and ongoing mentorship.


Course International Accreditation
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What are the pre-requisites
What is the lesson format
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How do I learn the practical skills
Training validation

 

 

Verify

CPD Accredited Course

Skinart Trading is listed with the CPD Standards Office as provider 22634. Its recognised activities include Fundamentals of Tattooing. View the provider listing to confirm the scope of accreditation; course recognition does not replace local permission to practise.

 

 

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BAQA-approved training and registration

Learn with our BAQA-approved training. We will automatically register you with the BAQA. Your course certificate and BAQA registration are different records; neither replaces local permission to practise.

Earn your certification and start your career with confidence.


Tattoo Equipment

Course Access

(Optional Equipment Add-On)

You can choose whether to include our high-quality equipment kit during checkout. The kit is yours to keep after completing your in-person training. While attending the course, we will supply all necessary consumables. If you already have your own equipment and prefer not to purchase the kit, please bring your setup with you to the training.


OUR STUDIOS

Gateway Shopping Mall
Skinart Gateway Studio

Established in 2024, this studio represents our continued growth and commitment to innovation in the industry.

Pavilion Shopping Center
Skinart Pavilion Studio

Established in 2007, the Pavilion studio stands as a testament to our lasting presence and reputation.

uShaka Marine World
Skinart uShaka Studio

Established in 2001, the uShaka location is our longest-standing studio, soon to undergo an exciting transformation under the Skinart brand.


CHECK OUT THE WORK OF SOME OF OUR STUDENTS


TATTOO COURSE CURRICULUM

  • Introduction to the Fundamentals of Tattooing
  • Files and Folders Provided
  • An Introduction to Tattoo Art
  • Using Themes
  • Different Art Styles
  • Fine-Line Tattooing: Design, Control and Practice
  • The 12 Most Popular Themes
  • Brief History of Tattoos (Parts 1 & 2)
  • Licensing Requirements
  • Town Planning
  • Running a Home Business
  • Health and Safety Regulations
  • Contact Your Health Department
  • About Licensing and Registration
  • Public Health Concerns, Including Covid-19
  • Designing Tattoos: Overview and Purpose
  • Microsoft Image Composer Setup and Usage
  • Creating and Simplifying Designs Quickly
  • Assignments on Tattoo Design (1, 2, 3)
  • Stencil / Trace Methods and Applications
  • Rules of Placement
  • Applying a Trace on Skin and Practice Materials
  • Introduction to Coil and Pen Machines
  • Building and Assembling Coil Machines
  • Coil Build Discussion, Tips, and Cartridge Conversion
  • Maintenance: Quick Tune, Test Run, and Wrapping
  • Linework and Technique
  • Packing Black, Blackwork, Tribal and Māori-inspired Design
  • Soft Shading: Black and Gray Tattoos
  • Color Tattoos: Traditional, Watercolor, and Realism
  • Special Techniques: Script, Font, Minimalist, and Fur Tattoos
  • Understanding the Human Skin and Needle Depth
  • Sterilization and Cross Contamination
  • Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
  • Workstation Cleanup
  • Photography and Social Media Skills for Tattoo Artists
  • Your First Practical on a Model
  • Final Words and Certification

Course Access

Access

There is no rush to complete the course; you can take as long as you like.

Course Hours

Total Watch Hours

There are over 10 hours of quality video training for you to access.

Course Duration

Duration

4 Days In Person Training
+ Extra Online Training


Certificates

Tattoo Certificate

Accredited Tattoo Certificate

Upon completion, you will receive a Tattoo Training Certificate, documenting completion of your tattoo training.

BBP Certificate

Accredited BBP Certificate

You will also receive an Accredited Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Certificate, ensuring you are trained in hygiene, safety, and infection control for the industry.


Licensing Process Explained

Requirements depend on where you work and the procedures you offer. Contact the relevant municipal environmental health team to confirm the current registration or licensing process, premises and hygiene requirements, and training evidence before offering services.


Testimonials

Video preview
Video preview

HOW TO GET STARTED

Getting started with our in-person tattoo training follows the booking steps below. Here’s how it works:

  1. Select Your Option: Choose whether to include the optional equipment kit (with or without equipment) and click Add to Basket.
  2. Proceed to Checkout: Complete the standard online checkout form. We recommend selecting Direct Deposit (EFT) as your payment method.
  3. No Immediate Payment Required: At this stage, you won’t need to make any payment. An automated PDF invoice will be emailed to you with all our company and banking information.
  4. Pay a R5,000 Deposit: To secure your place and begin the online preparation training, simply pay the deposit. The deposit unlocks immediate access to your online pre-course modules.
  5. Confirm Dates & Venue: We recommend discussing available in-person training dates and venue locations with us to ensure your preferred session is viable.
  6. Pay the Balance Later: The remaining balance can be paid any time before or on the first day of your in-person training. This ensures you feel safe and confident knowing you only pay the full amount once you arrive and meet us in person.

We’ve structured this process to make it easy, transparent, and secure for all our students.


In Person Training Locations

Course Access

We provide in-person training in the following areas:

  • Hillcrest, KZN
  • Boksburg, GP
  • Pretoria West, GP
  • Kuilsriver, WC
  • + More Areas



If you are unable to attend in person training we do have a completely online training option also.

Online Option

CONTACT US

If you have any questions, we are more than happy to chat with you! Drop us a message on Message Skinart, and someone from the Skinart team will respond to you personally.

We are passionate about helping people succeed in this industry and would love to answer any questions you may have about our training. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way and welcome you to join one of our courses.


We also offer a wide range of other courses, please make sure to check them out below.


