Introduction to Tattooing
A course by Ella StormIllustrator and Tattoo Artist
A course by Ella Storm, Illustrator and Tattoo Artist
Discover the world of tattooing and learn how to start creating unique floral designs
The world of tattooing is as rich and diverse as the people who choose to decorate their bodies with them. If you’ve always been curious about learning how to tattoo, then you’re in the right place. Illustrator and tattoo artist Ella Rose is passionate about developing the perfect design for her clients and tattooing them with attention and poise. Through tattoo design, she’s found a way to express her love for illustrating flowers, leaves, and animals alongside the colorful tattoo community.
In this course, Ella guides you through the fascinating culture and history of tattooing before teaching you how to design tattoos of your own and transfer your illustrations onto fruit. Are you ready to discover a new way to apply your artwork?
What will you learn in this online course?
16 lessons & 13 downloads
Equipment
6 minutes, 30 seconds
Other Supplies
13 minutes, 24 seconds
Design
14 minutes, 40 seconds
Stencilling
7 minutes, 50 seconds
Setting Up
11 minutes, 48 seconds
Introduction to Tattooing 1
16 minutes, 56 seconds
What's included in this course?
Meet Ella Rose, learn about her creative journey and how she got into the tattoo industry. Explore the artists that inspire her, both within the tattooing community and other creative disciplines.
Step into the world of tattooing by discovering its rich history, from the ancient world to modern-day styles. Understand how ink is applied by learning about the structure of the skin and the intricacies of a tattoo gun. See the basic equipment you need to get started, as Ella goes through different brands and their strengths and weaknesses.
Create a mood board to find inspiration for your design and develop an illustration optimized for tattooing. Then, learn how to create a stencil and apply it to your piece of fruit. See how Ella sets up her workstation, and learn all the steps involved to prevent cross-contamination.
Work on some introductory practice exercises to warm up before starting your tattoo. Begin with your tattoo by creating the main outlines, then work on the shading and details with Ella’s guidance.
See how to clean up your workspace and tools, ensuring your equipment is left sterile and clean. Then, learn how to take care of your clients. Look at what aspects they should consider before getting a tattoo, learn how to dress your finished design, and instruct your client on how to care for it during the healing process. Finish the course with some of Ella’s recommendations for finding the right apprenticeship.
What is this course's project?
Create your first floral tattoo design and learn to apply it using fruit.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This is for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a tattoo artist and considering starting an apprenticeship.
Requirements and materials
No prior knowledge is needed to take the course, basic drawing skills will be useful.
As for materials, you will need a tattoo machine, power supply, cartridges, needles, grips, inks, and some fruit that Ella will recommend during the course.
Reviews
- 3 months ago
Excelente
- 3 months ago
I enjoyed her calm demeanor, and the details given at every step.
- 4 months ago
Simple, clear, sweet lessons, thank you
- 6 months ago
The best tattooing course I’ve come across so far. Thank you for the valuable insights and the well-organized workflow.
- 9 months ago
Excelente curso para iniciarte en el tatuaje, o aunque como en mi caso tengas nociones básicas, el ver el tatuaje desde la perspectiva de alguien más te complementará y te podrá aportar una parte que quizás te hacía falta. En éste, la profesora es alguien que domina el tema y aporta mucho.
After an apprenticeship at NR Studios, London, she worked for two years at South City Market where she was able to develop her style. Today, Ella creates custom designs for her clients from her own tattoo studio.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
About Tattooing
- Where Do Tattoos Come From?
- How Are Tattoos Made?
- Equipment
- Other Supplies
- U3
Design Preparation and Setting Up
- Design
- Stencilling
- Setting Up
- U4
Tattoo Techniques
- Introduction to Tattooing 1
- Introduction to Tattooing 2
- Lining
- Shading and Details
- U5
Next Steps
- Cleaning Up
- Client Care
- Apprenticeships
- FP
Final project
- Introduction to Tattooing
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this tattooing course is designed for beginners with no prior experience. It covers foundational knowledge, equipment setup, and basic techniques to help you start your journey as a tattoo artist.
You’ll need basic tattooing equipment, including a tattoo machine (rotary or coil), power supply, needles, cartridges, grip tape, stencil materials, and sterilization supplies. The course provides detailed guidance on choosing and setting up each component.
You’ll learn about tattoo history, fine line and blackwork techniques, stencil creation, safe workstation setup, portfolio building, and different global styles like Japanese and Samoan. The course also covers hygiene, aftercare, and professional development.
Yes, the course covers fine line tattooing, botanical and nature-inspired designs, and how to apply these styles to both practice surfaces and real skin.
You’ll learn how to create a diverse portfolio by developing original designs, mastering various techniques, and documenting your progress to attract apprenticeships or clients.
No specific brand is required. The course explains the differences between coil and rotary machines, how to choose one based on your needs, and guidance on setup and maintenance.
Yes, safety and hygiene are emphasized throughout, including workstation setup, sterilizing equipment, barrier protocols, and proper cleaning to prevent cross-contamination.