Become A Tattoo Artist in Mid Michigan

Mid Michigan, Tattoo Apprenticeship

Tattoo Apprenticeships in Mid Michigan, Michigan

For tattoo artists in Mid Michigan, Michigan, who are serious about becoming working, professional Tattoo Artists, Ink Different's Tattoo Apprenticeship Program has arrived! Together with Kyle Dunbar from Drunken Monkey Tattoo, Ink Different Tattoo School will now offer its Tattoo Artist Certification Program for the aspiring tattoo artists of Mid Michigan!

WARNING! YOU CAN NOT LEARN HOW TO TATTOO IN 2 WEEKS. ANYONE WHO TELLS YOU THAT IS A LIAR. OUR TRAININGS WITH GUARANTEED TATTOO LICENSES AND GUARANTEED JOB OFFERS RANGE FROM 570 - 2000 HOURS.

Mid Michigan 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.

Meet Kyle Dunbar, in Mid Michigan, Michigan!

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 studio. You will have all the skills necessary to provide quality custom tattoos with world-class customer service to your clients.

How to Become a Tattoo Artist in Mid Michigan, Michigan

Hey Mid Michigan! If you’ve been dreaming about a career that lets you be creative, work on your own terms, and genuinely love what you do, our tattoo apprenticeship might be exactly what you’ve been searching for. At Ink Different Tattoos, we partner with skilled mentors who train aspiring Tattoo Artists in real studios—not classrooms.

One of those mentors is Kyle Dunbar, based at Drunken Monkey Tattoos in Mid Michigan. You might recognize Kyle from his time on Ink Master, where he became a fan favorite thanks to his bold style and unfiltered approach. At his studio, Kyle brings that same passion to mentoring future Tattoo Artists, offering hands-on guidance every step of the way—from tattoo design and technique to shop etiquette and client care.

Once accepted into the Mid Michigan Tattoo Apprenticeship Program, you’ll start training inside Drunken Monkey Tattoos, learning the craft alongside professionals and gaining the experience you need to launch your career with confidence.

Mid Michigan Tattoo Apprenticeship Program

Ever step into a tattoo studio and feel like you belong there? That’s the vibe at Drunken Monkey Tattoos. With Kyle Dunbar as your mentor and a team of artists rooting for you, this apprenticeship offers more than just skill-building—it’s a full-on journey into the tattoo world.

Whether you're an artist looking to level up or someone ready to ditch the 9-to-5, our program provides structure, support, and a direct path to a new career. You’ll learn how to create standout tattoos, build your portfolio, and walk out with the skills and confidence to start working as a Tattoo Artist.

Why Tattooing Is a Great Career in Mid Michigan

Tired of jobs that stifle your creativity? Tattooing offers something different—freedom, flexibility, and the chance to express yourself every day. As a Tattoo Artist in Mid Michigan, you’re not clocking in for someone else’s dream. You’re building your own.

Parents—if your kid is obsessed with art and tattoos, we get it. This career path might seem unconventional, but it’s real. With a mentor like Kyle Dunbar, they’ll get serious training in a professional environment. We’ll walk you both through the process and show you how this passion can turn into a career they’re proud of.

And if you’re the one considering a career switch—there’s no better time. Kyle’s apprenticeship program is built for adults making a bold move toward a more fulfilling life.

Follow Drunken Monkey Tattoo Studio @drunkenmonkeytattoo

Ready to be inspired by a safe tattoo community? Check out Kyle Dunbar with  @drunkenmonkeytattoo, to see the team's work on clients and their tattoo studio in Mid Michigan. 

Tattoo Apprenticeship Blog

Dive into all the information, insights, interviews, videos, and resources you need to understand tattoo apprenticeships and tattoo artist training! 

May 20, 2026

Tattoo Artists vs. Robots: The Human Advantage Explained

AI Is Taking Jobs, Tattooing Isn’t One of Them The robots are here. This is not a false alarm, and it’s not some distant sci-fi scenario playing out on a screen. It’s happening right now, in offices, warehouses, hospitals, and call centers around the world. Goldman Sachs estimates that AI could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs globally.  Data entry clerks, bank tellers, cashiers, paralegals, stock traders, customer service reps, even radiologists reading scans, and truck drivers on highways. These are careers that are being actively replaced or reduced by machines and algorithms. The anxiety around this is […]
May 19, 2026

Can a Tattoo Apprenticeship Be Your Escape From Dead-End Jobs?

