Apprentice Tattoo Artist Curriculum
| PREREQUISITES |
| CPR/First Aid certificate |
| Blood Borne Pathogen Certificate |
| Principles of Infection Control Certificates |
| Hep B shots and/or a serological test (titer test) |
| Resume |
| Biography |
| Personal Statement “Why do you want to tattoo” (1pg) “Why did you choose Evolved” (1pg) |
| Read “Modern Primitives” and write a response to each article |
| Read APP manual and write general response |
| Watch “Stoney Knows How” and “Color Outside the Lines” then write a response to each |
| Research and write about 10 favorite tattooers |
| Present a portfolio consisting of your own drawings, artwork, sketches, or any other materials to support your artists journeys |
| Have a good understanding of Photoshop/Procreate for editing/resizing/graphic element addition (name in photo or “in progress”) and resolution. |
| Take and pass the following tests: FOH, Jewelry, Tattoo, Piercing, Booking |
| STAGE 1 (SAFETY/HYGIENE) |
| How and when to wash hands |
| How and when to use hand sanitizer |
| Keep fingernails short and clean |
| How to protect cuts, hangnails, and non-intact skin |
| What is non-intact skin and how to cover it |
| Keep hair pulled back |
| How and when to use hand lotion |
| What is a biohazard |
| Designate biohazard areas |
| What is cross contamination |
| What are universal precautions and standard precautions |
| Explain Hepatitis, HIV, MRSA, and other risks to you (also physical/mental/emotional/energetic) |
| How to don and remove gloves |
| One-handed technique |
| How to open a clean field |
| Read and initial exposure control plan and needle stick procedure |
| Integrator vs. indicator |
| Spore tests – when, why, with who, and what to do if the test fails |
| Spectrum |
| Observe and make notes regarding how all of the policies and procedures are followed and which ones need improved |
| STAGE 1 (CLEANING) |
| Mopping |
| Dusting |
| Cleaning bathrooms (small-summit) (big-summit) (campus) |
| Counter tops |
| Changing garbage bags |
| Restocking – cups, water, paper towels, toilet paper, tampons, poo purri, etc. |
| Learn how to maintain the Hepa Filter, HVAC filter, and Distiller |
| Learn to watch for cross contamination in the lobby and how to handle it |
| Learn what a disinfectant is and how/when to use it |
| Learn to prep and restock a tattoo station (coil) (rotary) |
| STAGE 1 (CUSTOMER SERVICE) |
| Greeting customers – to relax and address fears |
| Answering telephone and chat box – FAQs |
| Learn register – receipts, ring in, and void out |
| Credit card machine |
| Learn to explain aftercare |
| Read, know, and be able to explain all customer release forms |
| Learn how to address all tattoo-related customer issues – test, white tattoos, hand/foot tattoos, size/detail/aging, sunlight, body design/location/size/fitting, etc. Know when it’s appropriate for you to answer these questions and when it’s time to refer the client to an experienced tattooer |
| Learn to give shop tours |
| STAGE 1 (WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION/READINGS) |
| Start a personal file for the shop |
| Read and initial all state required literature, safety procedures, laws, manuals, policies, procedures, and equipment manuals |
| Read labels and record observation of MSDSs for everything in the shop |
| Record homework assignments |
| Start a journal to record notes, observations, and questions |
| Start promoting the shop – web, submissions, fliers, radio, business cards, social media, etc. |
| Begin side readings and responses to research on history of tattooing, tattoo publications and tattoo websites: Machine Gun Magazine, Tattoo Artist Magazine, etc. |
| STAGE 1 (DRAWING) |
| Start at tattoo specific sketchbook and draw/sketch as much as possible. |
| Practice lettering – tracing and custom |
| Decide what medium and canvas you are going to use for your set of flash |
| Lay out a 5 page set of flash in pencil using ideas from your sketchbook (11″ x 14″) |
| Line and shade each page of flash with a permanent medium |
| Add color and complete set of flash |
| Meet with another tattooer at least once a week to show and discuss your work |
| STAGE 2 (SAFETY/HYGIENE) |
| Learn the history and contemporary context of the pros/cons of disposable tubes and steel (reused) tubes. Include the many options of steel-tipped disposables/disposable tip only, etc. and their perceived benefits. One piece tubes vs. multiple piece tubes |
| Explain the anatomy of skin and how it relates to tattooing |
| Read, understand, and possibly update our fainting procedure |
| Get familiarized with the biohazard work areas |
| Learn how to use/clean autoclave/Omni Flush |
| Learn how to use/maintain the Statim and its cassettes |
| Write out step by step procedure on how to change a sharps container. Begin changing sharps containers under observation |
| Know about the biohazard pick up/drop-off |
| Learn the use of the Autoclave and keeping logs |
| Learn to flush and maintain autoclave |
| Aprons, sleeves, masks, and goggles |
| Start to learn cleaning and disinfecting |
| Know the use of all chemicals |
| Know how to detail the tattoo stations |
| Know how to complete the tattooer daily checklist |
| Spectrum |
| STAGE 2 (OBSERVATIONS, SET-UPS, BREAK-DOWNS, AND STENCILS) |
| Watch and observe basic tattoos. Keep notes and ask questions after the client leaves |
| Learn to explain and show everything you do during set-up (coil) (rotary) and break-down. Write out a detailed description. |
| Write out step by step procedure on how to prepare and apply stencils to the body. Begin performing the procedure under observation. |
| Write out step by step procedure on how to set-up and break-down for a tattoo. Begin performing set-ups and breakdowns under observation. |
| STAGE 2 (WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION/READINGS) |
