Online learning is an opportunity for students to develop valuable PMU skills from any location without needing to travel. This invaluable educational tool has helped countless artists train with the best instructors in the world and achieve rapid success. Here are 7 tips to maximize the benefits of your online education:
1. Ask a lot of questions. There are no stupid questions.
Do not let insecurities or discomfort stop you from asking important questions. Live online sessions are not designed to be the same as pre-recorded video lessons. Hyper Real Academy offers live online classes because we value open communication between instructor and student. You’ve paid for your spot in the class, which includes your active participation in each step of your education. Though it may be strange or awkward to call the instructor’s attention during an online class, it is no different than raising your hand during an in-person class. As AAM Platinum certified instructors, we understand the student’s experience at every stage of their education. Questions are always welcome and greatly appreciated.
2. Work smart and work hard.
Building a skill is a simple journey but a tedious process. While it is important to follow your instructor’s homework prompts and technical exercises, it is equally important to evaluate your own work as you are completing each exercise. If you experience any challenges, such as uneven ink distribution, it is important to work through each problem with your instructor as you experience them. Hyper Real Academy encourages a collaborative training experience by including constructive group critiques. Group critiques allow students to compare their work and receive feedback in a positive setting.
3. Avoid forming bad habits.
It is important to form good habits when picking up a brand new skill, especially a skill as intricate as tattooing. Though it is tempting to complete exercises quickly, it is important to avoid practicing using incorrect technique. Your core PMU skills are developed during your training exercises and guided practice with your instructor. Try to avoid bad technique starting from the very beginning. PMU exercises are designed as building blocks so that intricate skills will stack over basic skills. If you are unsure that you are completing the exercise correctly, ask your instructor to check your work before building onto the skill with the next exercise. Building core skills slowly is not only acceptable but encouraged.
4. Take advantage of supplementary content.
Instructors will provide supplementary content with each lesson such as slides and videos. These materials are designed to help you complete exercises at home and supplement the notes you took during lessons. Hyper Real Academy offers pre-recorded video lessons that are organized in categories and designed to be referenced quickly during home practice or guided practice with your instructor.
5. Prioritize not only technical skills, but skills for the whole PMU customer experience.
Students are encouraged to ask questions about consultation, customer service, and business as they arise. Hyper Real Academy dedicates lessons to training customer service, business, and social media skills to ensure that each artist will be ready to not only tattoo, but to work as a licensed professional.
6. Stay connected to your peers.
Take advantage of your network of fellow students. Join the group chats and group studies provided whenever possible. Many students stay in touch and even start businesses together. Your instructor is connected with many PMU business owners and top-performing artists across the world. Maintaining a strong connection with your network of PMU professionals will open doors to new knowledge, insight, and opportunities indefinitely.
7. Keep or create content that you can review later.
If instructors do not allow you to film during lessons, (understandably, some instructors are uncomfortable being filmed), film or take notes of yourself practicing while it is still fresh in your mind. Many online courses allow demos to be kept forever or for an extended period of time after the class. At Hyper Real Academy, all slides, clips, reference sheets, and exercise materials provided are yours to keep. Revisit the data as your skill level increases. You will be surprised at how much more you will get from the same lesson.
