Tattoo Schools - Oregon

How to become a tattoo artist in Oregon! Check out our list of tattoo schools and important information about the state’s licensing requirements.

Learn how to tattoo in Oregon

We often get asked about tattoo apprenticeships and how to start a tattoo career in Oregon.

Many people are surprised to learn that Oregon has specific licensing requirements. In most cases, you must complete an approved tattoo training program and obtain a state license before tattooing in a professional shop. If you have already tattooed professionally in another state, there may be a different pathway to licensure depending on your experience and whether you meet Oregon’s reciprocity requirements.

Unless a tattoo shop is registered with the state of Oregon as a tattoo school, tattoo artists cannot legally train apprentices to tattoo.

To help people navigate this process, we’ve compiled a list of tattoo schools in Oregon (updated 11/24- please let us know if there are edits!).

If you’re considering tattoo school, we strongly encourage doing your own due diligence before enrolling. Every program is different, and it’s important to make sure the school is the right fit for your goals.

Tattoo 34 is only associated with Otzi Tattoo School and not with any of the other tattoo schools listed, we are only providing a helpful list.

Learn more at Oregon.gov

  • Anatomy School of Tattoo- PDX

    Captain Jack’s Tattoo School - PDX

    Esoteric Tattoo (Dominick McIntosh) - PDX

    Family Tradition- PDX

    Nai Beauty Academy (cosmetic tattoos)- PDX

    Point of View Tattoo School - PDX

    Angel Ink Tattoo - Oregon City

    Pacific Academy of Cosmetic Tattoo & Body Arts Programs Jein King- Milwaukie

    Back 40 Tattoo Academy- Molalla

    Carole's Cosmetic Tattoo Studio & School- Beaverton

    Ravish Ink (cosmetic tattoos) - Beaverton

    Tanya’s Beauty School (cosmetic tattoos) - Beaverton

    Graveyard Tattoos- Clackamas

    Northwest Institute of Body Art- Tigard

    Skin City Tattoo and Body Piercing- Tigard

    Trillium Ink Academy- Tigard

    Real Eye Zing Art Tattoo- St. Helens

  • Hot Rod Betties Tattoo- Salem

    Ink Theory Tattoo School - Salem

    Patsy Brows & Beauty Academy (cosmetic tattoos)- Salem

    Black Label Tattoo School- Eugene

    Out of Step Tattoo Academy- Eugene

    Necropolis Tattoo- Forest Grove

    Garden of Ink- Cottage Grove

    Area 51- Springfield

    Lifetime School of Tattooing- Springfield

    Southern Oregon Tattoo Academy- Grants Pass

    Otzi Tattoo School- Medford

  • Monolith Tattoo Academy- Bend

    Oregon School of Ink- Prineville

Thinking About Becoming a Tattoo Artist?

Tattooing is both an art form and a technical skill that takes years to develop. Tattoo school may provide the licensing requirements to work legally in Oregon, but building strong drawing skills, developing your artistic style, and finding mentorship in a professional shop are also important parts of becoming a successful tattoo artist.

Help change the tattoo industry in Portland, OR.

Modern tattooing has historically been, and in many ways continues to be, a white and male dominated space. Tattoo 34 is committed to supporting BIPOC- Black, Indigenous, People of Color- artists who are working to enter the tattoo industry in Oregon, where a state tattoo license is required.

In Oregon, aspiring tattoo artists must complete formal tattoo training through a licensed tattoo school unless they were already tattooing in another state. The tattoo school and licensing process can be expensive (often exceeding $10,000) and can be difficult to navigate.

While the Oregon tattoo school system is not without criticism, it does provide a structured path and the opportunity to tattoo for anyone who can access it and afford the training. Traditional tattoo apprenticeships, on the other hand, are often limited to those who are able to secure one.

This is where we saw a need, and why we are starting a fund for aspiring BIPOC tattoo artists who are enrolled in an Oregon tattoo school. Our goal is to help create a more diverse tattoo industry in Oregon.

As a small, family-run tattoo shop, our resources are limited, but we believe in helping create more access and opportunity within the tattoo industry. Tattoo 34 and our tattoo artists have already donated knowledge, time and financial support to several BIPOC artists. We are now working to grow and formally implement this fund to expand that support.

To donate directly to this fund (100% of the donations will go directly to BIPOC artists in the Oregon tattoo school system):

Donate

Please reach out (info@tattoo34pdx.com) if you or your organization would like to contribute, collaborate, or participate in future fundraising events or efforts!

To inquire about receiving funds (you must be BIPOC and currently enrolled in a tattoo school in Oregon):

Apply Here