Free Course Image How To Tattoo

Free online course How To Tattoo

Duration of the online course: 32 hours and 48 minutes

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Build real tattoo skills fast with this free online course: cleaner lines, smoother shading, better color packing, plus practical setup tips for beginners.

In this free course, learn about

  • Beginner tattoo workflow: lining, shading, color packing, and real-time technique overview
  • Stencil application essentials: prep, drying time, and stencil stuff vs speed stick pros
  • Handmade stencil creation methods, including the second by-hand approach
  • Color saturation techniques and fundamentals of mixing tattoo inks
  • Finding correct needle depth; why ink must be deposited in the dermis for longevity
  • Lining improvement drills and tools to boost line accuracy (e.g., rulers/line guides)
  • Tube riding vs floating needles and when each helps detail and control
  • Needle types and uses: mag shading, round liners vs round shaders, bugpin needle traits
  • Safe setup and prep: equipment checklist, machine wrapping, and clip cord sleeve purpose
  • Hygiene/efficiency tricks: using A&D ointment on sticks for ink cap handling
  • Practice surfaces: comparing fruits and identifying the best fruit for tattoo practice
  • Consultations: how they work and why they matter for design, expectations, and planning
  • Career path basics: value of the right apprenticeship and when to start tattooing clients
  • Techniques for dimensional effects (e.g., sunflower center) and clean, consistent line control

About the free online course

Learning to tattoo well takes more than talent. It takes repetition, control, and a clear understanding of what your tools are doing on the skin. This free online course is designed to help you move from curious beginner to confident practitioner by focusing on the fundamentals that make tattoos look clean, healed, and professional. You will work through the core techniques behind lining, shading, and color packing, while also developing the habits that reduce mistakes and improve consistency session after session.

You will explore how to set yourself up for better results before the needle even touches the skin, including preparation choices that influence stencil clarity, workflow, and precision. The course emphasizes the kind of small adjustments that create big improvements: how to approach needle depth, how to control hand speed and machine movement, and how to aim for smooth saturation without overworking the area. Along the way, you will learn practical ways to build muscle memory with daily practice, and why simple tools and exercises can dramatically tighten your line work.

Instead of guessing at what is happening beneath the surface, you will develop a clearer understanding of skin layers and why proper ink placement matters for longevity, sharpness, and overall finish. You will also see how artists think through needle selection for different tasks, helping you make smarter decisions when switching between lining, shading, and detail work. Guidance on ink handling and mixing supports more predictable color outcomes, while technique-focused demonstrations help you recognize what clean application looks like in real time.

Beyond the technical side, the course introduces the professional mindset around tattooing, including why consultations matter, how to prepare for working with real clients, and how to think about learning pathways like apprenticeships. If you want a structured way to practice, refine your fundamentals, and understand the reasons behind common tattoo methods, this course gives you a grounded starting point you can build on.

