Who is Thaddeus Curry, and why does his mentorship matter?

When people think of tattooing, they often picture bold lines and permanent statements. Meet Thaddeus Curry, Tattoo Artist and founder of Toye Shop Ink, and you realise tattooing can be so much more. Known for imaginative illustrative realism and striking colour palettes, Thaddeus has built his name in Lexington, South Carolina. His studio is not just a place to get inked: it is where aspiring Tattoo Artists come to learn, grow, and refine their craft.

For career-changers weighing their options, a hands-on tattoo apprenticeship offers something a classroom rarely can. Tattooing is a creative, human, AI-proof profession, and a Professional Tattoo Artist can earn over $106,000 per year (per ZipRecruiter). Under a Mentor like Thaddeus, you learn the trade the way it has always been passed down: at the elbow of someone who has done the work.

From Army veteran to Tattoo Mentor: Thaddeus Curry’s journey

Thaddeus’s journey into tattooing began in 2008, though his love for art and storytelling stretches back to his earliest years. After serving in the Army, he brought his discipline and determination to a new creative outlet. With a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts and Animation and a Master’s in Media Design, he pairs a deep understanding of technical design with genuine artistic passion.

Today Thaddeus is both a skilled Tattoo Artist and a dedicated Mentor. Through his role with Ink Different, he helps shape the future of tattooing, giving each Tattoo Apprentice the hands-on training and guidance that only come from years behind the machine.

What makes Toye Shop Ink special?

Founded in 2014, Toye Shop Ink is more than a Tattoo Studio: it is a hub for artistic excellence and mentorship. Co-managed by his wife, Shikila, the studio is committed to quality, professionalism, and safety. This veteran-owned business has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and is approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

At Toye Shop Ink, a Tattoo Apprentice does not simply learn how to tattoo; they learn how to thrive in the industry. Thaddeus makes sure every apprentice understands client collaboration, technical precision, and professional integrity.

How does the apprenticeship with Thaddeus work?

Thaddeus partnered with Ink Different to bring its Tattoo Apprenticeship into South Carolina, extending the program’s mission of education and inclusivity to the Columbia area. Here is how the path typically unfolds:

His role goes beyond technique. Thaddeus helps each apprentice build confidence, understand client relationships, and navigate the industry professionally. He is not just preparing people to succeed; he is preparing them to stand out.

Curious about the wider path? Read our guide on how to change careers and become a Tattoo Artist.

What will you learn in the program?

The Ink Different apprenticeship is built to give aspiring Tattoo Artists a structured, comprehensive, and supportive pathway into the industry. Many traditional apprenticeships lack structure and guidance, so ours emphasises consistent, hands-on training with experienced Mentors. Here is what the curriculum covers:

• Safety and hygiene: the sterilisation and bloodborne-pathogen standards that keep every session safe and compliant.
• Tattoo techniques: line work, shading, colour, and the illustrative realism Thaddeus is known for.
• Client care: consultations, collaboration, and the communication that turns a first-timer into a lifelong client.
• Portfolio building: assembling a body of work that shows range and readiness to studios.
• Studio business: branding, customer service, and the practical side of running a successful career.

Why Columbia is a great place to start your tattoo apprenticeship

Columbia, South Carolina has become a hub for creative energy and artistic expression, which makes it an ideal place to begin your tattoo apprenticeship under the mentorship of Thaddeus Curry. The city offers aspiring Tattoo Artists a supportive environment to grow. With a rich mix of cultural influences and a diverse clientele, an apprentice here works across many designs and styles and gains valuable experience. Under Thaddeus’s guidance, you build the technical skills to succeed and the connections that carry a career, in a city that balances small-town charm with big-city resources.

Building a community of Tattoo Artists

Thaddeus’s work with Ink Different is not only about creating artists; it is about creating a community. Apprentices leave with the skills, support, and mentorship they need to thrive, while clients benefit from the fresh work of the next generation of Tattoo Artists. For Thaddeus, this is the heart of tattooing: sharing knowledge, fostering creativity, and leaving a lasting impact.

Ink Different also values language and cultural inclusivity, offering tattoo training in Spanish and Portuguese at select locations so more aspiring artists can learn in an environment that feels welcoming and accessible.