foundations of minimalist tattooing

Foundations of Minimalist Tattooing is a two-day beginner training designed for aspiring artists who have never held a machine before. This immersive experience introduces the technical fundamentals of small-scale tattoo work with a strong emphasis on safety and proper technique. It is intensive, information-dense, and foundational, built to give you the structure and understanding required to continue developing your skills responsibly beyond this training.

  • The first habits you build as an artist become your long-term habits. A beginner training is not about learning how to tattoo quickly. It is about learning correct techniques from day one. We focus on technical control, safety, and foundational line work, because learning correctly now, means fewer problems when you’re ready to work on skin. Strong foundations protect your reputation as an artist, your confidence, and your future clients.

    This training focuses on control, repetition, and responsibility, not rushing to skin. Without fundamental foundations, the path forward is shaky. This training ensures you start on solid ground for your skills, your clients, and your future as an artist. You will leave equipped with the knowledge and technical understanding necessary to continue developing on your commitment to practice, refine and take responsibility for your craft.

  • Day One: Theory & Technical Basics

    • Skin anatomy, contraindications, and client safety

    • Bloodborne pathogens, sanitation, and cross-contamination prevention

    • Machine anatomy, setup, and voltage basics

    • Line drills on practice skin (depth, stretch, line consistency)

    • Safe needle handling and sanitation protocols throughout

    Day Two: Application & Operations

    • Proper setup, breakdown, and stencil placement for minimalist designs

    • Live in-studio demonstration (by me) with technique focus

    • Hands-on practice on fake skin

    • Procreate fundamentals for tattoo design workflow

    • Business operations: client intake, insurance, booking platforms, custom workflows, launching professionally, and navigating apprenticeships

  • In Minnesota, tattoo artists must be licensed to practice. You’ll need to complete a blood-borne pathogens course, document at least 200 hours of supervised training at your apprenticeship, and apply through the Minnesota Department of Health.

    If you’re from out of state, it’s your responsibility to connect with your state’s Department of Health to understand your local requirements.

    This training does not replace any formal apprenticeship.

  • Can I tattoo on skin immediately after this training?
    No. You should spend time strengthening your stability and machine control on synthetic skin before tattooing on a client.

    What happens after the two days?
    You will leave with a complete starter kit, a training manual, and a personalized development plan.
    Your next phase is repetition. Practice on synthetic skin. Build stability. Strengthen technique. When you feel technically ready, pursue an apprenticeship with greater confidence and control if your state requires it.

    Do I need to bring anything to training?
    I recommend bringing an iPad and Apple Pencil with Procreate and Pinterest already downloaded. If you don’t have one, you can use mine during training but when you’re ready to tattoo on your own, you’ll need a device for creating designs.

    Will I tattoo on skin during my training?
    No, this is a beginner’s training, and you will not be working on skin. At this stage, you are not ready for that step.

    How many artists do you work with in each training?
    This is a one-on-one experience, so you’ll have individualized attention throughout the two days.

  • Over the past several years, I have trained more than 20 women through this foundational framework and built a six-figure tattoo business within two years of expanding into tattoos. I have been working as a tattoo artist for over 4 years now. My work is rooted in precision and technical discipline, which I believe is the foundation of any quality, lasting tattoo. I take pride in my work and care about every single client and student.

    Minimalist tattooing may look simple, but mastering it requires discipline and control. I am constantly looking at ways to refine my technique, and continue to practice technical fundamentals on my own time, because I believe it is the root of my art and what allows my work to evolve. I stay committed to ongoing growth, education, and improving my methods because strong artists never stop learning.

    My trainings are built from real experience. I have made mistakes, nagivated the uncertainty, and learned the hard lessons that many beginners face alone. My goal is to offer you structured guidance from the start, so you can avoid unnecessary setbacks and build your foundation with clarity and technique.

  • What’s Included:

    1. Full Tattoo Kit: You receive a professional tattoo machine, wraps, grip tape, ink, ink cups, glide, gloves, cotton rounds, aftercare wraps, bibs, needle cartridges, everything needed for beginner tattoo setup.

    2. Stencil Tools: Stencil paper, stencil printer, transfer gel, and disposable razors.

    3. Custom 30+ page training manual created by Art Haus.

    4. Certificate of Completion awarded on Day Two.

    It’s everything you need to begin your tattoo journey, from the first stencil to safe, beginner practice.

  • Investment
    The total cost is $2,850.

    A $600 non-refundable deposit secures your spot, and the remaining balance is due at the training.

    Accepted payment methods include Venmo, cash, all major credit cards, and cashier’s checks addressed to Lisa Harris Artistry LLC.

    Personal checks are not accepted.

    Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable to others.

    If you need to reschedule, please provide as much notice as possible. One reschedule is permitted without forfeiting your deposit, as I understand unexpected situations can occur. After one reschedule, a new deposit will be required to secure a new date.

    All students must complete blood-borne pathogen training in advance. A recommended site is Biologix Solutions at blxtraining.com. Simply select your state and choose 'Tattoo Artist' under Bloodborne Pathogens.

Begin your foundations training