Alright, if you’re a tattoo apprentice (or just thinking about becoming one), there’s a lot you need to learn.
And no, it’s not just about getting your line work tight—though that’s obviously important. You’ve got to understand the culture, the history, and the legends who came before you.
Lucky for you, I’ve got a list of the five best tattoo documentaries that’ll not only give you some serious tattoo knowledge but also light a fire under your chair to make you better.
Plus, I’ll even tell you where to watch them so you can just sit back and click.
Let’s go!
1. Ed Hardy: Tattoo the World
You know Ed Hardy, right? Before he became the name on everyone’s dad’s weird t-shirt collection, he was (and still is) a living legend in the tattoo world.
This documentary breaks down his whole journey, from fine arts guy to tattoo mogul. It’s a deep dive into how one guy basically shifted the entire game for modern tattooing by blending Western and Japanese styles.
Where to watch: YouTube
Why watch it: If you want to understand how tattoos went from backroom operations to mainstream art, this one’s for you. Plus, it’s Ed freakin’ Hardy.
2. Tattoo Age
This is a full-on series where you get a backstage pass to hang out with top-tier artists like Mike Rubendall, Dan Santoro, and Valerie Vargas.
Every episode dives into how they got started, how they built their careers, and what tattooing looks like when you’re at the top.
Where to watch: Vice TV or YouTube
Why watch it: You’ll see what it actually takes to go from an apprentice nobody to a superstar. Hint: It’s not just talent. These people grind.
3. Stoney Knows How
Old-school tattoos have this raw, no-BS energy, and no one embodies that better than Stoney St. Clair.
This documentary is short, sweet, and a total must-watch if you want to get a feel for the classic American tattoo style. Stoney’s got charm for days, and he’s an OG in the game.
Where to watch: YouTube
Why watch it: You’ll appreciate where the tattoo world came from and get inspired by a dude who built his career without any fancy tech—just pure skill.
4. Tattoo Nation
Ever wonder how black-and-grey tattooing blew up? “Tattoo Nation” tells the story of how this Chicano style, once an underground thing, became a major force in the industry.
It’s all about cultural movements, self-expression, and how tattoos aren’t just art—they’re stories.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Why watch it: If you want to get into black-and-grey or just learn about how culture shapes tattooing, this is your go-to.
5. Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry: The Life of Norman K. Collins
Sailor Jerry is the guy you want to thank for the bold, iconic tattoos you see all over Instagram today.
This documentary covers his life, his work, and how he helped put tattooing on the map in America. Plus, Sailor Jerry’s just a cool dude. What’s not to love?
Where to watch: YouTube
Why watch it: You want to be a tattoo artist? Sailor Jerry’s the guy who laid the foundation. Learn from the best.
Wrap it up:
You want to be a great tattoo artist? Start by learning from the legends.
These tattoo documentaries are packed with history, insight, and inspiration that’ll keep you pushing your craft to the next level. Plus, they’re all entertaining as hell.
So, fire up that streaming service, grab a notepad, and start watching.
Where to Watch:
- Ed Hardy: Tattoo the World – YouTube
- Tattoo Age – Vice TV, YouTube
- Stoney Knows How – YouTube
- Tattoo Nation – Amazon Prime
- Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry – YouTube
Let me know what you think in the comments. These are some of my absolute favorite Tattoo Documentaries, which is why I recommend them to anyone that wants to get into tattooing.
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