Introduction to Blackwork Tattoo Illustration
A course by MazvtierDesigner and Tattoo Artist
A course by Mazvtier, Designer and Tattoo Artist
Make your clients' ideas a reality by creating tattoo illustrations full of contrast, innovation, and balance
Ever wanted to apply all your illustration experience to tattoo design? In this online course, renowned designer Mazvtier, who has toured America and Europe, shares his secrets for creating blackwork tattoos.
Learn to develop professional-quality tattoo illustrations full of contrast, balance, and precision. Create compositions that take into consideration the characteristics of the different parts of the body for original and functional results. Get ready to transform your clients' ideas into exciting blackwork tattoos.
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 19 downloads
Reference Search
15 minutes, 45 seconds
Anatomy of Design Elements
20 minutes, 58 seconds
Body and Composition
7 minutes, 1 second
Initial Sketch on Customer Photo
6 minutes, 2 seconds
Definition of Forms and Movement 1
13 minutes, 10 seconds
Digital Inking
11 minutes, 27 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start the course by getting to know Mazvtier better, who tells you about his transition from graphic design to the world of tattooing, and some of the artists who fuel his creativity.
Prepare a brief based on your client's information and look for references and inspiration. Learn about the anatomy of the elements that make up your design, reviewing the characteristics of the different parts of the human body to create an original and functional tattoo.
Time to get to work! Draw a sketch on a photograph of the area you are working with and define the outlines, keeping in mind the body's natural lines of movement. Move on to digital inking, applying shadows and final details to add volume and dynamism to your blackwork piece.
To finish the course, Mazvtier talks to you about the importance of establishing your graphic style and shows you how to create templates that serve as the basis for future ideas. In addition, look at how to develop design sets on the same theme to enrich your portfolio and share your art on social media.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Design a blackwork tattoo in response to a real client request.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone interested in the world of tattooing and illustration, especially those who want to start designing their own blackwork-style tattoos.
Requirements and materials
To take this course you need basic knowledge of drawing.
As for materials, you can use an iPad Pro and an Apple Pencil, or a pencil and paper.
Reviews
- 12 days ago
muy buen curso, practico, tal vez faltarían algunos otros ejemplos de ejecución de diseños diferentes, pero se entiende perfectamente
- 2 months ago
Muy buen curso, muy completo, con informaciones muy prácticas, cumple lo que promete.
- 4 months ago
Amazing teacher, really loved the course!
- 4 months ago
es un buen curso, tiene muy buenos tips y es muy claro. Me funcinó perfecto para un trabajoq ue estaba realizando.
- 6 months ago
Muy claro y útil!! ☺️
Throughout his career, he has illustrated and designed logos, merchandise, and album covers for internationally recognized bands, which was how he got started in tattooing. He has traveled around the world and worked in different tattoo studios in Europe, the United States, and South Africa. He has also participated in a number of conventions and won first place in the Blackwork category at the 2018 Sudaka Tattoo Fest in Lima.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Presentation
- Influences
- U2
First Steps
- The Brief
- Reference Search
- Anatomy of Design Elements
- Body and Composition
- U3
Project Development
- Initial Sketch on Customer Photo
- Definition of Forms and Movement 1
- Definition of Forms and Movement 2
- Digital Inking
- Shadows and Details 1
- Shadows and Details 2
- U4
Templates and Sheets
- Template Creation
- Design Sheets
- FP
Final project
- Introduction to Blackwork Tattoo Illustration
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
The course is designed for intermediate learners, so having basic knowledge of illustration or tattooing is recommended to get the most out of the content and practice.
You’ll need traditional or digital drawing materials, access to platforms like Pinterest for references, and if you’re practicing tattooing, synthetic or pigskin and basic tattoo equipment.
You’ll learn how to create blackwork-style illustrations and tattoos, design posters and album covers, develop professional briefs, manage references, and apply composition, contrast, and shading techniques to personalized projects.
The course covers everything from conceptualizing tattoo designs, posters, and album covers to practicing blackwork techniques, anatomical composition, and managing projects for music clients.
Practicing on pigskin lets you try tattooing techniques on a surface similar to human skin, helping you improve skill and confidence before working on real people.
Yes, the course includes specific exercises to master contrast, shading application, and ensure legibility in detailed blackwork tattoo designs.
Yes, you’ll learn how to structure clear briefs, request references, define body placement, and professionally quote projects for clients.