Course content

  • Video class: Tattooing for Beginners: How to Line, Shade and More! 10m
  • Exercise: In the initial stages of tattooing, why is it important to give the stencil enough time to dry on the skin?
  • Video class: Tattooing for Beginners: How to Tattoo Color and More! Part 2 12m
  • Exercise: What is an important technique for ensuring color saturation while tattooing?
  • Video class: How I Mix Tattoo Ink 13m
  • Exercise: What is the primary benefit of using A&D ointment on sticks for ink caps?
  • Video class: How to Tattoo: Find the Correct Needle Depth for You 12m
  • Exercise: When performing a tattoo, why is it important to deposit the ink into the dermis layer of the skin?
  • Video class: Tattooing all the Fruit: What's the Best Fruit to Practice On? 23m
  • Exercise: Which fruit was found to be the best for practicing tattooing in the video?
  • Video class: Tattoo Preparation.? Everything you need to tattoo 12m
  • Exercise: What type of power supply eliminates the need for a foot pedal?
  • Video class: Tattoo Apprenticeship: Are They Worth It? 27m
  • Exercise: Why is it important to seek the right tattoo apprenticeship?
  • Video class: How to Tattoo: Improve Your Line Work. Just 5 Min a Day. 06m
  • Exercise: What tool helps improve line work accuracy in tattooing practice?
  • Video class: How to Tattoo: Riding the Tube and Floating the Needles 06m
  • Exercise: Which technique helps achieve better detail in tattooing?
  • Video class: How to make a tattoo stencil anywhere : 2 ways. 04m
  • Exercise: What is the second method discussed for creating a tattoo stencil by hand?
  • Video class: 7 TIPS ? FOR NEW TATTOO ARTIST 05m
  • Exercise: Which tip is emphasized for beginner tattoo artists regarding practice?
  • Video class: How to apply a stencil: Stencil stuff Vs Speed Stick. 09m
  • Exercise: What is the main advantage of using stencil stuff over a speed stick for applying stencils?
  • Video class: How to tattoo: Wrapping Cheyenne pen / Pen style tattoo machine 03m
  • Exercise: What is the purpose of using a clip cord sleeve when wrapping a pen-style tattoo machine?
  • Video class: How Do Tattoo Consultations Work? Why Are They So Important? 10m
  • Exercise: Why is a tattoo consultation important?
  • Video class: Tattoo time lapse ! with a few tips for beginners. 03m
  • Video class: Tattoo time lapse !! Colorful Sunflower. 04m
  • Exercise: When tattooing a sunflower, what is a common technique to create a three-dimensional effect in the center of the flower?
  • Video class: When to Start Tattooing Clients and Making Money 15m
  • Exercise: What is the recommended first step before tattooing others?
  • Video class: How to SHADE with a MAG NEEDLE 18m
  • Exercise: What is a distinguishing feature of bug pin needles in tattooing?
  • Video class: How to Tattoo: Round Liners vs Round Shaders 12m
  • Exercise: What is one main difference between a round liner and a round shader needle when used in tattooing?
  • Video class: Tattooing for Beginners: Tattooing Close Up in Real Time: Lining, Shading, Color Packing and More 18m
  • Exercise: Which aspect is crucial for achieving a clean and consistent tattoo line?
  • Video class: How to Make Black and Gray Wash for Tattooing: Black Ink and Distilled Water = Gray Wash 08m
  • Video class: How to Use a Thermal Printer to Make Tattoo Stencils 10m
  • Exercise: What is one potential issue mentioned when using a thermal fax machine to create stencils?
  • Video class: How to Apply Perfect Tattoo Stencil Every Time 11m
  • Video class: How to Tattoo Fake Skin for Beginners 14m
  • Video class: Am I a Scratcher? Plus New Tattoo Shop! 11m
  • Exercise: What is a crucial factor for someone aiming to open their own tattoo shop according to the text?
  • Video class: How to wrap your CNC Q2 or any pen style tattoo machine 05m
  • Video class: How to Tattoo: Color Packing for Beginners with Round Shader and Mag 10m
  • Video class: How to Shade Fake Tattoo Skin for Beginners 14m
  • Exercise: What is a challenge when tattooing on fake skin compared to real skin?
  • Video class: How to Set Up and Tear Down Your Tattoo Station 13m
  • Video class: How to Tattoo Fake Skin Part 2: Start to Finish! 21m
