Tattoo Art
Certificate Program
School of Arts & Communication
Hicks Art Center • Phone (215) 968-8425
Curriculum Code No. 3214
This tattoo certificate program gives emerging tattoo artists the structure of foundational art, health, and business skills as a platform to build a career as a successful tattoo artist and entrepreneur. Students will combine a strong foundation in creative expression with the real-life skills necessary to develop essential entry-level skills required in the field of tattooing.
Graduates of this certificate are able to:
- Apply safety and sanitation protocols to all aspects of tattoo creation;
- Create professional-level designs for the human body and appropriate to skin as a medium;
- Develop proficiency in executing tattoos onto real clients; and
- Present a formal professional portfolio of their work that may be used to apply for a position in the tattooing field.
The Tattoo Art certificate offered by Bucks County Community College is an educational, credit-bearing program designed to provide foundational knowledge, technical skill development, and professional awareness in the field of tattoo art. Completion of this academic certificate does not constitute professional licensure, certification, or authorization to practice as a tattoo artist.
Tattooing is a regulated activity in many jurisdictions, and requirements for practice—including licensure, health and safety compliance, and facility approval—are determined by state and/or local governing bodies. In Pennsylvania, regulation of tattooing occurs primarily at the local level (e.g., county or municipal health departments), and students are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdiction in which they intend to work.
This program does not replace the traditional apprenticeship model commonly offered within the field of tattoo arts. Students seeking to become professional tattoo artists may choose to pursue an apprenticeship upon graduation and, based on their location, may be required to pursue additional training, including apprenticeships under certified professionals, bloodborne pathogen certification, and other health and safety credentials as required by local authorities.
Participation in this program does not guarantee employment, apprenticeship placement, or eligibility for licensure. Students are encouraged to research industry expectations and regulatory requirements and to seek appropriate professional pathways following completion of the certificate.
Certificate Course Requirements
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| COLL101 Orientation to College | 1 |
| HSCI110 Blood Borne Pathogens & Communicable Diseases Training A | 1 |
| MGMT102 Business Skills for Artists | 3 |
| OR | |
| MGMT155 Intro to Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| TATT101 Intro to Tattooing A | 3 |
| TATT202 Tattoo Tools & Techniques A | 3 |
| TATT270 Shop Apprenticeship I A | 3 |
| TATT271 Shop Apprenticeship II A | 3 |
| VAFA100 Drawing I 1 | 3 |
| VAFA103 Drawing 2 A | 3 |
| OR | |
| VAGD102 Illustration – Drawing and Digital A | 3 |
| VAFA104 Design Color A | 3 |
| OR | |
| VAFA171 Intro to Painting A,1 | 3 |
| VAMM100 Digital Imaging 1 | 3 |
| Elective (choose from list) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 32 |
Elective Options
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| MKTG220 Digital Marketing | 3 |
| MKTG230 Social Media Marketing B | 3 | VAPH110 Digital Photography | 3 |
| VAFA201 Special Topics 2D A | 3 |
| VAFA191 Art History Before 1450 A,1 | 3 |
| VAFA192 Art History After 1450 A,1 | 3 |
| VAFA193 History of Modern Art A,1 | 3 |
| VAFA195 Non-Western Art History A,1 | 3 |
Recommended Semester Sequence
First Semester - FALL
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| COLL101 Orientation to College | 1 |
| HSCI110 Blood Borne Pathogens & Communicable Diseases Training A | 1 |
| VAFA100 Drawing I 1 | 3 |
| VAMM100 Digital Imaging 1 | 3 |
| TATT101 Intro to Tattooing A | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 14 |
Second Semester - SPRING
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| VAFA103 Drawing 2 A | 3 |
| OR | |
| VAGD102 Illustration – Drawing and Digital A | 3 |
| VAFA104 Design Color A | 3 |
| OR | |
| VAFA171 Intro to Painting A,1 | 3 |
| TATT202 Tattoo Tools & Techniques A | 3 |
| MGMT102 Business Skills for Artists | 3 |
| OR | |
| MGMT155 Intro to Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 |
Third Semester - SUMMER
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| TATT270 Shop Apprenticeship I A | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 3 |
Fourth Semester - FALL
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| TATT271 Shop Apprenticeship II A | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 3 |
A Requires prerequisite and/or co requisite.
1 Satisfies Arts/Humanities.
*Since the individual circumstances and backgrounds of students vary, all students planning to complete this certificate program must meet with their assigned academic advisor to develop a planned sequence of courses to meet their individual needs.