ABOUT OTZI TATTOO SCHOOL – SOUTHERN OREGON’S MOST TRUSTED TATTOO TRAINING PROGRAM

Founded in February 2021, Otzi Tattoo School was created with one clear purpose: to provide fundamental tattoo training that actually prepares students for real tattoo careers—not just a license.

Located in Eagle Point, and serving students throughout Southern Oregon, including Medford and Grants Pass, Otzi Tattoo School exists to raise the standard of tattoo education in Oregon and beyond.

ABOUT OTZI TATTOO SCHOOL – SOUTHERN OREGON’S MOST TRUSTED TATTOO TRAINING PROGRAM

Founded in February 2021, Otzi Tattoo School was created with one clear purpose: to provide fundamental tattoo training that actually prepares students for real tattoo careers—not just a license.

Located in Eagle Point, and serving students throughout Southern Oregon, including Medford and Grants Pass, Otzi Tattoo School exists to raise the standard of tattoo education in Oregon and beyond.

WHY OTZI TATTOO SCHOOL WAS CREATED

Before Otzi Tattoo School opened its doors, aspiring tattoo artists in Southern Oregon faced two major challenges:

  • The closest tattoo schools were nearly 200 miles away

  • Most programs focused on licensing only, not real technical tattoo training

Many tattoo schools in Oregon were known to “burn and turn” students—pushing them through licensing requirements without properly teaching the fundamental techniques of tattooing. Otzi was founded to change that.

Solving a Real Problem in Tattoo Education

Otzi Tattoo School was built to answer a simple question:

What if tattoo students were actually taught how to tattoo—correctly, safely, and professionally—from day one?

Instead of treating tattoo education like an art school or a paperwork process, Otzi focuses on technical application, craftsmanship, and long-term career success.

WHY OTZI TATTOO SCHOOL WAS CREATED

Before Otzi Tattoo School opened its doors, aspiring tattoo artists in Southern Oregon faced two major challenges:

  • The closest tattoo schools were nearly 200 miles away

  • Most programs focused on licensing only, not real technical tattoo training

Many tattoo schools in Oregon were known to “burn and turn” students—pushing them through licensing requirements without properly teaching the fundamental techniques of tattooing. Otzi was founded to change that.

Solving a Real Problem in Tattoo Education

Otzi Tattoo School was built to answer a simple question:

What if tattoo students were actually taught how to tattoo—correctly, safely, and professionally—from day one?

Instead of treating tattoo education like an art school or a paperwork process, Otzi focuses on technical application, craftsmanship, and long-term career success.

OUR MISSION, VISION & TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

Education First. Fundamentals Always

What sets Otzi Tattoo School apart is a commitment to education quality over shortcuts.

We don’t just help students get licensed—we prepare them to have a real jump start in their tattoo careers.

Our training philosophy is built on:

Fundamental tattoo training

Technical precision and clean application

Strong work habits and shop professionalism

Long-term growth as tattoo artists

Otzi Tattoo School is widely regarded as the most trusted training program in Southern Oregon by local tattoo shops and artists, because our graduates are prepared—not rushed.

OUR MISSION, VISION & TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

Education First. Fundamentals Always

What sets Otzi Tattoo School apart is a commitment to education quality over shortcuts.

We don’t just help students get licensed—we prepare them to have a real jump start in their tattoo careers.

Our training philosophy is built on:

Fundamental tattoo training

Technical precision and clean application

Strong work habits and shop professionalism

Long-term growth as tattoo artists

Otzi Tattoo School is widely regarded as the most trusted training program in Southern Oregon by local tattoo shops and artists, because our graduates are prepared—not rushed.

MEET THE EXPERIENCE BEHIND THE PROGRAM

65+ Combined Years of Professional Tattoo Experience

Our instructors bring over 65 combined years of experience in tattooing and body art, all based out of our Eagle Point training center.

JEN MCLELLAN

JENNIFER

Licensed since 1985 (41 years). One of the first 14 women tattoo artists in America.

JOHNNY HERRERA

RICARDO

Licensed since 2011 (15 years). Specializes in body art, powder brows, lips, scar camouflage, and advanced aesthetic services.

JOHNNY HERRERA

JOHNNY

Licensed since 2017 (9 years). Highly trained SMP technician and instructor, with certification and instructor status through Phi Brows/Scalp and Leaders SMP.

EVERY INSTRUCTOR AT OTZI:

Is a licensed tattoo artist

Actively tattoos in the industry

Teaches from real-world experience—not theory alone

MEET THE EXPERIENCE BEHIND THE PROGRAM

65+ Combined Years of Professional Tattoo Experience

Our instructors bring over 65 combined years of experience in tattooing and body art, all based out of our Eagle Point training center.