  • Video class: Send Me Your Skin! Fake Tattoo Skin That Is! 02m
  • Exercise: What interactive activity is the host planning to start on the channel?
  • Video class: Easy Way to Mix Your Tattoo Ink Caps: Quick Tips 04m
  • Video class: How to Clean Your Tattoo Needles Between Colors 03m
  • Video class: How to Make Tattoo Stencil with Procreate 14m
  • Exercise: What is an advantage of using the Procreate app to create tattoo stencils?
  • Video class: Switching Needles During a Tattoo 02m
  • Video class: How to Place a Stencil on the Knee 08m
  • Video class: Your Tattooed Fake Skin Is Here! Your Skin Ep1 06m
  • Exercise: What is a key benefit of practicing tattooing on fake skin for beginners?
  • Video class: How to Mix Green Soap for Tattooing 02m
  • Video class: ?YOUR TATTOOED FAKE SKIN IS HERE!!!! ? (( YOUR SKIN Ep 2 ))? 11m
  • Video class: ?YOUR TATTOOED FAKE SKIN IS HERE part 3 ? (( YOUR SKIN Ep 3 ))? 17m
  • Exercise: What is a key benefit of using thicker fake skin for tattoo practice?
  • Video class: How to Tattoo: Soft Shading with a Mag Needle in Real Time 15m
  • Video class: How to Lightly Shade with Mag Needles 13m
  • Video class: Tattooing Yourself: Tips and Tricks for Tattooing 26m
  • Exercise: What is the main challenge mentioned when tattooing one's own leg for an extended period?
  • Video class: Real Time Tattooing, Up Close: Motorcycle and Cross 11m
  • Video class: Intro to How to Tattoo Realism 15m
  • Video class: CNC Q2 Short Pen Review: New Tattoo Machine and Why I Bought It 15m
  • Exercise: What is a key factor to consider when purchasing a new tattoo machine as a beginner?
  • Video class: Wireless tattoo power supply Review (from Amazon) 2020 08m
  • Video class: Tattooing the Mad Hatter (Real Time) While Telling You Everything I'm Doing 26m
  • Video class: How to Pack Color with a Mag Needle for Beginners 13m
  • Exercise: What is a crucial factor to consider when packing color into a tattoo to ensure good saturation?
  • Video class: How to Blend Colors with a Mag Needle for Beginners 10m
  • Video class: How to Color Pack Fake Skin with a Mag for Beginners 13m
  • Video class: How to Make a Large Stencil for Tattooing 08m
  • Exercise: What should you do if the stencil is not completely accurate after printing due to white spaces?
  • Video class: Process of Tattooing an Indian and a Wolf (Close Up, with Real Time) 19m
  • Video class: Tattoo Stencil App: How to Turn Any Image into a Stencil 09m
  • Video class: Tattooing Lines: Having Problems Tattooing Lines (on Fake Skin) 14m
  • Exercise: What can help reduce vibrations when tattooing fake skin?
  • Video class: ?Making a Tattoo Stencil with procreate? The process I go through making tattoo stencil for client. 12m
  • Video class: Tattooing for Beginners: Stipple Shading Technique Explained (on Real Skin and Fake Skin) 13m
  • Video class: The Tattoo Aftercare Process: How to Heal Tattoo 05m
  • Exercise: What is a recommended practice on the first day after getting a tattoo?
  • Video class: ? 1 YEAR on YouTube.... What HAPPENED, how did we get here? 08m
  • Video class: Mag Shading for Beginners: Having Problems Shading? How To: Whip Shade, Pepper Shading, and More 21m
  • Video class: Tattooing for Beginners: How to SHADE with a 3 Round Liner 11m
  • Exercise: What is one key reason the three round liner is often used for shading in tattoos?
  • Video class: ?TATTOOING HANDS ? UP CLOSE (Lining, Filling, Dot work.) 11m
  • Video class: Tattooing All the Fake Skin: What's the Best Fake Skin to Practice On? Reel Skin, Pound of Flesh 29m
  • Video class: The CNC Q2: After One Year of Constant Use. Is This Tattoo Machine Still Worth Buying? 12m
  • Exercise: What is one significant advantage mentioned about the CNC Q2 tattoo machine?
  • Video class: ? BISHOP WAND SHADER tattoo machine review? UNBOXING, TATTOOING, and more. (what are my thoughts)? 15m
  • Video class: Tattooing Lines (In Real Skin) Having Problems Tattooing Lines? Watch This 12m
  • Video class: Tattoo Blowouts: Everything You Need to Know. Let's Blowout Some Lines on My Legs for Science 15m
  • Exercise: What is a tattoo blowout?
  • Video class: How to Blend Colors with a Mag Needle (Part 2) Putting the Color Where It Goes 08m
