FAQs

The prices are all listed on the website if you click inside of each individual class. Price differences change based on the length of time per class, and/or how much of the class you are willing to take online versus all hands-on at the school.

We have a ton of respect for traditional apprenticeships and how you had to earn the right to become a tattoo artist through sacrifice and dedication. We absolutely don’t think that should change. While there are artists who value the principles of truly teaching and passing down what they know, there are many more who not only are reluctant to show anyone how this great art is done, but are down right shutting the door on it. The need for skilled artists is growing, and the days of sitting in a shop for 2 years cleaning and hoping to learn something new has become an uninteresting and un-affordable process. The landscape is changing and clients today are demanding a more educated and professional artist with standards that surpass old school practices. A real education has become an absolute demand in this growing industry with requirements on professionalism at the highest level. Finally this industry will get the respect it deserves when a true education is offered and regulated for all tattoo artists in the trade.

It is very important that you understand that schools DO NOT issue licenses in any industry. Licensing is issued by your local municipality and governed by your state health department, or state board. What Master Tattoo Institute issues is a universal certification that can be used for your state to obtain a license. In addition, some states also require training hours from a licensed tattoo school, which we are. We are a school Licensed by the Department of Education, and certified by our state Health Department to certify our students.

Yes you are required to renew your certifications annually, and our school can service your renewal as part of a membership for attending our Institute. The annual renewal membership fee for Tattooing is $50.00 and for Body Piercing is $100.00. Either of the two annual memberships will also give you 40% off of Tattoo and Body Piercing supplies that the school sells, and Free Shipping on all of our products. Please speak to an admissions representative for more details.

Yes, we do have online classes available, and we think they’re pretty good too. Online classes include theory lessons first, with testing and passing you for certification. Once we get you certified we send you out your box of equipment and give you access to your video tutorial library. Those videos are intended to show you a step by step comprehensive explanation on how to actually do what you need to do to achieve success for what you’re trying to learn.

Once that’s complete we give you a schedule to a virtual classroom where we answer questions, give assignments, see what you’ve learned and what’s left, show you some things about how particular techniques are used to execute what you’re learning at a high level, and then finally see what you can do in a virtual show me what you got sort of way. We understand that it’s not as good as face to face, but if you can prop that camera as close to you as possible, we think that we can probably get a pretty good look at what you can do.

In the end though, if you feel like it’s just not enough and face to face hands-on is still required for you, we can accommodate that as well by adding on as many hands-on weeks or months at the school as you like.

Master Tattoo Institute does offer job placement assistance after your graduation and license is obtained. While we can’t guarantee job placement, our goal is for every student to either have the opportunity to stay with us, or to help you find a shop that suits you.

You don’t necessarily have to be a good artist to be a good tattoo artist. We absolutely believe that having artistic talent will give you a great advantage when creating your custom design for your client, or help you with the execution of your tattoo which is obviously extremely important. But not having the ability to create a masterpiece, doesn’t mean you can’t have a prosperous career in the trade. Tattooing today is not all about picture perfect portraits and gorgeous landscapes. In fact, the majority of clients today who want tattoos are often requesting basic designs like names, lettering, and simple shapes with basic outlines and color shading. Now of course an artistically talented artist can turn a clients basic design into that artistic masterpiece we are referring to, but on the other hand, sometimes that’s just not necessary. Either way, there is an absolute need for both types in this industry. As far as talent vs. education is concerned, artists are improving their skill levels everyday which really proves the point that great artistry can be learned through a good education, and it’s not just that you’re talented by birth. But then again, we like to think that it all comes from the grace of the man upstairs, but we can discuss that some other time.

Yes, we will provide everything you need to tattoo and you will own it when you leave. However you will not be leaving with disposables like gloves, needles, ink, tubes etc.

No, and for those who couldn’t finish high school for reasons out of your control, we sympathize and welcome you. For those who did not finish due to behavioral, or carelessness, please be informed that we will not tolerate disruptive students. Respect the people who come here to learn. For most, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Please do not consider this program if your interest is anything less than fulfilling a dream and seeing this through to the end.

The minimum age requirement is 18 to attend the Master Tattoo Institute.

This is a question of responsible tattooing. You should understand exactly what you are doing before you attempt to tattoo on a live person on your own. At MTI we prepare you with all the necessary skills needed to tattoo on your own after you graduate. That being said, continuing an apprenticeship after completion of the program only means that you will have continued supervision as you go. This will only help you advance your career faster and we strongly recommend it. Tattooing people before you are ready will only hurt your professional reputation if you’re not fully prepared to display true professionalism and precise execution. Remember, this is a reputation business with your name as the main brand you represent, we wouldn’t want you ruining it before you even start.

Only once you are licensed and follow strict guidelines that the student is mentally and skillfully prepared will the student be allowed to tattoo on real skin, and of course instructor supervised. Under no circumstances will you be allowed to tattoo outside of your training before it is complete.

Yes, building your portfolio is one of the most important things we do and we strongly recommend that you understand that this is the most important tool you will use is gaining your clients trust and respect.

Yes, we partnered with a local hotel with rates as low as $20.00 per night located in the heart of Miami Beach just 100 feet from the ocean. Please take a look at our housing page on the website under student services for more info

Yes, we have scholarships available designed to help you pay for your tuition for those in need of financial assistance. Please see the scholarship application under the student services tab on our website for more details.

Yes, we have payment plans and financing options. For financing options we use a third party financing company that will require a credit score of about 640 to be approved. For payment plans through the school a credit score will not be required but it will carry different deposit requirements. Please contact the admissions department for more details.

No, at this time we do not.

Given that the average apprenticeship lasts anywhere from 1-2 years in length, we feel that condensing the training into 2-3 weeks is somewhat questionable and maybe a bit disrespectful to the industry and the trade. When you think of what there is to learn ranging from the history and traditions of tattooing, to understanding the human skin, safe & sterilized environment and safety practices, building and tuning a tattoo machine, the art of shading, outlining, color theory and color mixing. Honestly, the list goes on and on (refer to our curriculum outline) but again, not only do we feel that in a 2 week course you aren’t being taught those things, we feel they might be disregarded. When starting a new career, it’s important to initially learn everything you have to learn the right way to give yourself the best opportunity to succeed.