About us The artists behind the academy
Birmingham Tattoo Academy is run by The Collective, a group of working tattoo artists with over 50 years' experience between them. We set up our academies to bring new artists into the industry, and we now teach tattoo courses in Birmingham city centre.
The Collective founded
It started as a tattoo studio and grew into training new artists.
Years of tattooing
Shared between the artists who plan and teach the courses.
Style advice
Help with the style you want to work in, once your foundations are solid.
Accredited courses
Every course ends with a certificate you can show your insurer.
Where we came from
The Collective began in 2019 as a tattoo studio: artists with different styles working under one roof. Between us we've now been tattooing for more than 50 years.
Why we teach
Plenty of talented people never find a way in. Apprenticeships are scarce, and a year of unpaid work is out of reach for most people with bills to pay. We set up our academies to give new artists proper training from people who do this job every day, and to send them into the industry with good habits.
How a course runs
You learn hands-on, in a small group, with a trainer close by. We start with the techniques every tattoo is built on: hygiene, machine set up, stencils, linework and shading. Once those are second nature, you get one to one advice on the style you want to work in, whether that's fine line, black and grey or something of your own.
We want the studio to feel welcoming, whoever you are and whatever you did before.
One collective, two academies
Our Birmingham studio sits in the city centre, close to the Mailbox. The Collective also trains students in Romford, Essex, at Essex Tattoo Academy.
Small classes. Places go quickly.
Your tattoo career starts here.
Book your place →Questions first? Call 07341 067281 or email hello@birminghamtattooacademy.co.uk