Ditch the Dead-End, a Better Career Awaits If you’ve ever sat at your desk, staring at the clock, wondering if this is all there is, you’re in more company than you think. About 70% of working-age people are actively looking to change jobs, and about 52% of American employees are seriously considering a career switch. That’s not a small number. That’s the majority of the workforce quietly searching for something better. But here’s where a lot of people get stuck. The idea of starting over sounds terrifying, especially when you factor in bills, loans, or a shaky financial situation. Maybe […]
May 18, 2026

Why More Adults Are Choosing a Tattoo Apprenticeship Instead of Going to College

Creative Careers Are Pulling Adults Away From College  Most people never questioned the college route. You finished high school, picked a major, and hoped the investment would pay off eventually.  But in 2026, more adults are taking a hard look at that path and asking if it still makes sense. A 2024 report found that only one in four Americans believes a four-year college degree is extremely important for landing a well-paying job today. That number says a lot about where people’s heads are right now. And honestly, it makes sense why. College tuition keeps climbing. Student debt is at […]
May 15, 2026

How Tattooing Avoids the Automation Threat Facing Other Careers

Tattooing Survives Where Other Creative Careers Struggle The robots are already here. This is not a headline trying to scare you. It is just reality. Right now, cashiers are being replaced by self-checkout machines. Data entry clerks are losing work to automation software. Customer service reps are being swapped out for chatbots. Truck drivers are watching autonomous vehicles move through testing phases. Even paralegals, radiologists, and accountants are seeing AI tools chip away at work that used to require years of training. Goldman Sachs estimates that AI could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs worldwide. That is not […]
May 14, 2026

How Tattooing Becomes a Fresh Start for Career Changers

A Creative Career Reset Without Debt or Uncertainty Most people spend more time at work than they do sleeping. So when work feels like something you’re just surviving, that’s a problem. Gallup found that around 87% of people either dislike their jobs or feel deeply disconnected from them. That’s not a small group of unfortunate people. That’s most of the workforce, quietly grinding through days they didn’t choose. If you’re one of those people, you’ve probably thought about doing something different. Maybe you’ve had a “what if” moment more than once. But then reality kicks in: bills, responsibilities, the fear […]
May 13, 2026

Can Robots Really Compete With Human Tattoo Artists?

The Robots Are Here, but Your Tattoo Chair Is Safe The robots are here, and this is not a false alarm. Across almost every industry, automation and AI are quietly taking over jobs that used to belong to real people. Cashiers are being replaced by self-checkout kiosks and Amazon Go stores. Data entry clerks, bookkeepers, and customer service reps are getting phased out by software that never sleeps. Even highly skilled roles are feeling the heat. According to McKinsey Global Institute, up to 375 million workers worldwide may need to switch career paths entirely by 2030 because of automation. That […]

Financial Benefits of Tattooing in Mid Michigan

Let’s talk numbers. According to ZipRecruiter, Tattoo Artists in Michigan can earn up to $48.57/hour, which averages to around $100,000 per year. Not bad for a career that lets you work with your hands, meet cool people, and build a loyal following.

And the more your skills improve, the more your income grows. As you develop your style and gain recognition, you can charge more, book months in advance, and build a career that’s not just financially rewarding—but personally fulfilling, too.

Best part? Tattooing is portable. Your skills travel with you—whether you stay in Mid Michigan or decide to hit the road. And with Ink Different’s national network, you’ll always have a place to call home.

What’s Life Like in Mid Michigan?

Mid Michigan is where small-town charm meets Michigan’s natural beauty. With lush forests, winding trails, and a deep-rooted artistic community, it's an ideal spot for creatives to thrive. You’ll find everything from cozy cafés and live music venues to vintage shops and local markets that celebrate handmade goods.

Outdoor lovers can explore:

Whether you're the type who recharges in nature or finds inspiration in local street art, Mid Michigan offers balance and beauty in equal measure.

A Creative Hub for Artists and Tattoo Lovers

Tattooing is more than a job—it’s part of the artistic heartbeat of Mid Michigan. From local art walks to mural festivals and gallery nights, the city embraces creativity in all its forms. And tattooing? It’s right there in the spotlight.

Kyle Dunbar is a fixture in this community—not just for his work on skin, but for the way he uplifts other artists. Training under him means you’re part of a local art movement that values bold ideas and personal expression.

Mid Michigan’s Food + Culture Scene

Fueling your creativity is easy here. Mid Michigan’s food scene is a mix of homestyle favorites and unexpected gems. Grab a burger from a roadside diner, pick up farm-fresh goods at the Midland Farmers Market, or treat yourself to sushi and cocktails at a downtown Midland hotspot.

The local vibe is warm and welcoming—people here know each other, support each other, and show up for their community. Whether you're catching a local band on a Friday night or sipping coffee at a bookshop on Sunday morning, you’ll feel right at home.

Community That Feels Like Family

One of the best things about launching your tattoo career in Mid Michigan? The people. This area is known for its close-knit community where everyone looks out for each other. You’ll meet artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, and neighbors who genuinely care—and who’ll show up for your tattoo journey.

Ready to Start Your Tattoo Career in Mid Michigan?

Whether you're just starting out or looking to reboot your life in a creative, supportive town, Mid Michigan is a place where your passions can truly take root.

Let’s make your dream career a reality—apply today!