Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the questions I am most frequently asked by people enquiring about my training course, along with detailed answers. Answers to the more obvious questions such as, “What does the course involve?”, “Where are you based?” and “How much is the course?” can all be found on the main COURSE and BOOKING pages of the website – please be sure to have a good look at the info on there first.
Q: How can I become a tattooist?
A: I won’t lie to you; ideally, the best route is to gain an apprenticeship at an established studio, but unfortunately these opportunities are very few and far between. Sometimes such arrangements cost the apprentice large amounts of money or are, at very least, unpaid. Quite often such positions are only open to those who know the tattooist on a personal level. That’s where I come in. My course will give you an insight into the world of tattooing, its techniques and secrets, and provide you with all the knowledge you will need to begin your own journey to becoming a professional tattoo artist.
Q: Do I need to bring anything with me?
A: No. Everything you will need in order to complete the training is provided on the day at no extra cost. If you already own tattoo machines (guns) you may wish to bring those along so we can have a good look at them together and get them tuned to perfection. Oh, and bring some sandwiches or some dinner money as, sadly, I cannot provide lunch.
Q: Do I need a portfolio/any qualifications to take the course?
A: No. Although it is highly beneficial if you already have some skill in drawing, there are absolutely no pre-requisites for taking the course. I don’t care if your only GCSE is a D in cake decorating! The course is open to absolute beginners and budding amateurs alike. If, however, you have already put some work onto skin or have some drawings or designs of your own, why not bring them along? It is always helpful for me to have an idea of your current level of skill and experience – whatever it might be!
Q: Will I receive some sort of certificate/qualification when I complete the training?
A: I can provide a certificate of attendance, if you wish, but it is very important to note that there is no such thing as a qualification in tattooing. The “industry” is not structured or regulated (other than by local authority environmental health departments) and there is no formal, recognised training route as there is with other professions. Essentially, tattooing is a bunch of guys and gals who have learned to tattoo to a standard that people are willing to pay for. Some tattoo artists are completely self-taught, others have managed, by various means, to find some help along the way and there are now some that have emerged as a result of some kind of informal apprenticeship.
Above all, my course will give you a valuable, practical insight into the world of tattooing, its techniques and secrets, and will provide you with the knowledge and basic skills you’ll need in order to begin what is very much a personal journey. This is something that a mere piece of paper cannot give you.
Q: How much would it cost for a week/fortnight/month/year’s training?
A: I specialise in providing intensive one day courses that are carefully designed to give you a thorough introduction to the tattooing profession. The day can be tailored to your exacting needs but generally, all aspects of technique, machine tuning & maintenance, hygiene, stencil making, the law (and so on) are covered within the day. This service is priced at £150 and includes one month of phone/email mentoring as well as a copy of my unique printed tattooing guide. All tattooing on the day is conducted on synthetic practice skin.
For those wishing to extend their training to include work on living skin (trainees are welcome to bring a willing volunteer or use an area of their own body), I offer additional training at a cost of £100 per day, to suit your needs.
You should not expect to become a professional tattooist overnight; the process is a lengthy and highly personal one that will involve a great deal of dedication and practice on your part. My course is simply designed to give you the very best start as well as access to information, tips and secrets that would otherwise be inaccessible to most.
Q: Where are you based?
A: In case you missed it on the booking page, all courses are conducted at my health authority registered training studio in the heart of Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The full address is: 364 South Road, Sheffield, S6 3TF and you will find it within easy reach of the city centre, well linked by public transport.
