BECOME A TATTOO ARTIST
A Community of Artists, For Artists
We are a nationwide collective of passionate artists and dedicated supporters of the arts, united by a shared belief in the future of the tattoo industry. At Become a Tattoo Artist, we are committed to breaking barriers and ensuring that aspiring tattoo artists have access to the best mentors in the industry — the true ink masters.
With over a decade of experience owning and operating boutique tattoo studios across the country, we’ve built creative spaces that double as art galleries. These studios aren’t just places to get a tattoo; they are sanctuaries of expression, where clients, apprentices, and artists are treated with respect, care, and a deep appreciation for the art of tattooing.
Our Mission
To ensure Excellence & Equal Opportunity in the Tattoo Industry
We believe that every artist, regardless of background, deserves a chance to turn their passion into a profession. Our mission is to Ensure Excellence and Equal Opportunity in the Tattoo Industry, empowering artists from all walks of life to build sustainable, fulfilling careers. Whether you’re an aspiring artist seeking guidance or a seasoned pro looking to give back, our community is here to uplift, support, and inspire.
YEARS
LOCATIONS
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JOB OFFER*
GUARANTEED
LOAN OFFER
ENGLISH
ESPANOL
PORTUGESE
INTERNATIONAL ARTIST EXCHANGE PROGRAM
His personal mission is to help ensure a world where children can grow up knowing their dreams can come true. Ink Different and its various endeavors center around that mission, and he says, “always have, and always will.”
MEET OUR
MASTER MENTORS
LIZ COOK
Internationally renowned Tattoo Artist, co-owner of Rebel Muse Tattoo, and creator of the Liz Cook Signature Series pigment set. Known for her hyper-realistic, color-saturated portraits, she’s been featured in top conventions and industry publications worldwide. Liz also gained national recognition on TLC’s Tattoo Girls, where her talent and leadership took center stage.
Check out Liz's work : @lizcooktattoo
ROBBIE RIPOLL
Celebrity Tattoo Artist, Ink Master finalist, and one of the most inspiring voices in the tattoo industry today. Known for his bold style and unshakable resilience, Robbie turns life experience into powerful art.
Check out Robbie's work : @robbieripoll
GABE JAKSICH
With over 40 years of experience, Gabe Jaksich is a Master Mentor known for his deep roots in American Traditional and his cutting-edge work in cosmetic tattooing. From award-winning convention pieces to bold neo-traditional designs, his portfolio reflects creative mastery and storytelling. Whether it’s a vibrant hourglass or a striking Darth Maul hand tattoo, Gabe infuses meaning and precision into every piece.
Check out Gabe's work : @tattooingcraft
JOEY TATTOO
Joey Tattoo is a respected Tattoo Artist, business consultant, and former host of Spike TV’s Tattoo Rescue. With over 35 years in the industry, he’s known for elevating shop standards and mentoring artists with a no-nonsense, results-driven approach. His work blends artistry with integrity—setting the bar for what professionalism in tattooing looks like.
Check out Joey's work : @joeytattoo
RYAN ETERNAL
Ryan Eternal is an Ink Master veteran with over 20 years of tattooing experience and a reputation for clean, intentional work. His bold, professional style has earned him respect in studios across the country. As a Master Mentor at Ink Different Tattoos, he guides aspiring artists with discipline, depth, and heart.
Check out Ryan's work : @eternaltattooing
JORDI PLA
Jordi Pla is an internationally acclaimed Tattoo Artist and Ink Master Season 13 standout known for his surreal, story-driven designs and intricate portraits. With over 50 awards from 300+ tattoo conventions worldwide, his work blends imagination with precision.
Check out Jordi's work : @jordi_bfc
BONEFACE
Anwon Johnson( Boneface) is know for his raw, graphic style and standout performances on Ink Master Seasons 8 and 9. Based in Pensacola, Florida, he’s the founder of Boneface Ink Tattoos and a force in the industry with a brand rooted in rebellion and authenticity. As a Master Mentor, he empowers artists to develop fearless technique, bold identity, and unwavering confidence in their craft
Check out Boneface's work : @bonefaceink
CRUSH CAPTAIN
Crush Captain is a renowned Maryland-based Tattoo Artist known for his striking photorealism, anime-inspired pieces, and fearless attention to detail. With years of studio experience and a deep commitment to mentorship, he trains artists with grit, grace, and a drive to push creative limits. His guidance helps Tattoo Apprentices turn talent into mastery
Check out Crush Captain's work : @crustcaptaintattoo
KYLE DUNBAR
Kyle Dunbar is a fearless tattoo artist known for his bold realism, powerful portraits, and unwavering passion for the craft. A standout on Ink Master Seasons 3 and 4, he’s as unfiltered as he is talented. Kyle brings raw honesty, deep technical knowledge, and fierce dedication to every mentorship. With Kyle, you’ll learn to trust your instincts, refine your skills, and tattoo with conviction.
Check out Kyle's work : @inkbykyledunbar
JAMES VAUGHN
James Vaughn, best known as the jokester from multiple seasons of Ink Master, has traveled the world tattooing and mentoring artists at conventions. With thousands of awards to his name, he’s one of the most decorated tattoo artists in the U.S. Now based at ATS of Fayetteville as Artist Manager, James dedicates himself to guiding and uplifting the next generation of tattooers.
