About Us
Meet the team
Zane
Developer & manager
Sasha
Student communications & administration
Matt
Communications
Gillian
Piercing & PMU trainer · New Zealand
Janet
Piercing & PMU trainer · South Africa
Tristan
Tattoo trainer · New Zealand
Maxine
Piercing trainer · Christchurch
Gary
Tattoo & PMU instructor · South Africa
Our Journey and Passion
We are a family-run training academy teaching tattooing, permanent makeup (PMU), microblading, tattoo removal and body piercing. Our founder, Gary, brings over 20 years of experience. Explore our current South African courses to compare the subjects, learning formats and completion requirements.
Gary’s journey began in 2001 when he opened his first tattoo studio in Ballito, KZN. Just eight months later, he expanded by opening his second studio, followed by several more. In those early days, finding experienced artists was challenging, so Gary took it upon himself to train new talent.
Recognising the need for structured learning, Gary developed courses that bring theory, demonstrations and practical exercises together. Students build skills progressively through design, equipment, technique and professional practice. Our tattoo curriculum includes fine-line tattooing alongside other linework, shading and colour techniques.
Within six years, Gary had established 15 studios and employed 30 artists. Realizing his true passion lay in teaching, he founded Skinart Training Academy. Combining his deep industry knowledge and advanced skills as a software developer, Gary created our comprehensive training website. Today, Gary teaches tattooing and PMU in South Africa, while Janet teaches piercing and PMU. In New Zealand, Tristan teaches tattooing, Gill teaches piercing and PMU, and Maxine offers piercing training in Christchurch. Zane manages the business and its digital systems.
Our students have gone on to open studios across South Africa, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Angola, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, and beyond. Whether you aim to start your own business, earn extra income, or explore a new art form, our courses are designed for you.
Gary and Zane own the tattoo studio at uShaka Marine World, and at Pavilion Shopping Center.
We have been in business since 1998
We love art and beauty services, so we opened our first studio and never looked back. We have opened over 20 studios and trained over 5 thousand people.
At Skinart Training SA, we are committed to delivering exceptional online education in the art of tattooing and beauty treatments. Our virtual platform ensures accessibility and flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace, from anywhere in SA. We emphasize a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing you for real-world applications in the safest and most innovative ways possible.
Skinart is home to a vibrant community of aspiring artists and seasoned professionals looking to expand their skills. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspective and creativity. They are united by a common passion for the art of tattooing, piercing, and beauty enhancements, eager to excel and innovate in their chosen fields.
Our courses cover tattooing, piercing, permanent makeup (PMU), microblading, tattoo removal and bloodborne pathogen training. The CPD Standards Office directory lists five accredited activities: tattooing, bloodborne pathogen training, microblading, body piercing and permanent makeup. Read our CPD course guide for the listed activities and how to check the evidence needed for your own learning record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Skinart?
At Skinart, we specialize in providing a comprehensive training experience in tattooing, permanent makeup, microblading, tattoo removal, and body piercing. If you’re wondering whether you have what it takes to embark on this exciting career path, know that it’s a journey filled with discovery and creativity.
How Does Training Build Your Practical Skills?
An in-person course can introduce skills through focused demonstrations and guided practice. Online training lets you work through recorded lessons and exercises at your own pace. Developing competence takes practice, feedback and completion of the requirements for your chosen course; a few days of attendance is not a guarantee that you are ready to work independently. Compare online and in-person package options to find the learning route that fits your plans.
Why Enroll in Our Courses?
Training combines creative and technical practice with hygiene, prevention of cross-contamination and professional routines. Before offering services, confirm the requirements for your intended activity and premises with the local municipality and the organisations that need your training evidence. Course completion does not itself approve your premises or grant permission to practise.
Advice for Aspiring Young Artists
For young aspiring artists, taking art classes in high school or through a local community center can be incredibly beneficial. These classes help develop crucial art skills such as scale, proportion, and shading, all essential for success in the tattoo and body art industry.
CHECK OUT THE WORK OF SOME OF OUR STUDENTS
