Realism & Shading for Tattoo Artists

Build control, confidence & smoother shading

Who This Course Is For:
This course is built for tattoo artists who want to develop smoother shading, stronger fundamentals, and a clearer understanding of realism in their work. Whether you’re just getting started or already tattooing and want to sharpen your technique, this course offers practical tools and training to help you grow as an artist.

What you’ll learn

  • Master black and grey tattoo fundamentals, including values, lighting, and form..
  • Develop advanced rendering techniques to achieve smooth shading and realism..
  • Learn to analyze and use high-quality references for accurate tattoo designs..
  • Create professional-quality tattoos through hands-on demonstrations on fake skin..

Course Content

  • Introduction –> 2 lectures • 3min.
  • Understanding Value –> 2 lectures • 12min.
  • Understanding Form –> 2 lectures • 9min.
  • Shading Practice on Fake Skin –> 4 lectures • 30min.
  • Real-Time Tiger Tattoo Process –> 4 lectures • 1hr 40min.

Realism & Shading for Tattoo Artists

Requirements

Who This Course Is For:
This course is built for tattoo artists who want to develop smoother shading, stronger fundamentals, and a clearer understanding of realism in their work. Whether you’re just getting started or already tattooing and want to sharpen your technique, this course offers practical tools and training to help you grow as an artist.

What You’ll Learn:
We’ll start by breaking down the core principles of drawing that apply directly to tattooing:

  • Value
  • Form
  • Lighting
  • Smooth shading techniques

You’ll learn how to apply these concepts on paper, in Procreate, and most importantly—on skin.

Hands-On Training:
This course includes:

  • Procreate demonstrations for building clean reference designs
  • Fake skin drills to develop your hand control
  • Exercises that build muscle memory, precision, and consistency

You’ll be guided through structured training that helps you build real skills—not just theory.

What Makes This Course Different:
I skip the fluff and focus on what I wish someone had explained to me early on. These are things most artists overlook—subtle fundamentals that have a massive impact on your final results.

Real Application:
You’ll also watch real-time tattoo sessions, where I apply everything covered in the lessons to full designs, narrating the process so you can see how the principles translate to real work.

The Goal:
To help you see your tattoos differently, and give you a stronger foundation for long-term growth. If you’re serious about your progress, this course is designed to give you something solid to build on.

Get Tutorial