How To Find The Best Tattoo Institute in India

Day by day, the stigma around tattoos is becoming lesser. Tattoos have been a part of Indian culture for ages and lately, there has been a normalisation towards body ink. The tattoo industry in India is already booming; it is estimated to be over Rs. 20,000 crore. Because of this rising demand for tattoos, a lot of people are seeing opportunities and growth in the tattoo industry and are quitting jobs they dislike to learn tattoo art.

If this sounds like you, you might be wondering where’s the best place to learn tattoo art. There are a lot of tattoo courses in India and around the world, but, how legit are they? Pursuing a career as a tattoo artist can be incredibly fulfilling for individuals with a strong passion for art and design. The path to becoming a tattoo artist can vary based on personal preferences, talents, skills, financial capabilities, and available opportunities. While there are multiple avenues to enter this profession, there are certain fundamental steps that aspiring tattoo artists typically follow. Here’s a comprehensive guide to choose the best amongst the top tattoo institutes or schools for tattoo artist aspirants in India that will shape you to be a skilled tattoo artist.

Why Choose A Tattoo Institute?

Many people are under the impression that tattoo training just requires you to pick up a tattoo gun and start practicing on real skin, but there is so much more that artists need to learn beforehand. Tattoo academics are seeing a huge increase since many people are opting to become a tattoo artist and schools for tattoo artists are growing in numbers. A tattoo is a permanent mark on someone’s skin after all, there cannot be any room for mistakes. Which is why, proper training from a reputable institute is essential. A lot of people enroll in tattoo institutes with little to no knowledge about tattoos and finish their course with ample knowledge and skills that help them establish their careers in the tattoo industry. When selecting a tattoo institute, it's essential to research their reputation, read reviews from previous students, and consider factors such as location, cost, and available resources. Visiting the institute, if possible, can give you a better sense of the facilities and the overall learning environment.

Research

The best way to start is by doing your research online. It is advisable to look for tattoo institutes in your desired location or enroll for online courses if they’re available. Take your time to explore their websites, read about the courses they offer, their curriculum and the instructors who teach there. Look for their mission and values, their overall reputation and browse all their social media accounts so you can have an idea of what their institute is like.

Accreditation and Certification

A professional tattoo artist school or institute will most certainly have an accreditation or certification. It is an indication that tattoo institutes have met specific quality and professionalism standards set by recognised organisations in the tattooing industry or related fields. These institutes undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure they meet the required criteria for delivering high-quality education and training. Some institutes have affiliations with brands that manufacture tattoo equipment and are also government recognised.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Browse through reviews and testimonials from previous students of the institute not just on their website, but on their social media pages as well. Check online platforms, forums, or social media groups where students or professionals discuss their experiences. Honest feedback from others can provide insights into the institute's teaching methods, instructor quality, facilities, and overall satisfaction of students.

Visit the Institute Personally

If possible, visit the tattoo institute in person. The staff should be very welcoming

and will be more than happy to show you around the institute. Take a tour of the facilities, classrooms, and studios. Observe the environment, cleanliness, and the availability of necessary equipment and supplies. Talking to current students or instructors during your visit can also give you a better understanding of the institute's culture and learning environment.

Review the Curriculum

Tattoo certification courses in India should have all the aspects of tattooing covered. The curriculum offered by the institute should be a well-rounded program that touches both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It must offer structured and comprehensive training programs specifically designed for aspiring tattoo artists. Tattoo institutes often have a well-structured curriculum that covers various aspects of tattooing; including design fundamentals, colour theory and shading techniques. But, It shouldn’t just include different tattooing techniques and styles but must also have very important topics like hygiene practices, safety protocols and business aspects of tattooing. These programs should cover essential knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in tattooing. A good curriculum will give you a solid foundation to set up your career in tattooing even if you don’t know anything about tattoos prior to enrolling.

Instructor Experience and Reputation

Examine the credentials and expertise of the instructors in the tattoo institute. Verify whether they have reputable backgrounds as tattoo artists or professionals in the industry. Instructors who have extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge can offer invaluable perspectives and assistance during your training. Tattoo artist training should consist of proper techniques, equipment handling, safety protocols, and the industry’s best practices. They can also become your lifelong mentors if you build a good relationship with them after enrolling.

Connections & Alumni

At a reputable tattoo institute, there are bound to be tons of success stories of its alumni. Find out if they have gone on to establish successful careers in the tattooing industry. Furthermore, take into account the tattoo institute's affiliations with esteemed studios, collaborations with guest artists, or networking prospects within the industry. These connections have the potential to offer you further support and future opportunities. Enrolling in a school or institute will also help you connect with other aspiring tattoo artists so you can build a good support system.

Cost and Convenience

Reputation is of utmost importance when looking at good institutes but it’s advisable to keep your budget and location also in mind. Tuition fees should be reasonable and within your budget. However, some institutes might offer flexible payment plans to ease your financial pressure. Assess the practicality of the location, as you may need to travel or relocate for your training.

By following these steps and considering the factors mentioned above, you can make an informed decision and choose reputable tattoo artist schools or institutes that align with your goals, aspirations, and resources.

While it is possible to learn tattoo art through self-study or apprenticeships, choosing a tattoo institute offers a structured and guided learning experience that can accelerate your progress, provide a strong foundation, and help you enter the industry with confidence. Most tattoo apprenticeships in India are unethical because the senior tattoo artists exploit them and they are slowly declining, hence choosing a tattoo school or institute is the safest and best option. It's important to thoroughly research and select an institute with a solid reputation and curriculum that aligns with your goals and aspirations.