  • Video class: Tattoo Hand Shading: Whip Shading, Reverse Whip Shading, Filling and More 08m
  • Video class: Everything You Need to Tattoo in 2021: My Suggestions on Basic Things Needed to Get Started 12m
  • Exercise: What type of gloves are recommended for tattooing for most people due to their effectiveness against bodily fluids?
  • Video class: ?Testing ALL Tattoo STENCIL SOLUTIONS: What's the best to use? Testing 10 different products 20m
  • Video class: BISHOP WAND PACKER Tattoo Machine UNBOXING, LINING, COLOR PACKING and MORE 14m
  • Video class: Lining with 14 Round Shader. Bold Lines Made Easy. Why I Like to Line with Round Shaders. 09m
  • Exercise: Which factor is important to consider when using a 14 round shader needle for lining?
  • Video class: Tattoo Needles Explained: Choose the Correct Needle for Lining, Shading, Color Packing and More 24m
  • Video class: How to Tattoo, Lining with 9 Round Liner: Real Time Tattooing, Tips, Tricks, and Much More 08m
  • Video class: How to Tattoo: Color Packing with 15 Mag - Real Time Tattooing, Tips, Tricks and Much More 11m
  • Exercise: What is a helpful technique for achieving a smooth color blend when packing ink into the skin during tattooing?
  • Video class: Printing Stencils with the Click of a Button by Tat2skin: This is Too Cool, but is it Right for You? 11m
  • Video class: Tattoo Course Info: Why Make a Course, What's It All About, and When Will It Be Here? 10m
  • Video class: Shading a RAM SKULL: Drop Setup, Shading, Texturing, White Shading and More. 22m
  • Exercise: What is the primary reason the artist decides to use distilled water in combination with the tattoo ink?
  • Video class: Tattooing Fruit: What is the Best Fruit to Shade? Best Fruit to Practice Tattooing? 14m
  • Video class: Fake Skin vs Fruit: What's the Best for Tattooing? 13m
  • Video class: Send Me Your Work via Email: Tattoo Critique New Series Coming 01m
  • Exercise: What series is being introduced in the text for helping with tattoo improvement?
  • Video class: ?BIGGEST PROBLEM TATTOOING BLACK 06m
  • Video class: So You Want to Tattoo Portraits? Here Is My Process of Learning to Tattoo Portraits 05m
  • Video class: ?CNC P6: Adjustable Stroke Tattoo Machine? Is it a GIMMICK what's the deal? 04m
  • Exercise: What is one important feature of the tattoo machine discussed in the text?
  • Video class: Bronc V1 Wireless Tattoo Pen Machine Unboxing and Testing. Is it the one for YOU? 05m
  • Video class: ?Having TROUBLE With Your GREY WASH ? TRY THIS ?White Wash ink VS Standard Grey Wash ink? YES or NO? 04m
  • Video class: Want Cleaner Lines? Techniques for Long, Short 09m
  • Exercise: What is one of the main challenges when learning to tattoo, especially in the beginning, according to the text?
  • Video class: iPad Apple Pencil Procreate: Make Tattoo Stencils Easy While on a Budget 06m
  • Video class: ?I SEE THIS PROBLEM A LOT? TATTOOING UP TO THE LINE WITHOUT GOING OVER. 03m
  • Video class: How to Pack Color with a Round Shader for Beginners and Beyond 05m
  • Exercise: What is an important technique mentioned when packing color with a round shader in tattooing?
  • Video class: CNC CW2 Wireless Tattoo Machine Review and Giveaway 08m
  • Video class: Bronc V2 Wireless Tattoo Pen Machine Unboxing, First Impressions and Giveaway 08m
  • Video class: Tattoo Shading: Soft Shading Explained (In Detail) 22m
  • Exercise: What is one benefit of using a larger curved mag needle for soft shading in tattooing?
  • Video class: Roasting My Old Tattoos: What Was I Thinking? 11m
  • Video class: Best Fake Skin Ever - You Need to Try This: True Skin vs Everything Else - Tattooing Fake Skin 09m
  • Video class: Lining with Grey Wash: All Shades / Fresh vs Healed 05m
  • Exercise: What is the purpose of using a gray line in tattooing?
  • Video class: Tattoo Memes That Will Have You Saying Don't Be This Guy Ep#1 09m
  • Video class: Tattooing Yourself: One-Handed Tattooing, with Tips and Tricks 08m
  • Video class: Dynamic Black vs. Dynamic Triple Black: Head to Head. Is There a Difference and If So, How Much? 03m
  • Exercise: What is the main reason the speaker suggests trying out tattoo inks like dynamic triple black vs. standard black?
  • Video class: BATMAN TATTOO Lining, Color Packing and MORE Enjoy the Process 17m
