Tattoo Course FAQ
Everything you need to know about learning to tattoo at Highlight Studio.
Prerequisites & Requirements
Do I need to know how to draw?
Yes and no.
You don't need to be a professional illustrator. But you need basic drawing skills and visual understanding.
If you can sketch recognizable shapes, understand proportion, and have some artistic sense, you're good to start.
We'll develop your drawing skills as part of the course. But we can't teach you to see. That's something you either have or develop over years.
Bottom line: If you've never drawn anything and have no artistic background, start with drawing classes first.
What's the minimum age?
18 years old. No exceptions.
Tattooing is a regulated profession. You'll be working with needles, blood, and permanent body modification. Legal adulthood is required.
Do I need any certifications before starting?
No prior certifications required to start learning.
But you'll need: - First aid certification (we can guide you where to get it) - Bloodborne pathogens training (included in our course) - Business license (when you start working professionally)
We cover the health and safety requirements during the course.
Can I take the course if I have no tattoos?
You can. But it's unusual.
Most tattoo artists are heavily tattooed. It's part of understanding the client experience, the healing process, and the culture.
If you have no tattoos, ask yourself why you want to tattoo others.
That said, we won't reject you for it. But expect clients to question it.
Course Structure & Schedule
How long is the course?
12 weeks intensive or 6 months part-time.
Intensive: - 4 days/week - 6 hours/day - Hands-on practice daily
Part-time: - 2 days/week - 4 hours/day - Slower pace, same content
Both cover the same material. Choose based on your schedule and learning style.
What's the daily schedule like?
Typical day (intensive track):
9:00-10:00 — Theory (anatomy, skin science, color theory) 10:00-12:00 — Technique practice (on synthetic skin) 12:00-13:00 — Lunch break 13:00-15:00 — Advanced practice or live observation 15:00-15:30 — Review, Q&A, homework assignment
Part-time schedule is condensed but covers the same ground.
Can I work while taking the course?
Depends on the track.
Intensive: Hard to work full-time. It's designed to be immersive. Part-time: Yes, that's the point. Designed for people with jobs.
Be realistic about your energy. Learning to tattoo is mentally and physically demanding.
Is it online or in-person?
In-person at Highlight Studio, Tel Aviv.
Tattooing can't be learned online. You need: - Hands-on machine practice - Direct feedback on technique - Observation of live sessions - Sterile procedure training
We provide video modules for theory, but practical work is in-studio only.
Cost & What's Included
How much does the course cost?
₪18,000 (intensive) or ₪22,000 (part-time).
Part-time costs more because it requires longer instructor commitment and studio access.
Payment plans available. Ask for details.
What's included in the price?
Everything you need to learn:
- All theory modules (video + in-person)
- Synthetic skin for practice (unlimited)
- Supervised machine time
- Sterilization and safety training
- Business basics (pricing, client management)
- Portfolio development guidance
- Access to studio during course hours
- Certificate of completion
Not included: - Your tattoo machine (you'll buy your own) - Personal supplies after course ends - Business licensing fees - Insurance
Do I need to buy equipment before starting?
No.
We provide machines and supplies during the course. You'll practice on our equipment.
Toward the end, we'll guide you on buying your own setup. Budget ₪5,000-₪8,000 for a professional starter kit.
Don't buy cheap equipment. We'll show you what's worth it.
Are there any hidden costs?
No hidden costs for the course itself.
But budget for: - Your own machine setup: ₪5,000-₪8,000 - First aid certification: ₪500-₪800 - Business license: ₪1,000-₪2,000 - Insurance: ₪2,000-₪4,000/year - Ongoing supplies: ₪1,000-₪3,000/month when working
We're transparent about the full cost of becoming a professional.
Learning & Certification
Will I be able to tattoo after the course?
Yes, but.
You'll have the technical foundation. You'll understand machines, needles, skin, sterilization, and basic technique.
But you won't be a master. That takes years.
Think of this course as a driver's license. It qualifies you to start. It doesn't make you a race car driver.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. Certificate of Completion from Highlight Studio.
It's not a government license (Israel doesn't require one for tattoo artists). But it's recognized in the industry and shows you've completed professional training.
You'll also get documentation of your bloodborne pathogens training, which is required for insurance.
Can I apprentice at Highlight after the course?
Maybe.
We don't guarantee apprenticeships. But top students are considered.
An apprenticeship means: - Working in our studio - Continuing to learn under supervision - Eventually taking your own clients - Profit-sharing arrangement
It's competitive. Show up, work hard, be professional.
What if I don't pass?
There's no pass/fail exam.
But there are skill checkpoints. If you're not progressing, we'll tell you.
Options: - Extra practice time (additional cost) - Repeat modules - Honest conversation about whether this is right for you
We won't graduate someone who isn't ready. That's bad for you and bad for the industry.
Career & Prospects
Can I make a living as a tattoo artist?
Yes. But it takes time.
Year 1: Expect to struggle. You're building skills and reputation. Income: ₪3,000-₪8,000/month.
Year 2-3: If you're good and consistent, ₪10,000-₪20,000/month is realistic.
Year 5+: Established artists in Israel make ₪20,000-₪50,000/month. Top artists make more.
But this assumes: - You're good - You're professional - You market yourself - You build a client base
It's not passive income. You trade time for money. But it's good money if you're skilled.
Should I open my own studio or work in one?
Start by working in a studio. Don't open your own immediately.
Working in a studio: - Learn the business side - Build clientele - Lower overhead - Mentorship available
Opening your own: - Full control - Higher profit margins - But: rent, licenses, insurance, marketing, admin - Requires business skills, not just tattoo skills
Most successful studio owners worked in studios first for 3-5 years.
Is the tattoo industry saturated?
In Israel? No.
There are many tattoo artists. But there's a shortage of good ones.
Clients will wait months for a skilled artist. They'll travel across the country.
Bad artists struggle. Good artists thrive.
The question isn't "Is there room?" It's "Are you good enough?"
What's the hardest part of being a tattoo artist?
Not the tattooing.
The hardest parts: - Inconsistent income (especially starting out) - Physical toll (back pain, hand strain, eye fatigue) - Client management (no-shows, complaints, unrealistic expectations) - Marketing yourself (constant content creation, social media) - Isolation (if you work alone)
If you love the craft, you'll handle it. If you're just chasing money or cool factor, you'll burn out.
Practical Questions
Can I visit the studio before enrolling?
Yes. Encouraged.
Book a consultation. We'll: - Show you the studio - Explain the course in detail - Answer your specific questions - Let you watch a session (if timing works)
Don't commit to a course without seeing where you'll learn.
What if I need to drop out mid-course?
Life happens. We get it.
Refund policy: - Before course starts: Full refund minus ₪1,000 admin fee - First 2 weeks: 50% refund - After 2 weeks: No refund, but you can rejoin a future cohort
We're flexible on rejoining if circumstances are legitimate (health, family emergency, etc.).
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes.
Standard plan: - 30% deposit to secure spot - Remaining 70% in 3 monthly installments - Must be paid in full before course ends
Custom plans: Possible for financial hardship. Talk to us.
We want serious students, not just people who can pay upfront.
What's the class size?
Maximum 6 students per cohort.
Small groups ensure: - Individual attention - Hands-on practice time - Direct feedback - Safe learning environment
We're not a factory. We're training professionals.
Still Have Questions?
Good. That means you're thinking seriously about this.
Contact us: - WhatsApp: [number] - Email: [email protected] - Instagram: @highlight.tlv
Or book a consultation through our website.
We're here to help you decide if this is right for you.
Volken
Highlight Studio, Tel Aviv