Tattoo Lettering
A course by Caio Cruz, Tattoo Artist

Learn to draw custom letters and enhance messages engraved on the skin with a unique style.
A tattoo can immortalize a letter, a word, a phrase or even a signature on the skin, and a good lettering design magnifies its impact. Caio Cruz, also known as O Monstrão, is a tattoo artist specializing in lettering. He founded the Mafia Latinta studio and has done work for artists, football players and celebrities as well as for different brands.
In this online course, Caio will teach you how to illustrate letters in a practical, original and efficient way for tattoos. It will show you how to draw different types of letters with exercises to loosen the line, unlock creativity and find your own style.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 21 downloads
What's included in this course?
To begin with, Caio Cruz will tell you a little about his history and trajectory in the world of lettering and tattooing. It will also introduce the artists who influence him.
Then, Caio will explain what custom lettering is and show you all the materials you will need throughout the course. It will also introduce you to typefaces—from classical and commercial to calligraphic and gothic—and teach warm-up exercises for freeing your hand and creating ornaments. You'll also learn how to illustrate the same word in different ways and discover techniques to unlock creativity.
Later, you will see how to work with the client's idea to define the phrase to be tattooed. In addition, you will understand how to create a composition and how to design letters according to the place of application. From there, Caio will show you how to write the sketch in pen and then make adjustments and add decorations.
Finally, Caio will give tips for transferring the design from paper to skin. He will also talk about how to improve your process and find your style in the world of lettering .
- 100% positive reviews (86)
- 9,561 students
- 15 lessons (2h 27m)
- 21 additional resources (9 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: Portuguese, English, Spanish (Latam), French, Italian, Turkish
- Portuguese · Spanish · English · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
You will create an authorial design of lettering for tattoo.

Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
To all people interested in designing letters and tattoos.
Requirements and materials
No prior knowledge is required.
As for materials, you will need a pencil, an eraser, a pen brush , a fine-tipped pen and a parallel one.

Reviews

Caio Cruz
A course by Caio Cruz
Caio Cruz, better known as O Monstrão, is a tattoo artist from São Paulo inspired by carnival and urban art. When he decided to pursue his path in tattooing as a self-taught artist, he opted for custom lettering . Caio was one of the forerunners of the style in Brazil, giving workshops in several states of the country. Along the way, he founded the Mafia Latinta studio and created works for artists, football players and celebrities as well as for different brands. As a judge, Caio participates in Tattoo Week, considered the biggest tattoo event in the world.
Content
-
U1
Introduction
-
About Me
-
Influences
-
-
U2
Lettering for Tattoo
-
About Lettering and Tattooing
-
Basic Alphabets: Classical and Ampersands
-
Warm-up Exercises
-
Exercises on the Squared Sheet
-
Ornaments and Complementary Elements
-
Unlocking Creativity
-
-
U3
Project Construction
-
Briefing
-
Construction Guide
-
Application of Letters
-
Pen Application
-
Ornaments and Finishing
-
-
U4
Identity in Lettering for Tattoo
-
From Paper to Skin
-
Knowing Your Style
-
-
FP
Final project
-
Tattoo Lettering
-
What to expect from a Domestika course
-
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
-
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
-
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
-
Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
-
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
-
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
-
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
-
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
This course is perfect for beginner and intermediate tattoo artists looking to improve their lettering skills; no advanced experience is required.
You’ll need a brush pen, parallel pen, graph paper, pencil, eraser, and optionally an iPad for digital exercises. Additional tools are recommended throughout the lessons.
You’ll learn how to create unique letter designs, customize styles, use various tools, apply lettering to tattoo projects, add ornaments, and adapt lettering to the body’s anatomy.
Yes, the course covers classic styles like Gothic, cursive, vintage, and commercial lettering, teaching you how to customize them for original tattoos.
No drawing skills are required beforehand. The course starts from the basics and progresses to advanced techniques, including warm-up exercises to develop motor control.
The course covers techniques, business management, marketing, and networking to help you build authority and expand your professional opportunities in the tattoo industry.
Yes, you’ll learn how to develop custom lettering projects from client briefing to adding ornaments and adapting designs to the body.



Buen curso, corto pero muy directo, con ejercicos muy practicos para avanzar rapido.
gran curso, abre la mente y la creatividad en forma de letras
Muito bom
Curso excelente. Caio é bem direto e didático no ensino. Simplesmente maravilhoso.
Der Kurs war einfach perfekt. Ich habe gelernt schön, professionelle Tattoos gestalten. Der Kurs war einfach genial.