Tattoo Apprenticeship Program Indianapolis
Welcome to Indianapolis! A city where midwestern charm meets big artistic energy. This city isn’t just known for race cars and sports teams; it’s also home to a thriving, passionate tattoo scene. And at the heart of it is Big Time Tattoos & Piercings, the new home of our Ink Different Tattoo Apprenticeship Program in Indiana.
If you’ve always doodled in your notebooks, or you’re ready to make a total career pivot and finally follow your creative calling, this is where your tattoo journey gets real. You’ll train in a supportive studio, gain real-world experience, and walk away ready to tattoo professionally, with a job offer in hand in one of our tattoo studios.
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What Makes Our Indianapolis Tattoo Apprenticeship Stand Out?
At Ink Different Tattoos, we provide a tattoo apprenticeship program in Indianapolis designed to equip you with the skills, confidence, and expertise needed to excel in the tattoo industry. Here’s what makes our program unique:
Hands-On Learning
Forget the classroom; this is the real deal. At Big Time Tattoos, you’ll be learning from pros in a busy, respected tattoo studio. You’ll study studio hygiene, sterilization, machine setup, and client interaction. And yes, you’ll tattoo real clients under expert supervision.
Expert Mentorship with Jason Bancroft
Jason isn’t just a pro. He’s the kind of mentor who shows up, answers your questions, and cares about your growth. Known for his stunning large-scale black and grey work, surrealist anime color tattoos, and floral designs, he can guide you through any style, help you find your artistic voice, and teach you what it takes to thrive in the tattoo industry.
Comprehensive Tattoo Training
We’ll teach you more than just how to hold a tattoo machine. You’ll learn design, shading, needle depth, line work, studio etiquette, licensing, branding, and client communication. Whether you're aiming to open your tattoo studio someday or just want to build a loyal clientele, we’ve got you covered.
Job GuaranteeÂ
No vague promises here. We guarantee a job offer at one of our tattoo studios when you finish your tattoo apprenticeship. We don’t just train Tattoo Artists. We launch tattoo careers.
Joining Ink Different Tattoos means becoming part of a passionate tattoo community that values creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity. Our goal is to help you not only master the technical aspects of tattooing but also to grow into a confident, well-rounded professional.
Who Are the Tattoo Mentors Leading You in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Big Time Tattoos isn’t your average shop. It’s known as Indy’s premier tattoo and piercing destination—a place where professionalism meets pure creative expression. From traditional to fine line, black & grey to color realism, this tattoo studio does it all. The atmosphere is welcoming and judgment-free, whether you're walking in for your first piercing or getting your tenth tattoo. The piercing team offers everything from basics to high-end jewelry, and the tattoo studio itself is spotlessly clean and thoughtfully designed. At Big Time, your experience comes first. And as a tattoo apprentice, that means learning how to make clients feel seen, respected, and confident in your hands.
Jason Bancroft
Jason doesn’t believe in gatekeeping. He believes in teaching, uplifting, and helping new artists become confident professionals who can take on any style or challenge.
BIG TIME TATTOOS WORK
What Is a Day Like
for an Indianapolis Tattoo Apprentice?
Your typical day as a tattoo apprentice in Indianapolis? Think creativity, coffee, and collaboration. Start your morning with a stroll through Mass Ave or grab a cold brew from Tinker Coffee before heading into the shop. You’ll help set up workstations, clean equipment, sit in on consultations, and begin practicing your techniques. As you progress, you’ll start tattooing clients with your Mentor by your side, guiding every step.
Your evenings might be spent sketching flash ideas in Fountain Square, catching a live show at The Vogue, or getting inspired by the mural-covered alleys in Broad Ripple. Indy isn’t just your city, it’s your art supply.
Why Should You Choose to Become a Tattoo Artist with Ink Different Tattoos?
We’re not just another tattoo apprenticeship—we’re a tattoo community dedicated to helping aspiring tattoo artists achieve their dreams. Our Indianapolis location offers:
- A Supportive Environment: We believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration.
- Industry Connections: Our professional tattoo artists and studios network provides valuable connections and opportunities.
- Affordable Tuition: We’re committed to making quality tattoo education accessible to everyone. Our program offers competitive pricing and payment plans to fit your budget.
Choosing Ink Different means investing in a future where your passion for tattooing becomes a fulfilling career. Our program combines technical training, mentorship, and real-world experience to prepare you for success. We also provide ongoing support after graduation to help you navigate your tattooing career.
