Ink Different began with a simple, stubborn idea: that becoming a Tattoo Artist should not mean surviving an abusive apprenticeship. For over a decade we have built a nationwide community of inspired studios staffed with Good Human Tattoo Artists who care about creating safe, welcoming spaces for clients and Tattoo Apprentices alike. This is the story of how that mission started and how a modern tattoo apprenticeship works today.

Why did Ink Different get started?

Ink Different was created to solve a problem that was all too familiar in the tattoo industry. “My cousin was an amazing artist who wanted to become a Tattoo Artist. She found a tattoo apprenticeship at a local studio, where all she learned was how to deflect sexual harassment, clean up rat droppings, and help the owner cheat on his wife,” recalls Paul-Anthony Surdi of Ink Different. “Everywhere you looked, and everyone you asked, had emotionally, psychologically, and sometimes physically abusive experiences in their apprenticeship. That was all I ever found, so we started to create something different.”

That frustration became a founding principle. If the old model was built on gatekeeping and mistreatment, Ink Different would be built on structure, respect, and genuine mentorship.

How did Ink Different grow?

After a couple of years of experimentation in Jersey City, New Jersey, the idea took shape in a small 600 square foot space in Brooklyn, New York. It was a fully functional tattoo studio serving happy clients while also running a comprehensive tattoo apprenticeship for aspiring artists. It sounds simple; it was anything but a walk in the park.

From that first studio, Ink Different has expanded steadily and now operates 50+ locations across the United States. Some are part of the Extended Family of Shops, an affiliate program that helps studio owners tackle their two biggest challenges (revenue and turnover) while carrying the Ink Different mission everywhere it goes.

What makes an Ink Different tattoo apprenticeship different?

We offer tattoo apprenticeship paths designed to fit the lives of aspiring artists, and each one is built to meet the requirements of the state where a Tattoo Apprentice plans to start their career. Rather than a scattershot approach, the program moves through a clear sequence.

Is tattooing actually a viable career?

It is one of the most resilient creative careers around. Tattooing is hands-on, human, and impossible to automate, which makes it a genuinely AI-proof path. The upside is real, too: according to ZipRecruiter, a Professional Tattoo Artist can earn over $106,000 per year. Our studios have earned over 1,000 five-star reviews from clients tattooed by recent graduates, a strong signal of how well a structured apprenticeship prepares you for the work.

For career-changers especially, this is a serious alternative to a traditional college path: real skills, real clients, and a craft you own for life. If you want to read more, see our guide on changing careers to become a Tattoo Artist.

What do you need to begin?

The prerequisites are straightforward, and a good apprenticeship handles the rest.

• Age: you must be 18 or older to begin your tattoo apprenticeship.
• Bloodborne Pathogens course: required training that keeps you and your clients safe from cross-contamination.
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination that protects you when working with skin and needles.
• A willingness to learn: beginners are welcome, so drive and consistency matter more than prior tattoo experience.

Are you a parent supporting an aspiring artist? Read our guide for parents who want to help their children become Tattoo Artists.

A few tattoo facts worth knowing

• Marks of identity: tattoos were once used to identify criminals, slaves, and outcasts in many societies.
• Sailors and explorers: in the 19th century, tattoos became popular among sailors as a way to commemorate their travels.
• Ta moko: the Maori people of New Zealand traditionally used tattoos, called ta moko, to signify family heritage and social status.