Montana Studios is also the new home of the Montana Tattoo Academy, formerly The Holey Skin Tattoo Academy. The Academy offers 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) one of the counry’s leading Tattoo Artists and Teacher.
The course offers a comprehensive introduction and head start into the once impenetrable tattoo industry.
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 Montana 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
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:- 22nd feb- 2nd April 5th April - 14th May 17th May - 25th June 28th June - 6th August 9th August - 17th Sept 20th Sept - 29th Oct 1st November to 10th Dec The 6 week course costs £6500 and students will also need to purchase their course equipment including full professional tattoo equipment costing approximately £2000. 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. Professional tattooing equipment is provided to each student which they will carry through with them into their professional careers.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 Academy 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 the Academy 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 , 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!
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 Montana 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 Montana Tattoo 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 at the 2008 Bulldog Bash, which was a fantastic experience. I could never have done any of this without attending the academy. Thanks Montana Tattoo Academy and Kouri! Love from Eve’
Eve now runs her own successful studio in Torquay, Eve’s Tattoo Parlour.