  • Video class: How to Tattoo Watercolor: Tips and Tricks to Tattooing Watercolor and More 13m
  • Video class: BRONC R1 Wireless Power Supply After 1 Month Is It Worth Getting or Not? 07m
  • Exercise: What is a key feature of the Bronc wireless power supply mentioned that protects the machine and power supply?
  • Video class: Emalla Eliot Tattoo Cartridges The BEST Needles Unboxing, Review and Tattooing 07m
  • Video class: ?TATOO TIME LAPSE / Dice, Money, Casino, Gangster Tattoo 18m
  • Video class: My Tattoo Process: Needles, Grey Washes, and White Highlights 10m
  • Exercise: In the process of preparing for a tattoo, which of the following steps is essential?
  • Video class: ?My TATTOO process? Start to Finish? NEMO, DORI, and SQUIRT... Lets GOO 18m
  • Video class: Lion Tattoo (on the Ribs) Tattoo Timelapse 04m
  • Video class: Real Time Tattoo! Lion on the Ribs - Full Tattoo Process. I Explain What I'm Doing as We Go 1h53m
  • Exercise: What is the main reason for choosing different needle sizes during a tattoo session?
  • Video class: ?WOLF TATTOO: BLACK AND GREY ?ON THE CALF - Time Lapses 06m
  • Video class: ?REAL TIME TATTOO! Wolf on Calf ? Full tattoo process: Tattooing Fur and More? 2h35m
  • Video class: The Tattoo Shop is Closing for Good 14m
  • Exercise: What was the main reason the tattoo artist decided to move from their current location?
  • Video class: Tattooing with a Pen: A Game Changer for New Tattoo Artists 13m
  • Video class: OMG.........2nd attempt to go live and chat all things tattoo 1h14m
  • Video class: MAST PRO Tattoo Cartridges BEST or WORST Needles? Unboxing, Review and Tattooing. 09m
  • Exercise: Which needle configuration is suggested in the text as a favorite for multiple uses, including lining and shading?
  • Video class: TATTOOING in 2023, live discussion: What you REALLY need and what you might need later 3h16m
  • Video class: ?Mags, Round Liners, Round Shaders..? What size Needles and what type should you use? 2h01m
  • Video class: ?Find Your Perfect Tattoo Light: LUME CUBE Ring Light Pro vs. Flex Light Pro 18m
  • Exercise: What is the main advantage of using the Flex Light Pro for tattoo artists compared to other lighting options?

This free course includes:

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32 hours and 48 minutes of online video course

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Digital certificate of course completion (Free)

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Exercises to train your knowledge

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100% free, from content to certificate

Why must a tattoo stencil dry completely before tattooing?

A fully dried stencil is less likely to smear or wipe away, keeping the design guide clear during the procedure.

Why does tattoo ink need to be placed in the dermis layer?

Ink in the dermis remains stable and visible; ink placed too shallowly can fade, while ink placed too deep may spread.

What is the difference between round liner and round shader tattoo needles?

Round liners use tightly grouped needles for crisp outlines, while round shaders have a looser grouping for softer shading and color work.

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Course comments: How To Tattoo

Students overwhelmingly loved the free course, describing it as informative with excellent, knowledgeable teaching. They also praised the rankings and requested more classes for tattoo artists.

CC

Crystal Castrellon

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loved it need more tattoo artist classes

CC

Crystal Castrellon

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I love it

V

VSB

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really good

KC

Kalyan C E

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nice teaching

RP

Richard Pucci

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hello this course was very informative and person that teach the course is very knowledgeable and definitely remember his teachings

NE

Niko Edwards

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All I can say oks that your rankings are phenomenal

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