Ink Different Tattoos offers a structured Tattoo Apprenticeship in Los Angeles, California, hosted at Buena Vida LA, a professional tattoo and piercing studio founded by Los Angeles tattoo artist Gilberto.
Located in one of the world’s most influential tattoo markets, this tattoo apprenticeship provides aspiring artists with real-world training inside a professional studio environment.
About Buena Vida LA
Buena Vida LA is a professional tattoo and piercing studio located in Los Angeles, California.
The tattoo studio is known for:
Custom tattoo art.
Professional one-on-one client experiences.
Strict health and safety standards.
Licensed and approved by Los Angeles County Public Health.
Since opening in 2016, Buena Vida LA has built a reputation for delivering high-quality tattoos designed to last.
The tattoo studio combines traditional tattoo shop values with modern artistic standards.
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.
Los Angeles 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 Offerand 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.
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. The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months 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 Los Angeles?
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 Los Angeles, 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.
Gilberto has been tattooing professionally since 2004 and brings more than two decades of industry experience to his mentorship.
Before opening Buena Vida LA in 2016, he worked at several well-established tattoo studios across Los Angeles County, gaining extensive experience in both tattoo art and professional tattoo studio operations.
His specialties include:
Realism tattoos.
Black & grey work.
Color tattoos.
Fine line designs.
Blackwork.
Custom tattoo concepts.
Gilberto’s mentorship focuses on helping apprentices develop technical precision, professional discipline, and long-term tattooing skills.
Ready to be inspired by a safe tattoo community? Check out Buena Vida LA on Instagram, to see the team's work on clients and their tattoo studio in Los Angeles, CA.
The Best Tattoo Styles to Learn First as a New Tattoo Artist In this article Key Takeaways American Traditional: The Foundation Almost Every Tattoo Artist Needs Black and Grey: Where Shading Skills Really Develop Fine Line: Precision Practice That Pays Off Blackwork: Building Confidence With Bold, Solid Shapes Script and Lettering: Small-Scale, High-Stakes Practice Where Can You Start Your Tattoo Apprenticeship? Why Choose Ink Different Tattoos How to Apply for our Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship Fifteen Years In, Ink Different Is Celebrating With You Ready to Learn the Best Tattoo Styles? Frequently Asked Questions Related guides The Best Tattoo Styles to […]
How to Find Your Tattoo Design Style By Paul-Anthony Surdi · Updated August 2, 2026 In this article A Guide for Tattoo Apprentices To Find Their Tattoo Style Learn to tattoo with Ink Different Related guides The Art of Custom Tattoo Design 6 Resources To Help You Stay Updated on Tattoo Trends 8 Tattoo Trends for Summer 2024: What’s Hot in the Ink World 6 Tattoo Design Trends in Tampa for 2024 7 Tattoo Design Trends in Miami for 2024 A Guide for Tattoo Apprentices To Find Their Tattoo Style So, you’ve decided to get into tattooing, fantastic choice! But […]
How the Yankees’ World Series Run Inspires Tattoo Artists in New York City By Paul-Anthony Surdi · Updated July 29, 2026 In this article Inking Baseball’s Greatest Moments: How You Can Become a Tattoo Artist in Midtown Manhattan Learn to tattoo with Ink Different Related guides Why New York City’s Halloween Parade Is the Ultimate Event for Tattoo Lovers Why are Halloween Tattoos so Popular How Can Parents Help Their Kids Become Tattoo Artists in New York City Dragon Tattoos: Games of Thrones-Inspired Designs Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Licensed Tattoo Artist in New York Inking Baseball’s Greatest Moments: How […]
Best Tattoo Design Apps In this article Essential Features to Look for in a Tattoo Design App Related guides How to Find Your Tattoo Design Style The Art of Custom Tattoo Design 6 Resources To Help You Stay Updated on Tattoo Trends 10 Best Design Apps Tattoo Apprentices Should Know Must-Have Reference Books for Tattoo Artists The Best Tattoo Design Apps for Tattoo Artists: Supercharge Your Creative Process! Hey, Tattoo Artists! Let’s talk tech! You’re already crushing it with your skills, but what if adding digital tools to your creative arsenal could elevate your work even more? If you think […]
The Art of Custom Tattoo Design By Paul-Anthony Surdi · Updated August 10, 2026 In this article What makes a custom tattoo design unique? Why should clients choose custom tattoos over flash? How should artists collaborate with clients for custom designs? What are the key elements of a stand-out custom tattoo design? How can custom tattoos be designed to age gracefully? What is the process like from concept to completed tattoo? How much should clients expect to pay for a custom tattoo? Are custom tattoos only for serious designs? How can clients make sure their custom tattoo represents them? Why […]
6 Resources To Help You Stay Updated on Tattoo Trends By Paul-Anthony Surdi · Updated July 29, 2026 In this article Discover the Top 6 Tools to Keep You Ahead of the Latest Tattoo Trends Learn to tattoo with Ink Different Related guides How to Find Your Tattoo Design Style The Art of Custom Tattoo Design 8 Tattoo Trends for Summer 2024: What’s Hot in the Ink World 6 Tattoo Design Trends in Tampa for 2024 7 Tattoo Design Trends in Miami for 2024 Discover the Top 6 Tools to Keep You Ahead of the Latest Tattoo Trends Being a […]