Accredited Online Tattoo Course
Embark on an enthralling journey into the world of tattoo artistry with our all-encompassing Online Tattoo Course. Ideal for both aspiring artists and enthusiasts keen to sharpen their skills, this course delivers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary tattoo techniques.
Instructor
Gary teaches Skinart's tattoo, piercing and body art courses. Review the course curriculum and lesson examples to understand the training offered.
CPD Accredited Course
Gain industry recognition with our CPD Accredited tattoo course. View the CPD Standards provider listing for Skinart Trading and its recognised training activities. Course recognition does not replace local permission to practise.
Become a Registered Tattoo Artist with the BAQA
Get recognized as a certified professional in the tattoo industry with our BAQA-approved training. We will automatically register you with the BAQA as an accredited tattoo artist.
Earn your certification and start your career with confidence.
How Can I Learn to Tattoo Online?
You can learn online by following our step-by-step course using silicone practice skins. These synthestic skins allow you to practice techniques safely while gaining hands-on experience from the comfort of your home.
Tattoo Equipment
(Optional Extra)
Start your career off with high qaulity equipment and supplies.
More InfoCHECK OUT THE WORK OF SOME OF OUR STUDENTS

















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.
TATTOO COURSE CURRICULUM
- Introduction to the Fundamentals of Tattooing
- Files and Folders Provided
- An Introduction to Tattoo Art
- Using Themes
- Different Art Styles
- 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, Black Work, Tribal and Mauri
- 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
It typically takes 2 weeks to get through everything if you put in an hour a day.
Certificates
Accredited Tattoo Certificate
Upon completion, you will receive a Tattoo Training Certificate, proving your expertise in professional tattooing.
Accredited BBP Certificate
You will also receive a Accredited Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Certificate, ensuring you are trained in hygiene, safety, and infection control for the industry.
Licensing Process Explained
In South Africa, the licensing process for tattooing, piercing, permanent makeup (PMU), microblading, and tattoo removal varies by local authority but generally involves several key steps. Practitioners must apply for a Special Treatments License from their local council, which requires proving their competence and adherence to strict hygiene standards. This often includes submitting detailed information about their premises and operational procedures, completing a health and safety course, and sometimes passing a specific examination. Additionally, for treatments like PMU and microblading, practitioners may need to show certificates from recognized training courses. The aim of these regulations is to ensure that all procedures are performed safely and to a high standard, protecting both practitioners and clients.
Testimonials
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH THE ONLINE TATTOO COURSE
Our online tattoo course is designed to be flexible, easy to start, and risk-free. You have two payment options:
- Select Your Payment Option: Choose between Pay As You Go or Full Course. After selection, click Add to Basket.
- Optional Equipment: After adding your course to the basket, you’ll have the choice to include our optional equipment kit. Note: Equipment is only needed from Part 4 of the Pay As You Go course. You may order it later or use your own.
- Proceed to Checkout: Complete the online checkout form. We recommend selecting Direct Deposit (EFT) as the payment method.
- No Immediate Payment Required: You will receive an automated PDF invoice with our company and banking information. No upfront payment is required to place your order.
- Deposit to Get Started: - If you selected Pay As You Go, just pay for Part 1 to get immediate access to your training. - If you selected the Full Course, you can pay a R5,000 deposit to unlock the first 40% of your online theory training.
- Continue Your Training: - Pay As You Go: Purchase additional parts as you progress. You can order the equipment later when you reach Part 4. - Full Course: Once the balance is paid, you’ll unlock access to the online practical training and receive your certificates upon completion.
We’ve made this process simple and safe. You only pay for what you need, when you need it, with no risk or hidden commitments.
In Person Training Option
Looking for extra hands on training?
We provide in-person training in the following areas:
- Hillcrest, KZN
- Boksburg, GP
- Pretoria West, GP
- Kuilsriver, WC
- + More Areas
In Person 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 ArticlesCourse access and lifetime support
You may take as long as you need to complete your course. Course access locks once the course is complete and the certificate has been issued. You receive lifetime support from the Skinart team.
