Advanced masterclass
Black and Grey Realism Masterclass
Course overview
This advanced masterclass explores the full spectrum of black and grey tattooing, covering every aspect of saturation, shading, and textural nuance. Luke Dyson shares his signature techniques, creative insights, and step-by-step approaches across five iconic sub-styles:
- Religious
- Japanese
- Chicano
- Portrait
- Fantasy & Horror
From timeless icons to haunting surrealism, you’ll learn how to create striking black and grey tattoos with richness, depth, and emotion—mastering the art of contrast, smooth gradients, and lifelike textures.
Prerequisites
-
Completion of the following Infection Control Unit:
-
Bloodborne Pathogens – delivered by the Canadian Red Cross*
* Infection Control Unit (if not previously obtained) will be required prior to completing any practical assessment on human models. In the event you have this certification (or equivalent), evidence will be required upon enrollment.
-
- A computer and reliable internet. Need a computer or tablet? We can provide that too.
- You must be at least 18 years old to enroll in this course.
- You’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- If you have any disabilities or medical conditions that you believe could affect your online studies, reach out so we can work together to fully support you in your new venture.
-
Expression of interest
Interested in this course? Fill out the form below to get first access!
Learning outcomes
- Welcome from Luke Dyson
- Origins & Evolution of Black and Grey Styles
- Understanding Realism: Light, Shadow & Depth
- Drawing for realism – texture & form
- Composition techniques for large & small scale
- Creating depth with layering & value
- Black & grey ink theory – saturation, washes & gradients
- Machine tuning for realism work
- Understanding needles – liners, shaders & mags
- Ink types, brands & grey wash setups
- Setup, breakdown & troubleshooting
- Religious – iconography, light sources & symbolism
- Japanese – flow, negative space & sacred motifs
- Chicano – fine line, lettering & cultural context
- Portrait – likeness, facial features & skin texture
- Fantasy & horror – surrealism, mood & detail work
- Outlining & whip shading for depth
- Smooth blends, gradients & transitions
- Textures: skin, fabric, metal & hair
- Avoiding overworking – building in passes
- Layering for longevity – saturation that heals clean
- Tattooing different skin types
- Healing outcomes & aftercare protocols
- Working over scars & cover-ups
- Longevity of black and grey tattoos
- Consultations & reference building
- Managing expectations & difficult clients
- Tattoo ethics & cultural sensitivity
- Aftercare instructions & long-term touch-ups
- Building a black & grey portfolio
- Social media strategies & client acquisition
- Studio setup & legal compliance
- Pricing your work based on style & scale
- Religious tattoo walkthrough
- Chicano fine line tattoo demo
Learn from the best
Our expert team are here to guide you
Every artist at Omnia Tattoo Academy brings their own expertise and creative edge to the craft. Meet our team and explore their specialties below.
Luke Dyson
Luke Dyson is a passionate and dedicated tattoo artist who has been refining his craft for over 14 years. With a deep love for art and a commitment to excellence, Luke has established himself as a master of black and gray realism, constantly pushing the boundaries of his chosen style.
Kat Sawatad
Kat is an ambitious tattoo artist, renowned for her precision in fine lines and her adventurous foray into realism.
Hear from our artists
Testimonials from our graduates
Don’t just take our word for it – hear from the artists who’ve completed our courses.
Course Pricing
We’re passionate about making our courses accessible and affordable, so we offer flexible payment options to get you started sooner.
Course includes
- Expert tutor support six days a week
- 24/7 access
- Post course assistance
- World class content
- Practical assessments
- Industry relevant curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to our most commonly asked questions about our course below.
Is there a cooling off period?
Yes, when you enroll, we provide a 3-day cooling off period where you will have full access to the course. If you decide that the course isn’t right for you during this period, you may cancel without any cost.
What payment options are available?
We offer two options for payment – pay the course in full upfront, or you can opt for an interest-free payment plan, where we split the payments fortnightly or monthly, starting from as little as $39 a week.
What kind of accreditation does the course offer?
When you complete the course you will be provided with a transcript of the units you studied and a certificate of completion.
Are there any age limits?
You must be at least 18 years old to enroll in our courses.
How long will I have access to the course materials?
Once you enroll, you will have 12-month access to the course materials and your tutor support program
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
- Completion of the following Infection Control Unit:
- Bloodborne Pathogens – delivered by the Canadian Red Cross*
- * Infection Control Unit (if not previously obtained) will be required prior to completing any practical assessment on human models. In the event you have this certification (or equivalent), evidence will be required upon enrollment.
- A computer and reliable internet. Need a computer or tablet? We can provide that too.
- You must be at least 18 years old to enroll in this course.
- You’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- If you have any disabilities or medical conditions that you believe could affect your online studies, reach out so we can work together to fully support you in your new venture.
When can I access my course?
Our course is available 24/7. There are no restrictions on when you’re able to access the course contents, as we want your training to be as flexible as possible.
Do I have to immediately pay the course price in full?
We offer two options for payment – pay the course in full upfront, or you can opt for an interest-free payment plan, where we split the payments fortnightly or monthly. If financial concerns are holding you back from joining, speak to our team and we’d be happy to work out a solution together.
Our proud partners
1
Get in touch
Chat with one of our course consultants and kickstart your journey today
2
Start your free trial
Sign up today and recieve a personalized welcome call from one of our experienced tutors, who will guide you as you begin your learning journey
3
Learn and Create
Work through the course at your own pace, practice on models, and complete assessments with guidance from our expert tutors
4
Complete your course
Graduate with a Certificate of Attainment and step confidently into the industry
Grow your craft
Related courses
Expand your skill set with courses designed to take your artistry to the next level.