Tattoo Articles

See all Tattoo Articles

Unlock your potential as a tattoo artist with Skinart Academy’s In-Person Tattoo Course. This CPD-accredited training is designed for both beginners and experienced artists looking to refine their techniques. Learn everything from tattoo design fundamentals and skin anatomy to machine setup, shading, and safety protocols. The course includes hands-on training, expert guidance, and certification to kickstart your tattooing career with confidence.

Fine-line tattooing is now included. Study delicate linework alongside blackwork, tribal and Māori-inspired design exercises, traditional tattooing, watercolour and colour realism. Build your skills through the course lessons and practical assignments. Read our fine-line tattooing guide.

What’s Included:
✅ Comprehensive Hands-On Training – Learn tattoo techniques, line work, shading, and color blending
✅ Tattoo Kit Option – Includes tattoo machine, needles, and essential equipment only when Including Equipment is selected 
✅ 10+ Hours of Video Training – Step-by-step modules covering all aspects of tattooing
✅ CPD Accredited Certificate – A record of course completion
✅ Health & Safety Training – Hygiene, sterilization, and cross-contamination prevention
✅ Business & Licensing Guidance – Learn about licensing, setup, and client consultations
✅ Support & Community Access – Get ongoing mentorship and join a network of fellow tattoo artists

Why Choose Skinart Academy?
✔️ Industry-Leading Instructors – Learn from experienced tattoo professionals
✔️ Flexible Learning – Study the video lessons until course completion and certificate issue, when course access locks. Lifetime support continues
✔️ Training & Practical Development – Build your skills through lessons, practical assignments and instructor feedback
✔️ Work on Real Models – Gain practical experience under expert supervision

💉 Turn your passion into a profession! Enroll now and begin your journey in the art of tattooing.

With or Without Equipment

Including Equipment, Excluding Equipment

303 reviews for In Person Tattoo Course

  1. Yusuf Johansson (verified owner) –

    This course really helped me with precision and detail.

  2. Carlos Adebayo (verified owner) –

    Can’t wait to start my business!

  3. Fernando Zahra (verified owner) –

    Breaking everything down step by step was so helpful.

  4. Vikram Hansen (verified owner) –

    I’ll never tattoo the same way again!

  5. Christos Vasquez (verified owner) –

    So proud of myself!

  6. Kofi Tshabalala (verified owner) –

    I feel like a real pro now!

  7. Mika Zhang (verified owner) –

    This training helped me set up my tattoo business.

  8. Kareem Christodoulou (verified owner) –

    I’ve already started getting more bookings!

  9. Miriam Park (verified owner) –

    The examples were super helpful.

  10. Emma Yamamoto (verified owner) –

    Now I actually feel like I know what I’m doing!

  11. Eliyahu Al-Farsi (verified owner) –

    Great course.

  12. Hiroshi Salim (verified owner) –

    I now know how to talk to clients professionally.

  13. Sophia Two Rivers (verified owner) –

    The tattoo machine section was super informative!

  14. Michael Taylor (verified owner) –

    10/10, highly recommended.

  15. Eliyahu Strongbear (verified owner) –

    I used to be afraid of shading, but now it’s my favorite part.

  16. Isabella Horowitz (verified owner) –

    Super impressed!

  17. Rahul King (verified owner) –

    This course turned my passion into a profession.

  18. Jose Ioannidis (verified owner) –

    My skills improved so much!

  19. Santiago Torres (verified owner) –

    This course is a must-have!

  20. Eliyahu Choi (verified owner) –

    My piercing technique is so much cleaner.

  21. Deepak Two Rivers (verified owner) –

  22. Ali Anderson (verified owner) –

    Fantastic training!

  23. Zara Smith (verified owner) –

    Inspiring!

  24. Dakota Christodoulou (verified owner) –

    Now I feel ready to work professionally.

  25. Luca Luna (verified owner) –

  26. Tariro Svensson (verified owner) –

    I learned things I never knew before.

  27. Magnus Redcloud (verified owner) –

  28. Xiao Patel (verified owner) –

    My tattoos are so much smoother now!

  29. Luningning Kaplan (verified owner) –

  30. Tatiana Dubois (verified owner) –

    The video tutorials made everything clear!

  31. Isabelle Zahra (verified owner) –

  32. Mika Chikane (verified owner) –

    I now know how to talk to clients professionally.

  33. Angelica Haugland (verified owner) –

    Loved every second of it!

  34. Omar Nikolaev (verified owner) –

    Life-changing experience.

  35. Zara Schmidt (verified owner) –

    I finally feel like I’m on the right path.

  36. Nokomis Horowitz (verified owner) –

    Gary gave me the confidence I needed to succeed.

  37. Viktor Runningwolf (verified owner) –

    Tattoo aftercare knowledge is so important!

  38. Alexis Haugland (verified owner) –

    The tattoo machine section was super informative!

  39. Emiliano Clark (verified owner) –

  40. Yusuf Kumar (verified owner) –

    I’ll never tattoo the same way again!

  41. Fernando Greenberg (verified owner) –

    Best instructor ever!

  42. Viktor Two Rivers (verified owner) –

  43. Zanele Runningwolf (verified owner) –

  44. Luningning Rainwater (verified owner) –

  45. Nikos Nassar (verified owner) –

    So proud of myself!

  46. Jin Aguilar (verified owner) –

    Now I actually feel like I know what I’m doing!

  47. Ingrid Ortega (verified owner) –

    Unbelievable.

  48. Benjamin Brown (verified owner) –

    Great mix of theory and practice!

  49. Odin Ngubane (verified owner) –

    This course made me slow down and focus on precision.

  50. Isabella Tallchief (verified owner) –

    I can finally call myself a professional tattoo artist.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

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