Enroll in one of our 12 week workshops!
Unleash Your Artistic Potential
Spring Workshop is Full!
Enroll for Summer Workshop starting
July 16, 2025
(with flex start dates available)
By the end of the workshop, artists will have a strong foundation in black and grey tattooing, with the technical skills, artistic vision, and professional knowledge needed to thrive in this specialized field.
Enrollment fees includes: tattoo kit (includes a top of the line industry standard machine), blood borne pathogen training + certification, tattoo licensing, and supplies for all modules.
Interested in another workshop? Explore our schedule >
Workshop: July 16 - October 3, 2025
Time: Wednesday-Friday, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Enrollment fee: $5,000 per student
Duration: 12 weeks (200 hrs classroom + hands-on instruction)
Modules: 6 (1 module per every 2 weeks)
Class size: 5
Campus: Tampa & virtual
Modules
NO. 1
Introduction to Black & Grey Tattooing
History and Evolution: Explore the origins and cultural significance of black and grey tattooing, tracing its roots and development through various cultures and time periods.
Styles and Techniques: Dive into the different styles within black and grey tattooing, such as realism, portraiture, and surrealism, and learn how each unique approach brings its own depth and expression to the art form.
Essential Tools and Equipment: Gain an understanding of the specialized tools and equipment used in black and grey tattooing, including the right machines, needle configurations, and inks, as well as how different machine strokes contribute to the final result.
NO. 2
Fundamentals of Design & Composition
Sketching and Drawing Skills: Build a strong foundation in drawing techniques essential for creating tattoo designs, focusing on precision and creativity.
Composition Principles: Learn how to design balanced, visually striking tattoos by understanding the key principles of composition.
Light and Shadow: Master the art of shading to add depth and dimension to your tattoos, bringing your designs to life with realistic light and shadow effects.
NO. 3
Technical Skills & Application
Line Work: Learn the techniques for achieving clean, precise lines in black and grey tattoos, ensuring clarity and consistency in every design.
Shading Techniques: Explore a variety of shading methods, including whip shading and smooth gradients, to create depth and texture in your tattoos.
Skin Anatomy and Safety: Gain a solid understanding of skin types and the importance of hygienic practices, ensuring safe and effective tattooing for every client.
NO. 4
Advanced Techniques & Brand Development
Realism and Portraiture: Master techniques for creating lifelike images in black and grey, capturing intricate details and depth to produce realistic tattoos.
Texture and Detail: Learn how to add fine details and textures to elevate your tattoo designs, making them stand out with precision and artistry.
Developing a Unique Style: Explore ways to develop your own artistic voice within the black and grey medium, encouraging personal expression that resonates with clients.
Mastering Meta with Jess: A hands-on course designed for emerging artists, teaching how to stay algorithm-friendly on social media and transform followers into loyal clients.
NO. 5
Professional Practice & Portfolio Building
Client Communication: Learn how to build strong rapport with clients by understanding their needs and expectations, ensuring a smooth and collaborative tattoo experience.
Portfolio Development: Create a professional portfolio that highlights your best black and grey work, showcasing your skills and versatility to potential clients and employers.
Business and Ethics: Gain insight into the business side of tattooing, including how to manage your career effectively while upholding ethical standards in every aspect of your work.
NO. 6
The Final
Create a detailed black and grey tattoo piece that showcases the skills and techniques you've mastered throughout the course. This project will be evaluated based on creativity, technical proficiency, and overall execution.
From our founders
Welcome to Graven Atelier, we are not a tattoo school, nor are we an online program offering open admission for the casual hobbyist looking for a pay-to-play experience. This is a workshop, a hub for artists who believe in the grind, embrace the challenge, and prioritize growth over convenience.
Unlike programs that trade quality for accessibility, At Graven Atelier, you’re selected—not accepted. We do not conduct generic screenings, Our selection process leaves no room for mediocrity. We thoroughly interview each prospective artist in person to ensure they’re genuinely aligned with what we offer and what we expect. We stand by our mission to refine only the most serious, talented, and capable. We are not about filling seats or handing out certificates to anyone with a passing interest. We are about cultivating talent,
This isn’t a classroom. We’re not here to line up students with a cookie-cutter curriculum. You won’t find recorded videos or pre-set lessons here. Instead, you’ll sit shoulder to shoulder with your mentor in live tattooing sessions, watching as they work on intricate black and gray pieces, step by step. Imagine leaning in as they explain their approach—how they bring a portrait alive through light, shadow, and more importantly, imagine having the space to ask questions as the process unfolds in real time. Each step is explained, and every detail is open for discussion. Forget lectures with slides. This is learning in its most visceral form—up close, immersive, tactile and full of nuance. This is not for everyone—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. The craft is Tattooing. The opportunity is rare. The standard is uncompromising.
Application to Enroll
Interested in enrolling in one of our 12 week workshop?
Please fill out the information below and we will reach out to complete enrollment.