Apprentice Training
Program
If you love art and dream of becoming a tattoo artist, learn tattoo skills, and make it your career, come to join our tattoo course.
We are Modo Ink Tattoo, with new tattoo class semesters starting in 2025.
"Where Words Fail, Ink Speaks."
Class
Class Lecture
Student Outcome
BEGINNER COURSE
The class spans three months, with in-person lectures held every Tuesday at 12 PM. Each session is followed by a week of homework to be practiced either at home or in the studio. The course aims to cover all the fundamental tattooing skills within this three-month period. Practical sessions on real skin will commence in the third month.
We provide students with clear and constructive guidance to ensure they understand the processes, the reasoning behind specific tattooing techniques, and most critically, how to practice correctly to refine their skills continuously until mastery is achieved. Fundamental skills, including lining, shading, and coloring, are meticulously deconstructed into manageable segments.
Mornings are dedicated to theoretical instruction and demonstrations of proper practice methods. In the afternoons, our instructors supervises the students' practice sessions, offering personalized feedback to help them develop correct muscle memory and effective habits.
Instructors
Our instructors have over ten years of teaching experience to help you achieve your goals. Plus the social media and business marketing strategies will benefit your artist journey.
Work Gallery
Week 1.
-intro to tattoo styles
-copyright
-social media
HOMEWORK
Use procreate to make your own designs.
Week 2.
-machines (coil vs. rotary)
-needles
-3 types of machine
-Power- wire and wireless. Charge vs plug in
-set up table for practice
-stencil
-machine angle
HOMEWORK
Practice lines and fill in with liner
Week 3.
-cartridge needle vs. traditional/hand poke
-needle length
-RL RS needles
-speed of machine vs speed of hand
-intro to shading/ shading types
HOMEWORK
shading ball, square, triangle
Week 4
-Black and gray designs with shading
-Magnum- curved
-Flat needle
-Angle of shading
-Hand and machine speed
-2 types of stencil printers and how to use them
HOMEWORK
Shade and fill with magnum and practice original designs
Week 5
-Color design
-Color inks and skin color
-White
HOMEWORK
5 full color design less than 6 inches. No more than 2 main subjects
Week 6
-Homework critique
-More details about styles
-How to choose different machines or different styles
-How to choose different ink for different style
-color mixing
HOMEWORK
Mix one color to another, then one color to nothing. Different shapes
Week 7
-Skin anatomy/type (old, sun exposure, race. ect.)
-skin/ink allergy
-Bloodborn pathogens (learn more during test)
-Fade (white blood cells vs exposure vs aftercare) and blow out
-Going over the same area/ cutting the skin
-Locations of thick and thin skin
HOMEWORK
Get license online. Make final designs(3 drawings)
Week 8
-Finalize final drawing and fake skin project
Week 9
-Set up table for actual tattoo session
-Chemicals, materials, and brands
-aftercare
HOMEWORK
Fake skin portfolio
Week 10
-Stencil on people (twisting and stretching parts)
-Tattoo positions
HOMEWORK
Social media engagement
Week 11
-Social media
-photography
Week 12-End of class
Tattoo on person
What You Will Learn in Your Tattoo Apprenticeship
Everything you need to know, from start to finish to become a Professional Tattoo Artist :
Professional Safety - How To Prevent The Spread of Infectious Diseases
Work Station Sanitization
Knowledge Required to Pass Bloodborne Pathogen Test
Knowledge and Skills Required To Pass Local Licensing Requirements
Drawing Like A Tattoo Artist: Creating Designs That Can Become Beautiful Tattoos That Last A Lifetime
Color Theory
Professional Business Skills: Customer Service And Client Follow-Up
Professional Marketing Skills: How To Market Yourself As A Tattoo Artist & How To Command Top Dollar For Your Work
How To Build A Tattoo Portfolio - Both Physical & Digital
Current Trends In Tattooing
Machine Control
Machine Maintenance
How To Tattoo: Create Impeccable Line Work & Shading On Tattoos That Heal Perfectly
Tattoo Composition And Image Composition Strategies
How To Use Modern Technology To Create & Implement Tattoos
Tattoo Meanings And The History Of Tattooing
In our tattoo apprenticeship program, you’ll master all the essential skills, including lining, shading, color work, and fill-ins. You’ll gain practical experience by working on real skin under the guidance of experienced instructors. Additionally, you’ll learn vital social media strategies and branding techniques to attract clients and build a successful career as a tattoo artist. Join us at Modo Ink Tattoo in Los Angeles and start your journey to becoming a professional tattoo artist.