JEN MCLELLAN

JENNIFER

Licensed since 1985 (41 years). One of the first 14 women tattoo artists in America.

JOHNNY HERRERA

RICARDO

Licensed since 2011 (15 years). Specializes in body art, powder brows, lips, scar camouflage, and advanced aesthetic services.

JOHNNY HERRERA

JOHNNY

Licensed since 2017 (9 years). Highly trained SMP technician and instructor, with certification and instructor status through Phi Brows/Scalp and Leaders SMP.

EVERY INSTRUCTOR AT OTZI:

Is a licensed tattoo artist

Actively tattoos in the industry

Teaches from real-world experience—not theory alone

A STRUCTURED, HANDS-ON EDUCATIONAL APPROACH

Group-Based Training With Individual Mentorship

Otzi Tattoo School operates on a structured, group-based curriculum that encourages teamwork, troubleshooting, and camaraderie—while still providing extensive one-on-one instruction.

Students benefit from:

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

DIRECT INSTRUCTOR FEEDBACK

PERSONALIZED TECHNIQUE REFINEMENT

EXTRA PRACTICAL HOURS BEYOND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A STRUCTURED, HANDS-ON EDUCATIONAL APPROACH

Group-Based Training With Individual Mentorship

Otzi Tattoo School operates on a structured, group-based curriculum that encourages teamwork, troubleshooting, and camaraderie—while still providing extensive one-on-one instruction.

Students benefit from:

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

DIRECT INSTRUCTOR FEEDBACK

PERSONALIZED TECHNIQUE REFINEMENT

EXTRA PRACTICAL HOURS BEYOND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

TRAINING THAT FEELS LIKE A REAL TATTOO SHOP

Practical Training Built on Real-World Operations

Otzi’s Practical phase is intentionally designed to function like a walk-in flash tattoo shop.

Students learn how to:

  • Open and clean the shop daily

  • Prepare artwork, linework, and shading guides

  • Manage appointments using a scheduling system

  • Communicate professionally with clients and models

  • Work efficiently in a real shop environment

By graduation, students are already comfortable with the daily workflow of a professional tattoo studio.

TRAINING THAT FEELS LIKE A REAL TATTOO SHOP

Practical Training Built on Real-World Operations

Otzi’s Practical phase is intentionally designed to function like a walk-in flash tattoo shop.

Students learn how to:

  • Open and clean the shop daily

  • Prepare artwork, linework, and shading guides

  • Manage appointments using a scheduling system

  • Communicate professionally with clients and models

  • Work efficiently in a real shop environment

By graduation, students are already comfortable with the daily workflow of a professional tattoo studio.

CAREER READINESS, PORTFOLIOS & ONGOING SUPPORT

Ready to pursue your passion for tattooing? Our admissions process is straightforward and designed to identity dedicated, motivated students.

Portfolio Development Built Into the Program

Every student at Otzi Tattoo School:

  • Builds a professional tattoo portfolio

  • Learns how to record tattoo content properly

  • Receives guidance on posting, editing, and presenting work online

  • Gets support with social media content to stand out to employers

Support Beyond Graduation

While Otzi does not offer direct job placement, students gain access to:

  • An online support community

  • Listings of tattoo shops that are actively hiring

  • Ongoing mentorship and workshops

  • Continued access to instructors and peers

Many graduates go on to work in established studios, and some have successfully opened their own shops after building strong reputations.

CAREER READINESS, PORTFOLIOS & ONGOING SUPPORT

Ready to pursue your passion for tattooing? Our admissions process is straightforward and designed to identity dedicated, motivated students.

Portfolio Development Built Into the Program

Every student at Otzi Tattoo School:

  • Builds a professional tattoo portfolio

  • Learns how to record tattoo content properly

  • Receives guidance on posting, editing, and presenting work online

  • Gets support with social media content to stand out to employers

Support Beyond Graduation

While Otzi does not offer direct job placement, students gain access to:

  • An online support community

  • Listings of tattoo shops that are actively hiring

  • Ongoing mentorship and workshops

  • Continued access to instructors and peers

Many graduates go on to work in established studios, and some have successfully opened their own shops after building strong reputations.

