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 schools for tattoo artist aspirants in India that will shape you to be a skilled tattoo artist.
Why Choose A Tattoo School?
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 school is essential. A lot of people enroll in tattoo schools 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 school, it's essential to research their reputation, read reviews from previous students, and consider factors such as location, cost, and available resources. Visiting the school, 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 schools 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 school is like.
Accreditation and Certification
A professional tattoo artist school will most certainly have an accreditation or certification. It is an indication that tattoo schools have met specific quality and professionalism standards set by recognised organisations in the tattooing industry or related fields. These schools undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure they meet the required criteria for delivering high-quality education and training. Some schools 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 school 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 school's teaching methods, instructor quality, facilities, and overall satisfaction of students.
Visit the School Personally
If possible, visit the tattoo school in person. The staff should be very welcoming
and will be more than happy to show you around the school. 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 school'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 school 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 schools 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 school. 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 school, 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 school'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 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 schools but it’s advisable to keep your budget and location also in mind. Tuition fees should be reasonable and within your budget. However, some schools 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 schools that align with your goals, aspirations, and resources.
While it is possible to learn tattoo art through self-study or apprenticeships, choosing a tattoo school 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 is the safest and best option. It's important to thoroughly research and select a school with a solid reputation and curriculum that aligns with your goals and aspirations.