Why Train at RPM Institute?
Our goal here at the RPM Institute is to inspire and guide you throughout your educational process and beyond!
The truth is, it takes TIME and support to learn a new skill and even more time and practice to become a great artist.
That's why at RPM Institute we keep class sizes small so you get plenty one on one attention. We also offer ongoing mentorship to students who have completed any of our classes. We host regular practice days at our La Jolla clinic where you can continue to grow your skills by working on models in a licensed facility. You will also have the opportunity to apprentice with Vanessa! This offers unique behind the scenes look at how procedures are done day to day at our clinic.
If you are traveling to take our in person training you will still receive ongoing mentorship virtually. Vanessa will help you as you work on clients and offer advice as you need it, you can send her a photo of who you will be working on before your appointment and Vanessa will assist with color selection, shape, technique and more.
You are not alone!
What happens once you have completed your mentorship?
We are always looking for talented and dedicated artists to join our team here at Restorative Permanent Makeup! If that is not your goal we are happy to help you on your journey by giving you advice on how to open your own body art facility. Including advice on how to market your skills to find clients.
Here at RPM Institute, your success is our #1 priority!
Meet your Cosmetic and Medical Tattoo Mentor:
Vanessa Dougherty
Vanessa is a pioneer in the medical tattoo industry working alongside plastic surgeons developing techniques to address loss of pigment at a time when virtually no one was doing it.
She specialized in hair stroke brows aka Nano, years before it became mainstream. Her background in body art, makeup artistry and fine art combined with 20 years experience sets her apart from other trainers.
For the past 20 years she has focused on perfecting her skills and on serving her clients, highly in demand on word of mouth alone.
In 2022 she decided it was time to teach and opened Restorative Permanent Makeup and RPM institute in La Jolla.
Vanessa is passionate about teaching her students. Their success is her highest priority and she holds nothing back!
Welcome to Restorative Permanent Makeup
AMBER student testimony
Teresa Student Testimony
Yosi Student Testimony
RPM Institute Student Tesimonials
Medical Tattoo Class Bundle: 5 Days
Learn 3D Areola, scar camouflage, microneedling and more! In this class Vanessa teaches you how to achieve hyper realistic results for your clients. Through learning specific tricks with light and shadow you will be able to create 3D areola complexes, as well as perfectly match skin tones to be able to camouflage almost any type of scar. This course includes micro needling and scar relaxation techniques that you can perform with your tattoo machine. Students receive an online course manual to study 4 weeks before in person hands on training!
Class includes a kit with machine and pigments, a manual and all the supplies you need to get started. Students practice on latex, silicone and live models. Students must have at least a year of machine experience.
Application is required and each class is limited to 4.
Scar Camouflage Course: 2 Days
Change lives by learning how to camouflage all different types of scars! This hybrid course includes three weeks of online study and three days of in person training. Students will have the opportunity to watch live demos and work with models. This course can be tailored to any level of tattoo experience, wether you are a beginner or an advanced student, you are welcome to come learn!
Class includes a kit with machine and pigments, a manual and all the supplies you need to get started. With this course, a six month mentorship will be provided by Vanessa as well as access to ongoing practice days and shadow days in our office.
Application is required and each class is limited to 4.
3D Areola Class: 2 Days
Learn how to reconstruct realistic 3D areolas through the art of tattooing! This hybrid course includes an online manual as well as quizzes and homework assignments to prepare your for 2 day in person workshop. This course also includes a kit with pigments and accessories. You will have the chance to work on latex and watch demos performed on live models. Students must have at least 1 year machine experience to participate in this course.
Application is required and each class is limited to 4.
Permanent Makeup Class Bundle - Brows and Lips
5 Days
This is a hybrid course designed to teach you all the fundamentals so that you can be the best artist you can be! At Restorative Permanent Makeup, our brow and lip procedures are among our most popular services. As part of this course, you'll have the unique opportunity to learn directly from our experienced instructor and discover the secrets to achieving flawless, natural-looking results. Students receive an online course manual to study 4 weeks before in person hands on training!
Class includes a kit with machine and pigments, a manual and all the supplies you need to get started. Students practice on latex, silicone and live models. Students must have at least a year of machine experience.
Application is required and each class is limited to 4.
All About Brows Beginner Course: 3 Days
This course is for beginners with no machine experience and covers all the basics of tattooing, including needle knowledge, pigment science, biology of a tattoo and more! you will learn nano and powder brow techniques and how to make corrections and work over existing pigment. Class includes a kit with a machine and pigments as well as a manual and all the supplies you need to get started. Students practice on fruit, latex, silicone and live models.
Application is required and each class is limited to 4.
All about Eyeliner Course: 2 Days
Learn 3 eyeliner techniques! Lash line enhancement, classic and Smokey.
Kit Includes pigments and needles and whatever you need to perform eyeliner.
Students practice on latex, silicone, and live models.
Students must have machine experience.
Application is required and each class is limited to 4.
All about lips Course: 2 Days
Learn how to tattoo lips that last!
This class includes a set of lip pigments and supplies needed to perform lip tattoo. In this course you will learn 3 techniques: lip blush, full lipstick look, and ombre. Students practice on latex, silicone, and live models.
Students must have machine experience
Application is required and each class is limited to 4.
