Tattooing and Commercial Arts

Creative Industries

UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication

Tattooing and commercial art have evolved into dynamic and influential creative industries, experiencing significant growth and an exciting expansion of styles, techniques, and career opportunities. Today, artists are working across tattoo design, illustration, branding, digital media, and visual storytelling, making creative skills more valuable than ever.

Designed for aspiring creatives, the Level 3 Diploma in Tattooing and Commercial Arts provides the perfect foundation for those looking to build a professional portfolio and develop the artistic skills that sit at the heart of the industry. Before learning to tattoo, it is essential to master the principles of drawing, design, composition, and visual communication, and this course focuses on exactly that.
Throughout the programme, you'll develop original tattoo-inspired artwork, explore a wide range of artistic styles, and learn how to transform your ideas into professional-standard designs using both traditional and digital techniques. Through practical projects, you'll build confidence in illustration, creative problem-solving, and commercial art practices, gaining valuable experience without undertaking any actual tattooing procedures.

Whether your ambition is to pursue a future career in tattoo design, illustration, graphic arts, or another creative field, this diploma will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and portfolio needed to take your next step in the creative industries with confidence.

Modules

Unit 1: The Creative Process
Unit 2: Developing Creative Practice
Unit 3: Responding to a Commercial Creative Brief

Unit 4: Researching Tattoo & Creative Industry Practice
Unit 5: Specialist Technical Skills Development
Unit 6: Specialist Creative Outcome

Entry requirements

General Entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language or Maths.
Grade 4 or above in an Art, Design or Media based GCSE is preferred.

or a Level 2 BTEC Diploma or above and GCSE English Language or Maths at grade 4 or above.

Grade 4 or above in an Art, Design or Media based GCSE is preferred.

Specific Entry Requirements

Students will be required to present a portfolio or sketchbook of artwork as part of the interview process to demonstrate commitment and potential

Why should I choose USP College?

What makes this course truly unique is its combination of tattoo-inspired design, commercial art, and professional portfolio development, giving students the opportunity to explore the creative industries from multiple angles. Rather than focusing on tattoo application, learners develop the essential artistic foundations that successful tattoo artists, illustrators, graphic designers, and visual creatives all rely on, including drawing, digital design, branding, and visual storytelling. By blending industry-relevant projects with specialist creative practice, students graduate with a diverse portfolio, a strong professional skillset, and clear progression routes into higher education, apprenticeships, or careers across the wider creative industries.