SThere are no mainstream B.Des programmes in India that offer a dedicated “B.Des in Tattoo Design”. However, leading design colleges such as NID, NIFT, Pearl Academy, and Srishti provide B.Des specialisations (Fashion, Textile, Communication, Product, Accessory) where students can explore tattoo design through elective projects, research, workshops, or collaborations. Professional tattoo training is mainly offered by specialised tattoo academies like Aliens Tattoo School, Singh Tattooz, Lemark, and Tattoosphere, which run certificate or diploma programmes.
A B.Des programme builds strong fundamentals in drawing, colour theory, surface design, anatomy, illustration, and digital design. These skills directly transfer to tattoo design. Top institutes also provide industry exposure, internships, and opportunities to create art portfolios that can be extended into tattoo design projects.
Eligibility: 10+2 + NID DAT entrance (Prelims + Mains)
Fees: Around ₹16–18 lakh total for B.Des
Location: Ahmedabad (main campus)
Placements & Achievements: Excellent placements with design firms, studios, and fashion brands. Alumni often branch into independent art practices, making it a solid foundation for aspiring tattoo designers.
Eligibility: 10+2 + NIFT entrance tests (GAT/CAT)
Fees: Varies by campus and specialisation
Location: Multiple campuses including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata
Placements & Achievements: Strong industry connections in fashion and visual arts. Students often pursue surface art projects and some explore tattoo-inspired designs.
Eligibility: 10+2 + institute-specific entrance exam
Fees: Typically ₹10–30 lakh for a full B.Des depending on campus and course
Location: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune
Placements & Achievements: Good tie-ups with fashion and design houses. These institutes encourage experimental design portfolios, which can be applied to tattoo art styles.
Offers diploma and 3–6 month professional courses in Mumbai and other branches. Known for hands-on tattoo training, hygiene standards, and tattoo business knowledge.
Runs 6-month certified tattoo programmes, focusing on technical mastery and studio setup guidance.
Offer certificate courses (1 month to 6 months). Cover sterilisation, legal practices, client aftercare, and advanced tattoo portfolios. Alumni often open their own studios or freelance as tattoo artists.
B.Des (NID / NIFT / Pearl):
Eligibility: 10+2 + entrance test
Fees: Around ₹2–5 lakh per year (NID total ≈ ₹16–18 lakh)
Placements: Strong design houses, consumer brands, textiles
Achievements: Students win national design awards, showcase in exhibitions, and gain global exposure
Tattoo Academies:
Eligibility: Usually 10th/12th pass or basic portfolio
Fees: From ₹10,000 to ₹1.5 lakh depending on course length
Placements: Apprenticeships at tattoo studios, opportunities to freelance
Achievements: Many graduates participate in tattoo conventions, international guest artist events, and set up successful tattoo studios
Tattoo Design is the art of creating permanent skin illustrations. It blends composition, anatomy, colour theory, linework, and storytelling. The design must adapt to the body’s curves and age gracefully with the skin.
Styles: Traditional, Realism, Tribal, Watercolour, Neo-traditional, Japanese, Portrait, Lettering
Tools: Tattoo machines, sterile needles, pigments, and digital drawing tablets for mockups
Tattooing requires strict sterilisation, single-use equipment, and adherence to hygiene laws. Proper training ensures safe practices and professional credibility.
Tattoo artists can work as studio artists, guest artists, freelance illustrators, convention participants, or educators. Success requires a strong portfolio, participation in art/tattoo expos, and good client management skills. Combining a B.Des degree with a tattoo diploma provides both artistic depth and technical expertise.
For a career in tattoo design, the best path is to pursue a B.Des degree from top institutes like NID, NIFT, or Pearl Academy to build a strong artistic base, and then complete a specialised tattoo course at professional academies such as Aliens Tattoo School or Singh Tattooz. This dual approach equips you with both the design knowledge and practical tattooing skills needed to succeed in the industry.
