You've got a strong foundation of technique, a signature style, and you've found some success as a tattoo artist. But what's next?

It's time to get to the next level.

Introducing the Atelier Workshop

A Transformative 5-Day Artistic & Professional Tattoo Experience with Deanna James

Eden Body Art Studios - Dallas, TX

Limited to 5 students, by application only.

This isn’t a beginner seminar. It’s a deep, immersive workshop designed for artists who are already skilled—but know they’re capable of more.

Over five transformative days, you’ll paint, design, tattoo, and receive real-time coaching from Deanna James—one of the most celebrated painterly tattoo artists in the world.

You’ll walk away with elevated design skills, sharper technical execution, and a renewed sense of purpose in your work.

What You’ll Experience

Day 1: Painting Theory + Oil Painting Class

  • Understand how Deanna's color choices, use of light and shadow, and layering are rooted in classical oil painting. Then create your own canvas piece to internalize her process.

Day 2: Interactive Design Lab

  • Watch Deanna design in real time, then dive into guided prompts and exercises to sharpen your own artistic choices with her live feedback.

Day 3: Tattoo Theory + Fake Skin Technique Practice

  • Learn Deanna’s 4-step underpainting process, starting with values and layering undertones and hues on top. Apply painterly techniques on fake skin through a variety of exercises—building confidence in your technique and color choices.

Day 4-5: Live Tattoo Days

  • Tattoo your own client using a piece designed during the workshop—while Deanna gives in-person feedback and guidance throughout the process.

What’s Included

  • 1-on-1 Portfolio Critique with Deanna James

  • Private Tattoo Business Strategy Call with Colton James

  • Structured Career Roadmap from Deanna: what to do next after the workshop

  • Breakfast & Lunch Provided Daily

  • All supplies

  • Promotion on Deanna’s Instagram

Who This Workshop is For

This workshop is for you if:

  • You’re an established artist, but feel like you’ve hit a creative plateau

  • You have a strong technical foundation in the areas of whip shading (pendulum motion) and color packing

  • You’re craving deeper artistic fulfillment and a more expressive style

  • You want direct access to high-level feedback and techniques

  • You’re looking to truly reach the next level as a tattoo artist.

How to Enroll

To provide the most extensive and intimate educational experience with Deanna possible, this workshop is limited to 5 students.

If you’re ready to go from a solid artist to a great one—apply now.

What it’s like to take a seminar with Deanna

What Students Say

  • “Deanna’s seminar was such an amazing experience. Watching her execute her process, first hand, in person was incredible. Her one-on-one instruction on the second day was invaluable."

  • “Deanna’s seminar completely transformed the way I look at art and my approach to tattooing. All of her techniques I have implemented into my work and the experience of this seminar with Eden Body Art Studios continues to inspire me daily."

  • “Deanna’s seminar was soo worth it!! She was able to translate her background in oil paintings into the fine art of tattooing perfectly. Great mentor, I learned so much & would definitely sign up for her next one.”

  • “I have been to 2 of Deanna’s seminars and I can tell you of all the seminars I’ve been to, hers were the best and most favorite ones. She’s very humble and her teachings are very easy to understand. Her techniques have helped me in so many ways. Everyone at Eden makes you feel welcome and at home as well. I cannot express my gratitude from learning from such a great teacher… and person. "

  • “Deanna was a fantastic instructor, knowledgeable, patient and so encouraging! Her perspective and artistic terminology was so refreshing and inspiring and she really focused on making sure we as her students took home a new technique or thought process to apply to our own work. I look forward to taking many more seminars with her and continuing to expand my knowledge and craft!”

  • “I left there with a new flame of inspiration lit with in me. Being able to have her go over theory and explain her techniques bridged so many gaps I didn’t even know I was missing. I’ve already seen improvements in my art and my tattoos. I am so grateful she was willing to share this information with other tattoo artists. She’s also a gem of a person, who is super easy to talk to. This was beyond worth it in so many ways.

About Deanna James

Deanna has been studying art for 25 years, tattooing for 12, and teaching for 6. Her resume includes incredible achievements, such as being named Dallas’s best tattoo artist, appearing on Ink Master three times, and winning Best of Show awards in New York, Los Angeles, and Europe.

Deanna is not only one of the best tattoo artists in the world–she’s also one of the very best art educators in the tattoo industry. She has taught dozens of seminars, including private seminars, hands-on seminars, conferences, and Symposiums. She is incredibly passionate about fostering the growth of tattoo artists of all levels, and has an enormous amount of experience in both tattoo methods and career development.

FAQ

  • Deanna breaks down color in a way that’s incredibly simple and easy to understand. Many of her students who have never done color feel confident in it after taking a seminar. If you’re a master at black and grey—you can master Deanna’s color techniques.

  • Yes. Deanna will break down the oil painting process step by step, regardless of your experience level.

  • You’re welcome to bring your own client, or Eden can provide one for you.

  • The tattoo portions will be personalized to each student based on what you’re wanting to learn.