FAQ TATTOO TRAINING SCHOOL
Do you offer federal financial aid, the GI Bill, or payment plans?
How much does a tattoo artist earn?
What equipment do I get with the tattoo class?
Why should I enroll in the TATTOO TRAINING SCHOOL program?
What courses of study do you offer?
Do you require for me to be a Virginia resident to take classes at Tattoo Training School?
What is the difference between a tattoo apprenticeship and tattoo class?
When do classes start?
Where are you located?
Are you a licensed tattoo school?
How many students are in a class?
Is there an entrance exam?
How am I tested?
What grade requirement do I need to have to graduate?
Do you have an attendance policy?
What do I do if I need time off, am sick or cannot attend for some reason?
What if I change my mind after I pay my deposit or entire tuition?
Are international students welcome?
How long are the classes and what are the hours?
Can I arrange to meet the instructor and see the school?
Can I bring my children to school?
How much is tuition?
What is not included in tuition?
Do I need any equipment?
Do I need to be experienced?
Do I need to be able to draw?
Are there any discounts?
Will I be licensed after graduation?
How many tattoos will I complete?
Will I have a portfolio when I graduate?
Do I need a GED, High School Diploma or other educational prerequisite before I enroll?
Do I need to be a specific age?
Is TTS only a school?
Does TTS teach CPR, First Aid or Universal Precautions for tattoo artists?
Where can I stay?
Do you offer additional services?
Can I contact you with more questions related to the Tattoo School?
I have a scheduling conflict. Can I split my entire training over two or more sessions?
What do you recommend to prepare for school?
Do you offer financial aid or payment plans?
No federal financial aid or federal student loans are available for any tattoo school anywhere including our own. We do not qualify for the GI Bill or state sponsored vocational training.
Payment plans are $200 nonrefundable tuition deposit is due upon enrollment with the balance due two weeks prior to the start date to avoid "No Shows" unless other arrangements are made in writing.
We can also recommend taking out a personal loan with a friend or relative, getting a business loan with a co-signer at a bank or simply go the old fashioned way, saving the money up yourself. As a last resort we accept most major credit cards.
How much does a tattoo artist earn?
As with every profession, earnings are based on many varied factors such as individual effort, dedication, talent and geographic residence (what your local market will bear), whether you work full or part time, whether you own your own place or work for someone else, etc.
However spend any time in a tattoo studio and you may notice an "average tattoo" often costs $100 or more due to size, detail and the time needed to complete it.
In the USA, artists may earn over $75 per hour in rural places to well over $200 in some metroplitian areas and based on the reputation of the artist. Almost all tattoo studios have a minimum tattoo price of between $50-$100 for even the smallest design.
You can do the math to determine how much you'd like to earn for yourself.
We think you'll find our course offers true value and is easily the equivalent to other licensed professions such as hair styling or cosmetology.
What equipment do I get with the tattoo class?
Click here to see what's included with tuition.
Why should I enroll in the TATTOO TRAINING SCHOOL program?
Your own artistry becomes an exclusive service not available anywhere else. Tattooing is a recession-resistent business and your position cannot be outsourced.
The Bottom Line: tattooing is a business that offers you an opportunity to make CASH money all day, every day so you can enjoy a fun and creative lifestyle.
TTS offers the key to...
A fast-growing industry with a service everyone wants
Unlimited earning potential - you set your own prices
Flexible hours so you can work full or part time
No franchise fees, royalties or ongoing fees from Tattoo Training School - keep 100% of what you earn
Be your own boss or work for an established tattoo studio
What courses of study do you offer?
We offer a career class meant to turn you into a professional licensed tattoo artist. All classes are efficient & encouraging, with an emphasis on real-world training.
Our programs is 750 hours of training.
Do you require for me to be a Virginia resident to take classes at Tattoo Training School?
No. You do not have to be a Virginia resident or even a US citizen for that matter. Your residency is no issue to us so long as you speak and understand English.
What is the difference between a tattoo apprenticeship and 750 hour tattoo class?
There are two main differences in Virginia. One difference is the length of time required. Training through a school is a 750 hour class rather than a 1500 hour apprenticeship meaning you get to your career more quickly.
The method of teaching varies. Schools are required by the state to administer tests (written and practical) which ensures you are actually learning the skill.
Apprenticeships do not follow this structure and are often only "watching" rather than a more traditional education consisting of lectures, practical hands-on exercises, tests, home-work and labs.