Ink Different Tattoo Artist Certification
GUARANTEED JOB OFFER GUARANTEED TATTOO LICENCE GUARANTEED STUDENT LOAN OFFER
How Can You Start Your Journey to Become a Tattoo Artist?
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a tattoo artist, there’s no better place to begin your tattoo journey than Indianapolis. With our comprehensive tattoo apprenticeship program, experienced tattoo mentors, and vibrant artistic tattoo community, you’ll have everything you need to turn your passion into a rewarding tattoo career.
What Makes Indianapolis the Perfect Place to Become a Tattoo Artist?
Indianapolis is the perfect place to become a tattoo artist because it blends creativity, culture, and opportunity in a way few cities can. Known as the “Crossroads of America,” Indy attracts a diverse population that embraces both tradition and innovation—making it a city where tattoo artists can explore everything from bold Americana to fine-line and illustrative styles. Neighborhoods like Fountain Square , one of the city’s official Cultural Districts, overflow with murals, galleries, and live music venues like the Murphy Arts Center and The Hi-Fi, creating an atmosphere where art is part of everyday life. Meanwhile, Mass Ave —the Arts & Theater District—is packed with galleries, boutiques, and public art, anchored by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, a linear park connecting six cultural districts and dotted with installations. This network immerses artists in creativity and connects them with audiences who value self-expression.
How Does Indianapolis's Food Scene Inspire Artists?
Indianapolis’s food scene inspires artists by offering a sensory experience that mirrors creativity itself—full of color, culture, and innovation. The city has become a true culinary crossroads, where traditional Midwestern comfort foods meet global flavors brought in by its growing immigrant communities. For artists, this diversity sparks inspiration in the same way different mediums, textures, and palettes do.
Neighborhoods like Mass Ave and Fountain Square are hubs where food and art intersect, with galleries and murals sharing sidewalks with artisan coffee shops, indie restaurants, and food trucks. Local chefs treat their plates like canvases—restaurants such as Milktooth, known for reimagined brunch classics, and Bluebeard, inspired by author Kurt Vonnegut, show how food can tell stories, much like tattoos or paintings.
Events like Indy Food Truck Fridays and the Original Farmers’ Market at the City Market showcase not just food but creativity, community, and presentation, reminding artists of the importance of connecting their work to people’s daily lives. Each dish—whether it’s fried biscuits with apple butter, a globally inspired small plate, or a chef’s modern twist on a Midwest staple—offers lessons in balance, texture, and emotion that visual creators can translate into their own mediums.
How Can Indianapolis Fuel Your Creativity?
Indianapolis can fuel your creativity by surrounding you with a mix of art, culture, and community that constantly sparks inspiration. Known as the “Crossroads of America,” the city blends Midwestern charm with a growing reputation as a hub for innovation and self-expression. Its cultural districts like Mass Ave and Fountain Square are alive with murals, theaters, music venues, and galleries, ensuring artists are immersed in creativity wherever they go. Public art along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail ties these neighborhoods together, making the entire city feel like an open-air gallery. Most importantly, Indy’s community is collaborative and supportive, offering artists the chance to share ideas, connect at local markets or art fairs, and learn through mentorship. Combined with a lower cost of living than larger creative hubs, Indianapolis gives you the freedom to experiment, take risks, and grow. Whether through its art districts, public installations, or welcoming community, the city provides endless fuel for imagination and originality.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
We see you. You’ve got the passion, the curiosity, and the courage. Now you just need the tools, the guidance, and the right shop to help you shine.
Apply now to join the Ink Different Tattoo Apprenticeship Program at Big Time Tattoos.
Whether you’re in downtown Indy or the surrounding areas, your dream career is closer than you think. Let’s get your tattoo journey started, right here, right now, in the heart of Indiana.
Become a Tattoo Artist in USA
Join the $2.2B Tattoo Economy – Your Journey to Artistic Success Starts Here!
The tattoo industry is booming, with a global market value of $2.2 billion and growing. It offers endless opportunities for aspiring artists to turn their passion into a lucrative career. From creative expression to financial independence, the industry is thriving like never before.
$51511
Average First-year Income of a Tattoo Artist in USA
21000+
Tattoo Studios in USA and Growing !
$106868
According to Zip Recruiter, Average Annual Income of a Tattoo Artist in USA
