
Become A Tattoo Artist in Detroit, MI
Detroit, MI Tattoo Apprenticeship
Tattoo Apprenticeships in Detroit, MI
Learn from Ink Master Finalist Sebastian Murphy at Dark Horse Tattoo
Thinking about becoming a Tattoo Artist? If you’re ready to take your passion seriously and start your tattoo career in a real shop with real clients, welcome to Detroit!
At our Detroit location, we’ve partnered with the legendary Dark Horse Tattoo, one of the city’s most respected tattoo studios with over 12 years of industry experience. Leading your mentorship is none other than Sebastian Murphy, award-winning Tattoo Artist and finalist on Ink Master Season 2.
This is your chance to train with a pro and learn in a real shop, all while building your skills the right way, through a structured and supportive tattoo apprenticeship program.
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.

Washington 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.
Dark Horse Tattoo

Guaranteed Job Offer
SPEAK WITH A REAL HUMAN!
Text or Call +1 586-510-6200.
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.
Why Choose Our Tattoo Apprenticeship Program in Detroit?
We’re not your average tattoo apprenticeship. At TattooApprenticeship.com, we’ve created a national program that combines professional training, personal mentorship, and a clear pathway to becoming a licensed Tattoo Artist, with no guesswork or gatekeeping.
In Detroit, you’ll learn everything inside one of the city’s most iconic tattoo shops. You’ll get:
- Hands-on experience in a real studio (not a classroom).
- One-on-one mentorship from a top-tier artist.
- A clear, guided curriculum from beginner to licensed pro.
A guaranteed job offer upon successful completion of the program.
- Dark Horse Tattoo Co. LLC.
- Dark Horse Tattoo Co. LLC.
- Dark Horse Tattoo Co. LLC.
- Dark Horse Tattoo Co. LLC.
- Dark Horse Tattoo Co. LLC.
- Dark Horse Tattoo Co. LLC.
Meet Your Mentor: Sebastian Murphy
Ink Master Finalist | Award-Winning Tattooer | Detroit OG
Ink Master Finalist | Award-Winning Tattooer | Detroit OG
With over 20 years of tattooing experience, Sebastian Murphy knows what it takes to build a lasting, respected career in the tattoo industry. As a finalist on Ink Master Season 2, his work has been celebrated by artists and fans alike. But what makes him a great mentor is his dedication to elevating the next generation of artists.
When you tattoo apprentice under Sebastian, you’re not just learning technique; you’re gaining insight, industry knowledge, and the confidence to carve your own path.
Your Training Ground: Dark Horse Tattoo
Dark Horse Tattoo has been a staple of the Detroit tattoo scene for over a decade. Known for its professionalism, cleanliness, and unmatched creativity, this shop is where countless unforgettable tattoos (and careers) have been born.
Located in the heart of Detroit, Dark Horse is:
- Clean, safe, and client-focused.
- Home to experienced artists and supportive staff.
- A real working shop where you’ll learn how to tattoo real people, not just practice on paper or rubber skin.
Follow Toye Shop Ink @darkhorsetattoo
Ready to be inspired by a safe tattoo community? Check out Dark Horse Tattoo Instagram, to see the team's work on clients and their tattoo studio in Detroit, MI.

Sword and wave #darkhorsetattoos
Tattoo Apprenticeship Blog
Dive into all the information, insights, interviews, videos, and resources you need to understand tattoo apprenticeships and tattoo artist training!
What Will You Learn in Our Tattoo Apprenticeship?
Our 4-phase program walks you through everything you need to know, including:
- Design fundamentals & drawing for tattoos.
- Tattoo equipment setup & safety protocols.
- Stencil prep & placement techniques.
- Tattooing on fake skin & eventually real clients.
- Shading, linework, and color theory.
- How to run your business and grow your client base.
And the best part? We don’t leave you hanging after graduation. You’ll leave with a job offer in hand and support to help you continue building your career.

Image from Eastern Market website
Why Detroit Is the Perfect Place to Start Your Tattoo Journey
Detroit is creative, gritty, and overflowing with talent, and that’s exactly the kind of energy that fuels tattoo artistry.
How Detroit Fuels Creativity
From the massive murals of Eastern Market to the indie galleries scattered across the city, Detroit pulses with artistic inspiration. You’ll find creative influence in the architecture, music, and history that surrounds you every day.


How Detroit’s Food Scene Inspires Tattoo Artists
Detroit's food scene is a mashup of bold flavors and creative culture; the perfect mix to keep your creative juices flowing. From soul food to street tacos, it’s all part of the vibe that helps artists tap into their best work.
How Detroit’s Culture Elevates the Tattoo Industry
This city is full of stories, and tattoos are one of the most powerful ways to tell them. Detroit’s cultural richness and diversity create an ideal environment for artists to grow, connect, and create meaningful art that lasts a lifetime.
Apply Now and Ink Your Future
If you’ve been dreaming of becoming a Tattoo Artist and you’re ready to commit to real training in a real shop, this is your chance.
Here’s how to get started:
- Apply online through this link.
- Speak with our admissions team.
- Get matched with Sebastian Murphy at Dark Horse Tattoo.
- Start your journey to becoming a professional Tattoo Artist.
📍 Location: Dark Horse Tattoo – Detroit, MI
🎓 Mentor: Sebastian Murphy, Ink Master Finalist
💼 Job Offer Guaranteed Upon Completion
📅 Apply Today – Limited Spots Per Month
👉 Apply Now or email us at info@becomeatattooartist.com
From passion to profession — this is where it all begins. Let’s ink the future, together.

