Check out James Vaughn's work : @mrjamesvaughn
MARCEL OLIVEIRA
Marcel Oliveira is a Brazilian-born Tattoo Artist with over 25 years of experience in hyper-realistic black-and-grey work. Widely awarded across Brazil, Argentina, and the U.S., his portraits and illustrative tattoos draw a global clientele. Based in Florida, Marcel’s work is featured in top studios and international publications. As a mentor, he champions humility, precision, and lifelong growth in the tattoo arts.
Check out Marcel Oliveira's work : @marceltattooartist
CANDY DUNBAR
Candy Dunbar is Tattoo Artist and permanent cosmetics specialist with over 20 years of experience. Known for her compassionate artistry, she specializes in restorative tattooing for cancer survivors and burn patients. A mentor and educator at national conventions, Candy empowers artists with both skill and heart. With Candy, you’ll learn precision, empathy, and how to make a meaningful impact through your art.
Check out Candy Dunbar's work : @almightycandy
BIG JAZ
Big Jaz is a veteran Tattoo Artist with over 25 years of experience and a bold, soulful approach to the craft. A fan favorite from Ink Master Season 12, he’s known for his charisma, passion, and signature catchphrase “Ooh Baby.” He’s dedicated to preserving traditional techniques while inspiring the next generation of artists.
With Big Jaz, you’ll learn to tattoo with heart, confidence, and artistic purpose.
Check out Big Jaz's work : @bigdaddyjaz
JAVI ANTUNEZ
Javi Antunez is known for his hyper-realistic and dark fantasy designs, crafted with stunning precision. With over 15 years in the industry, he merges artistic vision with 3D modeling to create cinematic, custom tattoos. His expertise spans both black-and-grey and color realism, earning him acclaim across the tattoo world. As a mentor, Javi empowers artists through education, innovation, and a passion for pushing creative limits.
Check out Javi's work : @javi_tattooedtheory
BIG CEEZE
Big Ceeze is a legendary tattoo artist, founder of Mi Familia Tattoos, and a force in the industry known for bold designs and clean linework. A celebrated Ink Master alum, his true impact lies in mentoring the next generation of artists. With Bigg Ceeze, you gain a mentor who delivers real guidance, honest feedback, and lasting growth.
Check out Big Ceeze's work : @biggceeze
AL FLICTION
Al Fliction is a nationally recognized Tattoo Artist, Ink Master Season 1 contestant, and the founder of AlFliction’s World Famous Tattoo in Charlotte, NC. Known for his sharp lines and unapologetic style, he brings a bold, no-fluff approach to mentorship—focused on real skills, real confidence, and real careers in tattooing.
Check out Al Fliction's work : @al_fliction
BILLYJACK GUNTER
BillyJack Gunter is a bold, technically skilled tattoo artist and beloved mentor in the Austin tattoo scene. He champions authenticity, high standards, and inclusive mentorship for aspiring artists. Passionate about teaching, BillyJack empowers others to grow with confidence and versatility.
Check out BillyJack Gunter's work : @billyjack77
Shaping the Future of Tattooing
Today, we stand at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry, ready to provide artists with the opportunities they need to succeed. Our network of experienced mentors, high-end studios, and a growing community of passionate creatives makes Become a Tattoo Artist not just a platform, but a movement.
If you’re ready to turn your art into a career, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s shape the future of tattooing — together.
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
Director of Curriculum
Janine Pierce
With over a decade of experience teaching Visual Arts in Seattle Public Schools, Janine Pierce is a certified Art Educator who holds a BA in Visual Art, a Masters in Art Education, and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. She is a distinguished Art Educator and has earned awards for creating curriculum that aligns Art with Mindful Awareness for the district's Social Emotional Learning Model. Janine received recognition in Washington State for the Art Inclusivity Project, in addition to obtaining various state and district awards for her work as an art educator over the years. Janine has overseen Educator Effectiveness implementation in her Seattle district and believes focusing on the process of a growth mindset are key factors for educators and administrators.
As the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Ink Different Schools she strives to support educators so that the content being delivered to students has a positive impact on their personal journey to becoming a Tattoo Artist. She seeks to ensure a curriculum that is authentic and relevant to the individual by connecting the 4C’s; Communication, Collaboration, Critical and Creative thinking.
As an active member of the Artist community in Seattle, Janine currently sits on the board of KEXP, where she serves to connect art education to community partnerships. She is a Professional Materials Committee (PMC) Member for Seattle Art Educators, is an active member of the National Art Education Association, and is active with a variety of Partner Learning Community committees for art educators in the district, as well as general educators across the state of Washington.
Meet Our Founder
Paul-Anthony Surdi
Our journey began with Paul-Anthony Surdi, host of the Ink Different Tattoo Podcast and a disrupter who challenged industry norms over a decade ago by founding what is now Ink Different Tattoos. With roots in the music and film industries, Paul-Anthony’s passion for the arts fueled his desire to create opportunities for artists everywhere. His entrepreneurial spirit and creative endeavors earned him numerous features in Forbes, Inc., Billboard and the Huffington Post. Through economic shifts, industry skepticism, and even a global pandemic, Paul-Anthony’s relentless drive to make the opportunities in tattooing accessible to all, has kept Ink Different thriving. He believes that while technology evolves, tattooing will always require a human touch. After all, who would trust a robot to tattoo their ribs for eight hours?
