Become A Tattoo Artist in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Tattoo Apprenticeship
Now Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area
Ink Different Tattoos now offers its Tattoo Apprenticeship program in Pittsburgh. Aspiring Tattoo Artists from the city and its surrounding neighborhoods can train at an established South Side studio, including students coming from:
- Lawrenceville.
- Bloomfield.
- East Liberty.
- North Side.
- Downtown and the Strip District.
Training at Ice 9 Studio
The Pittsburgh Tattoo Apprenticeship program is hosted at Ice 9 Studio, a custom tattoo shop on East Carson Street in the South Side, where apprentices train under Julie Juice.
Ice 9 is known for doing custom work the right way, with a welcoming, bold and creative atmosphere. The whole shop takes pride in every piece that leaves the building.
Through Julie's work, apprentices see a wide range of custom tattooing, including:
- Bold illustrative tattoos.
- Neo-traditional designs.
- Pop-culture and gaming pieces.
- Symbolic and zodiac-inspired custom work.
- Cross-cultural designs with Polynesian geometric elements.
Training in a shop that treats art, culture and self-expression seriously helps apprentices build strong habits and a professional mindset from the start.
Tattoo Apprenticeships in Pittsburgh, PA
Through its partnership with Ice 9 Studio, Ink Different can now offer its flagship Tattoo Artist Certification Program in Pittsburgh. This is a full Tattoo Apprenticeship on the traditional model, running 18 to 24 months. Training begins with live virtual sessions alongside a Working Tattoo Artist Mentor, then moves into the studio for hands-on work. Graduates who complete the program receive a Guaranteed Job Offer at one of more than 60 partner studios.
WARNING! You can’t learn to tattoo in two weeks! You can't learn in even two months. Our Tattoo Apprenticeship programs provide up to 2,000 hours of training to ensure career success.
Pittsburgh Full Tattoo Apprenticeship Program Tattoo Artist Certification
Your Path to Career Success in the Tattoo Industry.
Our Full Tattoo Apprenticeship Tattoo Artist Certification Program is based on the traditional model with an increased focus on long-term success in the tattoo industry.
Julie Juice
The Pittsburgh Tattoo Apprenticeship program is led by Julie Juice (Julie Cosentino), a highly respected and versatile Tattoo Artist whose reputation reaches well past the Pittsburgh area.
Julie combines bold illustration, neo-traditional composition and nods to pop culture, creating custom pieces with real personal meaning. Her range covers symbolic and socio-political designs built around zodiac imagery and cultural movements, animal subjects set inside intricate Polynesian geometric structures, and detailed tributes to cult video games and other deep-cut favorites.
Her playful, humorous collaborative tattoos with national alternative artists have been featured in Inked Magazine, and her portfolio shows just how much ground one artist can cover.
As a Mentor within the Ink Different network, Julie provides apprentices with instruction in:
- Professional tattoo technique and fundamentals.
- Finding a personal artistic voice and style.
- Client consultations and custom design.
- Tattoos that heal well and last.
- Sanitation and safety standards.
- Studio ethics and the business side of tattooing.
SPEAK WITH A REAL HUMAN!
Text or Call 1-855-600-4465.
3 Step Process
1. Interview with an Advisor!
Apply by submitting your artwork. If your artwork is approved for enrollment, you will be invited to interview with an Admissions Advisor.
2. Live Virtual Sessions, Then Our Studios
As a Tattoo Apprentice, you'll start in live virtual sessions with a Working Tattoo Artist Mentor. Once you pass your virtual classroom requirements, you're ready to complete your apprenticeship in one of our studios. The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months to complete.
3. Tattoo at Our Studios
Upon completion of your apprenticeship, we welcome you to tattoo at one of our studios, with the skills to provide quality custom tattoos and world-class customer service.
How to Change Careers and Become a Tattoo Artist in Pittsburgh - Tattoo Artist Certification
If you are serious about a career as a professional Tattoo Artist, we will consider mentoring you through your Tattoo Apprenticeship from start to finish. Our mission is to ensure equal opportunity in the tattoo industry, for artists dedicated to becoming great Tattoo Artists and even better humans. We're looking for artists from all walks of life who want to learn the art of tattooing and the craft of client relationships.
Tattoos From Ice 9 Studio
Ready to be inspired by ink? Here is a look at work from Ice 9 Studio, the studio where your Pittsburgh Tattoo Apprenticeship takes shape.
Tattoo Apprenticeship Blog
Dive into all the information, insights, interviews, videos, and resources you need to understand Tattoo Apprenticeships and tattoo artist training!
Follow Us @inkdifferenttattoo
Ready to be inspired? Check out our studios Instagram @inkdifferenttattoo to see tattoos from our talented team. Once you explore our feed, we're sure you'll be interested in joining us to start creating your own tattoo portfolio!
Why Become a Tattoo Artist in Pittsburgh?
1. Creative Neighborhoods:
From the punk and indie spirit of Bloomfield to the revival of East Liberty, Pittsburgh's neighborhoods give apprentices a wide mix of styles and influences.
2. A Strong Tattoo Community:
Pittsburgh has long embraced self-expression, and a busy local tattoo scene means plenty of chances to see great work up close.
3. Versatile Mentorship:
Julie Juice works across illustrative, neo-traditional and pop-culture styles, so apprentices are exposed to a broad range of custom design.
4. World-Class Art Institutions:
The Andy Warhol Museum, the Mattress Factory and the Carnegie Museums put bold color, installation art and classic collections within easy reach.
5. Guaranteed Job Offer:
Complete the Ink Different program and you receive a Guaranteed Job Offer at one of more than 60 partner studios.
Explore the Tattoo Culture in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Tattoo Expo
Produced by Villain Arts, this annual convention brings Tattoo Artists from across the country to Pittsburgh. Apprentices can watch top artists at work, study current styles and meet people across the industry.
The Andy Warhol Museum
Dedicated to Pittsburgh's most famous artist, the museum is a lesson in bold color, repetition and graphic impact. Those same ideas show up in flash and pop-culture tattoo design.
With its gritty roots and fearless creative streak, Pittsburgh is a city where Tattoo Artists are respected as storytellers.
Pittsburgh's Art and Cultural Scene
Pittsburgh pairs an industrial past with a thriving arts community, and its museums and districts give artists endless inspiration. Here are some standout features:
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Carnegie Museum of Art: A major museum with collections ranging from classical works to contemporary art.
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Mattress Factory: A North Side museum devoted to room-sized installation art that changes how you see space and light.
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Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: The organization behind the downtown Cultural District, with theaters, galleries and public art.
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Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: A glasshouse in Schenley Park full of plants and flowers that make excellent drawing reference.