It is because we follow a traditional educational path that we guarantee you will pass the state exam if you complete our course successfully.
When do classes start?
Check out the class schedule by clicking here.
Where are you located?
1075-114 Garrisonville Road, Stafford, VA 22556. We’re about 45 minutes south of Washington, DC and our tattoo school is accessible to Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC.
Are you a licensed tattoo school?
YES! We are a licensed tattoo school.
How many students are in a class?
We keep our classes small for maximum learning potential. Class size varies class to class based on interest but is usually between 2 and 8 students.
Is there an entrance exam?
No entrance exam is needed.
How am I tested?
You are expected to behave as a genuine student and thus you will have to study, complete homework and take notes. We test by having you demonstrate what you learned. Career class students take both written and practical tests.
What grade requirement do I need to have to graduate?
The classes are primarily based on participation. The 750 hour class has some tests to ensure skill absorbtion and to help prepare for the state exam.
Do you have an attendance policy?
You must attend to learn!~
What do I do if I need time off, am sick or cannot attend for some reason?
We'll handle absence on a case-by-case basis although absence is strongly discouraged due to the clock hour requirement of the state.
What if I change my mind after I pay my deposit or entire tuition?
Bear in mind while you do not have to attend TTS once you pay your deposit or tuition, both are nonrefundable and no refunds can be made for any reason.
However, in the case of emergency you can always reschedule your training if need be, within 6 months, if you discuss your situation with us promptly.
Are international students welcome?
Absolutely. English is required because our curriculum is taught in English.
How long are the classes and what are the hours?
Classes are 8 hours and run noon-9pm with a break for lunch.
Can I arrange to meet the instructor and see the school?
Absolutely! We arrange student interviews and tours by appointment only. Email us or call us.
Can I bring my children to school?
Unfortunately no as we do not offer daycare so children of students cannot be present during teaching hours.
How much is tuition?
$7800 for the Virginia resident 750 tattoo school class. $200 is due upon enrollment. The balance is due two weeks before your start date unless other arrangements are made in writing.
What is not included in tuition?
This varies by class. Click here to see what is included.
Do I need any equipment?
No. We provide all you need to learn on.
Do I need to be experienced?
No, we teach to students who have never done a tattoo in their life as well as the more experienced who need guidance to advance their skills. All you need is the desire to succeed.
Do I need to be able to draw?
Naturally, as this is an artistic profession we highly recommend you are artistic or at least creative. Not being able to draw can be over-come (and has been by many, many competent tattoo artists) but you will have to have a very strong will to succeed if that is the case.
Are there any discounts?
Yes!
1. CASH Discount - There is a 3% discount if you pay your entire tuition in cash upfront.
2. PARTNER Discount - There is a 10% discount if you and a partner enroll in the same session at the same time - you must indicate at the time of enrollment your partner's name or the discount is void.
3. Bring Your Own People To Pratice On - You can qualify for a 25% discount if you provide ALL your own people to work on.
Will I be licensed after graduation?
You will need to investigate what your local health department requires as licenses cannot be transfered from one place to another.
How many tattoos will I complete?
We shoot for as many as possible! Total number of tattoos completed vary by student but we shoot for as many as you can comfortably complete during the practice labs.
Will I have a portfolio when I graduate?
Yes on DVD and hardcopy.
Do I need a GED, High School Diploma or other educational prerequisite before I enroll?
No. Nothing is needed since we teach you what you need to know.
Do I need to be a specific age?
Yes. We expect students to be 16 or older.
Is TTS only a school?
No. We also operate an open-to-the-public tattoo studio but students do not work on members of the general public for money. TTS collects no money for student tattoos. Students work on people for the experience of tattooing a live, willing person.
Does TTS teach CPR, First Aid or Universal Precautions for tattoo artists?
We arrange for these courses as needed but students must pay for the fees associated with these classes themselves.
Where can I stay?
If you take the all inclusive course, we'll arrange for your travel details after you enroll. Local students who are taking the 750 hour classes would be best suited to seek a room for rent on craigslist.org (DC version).
Do you offer additional services?
We do offer business consultation for an additional fee. Please inquire for further details.
Can I contact you with more questions related to the Tattoo School?
Please do. We’re here to help!
I have a scheduling conflict. Can I split my training over two or more sessions?
No. Classes are designed to be built on a successive platform of skills learned in specific order. It is disruptive to have students try to take part in classes of varying trimesters or sessions.
What to you recommend to prepare for school?
FAQ