Become A Tattoo Artist in Los Angeles
Tattoo Apprenticeship in Los Angeles, California
Train at Buena Vida LA with Mentor Gilberto
If you’re looking for a Tattoo Apprenticeship in Los Angeles, California, you’re stepping into one of the most legendary tattoo cities in the world.
Los Angeles has always been a global hub for tattoo culture, where styles evolve, artists innovate, and creativity never sleeps.
Now, aspiring Tattoo Artists can train here through the Ink Different Tattoo Apprenticeship Program at Buena Vida LA, a professional tattoo and piercing studio founded by respected Los Angeles Tattoo Artist Gilberto.
At Buena Vida LA, tattoos are crafted with purpose; each piece is designed to reflect the story, personality, and identity of the person wearing it.
This is where your journey into tattooing can begin.
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.
WATCH! Understand Ink Different!
Tattoo Apprenticeship Program
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.
Our Guaranteed Job Offer is a result of achieving Ink Different Tattoo Artist Certification. A Tattoo Apprentice can only achieve Tattoo Artist Certification from Ink Different by achieving Above Average in all 5 Skill Measurement Categories and achieving Excellent in at least 3 out of 5 Skill Measurement Categories.
Your first step is to email us examples of your artwork for review. They can be anything you are proud of, or your most recent work, just not all digital. The team needs to see your freehand work as an artist who is looking to translate a passion for art into tattooing.
Don’t stress too much about where you are right now as an artist, as Phase 1 of the Tattoo Artist Certification Program is the Art & Design phase, so we’ll be here to help you develop and guide you along the way as you progress to Phase 2 Machine Mastery.
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 your full apprenticeship program, we welcome you to tattoo at one of our exceptional tattoo studios. You will have all the skills necessary to provide quality custom tattoos with world-class customer service to your clients.
Guaranteed Tattoo License
Los Angeles Tattoo School - How to Become a Tattoo Artist in LA
Our Los Angeles Tattoo Apprenticeship is only for people serious about changing careers, transforming their lives, and becoming exceptional Tattoo Artists. We are fortunate to have developed a small handful of Tattoo Artists who are willing and able to train future apprentices in a safe, structured environment that works.
Once in our Los Angeles studio, you'll be trained to implement impeccable tattoos on clients while gaining the skills, work experience, and professional development you need to launch your career as a Tattoo Artist. Apprenticeships generally takes one one year to complete.
You'll be surprised how quickly time flies when working toward a job you love.
Tattoo Artist Certification Program - Los Angeles Tattoo Apprenticeship Program
If you are serious about a career as a professional Tattoo Artist, we will consider mentoring you through your tattoo apprenticeship from start to finish. Our mission is to ensure equal opportunity in the tattoo industry, for artists dedicated to becoming great Tattoo Artists and even better humans. And we're looking for artists from all walks of life who want to learn the art of tattooing and the craft of client relationships.
We are proud to offer our Tattoo Apprentices something they can only count on if they complete their apprenticeship at Ink Different:
Guaranteed Student Loan Offer
Buena Vida LA Tattoos
Meet Your Mentor: Gilberto
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.
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.
Structured Tattoo Apprenticeship Program
The Los Angeles apprenticeship follows Ink Different’s standardized training model.
The program progresses through four structured phases:
Phase 1: Artistic Foundations
Drawing fundamentals and tattoo design principles.
Phase 2: Technical Tattoo Training
Machine setup, needle groupings, sanitation practices, and skin behavior.
Phase 3: Supervised Tattoo Application
Tattooing real clients under a mentor's supervision.
Phase 4: Career Integration
Portfolio development and a Guaranteed Job Offer upon successful completion.
This approach ensures apprentices develop the skills required to work professionally in the tattoo industry.
LOS ANGELES APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEWS
Los Angeles Tattoo Apprenticeship Blog
Dive into all the information, insights, interviews, videos, and resources you need to find a tattoo apprenticeship and tattoo artist training in Los Angeles HERE!
We Love Los Angeles!
Read all about tattoo events, tattoo trends, and tattoo history in Los Angeles.
Why Los Angeles Is a Strategic Location for Tattoo Training
Los Angeles is one of the most influential tattoo markets in the world.
Training in Los Angeles provides exposure to:
- A highly competitive and innovative tattoo industry.
- Diverse artistic styles and influences.
- A large client base seeking custom tattoo work.
- A culture that values artistic expression and craftsmanship.
Artists who train in Los Angeles gain experience in a fast-paced, creative environment that prepares them for long-term careers.
When it comes to music, The Echo in Echo Park is probably your best bet for a place you can actually walk into and find something you enjoy when you’re just local with friends. If you like bars, in this part of town, you can literally knock yourself out.
Los Angeles Arts District
The Los Angeles street art scene is booming in the downtown arts district, which can give you plenty of inspiration as a tattoo artist. In the mid-’70s the area was full of warehouses and factories, yet as the ’80s approached, the area started to evolve into an arts scene. By the mid-’90s, local artists and activists had the area designated as the “Art District,” so there, no there is no turning back.
Rivaling the street art near our location in Brooklyn, the arts district is definitely fighting it out for the top spot in California for street art. Check it out!
Like Soho in Manhattan, the Arts District was first notorious for loft apartments, yet played hosts to parties more like they were in Brooklyn. Today there are, theaters, galleries, and restaurants everywhere, and in unexpected places.
Like Soho in Manhattan, the Arts District was first notorious for loft apartments, yet played hosts to parties more like they were in Brooklyn. Today there are, theaters, galleries, and restaurants everywhere, and in unexpected places.
Venice and Santa Monica Beach
We could pretend, but why try, that the beaches of Los Angeles were not part of why we opened up there. Santa Monica is a nice place to take your family when they are in town, yet if you’re spending time with your art-inclined friends, then we recommend Venice Beach. This part of Los Angeles was developed by Abbot Kinney, which is now a main street full of a bit overpriced shopping, yet full of good restaurants and cafes.
If you’re vegan, Cafe Gratitude is a pretty amazing place, even if you’re not vegan, and there are dozen of exceptional taco places like Teddy’s Red Taco to choose from.
Essentially, as long as you can access a career in the arts, which you now can with Ink Different’s Tattoo Apprenticeship program, LA is a pretty fantastic place to live. If you are serious about a career as a tattoo artist, interview with an Advisor ASAP to take advantage of our Guaranteed Job Offer. There is nothing like being happy, living in the sunshine, and making a living from your tattoos!
Begin Your Tattoo Career in Los Angeles
If you are serious about becoming a professional Tattoo Artist, this apprenticeship offers a structured and professional pathway.
Train under an experienced mentor.
Develop real-world tattoo skills.
Graduate with a Guaranteed Job Offer.
Apply today to begin your Tattoo Apprenticeship in Los Angeles, California.
