Holey Skin Tattoo Acadamy
In response to the unprecedented demand for professional tattoo artist training, Holey Skin launched a pioneering tattoo school in 2007 offering a comprehensive and intensive professional course aimed particularly at Art Graduates.
The practical training is led by Celebrity Tattoo Artist, Kouri Montana (Dirty Sanchez, Johnny Depp tattoo fame) with the backing of Holey Skin Body Art Studios, one of the South West’s leading Body Art establishments.
The course offers a comprehensive introduction and head start into the once impenetrable tattoo industry. Those candidates who excel within the course may be offered a further apprenticeship within one of the 5 Holey Skin Studios resulting in a Junior Tattoo Artist work placement.
Course Profile
The course entails a 6 week intensive training programme encompassing all facets of the tattoo industry, supplying hands-on practical tattoo training as well as art and design technique and training, including designing for sleeves and back pieces, cover up techniques, full equipment, hygiene and sterilization procedure training, studio set-up, customer service, marketing and advertising skills as well as in-house studio experience at one of the Holey Skin Studios.
Course Content
Week 1
Drawing Technique
General Tattoo Designing
Understanding of Design Positions
Stencilling and Positions
Understanding of Anatomy and Pain Thresholds
Week 2
Needle-making Techniques
Understanding Needle Applications
Getting to know your Tattoo Machines
Getting to know your Tattoo Equipment
Working with Tattoo Flash
Week 3
Tattoo Industry Hygiene and Regulations
Sterilisation Procedures
Aftercare
Freehand Drawing
Freehand Tattooing
Week 4
Outline Theory and Practical Work
Shading Theory and Practical Work
Colour Theory and Practical Work
Drawing Flash
Professional Tattoo Artist Demos
Tattoo Techniques and Styles
Week 5
Hands-On Tattooing
Tattoo Studio Work Experience
Designing and Drawing for Sleeves and Backpieces
Week 6
Hands-On Tattooing
Cover-up Techniques
Setting up a Tattoo Studio
Marketing for a Tattoo Studio
Tattoo Academy Graduate Testimonials
Robert Young, BA (Hons) Fine Art and Design (graduated Spring ’08)
‘I went to art college (Worcester College) where I did a GNVQ in Fine Art and design. I then did a BA Hons in illustration and animation design. Having always been interested in the art of tattooing but not having a clue how to get into the industry, I came across the Holey Skin website one day whilst trawling through tattoo industry sites. I had always been designing tattoos for friends so thought I should actually make money from my passion and develop a career out of tattooing.
I hit so many brick walls when searching for tattoo training courses until I came across Holey Skin who were really helpful and informative. I was accepted onto the course, relocated to Bristol and haven’t looked back! I finished the course earlier this year and since graduation have really been supported and developed by Holey Skin, taking up a Junior placement with them. I am now looking forward to a long and successful career in tattooing – I wouldn’t swap my new career for anything – I can be as creative as I want every day! I am looking forward to hopefully taking up a more senior position with Holey Skin at the end of this year!’
(Rob featured in a recent Bristol Evening Post, Seven Magazine feature earlier this year.)
Vicky Le Guilcher, BA (Hons) Drawing and Applied Art (graduated Summer ’08)
‘I went to art college where I did a National Diploma in Art and Design and then I went on to the University of the West of England where I did a BA Hons in Drawing and Applied Arts. After I finished Uni I had a year out and just as I was trying to get an Art Job, I came to Holey Skin to watch my husband get a tattoo by Kouri. Whilst watching Kouri he told me about the Academy and I felt so inspired by Kouri’s work and the work of the Academy students that I decided this was the art career for me.
I decided to enrol in the course and I’m so glad I did as now I have a full time job with Holey Skin and am soon to be relocating to brand new studios in Bath which I am really excited about!. I now have a job that I look forward to going in to every day. Hopefully I will have a long career being a Tattoo Artist. I want my work to reflect my love of art and be able to beautifully decorate my customer’s bodies.’
