tattoo pre-licensing program

Professional tattoo apprenticeships are traditionally two or three years long, though of course many people get into tattooing without much training.  We recommend that all tattooists get professional training, and offer a state-approved program to prepare aspiring tattooists for their licensing exam, and for an entry level position in a tattoo studio.  We typically accept one student a year, and work with our  students one-on-one to provide the best training.

Though Oregon minimum requirements for pre-licensing training of tattooists are just 360 hours, we don’t feel that’s sufficient to get somebody ready for their first job in a tattoo studio.  Our pre-licensing program is typically 8 to 10 months long with a minimum of 850 hours, and prepares students for a starting-level career in tattooing by having them work alongside us in the tattoo studio. While the program follows a general path, and at some point every student is full-time, the schedule and the curriculum are tailored to the individual's needs. 

The program has two phases: Preparation for Tattooing, and Practical Tattoo Procedures. Students who have successfully completed the required curriculum will be authorized to take the Oregon tattoo licensing exam.  Every area of the program meets or exceeds Oregon require­ments for tattoo training programs, in addition to covering other topics. After completion of the Prepara­tion phase, the student will per­form at least 50 to 150 tattoos under direct supervi­sion of our licensed instructors.

 

Students should remember that while the program focuses on pre-licensing instruction, it is designed as the beginning of a traditional three-year apprenticeship. The program is intensive and demanding. Successful professional development requires personal commitment to seek further advanced training as a tattooist.  If you are interested in this program, please request information by mail rather than contacting the artists at our studios, where we are usually too busy to handle questions about the school. 

Mail information requests to: 
Tattoo by Design Pre-Licensing Program
PO Box 100
Yachats, OR 97498.