| Rewrite/update all procedures |
| Make sure that the new colleagues/guest artists are following procedures |
| Make a list of notes/questions on any difficulties with these processes |
| Research and visit the Ohio Tattoo Museum |
| STAGE 2 (TATTOO SUPPLIES AND PROMOTION) |
| Learn products/companies, keep log of who uses what and why |
| Learn to place orders |
| Obtain all equipment and supplies you will need (fake skin, machines, power unit, needles, tubes, inks, clipcord, footswitch, etc.) |
| What is a thermofax, how does it work, what options are on the market today? |
| Create self promotion materials (business cards, fliers, social media accounts, etc.) |
| STAGE 2 (DRAWING) |
| Design a new set of flash with simple, small, black designs for your clients to choose from |
| On fake skin, tattoo the lettering you practiced in Stage 1 and your “simple flash” |
| Meet with another tattooer at least once a week to show and discuss your work |
| Have an advanced understanding by now of Photoshop/Procreate for editing/resizing/graphic element addition (name in photo or “in progress”) and resolution. Learn the advantages of using these to design certain aspects of tattoos. (curving letters, creating an outline, etc.) |
| STAGE 3 (SAFETY/HYGIENE) |
| Make sure that the new colleagues/guest artists are following procedures |
| STAGE 3 (BASIC TATTOOING) |
| Log many, many hours of tattooing on fake skin FIRST!! |
| Perform small tattoos on friends under observation. Always check with another tattooer before scheduling or doing a tattoo |
| Get a photo of every tattoo, and a healed photo whenever possible (learn to use camera: lighting, healed pieces vs. fresh, online vs. print) |
| Meet with a tattooer and discuss each tattoo you do: -Differences between a fresh and healed tattoo -Learn about the various problems that can occur with tattoos, such as, blowouts, color not holding/patchy color, scarring, overworking, etc.) -Needle depth -Tattooing on different areas of the body and the difficulty of each area -Tattooing on different types and tones of skin -Stretching skin -Touch-ups and ways to avoid touch-ups in future tattoos |
| Keep notes on tattoos – thoughts/results/observations/problems |
| Make contact with other professional tattooers |
| Trade information on techniques, aftercare ideas |
| Start a hard and digital portfolio |
| STAGE 3 (TATTOO MACHINES, TUBES, AND NEEDLES) |
| Study machines and machine parts. Know and be able to explain how a tattoo machine works and the necessity of each of the various parts. |
| Study and know the various parts involved in the operation of a machine, and their effect on the machine: tubes, needles, pigments, power supplies, clip cords, RCA jacks, foot switches, clip cord sleeves, machine bags, etc. |
| Learn how, and show, that you can assemble and disassemble different tattoo machines |
| Learn the basic methods of proper machine maintenance, including tuning, spring type/tension, throw, alignment, cleaning, etc. |
| Learn the possible differences between liners and shaders, different frame materials, coils, etc. |
| Learn the differences between Rotary machines, Traditional machines, etc. |
| Know and be able to explain the differences between a properly made and functioning machine and a poor one |
| Learn the effects different tubes have on the performance of machines (steel vs. plastic) |
| Learn needle composition: type (standard, bugpin), taper (long, short), material (stainless steel, textured), groupings (tight, loose, mag, curved mag, etc.) |
| Understand and be able to explain needle position and depth in relation to skin for lining, fill, shading etc. |
| STAGE 3 (BEDSIDE MANNERS) |
| Learn ways to keep the client relaxed and comfortable |
| Be able to answer any and all questions regarding set-up, break down, and the procedure itself |
| What to do if a client is feeling faint or nauseous |
| Learn the best position for the client depending on the area being tattooed |
| Learn how to explain aftercare, and problem-solve any issues which may arise with a healing tattoo |
| STAGE 3 (DRAWING) |
| On fake skin, tattoo the designs from your first set of flash (with color) and other challenging designs |
| Complete a fully finished and rendered study for every tattoo you do, including a line drawing |
| Continue meeting with a tattooer at least once a week. Review your drawings/ideas for upcoming tattoos, notes on previous tattoos, and your portfolio of previous tattoos |
| STAGE 4 (SAFETY/HYGIENE) |
| Make sure that any new colleagues and guest artists are following policies and procedures |
| STAGE 4 (INTERMEDIATE TATTOOING) |
| Perform unobserved, half-price tattoos on friends |
| Continue meeting with a tattooer and discussing each tattoo |
| Continue discussing basic tattooing subjects |
| Discuss intermediate level tattooing subjects: -Pricing tattoos (hourly and per piece) -Time it takes to complete a tattoo (single session, multiple session) -When is the right time to take on larger work -How to treat clients with respect and gain their respect -Custom tattoos vs. Walk-ins -Time management, scheduling appointments, having drawing ready, being prepared, deposits, etc. |
| Continue recording own tattoos – thoughts/results/observations/problems |
| STAGE 4 (DRAWING) |
| Complete a fully finished and rendered study for every tattoo you do, including a line drawing. |
| Continue meeting with a tattooer at least once a week. Review your drawings/ideas for upcoming tattoos, notes on previous tattoos, and your portfolio of previous tattoos |
| STAGE 5 (COMPLETION) |
| Continue tattooing, drawing and expanding your knowledge of tattooing |
| Finish your professional portfolio |
| Get interviewed about your experiences (local paper, school reports, magazines, web, social media) |
| Continue your education as both you and the industry progress |
| Stay focused, friendly, and humble |