Become A Tattoo Artist in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, IA Tattoo Apprenticeship
Tattoo Apprenticeships in Des Moines, IA
Looking to become a professional Tattoo Artist in Iowa? There’s no better place to start than Des Moines, home of the award-winning Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing, and one of the most inspiring mentors you’ll ever meet: Chris Pruisner.
At Become A Tattoo Artist in Des Moines, we’ve partnered with Lucky Gal to bring you a professional, real-world tattoo apprenticeship experience that will set you up for long-term success in the tattoo industry. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for a serious alternative to college, this is where passion meets profession.
WARNING! You can’t learn to tattoo in two weeks! You can't learn in even two months. Our tattoo apprenticeship programs with guaranteed job offers provide up to 2,000 hours of training to ensure career success.
Des Moines Full Tattoo Apprenticeship Program Tattoo Artist Certification
Your Path to Career Success in the Tattoo Industry.
Ink Different's Tattoo Artist Certification Guarantees a Job Offer and Becoming a Licensed Tattoo Artist for each apprentice who completes the Full Tattoo Apprenticeship Program.
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 through the only tattoo industry training program that guarantees a job offer.
Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing
Guaranteed Job Offer
SPEAK WITH A REAL HUMAN!
Text or Call 1-917-227-2842.
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. Start From Home - Finish In Our Studios
As a tattoo apprentice, you’ll start online in a live virtual classroom, where you will work one-on-one with your trainer. Once you pass your virtual classroom requirements, you’re ready to complete your apprenticeship in one of our studios. Apprenticeships generally take 1 year to complete.
3. Guaranteed Job Offer
Upon completion of the full tattoo apprenticeship, Ink Different's Tattoo Artist Certification Program, we welcome you to tattoo at one of the Ink Different-owned or Affiliated tattoo studios. You will have all the skills necessary to provide quality custom tattoos with world-class customer service to your clients.
About the Studio: Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing – Voted Best in Des Moines!
With over a decade of excellence, Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing is more than just a tattoo shop; it’s a community. With four thriving locations in Des Moines, Ankeny, and Waukee, Lucky Gal has become an Iowa staple for both clients and artists alike. The Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing studios have been named Best Tattoo Shop in Des Moines for the last 9 years in a row!
Known for their clean, welcoming environment and incredibly talented team, Lucky Gal has built its reputation on quality, professionalism, and family vibes. When you're here, you're not just a tattoo apprentice, you're part of the Lucky Gal family.
Whether you're into bold traditional, delicate linework, or full custom pieces, this is the place to learn the ropes and grow into a confident, licensed Professional Tattoo Artist.
Meet Your Mentor: Chris Pruisner
From Corporate to Creative – A True Tattoo Success Story
Chris Pruisner didn’t start in tattooing; he started in corporate America. After working as a graphic designer for years, he knew the desk life wasn’t for him. So, he left it all behind to chase his dream. What started as an unpaid apprenticeship turned into one of Iowa’s most respected tattoo businesses.
Chris now owns four Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing studios and has mentored dozens of artists who’ve gone on to have incredible careers of their own. He brings decades of design experience, a creative vision, and a genuine love for tattooing to every single apprentice.
If you want a mentor who’s been in your shoes, knows the hustle, and truly cares about your growth, Chris is that guy.
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Why Des Moines Is the Perfect Place to Become a Tattoo Artist
Forget the idea that you have to move to L.A. or New York to make it in tattooing. Des Moines is quietly becoming a hotspot for creatives, and the tattoo scene is booming.
- Creative, But Affordable: You’ll find a thriving art scene without the sky-high cost of living. That means more room to grow, experiment, and build your portfolio.
- Award-Winning Studios: Lucky Gal is one of many reasons Des Moines is on the map. Clients here value quality, and they’re looking for artists who take pride in their work.
- Tight-Knit Tattoo Community: Des Moines may be small, but the tattoo community is strong. That means more support, more collaboration, and more chances to shine.
Real Career Opportunities: Tattooing isn’t just a job; it’s a real, fulfilling career. And with Lucky Gal’s multiple locations and growing client base, there’s plenty of room for apprentices to grow into working artists.
What You Get in Our Tattoo Apprenticeship Program
- Structured curriculum (no guesswork, no gatekeeping).
- Real mentorship from experienced artists like Chris.
- Hands-on learning in a professional, licensed studio.
- Support every step of the way, from your first fake skin to your first real client.
- A guaranteed job offer at completion in one of our tattoo studios.
Start Your Tattoo Journey in Des Moines Today
If you’re ready to ditch the traditional path, avoid college debt, and build a career you’ll love, this is your sign.
Apply now to train at Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing in Des Moines, Iowa, with mentor Chris Pruisner. Whether you're an artist at heart or just someone who's tired of doing what you "should" do instead of what you love, we're here to help you become a Tattoo Artist the right way.
Follow Lucky Gal Tattoo Ink @luckygaltattoo_official
Ready to be inspired by a safe tattoo community? Check out Lucky Gal Tattoo's Instagram, to see the team's work on clients and their tattoo studio in Des Moines, IA.
Tattoo Apprenticeship Blog
Dive into all the information, insights, interviews, videos, and resources you need to understand tattoo apprenticeships and tattoo artist training!
Guaranteed Job Offer After Completion
We know that starting a new career can be scary—especially when you don’t know what happens after training. That’s why our DC tattoo apprenticeship comes with something most programs don’t: a guaranteed job offer at one of our studios upon successful completion.
That means no more wondering, no more hoping. You’ll leave your apprenticeship with skills, experience, and a clear next step.
Why Choose TattooSchool.com for Your Apprenticeship?
We’ve spent years refining a tattoo apprenticeship model that works—no gatekeeping, no guesswork. Just real mentorship, real clients, and real results. Here’s why students choose us:
- Structured, in-studio training with clear goals and outcomes
- Mentorship from real artists who are invested in your success
- Inclusive, supportive community where all backgrounds are welcome
- Job security with a guaranteed job offer post-apprenticeship
- National network of studios and mentors
At TattooSchool.com, we don’t just teach you how to tattoo. We teach you how to thrive as a Tattoo Artist.
