When Jean Paul Attard, owner of Positive Vibrations Tattoos Malta, began offering tattoo courses, his motivation stemmed from personal frustration with what he saw as excessive gatekeeping within the industry. For Jean Paul Attard, the issue is not about opening the doors without limits, but about finding the right balance between accessibility, professional standards and the realities of an increasingly competitive market.
With this in mind, the courses gradually evolved into a more personalised, one-to-one apprenticeship programme, typically lasting around a year. The aim is to give each apprentice a solid foundation and the time needed to develop their skills properly. Only when a student demonstrates respect for the craft and is deemed ready to tattoo members of the public will they receive a certificate, which can then be used to obtain a tattooing licence.
Having taught for a decade, Jean Paul Attard has worked with countless aspiring tattoo artists. Over the years, one thing has become clear: success often comes down to commitment. As he puts it, the question is simple: “Are you all in, or not?”
Jean Paul Attard believes nobody should be able to monopolise a craft or prevent others from pursuing it. At the same time, he recognises concerns about market saturation and the importance of ensuring new artists are properly prepared before working on the public.
The programme covers tattoo styles, techniques, professional conduct, client care and responsible use of social media, while emphasising the importance of continued artistic development. Prospective apprentices must also present a strong portfolio of artwork and sketches, allowing Positive Vibrations Tattoos Malta to assess their ability, commitment and genuine interest in the craft.
Former students who have built careers spanning over 7 years demonstrate Jean Paul Attard’s lasting impact as a mentor.
For former student Rebecca Williams, the training opened the door to a career she had never imagined. Rebecca said: “I had always loved art, but I had no experience in tattooing. Even before starting my one-to-one course, I was encouraged to keep drawing and developing my artistic skills. The training was very hands-on, with a good balance between being challenged to improve and receiving the support and guidance I needed. After completing the course, I continued with an apprenticeship, eventually obtaining my licence and progressing to tattooing clients under Jean’s mentorship.”
“Looking back, I can confidently say that I was given the knowledge and skills I needed to become an independent tattoo artist. Over time, I also took on the role of studio manager. Beyond tattooing, I learnt a great deal about personal development, and those lessons have stayed with me and continue to shape who I am today. I was a very different person when I first started, and I genuinely would never have imagined being where I am today, both professionally and personally. I truly believe his courses provide a strong foundation for anyone serious about building a career in the industry.”
For Jean Paul Attard, becoming a tattoo artist is about more than learning a technique. It requires dedication to the craft, the profession and the responsibility that comes with working on clients.
To learn more about Jean Paul Attard’s tattoo courses and apprenticeship programme, get in touch with Jean Paul Attard by calling +356 7998 1911 or visiting his website at www.tattoosmalta.com/contact
#MelaBonġu / Ad
