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.
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.
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.
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
(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
Established in 2024, this studio represents our continued growth and commitment to innovation in the industry.
Pavilion Shopping Center
Established in 2007, the Pavilion studio stands as a testament to our lasting presence and reputation.
uShaka Marine World
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
Access
There is no rush to complete the course; you can take as long as you like.
Total Watch Hours
There are over 10 hours of quality video training for you to access.
Duration
4 Days In Person Training
+ Extra Online Training
Certificates
Accredited Tattoo Certificate
Upon completion, you will receive a Tattoo Training Certificate, documenting completion of your tattoo training.
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
HOW TO GET STARTED
Getting started with our in-person tattoo training follows the booking steps below. Here’s how it works:
- Select Your Option: Choose whether to include the optional equipment kit (with or without equipment) and click Add to Basket.
- Proceed to Checkout: Complete the standard online checkout form. We recommend selecting Direct Deposit (EFT) as your payment method.
- 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.
- 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.
- Confirm Dates & Venue: We recommend discussing available in-person training dates and venue locations with us to ensure your preferred session is viable.
- 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
We provide in-person training in the following areas:
- Hillcrest, KZN
- Boksburg, GP
- Pretoria West, GP
- Kuilsriver, WC
- + More Areas
Please log in to view upcoming in-person dates
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If you are unable to attend in person training we do have a completely online training option also.
Online OptionCONTACT 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- Tattoo Course Cost in South Africa: Online and In-Person Options
- How Long Does It Take to Learn to Tattoo?
- Tattoo Artist Salary Guide: South Africa & Beyond
- Tattooing on Fake Skin: How to Practice as a Beginner
- Common Mistakes New Tattoo Artists Make
- Tattoo Courses South Africa: Where to Start as a Beginner
Yuki Smith (verified owner) –
Now I feel ready to open my own tattoo studio!
Bjorn Nikolaidis (verified owner) –
Gary gave me the confidence I needed to succeed.
Valentina Haddad (verified owner) –
Worth every penny!
Noa Volkov (verified owner) –
Starting my career as a tattoo artist feels real now!
Valentina Taylor (verified owner) –
Excellent!
Jin Johnson (verified owner) –
Ready to take on the world!
Aiyana Haugland (verified owner) –
I feel like a professional now!
Eliyahu Moyo (verified owner) –
This course truly leveled me up!
Dalisay Li (verified owner) –
Amazing experience!
Alexis Smith (verified owner) –
Now I actually feel like I know what I’m doing!
Henry Rossi (verified owner) –
I went from hobbyist to professional tattoo artist.
Thabo Darwish (verified owner) –
Looking back at my old tattoos, I can’t believe the difference!
Kwame Harris (verified owner) –
I used to be afraid of shading, but now it’s my favorite part.
Leon Greenberg (verified owner) –
Life-changing!
Zev Soriano (verified owner) –
Very well structured.
Benjamin Fernandez (verified owner) –
Garys passion is inspiring.
Sanjay Volkov (verified owner) –
My clients are already noticing the difference in my tattoos!
Odin Lopez (verified owner) –
Amazing experience!
Olivia Nkosi (verified owner) –
Loved it!
Johann Haugland (verified owner) –
Absolutely incredible!
Lars Luna (verified owner) –
Brilliant!
Noa Volkov (verified owner) –
Life-changing!
Benjamin Tanaka (verified owner) –
Best breakdown of tattoo techniques I’ve ever seen!
Alexis Soriano (verified owner) –
It covered everything I needed!
Elena Levy (verified owner) –
This gave me a serious confidence boost!
Nikos Abramson (verified owner) –
I understand the difference between coil and rotary machines now.
Sophia Nassar (verified owner) –
I wish I found this sooner!
Sophia Fernandez (verified owner) –
I am officially a tattoo artist!
Sophie Ramos (verified owner) –
Understanding skin types has helped me a lot with ink retention.
Evangelos Nikolaev (verified owner) –
This course covered everything I needed to know!
Fernando Abramson (verified owner) –
If you’re thinking about becoming a tattoo artist, take this course!
Viktor Blackhorse (verified owner) –
Life-changing!
Viktor Papadopoulos (verified owner) –
His passion for tattooing is inspiring!
Mei Kaplan (verified owner) –
I feel like a professional now!
Nomsa Yellowhawk (verified owner) –
My line work is 10x cleaner after this course.
Kareem Nassar (verified owner) –
My clients are already noticing the difference in my tattoos!
Sakari Katsaros (verified owner) –
This course is a must-have!
Kofi Harris (verified owner) –
So much fun!
Neha Andersen (verified owner) –
Proud of how much I’ve learned.
Kareem Walker (verified owner) –
Now I actually feel like I know what I’m doing!
Hadar Müller (verified owner) –
I can’t wait to start my career!
Mei Rosenberg (verified owner) –
My tattoos are so much smoother now!
Soren Zhang (verified owner) –
So informative!
Ari Greenberg (verified owner) –
This course turned my passion into a profession.
Neha Volkov (verified owner) –
Totally worth it!
Alexis Strongbear (verified owner) –
Loved learning shading techniques.
Emiliano Dimitriadis (verified owner) –
I wish I found this sooner!
Evangelos Ramos (verified owner) –
Ready to take on the world!
Benjamin Ortega (verified owner) –
This course made me rethink my entire tattooing approach.
Sanjay Salim (verified owner) –
I can finally call myself a professional tattoo artist.