About
Become a Tattoo Artist is a comprehensive training platform designed to transform passionate beginners into licensed, career-ready tattoo artists. Through partnerships with internationally recognized celebrity tattoo artists — including veterans from shows like Ink Master and TLC's Tattoo Girls — the program delivers real-world, hands-on education across four distinct learning tracks. The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship places students in one of 45+ physical studio locations across the United States, offering an immersive, in-person experience as a true college alternative. The Master Mentorship Program provides intensive one-on-one training directly from celebrity artist mentors. For those unable to attend in person, the Virtual Interactive Starter Apprenticeship delivers real-time, live, interactive remote training. A Shop Owner Training track rounds out the offerings by teaching business leadership and studio management skills. With over 200 combined years of mentor experience, a guaranteed job offer, access to guaranteed loan financing, and an International Artist Exchange Program, the platform provides a structured and supported path into the tattoo industry. It targets aspiring tattoo artists, career changers, and creative individuals looking for a skilled trade alternative to traditional higher education. The program is active across major US cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and many more.
Key Features
- Celebrity Master Mentors: Learn directly from internationally renowned tattoo artists, including Ink Master contestants and TV personalities, with 200+ years of combined experience.
- Multiple Training Tracks: Choose from Traditional In-Person Apprenticeship, One-on-One Master Mentorship, Virtual Interactive Training, or Shop Owner Business Training.
- Guaranteed Job Offer: Upon program completion, students receive a guaranteed job offer, easing the transition from training to professional tattooing.
- 45+ Studio Locations: Train at a real working tattoo studio near you across 40+ cities in the USA, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and more.
- International Artist Exchange Program: Gain global exposure through an international exchange program that connects students with tattoo artists and studios around the world.
Use Cases
- A creative individual with no formal training uses the Traditional Apprenticeship to become a licensed tattoo artist at a local studio within their city.
- An experienced hobbyist tattoo artist enrolls in the Master Mentorship Program to refine specialized skills like hyper-realism or black-and-grey under a celebrity mentor.
- A person in a city without a nearby partner studio joins the Virtual Interactive Starter Apprenticeship to begin learning tattooing remotely before transitioning in-person.
- A working tattoo artist looking to open their own business enrolls in the Shop Owner Training track to develop the management and leadership skills needed to run a studio.
- A high school graduate seeking a college alternative applies to the apprenticeship program to enter the $2.2B tattoo industry and pursue financial independence through a skilled creative trade.
Pros
- Real-World, Hands-On Training: Unlike online-only courses, students train in live studio environments with professional mentors, building practical skills from day one.
- Guaranteed Job Offer: The program's job placement guarantee reduces the risk of completing training without employment prospects, a rare benefit in creative trades education.
- Flexible Learning Formats: Options for in-person, virtual, and intensive one-on-one formats make the program accessible regardless of location or schedule.
- Industry-Recognized Mentors: Training under TV-recognized artists lends credibility and networking value to graduates entering the professional tattoo market.
Cons
- Paid Program with No Public Pricing: The program requires payment and financing, but specific tuition costs are not transparently listed on the website, requiring direct inquiry.
- US-Centric Location Network: While an international exchange exists, the majority of physical studio locations are concentrated in the United States, limiting accessibility for international students.
- Not a Traditional Academic Credential: As a trade apprenticeship alternative, the program does not confer a university degree, which may matter in some employment or licensing contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What programs does Become a Tattoo Artist offer?
The platform offers four programs: a Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship (in-person at studio locations), a Master Mentorship Program (one-on-one with celebrity artists), a Virtual Interactive Starter Apprenticeship (remote/online), and a Shop Owner Training program for aspiring studio managers.
Is this program available online?
Yes. In addition to in-person apprenticeships at 45+ US studio locations, there is a Virtual Interactive Starter Apprenticeship program that delivers real-time, live, hands-on training remotely.
Do I need prior tattooing experience to apply?
No prior experience is required. The programs are designed for aspiring artists at various skill levels, including complete beginners who want to launch a tattoo career from scratch.
What is the guaranteed job offer?
Upon successfully completing the program, students receive a guaranteed job offer, helping them transition directly into professional tattooing without a gap between training and employment.
How do I apply and what financing options are available?
You can apply through the website's application form. The program also offers a guaranteed loan option to help finance tuition costs, making it accessible to students without upfront capital.