Kate McGregor, BA (Hons) Fine Art (graduated Autumn ’07)
‘Before learning the art of tattooing, I taught Art for 11 years in Bristol and Canada and was Head of a renowned Art department for 4 years. I was also an Educational Consultant to the Tate Modern from 2002 to 2004.
“My training at the Academy has propelled me into a new and inspiring career in the tattoo industry. Since my graduation from the Academy I have been totally supported and nurtured by Holey Skin and it has been an amazing life changing experience. I now have the ability and confidence to work as a lead Tattoo Artist at Holey Skin and look forward to an exciting career in the Tattoo Industry.”
Rafael Montana, BA (Hons) Criminal Law (graduated Spring ’08)
‘I graduated with first class honours in law a few years ago but after working in the law decided it just wasn’t for me. I have grown up around Tattoo Studios with my father Kouri, and when he set up The Academy with Holey Skin, I decided to move down from London to take up the course with my father alongside fellow student Rob. I was actually amazed at the talent of the students my father was tutoring and even though my degree isn’t actually in Art, I am lucky enough to have inherited my father’s creative tendencies so was able to keep up.
I am now so pleased to say that I have graduated from the Academy, although my father is a very hard taskmaster and wouldn’t actually release either of us until beyond the 6 weeks! But he finally decided myself (and Rob) were ready to work professionally and here I am! I am really looking forward to working with my father and Holey Skin in the future!’
Eve Williams (graduated January ’07)
‘I started Tattooing about 18 years ago in Exeter, due to a young growing family, I had to give it up. It was a job I loved doing and knew that one day I would return to it. Now my children are all grown up and doing there own thing I knew it was time to return to doing what I loved most, Tattooing. Knowing it had been many years since doing the last Tattoo I decided to apply for a place at the Holey Skin Tattoo Academy, to my joy I was accepted.
It was an intense 6 week course conducted by Kouri Montana, within a few days I realized how lucky I was to have such a talented tutor, It was obviously the right thing for me to do. I was older and wiser and felt I had been given the best opportunity to be successful by being at the academy. I learnt many techniques from Kouri but most of all my confidence was growing.
By the time I left the Academy I felt all I needed was to go out there and gain experience, I may have Tattooed all those years ago and maybe it’s like getting back on that bike, but my passion had grown and I wanted to to get as much experience within different situations as possible, Kouri taught me patience was the key. I was given a part-time position at Holey Skin Studio at Lawrence Hill, Bristol and also gained a position at studios in Plymouth, near to my home.I can honestly say that going to the Holey Skin Academy was the best thing I could have ever done. I have a growing clientele through recommendations.
I was also given an opportunity of a life time and Tattooed for Holey Skin at the 2008 Bulldog Bash, which was a fantastic experience. I could never have done any of this without attending the academy. Thanks Holey Skin and Kouri! Love from Eve’
Dates, Fees and Application
The course will run for 6 weeks from Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm. The course will be carried out in a professional studio and classroom environment with working in-house studio days. Classes will be run with between 2 and 4 students.
The next course dates are as follows:-
Monday 20th October to Friday 28th November (places available)
Monday 1st December to Friday 23rd January (Breaking Mon 22nd Dec to Friday 2nd Jan) (places available)
Monday 26th January to Friday 6th March (course full but please enquire re: cancellations)
The 6 week course costs £6500 and students will also need to purchase their course equipment including full professional tattoo equipment costing approximately £1500.
Students will only be accepted to the Academy if they can demonstrate a natural flair for freehand artwork and a dedication to the profession. The course is aimed particularly at art graduates or those with natural creative talent. Students will be asked to complete two design tasks at application as well as fully completing the application form.
Click here to download the application form
Professional tattooing equipment is provided to each student which they will carry through with them into their professional careers.
For further information or to apply please contact Kouri Montana on 0117 9076567 or email sara@holeyskin.com
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