Tattooing 101’s Artist Accelerator Program: Complete Review

For up-and-coming tattoo artists, sorting through all the options for both in-person and online education can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. 

As artists ourselves, we believe that good tools and solid tattooing education go hand in hand. Which is why we’re doing a deep dive on our top pick for online tattoo education, Tattooing 101’s Artist Accelerator Program. 

In this overview, we’re breaking down exactly what’s inside the program and who it’s best suited for. 

Structured How-to-Tattoo Roadmap

Tattooing 101 is an online education platform created by professional tattoo artists who wanted to make high-quality training more accessible. Their Artist Accelerator Program is their flagship course, designed to take someone from total beginner to studio-ready artist - or help apprentices and newer artists sharpen their skills faster.

Unlike random YouTube tutorials or scattered social media tips, the Artist Accelerator Program gives you a roadmap that develops the necessary artistic and practical knowledge to work professionally.

What’s Included in the Program?

The program covers everything from understanding tattoo machines and setting up your workspace, to mastering linework, shading, and color packing. Plus, it dives into real-world skills like client communication, hygiene standards, and how to get your first clients as a tattoo artist.

Course Content

The core of the program is a library of video lessons that starts with the basics like tattoo theory, machine setup, and sanitation, then moves into hands-on skills like linework, shading, and color packing. Each module builds on the last, making it easy to follow without getting overwhelmed.

Taught by Working Tattoo Artists

Course instructors and program mentors Brandon, Jay, and Nathan bring years of shop experience and share practical tips, each leaning into their specialty. 

Hosting most of the tattoo technique and practical application videos, Brandon comes to you right from his studio in Tennessee, providing the same lessons he’s delivered for years to in-person apprentices.

Original creator of Tattooing 101’s programs, mentor Jay focuses heavily on the supporting skills tattoo artists need, leaning into the “Three M’s” - mindset, marketing, and money management, bringing his years of experience growing tattoo studios across the United States. 

And as the primary drawing and design coach, Nathan’s lessons in the program focus on the art behind the tattoos, teaching you how to draw the designs clients ask for the most, as well as how to find your own voice and style as an artist. 

Community and Mentorship

A standout feature of the program is the Mastermind group that comes with it. Students get access to a private online community where they can ask questions, share their work, and get feedback directly from the instructors. 

There are also weekly live calls where the mentors dive deeper into techniques, offer critique on student work, and answer real-time questions.

Beyond Tattoo Techniques

The Artist Accelerator comes with additional resources covering the business side of tattooing like how to build a portfolio and attract clients. For anyone serious about turning tattooing into a career, these extras are a huge plus.

Overall, Tattooing 101’s Artist Accelerator Program offers a well-rounded mix of artistic training, practical shop knowledge, and career-building advice, all in one place.

Things to Consider: Schedule and Licensing

Like any online course, you’ll only get out of it what you put in. There’s no boss or mentor standing over your shoulder, so you’ll need the self-motivation to watch the lessons, practice consistently, engage with the community, and keep pushing forward even with a busy schedule.

Additionally, it’s important to note that no course can issue you a tattoo license. You must apply for your license through your local health department separately.

Who is the Artist Accelerator Program For? Our Review 

The goal of Tattooing 101’s Artist Accelerator is to provide all of the information you’d get while learning how to tattoo in a traditional apprenticeship - and more - so that artists are ready to work professionally, making it perfect for complete beginners who want a clear path into the industry, as well as apprentices and new professionals looking to sharpen their skills. It’s also a clear winner for new artists who need flexibility and can’t take on a traditional apprenticeship due to scheduling or budget constraints. 

Inside the course, you’ll get clear, concise instructions on tattooing technique and sanitation as well as supporting skillsets like tattoo design, working with clients, and career growth.

For artists who already have several years of experience under their belt, Tattooing 101 has additional programs in specific styles like Realism, Neo Traditional, New School, and more, as well as business development courses centered around social media marketing for tattoo artists and opening a studio for the first time.