Course refunds
You may request a course refund within 30 days of purchase. If you have done more than one lesson, you are not eligible for a refund under this policy. Logging in, accessing the course, or doing only one lesson does not by itself make you ineligible. This policy does not affect your applicable statutory rights.
Pay As You Go
Pay As You Go is flexible: pay for each next part only when you are ready. There is no obligation to purchase subsequent parts, and choosing Part 1 does not commit you to later payments. Part 1 is not the full course and does not by itself qualify you for the full-course certificate.
Equipment
Equipment is supplied only in South Africa and New Zealand. Check your selected offer: an equipment kit is not automatically included with every course.











Zev Lewis (verified owner) –
Understanding needle angles made my work so much smoother.
Magnus Malik (verified owner) –
Well worth the time and money.
Ali Vasquez (verified owner) –
Very detailed and professional.
Sanjay Al-Farsi (verified owner) –
Really enjoyed this!
Johann Andersen (verified owner) –
Gary is an incredible teacher!
Valentina Dimitriadis (verified owner) –
Dreams coming true!
Jin Sharma (verified owner) –
It covered everything I needed!
Sipho Rodriguez (verified owner) –
Lerato Zhang (verified owner) –
This will help me get more clients!
Zev Castillo (verified owner) –
I finally feel ready to work!
Min-Jae Kaplan (verified owner) –
This course made me rethink my entire tattooing approach.
Mika Moreau (verified owner) –
Jose Santos (verified owner) –
This gave me the push I needed to chase my dreams.
Layla Smith (verified owner) –
I see a HUGE improvement in my work already!
Tamar Volkov (verified owner) –
This training gave me the confidence to go pro.
Matteo De la Cruz (verified owner) –
This training helped me set up my tattoo business.
Hiroshi Two Rivers (verified owner) –
I went from hobbyist to professional tattoo artist.
Isabelle Runningwolf (verified owner) –
Gary is an amazing instructor.
Dimitris Singh (verified owner) –
Learning about machine tuning was super useful.
Eliyahu Ivanov (verified owner) –
I learned so much from Gary!
Fernando Darwish (verified owner) –
Now I actually understand tattoo needle groupings.
Takoda Petrov (verified owner) –
I can’t believe how much I learned.
Hadar Rosenberg (verified owner) –
Gary made everything so easy to understand.
Luningning Rossi (verified owner) –
My dream of becoming a tattoo artist is now a reality!
Levi Choi (verified owner) –
So proud to be a part of the Skinart family.
Benedicto Reyes (verified owner) –
I can finally call myself a professional tattoo artist.
Dakota Al-Farsi (verified owner) –
So easy to learn with Gary.
James Gomez (verified owner) –
Omar Friedman (verified owner) –
Best course ever!
Jose Ortega (verified owner) –
My tattooing skills improved massively!
Andres Castillo (verified owner) –
Levi Andersen (verified owner) –
Such a fun and rewarding experience!
Olivia Taylor (verified owner) –
Best instructor ever!
Maria Choi (verified owner) –
Fantastic course.
James De la Cruz (verified owner) –
This is only the beginning of my tattooing journey!
Freya Cohen (verified owner) –
Super helpful.
Hassan Tanaka (verified owner) –
Tamar Chen (verified owner) –
I feel like a real pro now!
Omar Torres (verified owner) –
Best decision ever!
Mika Castillo (verified owner) –
Learning proper ink depth changed everything!
Dakota Harris (verified owner) –
His passion for tattooing is inspiring!
Santiago Abramson (verified owner) –
So excited for what’s next after this training!
Anika Darwish (verified owner) –
Absolutely incredible!
Kofi Anderson (verified owner) –
So motivated after this!
Angelica Katsaros (verified owner) –
I now know how to talk to clients professionally.
Emma Whitefeather (verified owner) –
I finally mastered shading techniques!
Deepak Nikolaidis (verified owner) –
Exceeded my expectations.
Isabelle Nkosi (verified owner) –
Impressive!
Tariro Kobayashi (verified owner) –
Great mix of theory and practice!
Zev Tshabalala (verified owner) –
This gave me a head start in my career.