WHAT TRULY MAKES OTZI TATTOO SCHOOL DIFFERENT

We Teach Tattooing—Not Just Licensing

wrong

MOST TATTOO SCHOOLS FOCUS ON

  • Licensing paperwork

  • Minimal hands-on instruction

  • Pushing students through as quickly as possible

Otzi Tattoo School is different.

check

WE FOCUS ON

  • Technical tattoo application

  • Craftsmanship and consistency

  • Clean, professional execution

  • Building artists who represent the industry well

  • Fundamental tattoo techniques and No Gate Keeping

Licensing is a requirement—but quality tattoo work is the goal.

WHAT TRULY MAKES OTZI TATTOO SCHOOL DIFFERENT

We Teach Tattooing—Not Just Licensing

wrong

MOST TATTOO SCHOOLS FOCUS ON

  • Licensing paperwork

  • Minimal hands-on instruction

  • Pushing students through as quickly as possible

Otzi Tattoo School is different.

check

WE FOCUS ON

  • Technical tattoo application

  • Craftsmanship and consistency

  • Clean, professional execution

  • Building artists who represent the industry well

  • Fundamental tattoo techniques and No Gate Keeping

Licensing is a requirement—but quality tattoo work is the goal.

CULTURE, COMMUNITY & CREATIVE GROWTH

The culture at Otzi Tattoo School balances:

  • Serious respect for fundamentals

  • Creativity and self-expression

  • Accountability and professionalism

  • Support for motivated students

We invest deeply in our students and the tattoo communities we serve, offering:

  • Online support groups

  • Free ongoing workshops

  • Continued education opportunities at our

    tattoo studios in Eagle Point and Medford

CULTURE, COMMUNITY & CREATIVE GROWTH

The culture at Otzi Tattoo School balances:

  • Serious respect for fundamentals

  • Creativity and self-expression

  • Accountability and professionalism

  • Support for motivated students

We invest deeply in our students and the tattoo communities we serve, offering:

  • Online support groups

  • Free ongoing workshops

  • Continued education opportunities at our

    tattoo studios in Eagle Point and Medford

LICENSING, COMPLIANCE & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Otzi Tattoo School is:

Fully licensed and approved by state and local health departments

Operated to meet all professional tattooing regulations

Graduates receive:

Certification of Completion

Official Tattoo Transcript

CPR, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) certifications

—all required to sit for licensing examinations.

LICENSING, COMPLIANCE & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Otzi Tattoo School is:

Fully licensed and approved by state and local health departments

Operated to meet all professional tattooing regulations

Graduates receive:

Certification of Completion

Official Tattoo Transcript

CPR, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) certifications

—all required to sit for licensing examinations.

WHY OTZI TATTOO SCHOOL WAS BUILT

No Shortcuts. No Burn-and-Turn. Just Real Training.

Otzi Tattoo School was built out of necessity — not opportunity.

We saw aspiring artists traveling hundreds of miles to programs that promised a lot and delivered very little. Schools that rushed students through, checked boxes, and sent them out unprepared for real tattoo shops.

Otzi was created to be the opposite.

One student nearly lost his funding and questioned whether tattooing was truly possible for him. After a focused sit-down, he committed to showing up, refining his technique, and focusing on immediate goals.

Every part of the program is intentional:

check

Fundamentals before flash

check

Technique before speed

check

Readiness before certification

We don’t believe everyone should graduate.

We believe the right students should.

Otzi isn’t just a school — it’s a standard. And we protect that standard by training artists the right way, even when it takes more time, more effort, and higher expectations.

WHY OTZI TATTOO SCHOOL WAS BUILT

No Shortcuts. No Burn-and-Turn. Just Real Training.

Otzi Tattoo School was built out of necessity — not opportunity.

We saw aspiring artists traveling hundreds of miles to programs that promised a lot and delivered very little. Schools that rushed students through, checked boxes, and sent them out unprepared for real tattoo shops.

Otzi was created to be the opposite.

One student nearly lost his funding and questioned whether tattooing was truly possible for him. After a focused sit-down, he committed to showing up, refining his technique, and focusing on immediate goals.

Every part of the program is intentional:

check

Fundamentals before flash

check

Technique before speed

check

Readiness before certification

We don’t believe everyone should graduate.

We believe the right students should.

Otzi isn’t just a school — it’s a standard. And we protect that standard by training artists the right way, even when it takes more time, more effort, and higher expectations.

WHAT OTZI TATTOO SCHOOL MEANS TO US

Otzi Tattoo School represents growth, support, and a deep love for the arts.

We take ushering in the next generation of tattoo artists seriously—because our students

are a reflection of who we are as an institution.

WHAT OTZI TATTOO SCHOOL MEANS TO US

Otzi Tattoo School represents growth, support, and a deep love for the arts.

We take ushering in the next generation of tattoo artists seriously—because our students

are a reflection of who we are as an institution.