Tattoo Apprenticeship Program in Indianapolis
Indianapolis Tattoo Apprenticeship
Big Time Tattoos Is Waiting to Mentor You in Indy
Welcome to Indy, where the art is real, the people are passionate, and your tattoo career is about to take off.
Whether you’ve been sketching for years or you’re just now realizing that tattooing is your dream job, Indianapolis is the perfect place to launch your new career. And with Ink Different’s Tattoo Apprenticeship Program based at Big Time Tattoos & Piercings, you’ll get the real-world experience and mentorship you need to make it happen.
Our Indianapolis location is led by industry veteran Jason Bancroft, who brings nearly 15 years of tattooing expertise and the kind of down-to-earth mentorship that genuinely makes a difference. If you want to learn the art, the business, and the mindset it takes to become a professional Tattoo Artist, this is your moment.
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.
Indianapolis 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.
Black Flamingo Collective
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 studios. You will have all the skills necessary to provide quality custom tattoos with world-class customer service to your clients.
What Makes Our Tattoo Apprenticeship in Indianapolis Different?
We get it… There are lots of ways to try to break into the tattoo industry. But not all paths are created equal. At Ink Different, we’ve spent years perfecting a program that prepares you for a lasting, successful career.
🎯 Real Studio Experience
This is not an online course or a “watch and learn” setup. You’ll train inside Big Time Tattoos, one of Indy’s top-rated shops, known for its professionalism, welcoming vibe, and skilled team of Tattoo Artists and piercers. You’ll work directly with clients, sterilize equipment, learn studio operations, and yes, tattoo real people.
👨🏫 Mentorship
Our Mentor, Jason Bancroft, isn’t just a great Tattoo Artist. He’s also an incredible Mentor. Whether you’re into anime color pieces, black-and-grey realism, or something totally your own, Jason will guide your growth, help you master techniques, and make sure you’re on track every step of the way.
🧠 Art Meets Business
Tattooing is an art, but it’s also a business. We’ll teach you the creative side and the professional side. You’ll learn design theory, client care, proper licensing procedures, branding, social media strategy, and how to build your future client base.
💼 We Guarantee a Job Offer
When you complete your tattoo apprenticeship program successfully, you’ll receive a guaranteed job offer at one of our affiliated tattoo studios. We believe in your talent, and we put our money where our mouth is.
Why Big Time Tattoos Is the Perfect Tattoo Studio for Your Apprenticeship
Big Time Tattoos & Piercings is more than just a shop; it’s a community hub for Indy’s tattoo lovers. If it’s someone getting their first tattoo or adding to a growing sleeve, Big Time’s clients trust the artists to deliver something meaningful, personal, and exceptional.
The tattoo studio is known for:
A wide range of tattoo styles: traditional, realism, fine line, black & grey, illustrative, and more.
High-quality body piercings and jewelry options.
A clean, professional, and welcoming environment.
As a tattoo apprentice, you’ll be part of a team that values artistic integrity, safety, and inclusion.
What’s a Day in the Life of an Apprentice Like in Indy?
You start your day with a cold brew from Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company or a walk through Garfield Park for some artistic inspiration. You head into Big Time Tattoos, ready to learn and create. You’ll be prepping workstations, observing consultations, cleaning equipment, and gradually working your way toward inking your clients, all under your mentor’s expert guidance.
After work? Hit the Fountain Square cultural district, check out local street art, or grab some tacos at La Margarita. Indy has a chill, creative vibe that fuels your growth both in and out of the studio.
Why Start Your Tattoo Career with Us?
We’re not just another school. We’re a community of Tattoo Artists and educators dedicated to helping you build a sustainable, exciting, and creative career. Our mission is to make professional tattoo education accessible to anyone serious about learning, no matter where you’re starting from.
Here’s what you get with us:
✅ A supportive environment built on respect, not ego
✅ Real tattoo training in real studios, not behind a screen
✅ Affordable tuition and flexible payment plans
✅ A guaranteed tattoo job offer upon completion
✅ National network of tattoo professionals and studios
✅ Lifetime support, because your journey doesn’t stop after graduation
Your Certification Comes With:
- ✔️ Structured, step-by-step tattoo training.
- ✔️ Tattoo license eligibility (where applicable).
- ✔️ Guaranteed job placement at one of our studios.
- ✔️ Career support, portfolio reviews, and ongoing mentorship.
Sound Like You?
If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching the 9-to-5 and doing something creative, meaningful, and empowering, there’s no better time to start than now. Whether you’re in Indy or just nearby, your tattoo career is closer than you think.
Join the Ink Different family at Big Time Tattoos in Indianapolis and take your first step toward a future full of art, impact, and independence.
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