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From “That’s Not Happening” to “This Is What I Want To Do”
When Azalea Sandoval was young, her family told her she'd become a Tattoo Artist when she was older. But her answer was clear and immediate: "That's not happening." Clearly, the tattoo apprenticeship journey was not for her.
Needles? No, thank you. She didn't like those. The whole idea felt out of the question. Azalea was sure she was going to do some kind of art. But tattooing? Not in the plan.
Fast forward to today: Azalea is a full-time Tattoo Artist at OK Tattoo in Los Angeles, working with Martin Dare, the very same mentor she had through her tattoo apprenticeship with Ink Different.
So what changed? Azalea's tattoo apprenticeship journey is the story of unexpected passion, trusting your gut, and finding the right path even when it looks nothing like what you imagined. Read on to learn how Azalea followed her heart and found success in an unexpected career.
Early Talent, Quiet Confidence
Azalea was always an artist. She fell in love with art at a young age. She was so gifted that her high school art teacher placed her in an AP Art class as a sophomore. That's two years ahead of the rest of the class. That quiet confidence followed her into college, where she majored in art at College of the Canyons.
She wasn't struggling. In fact:
"I liked school. I was good at it."
But something felt off. Something big.
"I just didn't see what I was going to do there. To do so many years there and still not know what the heck I was doing. Here, it was instant."
Choosing a Different Path
Leaving college wasn't an easy decision. Azalea wrestled with what it meant for her future, family, and identity. Her family didn't understand it and was "iffy" about her quitting college at first.
Still, she followed her gut. She knew there had to be something more aligned with her passion. She was ready to work hard but needed direction, not more years of uncertainty.
And over time, her family saw her commitment. When they saw her doing all the work, they started to come on board and support her.
"Now I have everyone around me, so it's great!"
Finding a New Way
But before Azalea's family came around, she had one giant problem: she didn't know how to start. She didn't feel like she could just walk into a random tattoo shop and ask for a chance. There was no clear roadmap for her.
Then, she found Ink Different.
"The people here are great. I love everybody here. Everyone's so nice and welcoming."
Enrolling in our tattoo apprenticeship gave her the direction she needed. The structure. The support.
"The teachers I had were really nice and helpful."
At Ink Different, Azalea didn't have to guess her way through. She was guided by an experienced Tattoo Artist, mentored step-by-step, and encouraged to grow at her own pace.
Mentorship and Acceptance
Her tattoo apprenticeship at Ink Different led her to Martin Dare at OK Tattoo. A seasoned Tattoo Artist, Martin had been through it all, but Azalea surprised him.
"Azalea came through, and I didn't know what to expect."
What he found was a dedicated, passionate, soon-to-be Tattoo Artist with quiet strength. Someone who didn't quite fit the traditional "tattoo industry" mold.
"Azalea doesn't curse; she doesn't drink. She lives in California, where everything is legal, but does not participate. She is sweet, adorable. And the tattoo industry at large would've eaten her up, chewed her up, and spit her out."
But that's the thing. At Ink Different, Azalea didn't have to change who she was. She just had to grow into her full potential.
“Azalea is fantastic!”
Martin had nothing but praise for Azalea and her work ethic. He saw the potential in her, and he helped cultivate it.
Transformation Through Tattooing
For Azalea, the shift happened fast. And it felt right.
"This is way more fun than college!"
She went from a curious beginner to a confident Tattoo Artist.
"I don't have nerves anymore coming in and tattooing someone. And I end up loving it, so that always makes me happy."
That feeling of alignment, the kind you can't fake, showed her she was finally on the right path.
"I really am happy that I found it here 'cause this is what I want to do."
Tattooing was Azalea's passion, her calling. And while she had the raw talent, she wouldn't have found it if she hadn't taken a leap of faith and tried something new.
The Perfectionist's Perspective
Azalea's approach is deeply intentional. She doesn't cut corners, and she doesn't rush.
"I'm sticking a needle on someone's skin, and it's permanent. So, I won't do a tattoo unless I know it's going to come out the way I see it in my head."
She calls herself a perfectionist, but it's not about being perfect in the traditional sense. It's about honoring her craft and giving her clients the best possible experience.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Azalea is now a full-time Tattoo Artist at OK Tattoo. Yes, the very same shop that molded her into the Tattoo Artist she is today. She's doing what she loves, earning a living with her talent, and living life on her own terms.
"I love art, and I love drawing. And now I get to make money for it. So, that's cool."
Looking back on her journey, Azalea is proud (and a little amazed).
"I didn't know this was where I was going to be when I started my apprenticeship. It was scary. Looking back, I'm so happy I did it because it was worth it."
A Role Model for Aspiring Tattoo Artists
On paper, Azalea isn't the type of person who would end up as a Tattoo Artist. She is sweet and soft-spoken. Even her mentor admitted that she was a little too nice for the tattoo industry.
But Azalea proved that:
- You can be soft-spoken and kind and still succeed.
- You can leave college and still build a real, stable career.
- You can follow your passion and still make a living.
- You can go against your family's expectations and still make them proud.
Azalea is an inspiration for all aspiring Tattoo Artists out there. And her story could be your story, too.
The Right Place To Start
Ink Different is more than a tattoo apprenticeship. It's a launchpad for Tattoo Artists.
Case in point: Azalea Sandoval.
We make tattooing accessible, structured, and supportive.
No gatekeeping. No attitude. Just real Tattoo Artists helping real people find their footing in the tattoo industry.
Setting You Up for Success
Here's how it works in our traditional tattoo apprenticeship program:
- Enroll in our tattoo apprenticeship program.
- Train through a structured curriculum and hands-on practice.
- Apprentice with a professional Tattoo Artist (like Azalea did with Martin).
- Graduate with confidence (and a job offer in hand).
There's no guesswork; no hoping someone gives you a chance. At Ink Different, we make sure that your tattoo apprenticeship journey is smooth sailing from start to finish.
Security Before You Even Graduate
We know what it's like to worry about the "after." That's why our tattoo apprenticeship program includes a guaranteed job offer upon completion. We don't want our tattoo apprentices to be left wondering what happens next in their tattoo apprenticeship journey.
At Ink Different, we don't just train Tattoo Artists. We employ them. When you choose us, you're part of our community. And we take care of our own.
Take Tattooing Up a Notch
Do you want to take your tattooing to the next level? Try our Master Mentorship Program. Get the chance to train with a legend in the game. Think: Boneface, Jordi Pla, and Crush Captain. These big names in the industry will take you under their wing and guide you towards becoming a top Tattoo Artist. No job offer, though, but that one-on-one support makes all the difference.
Tattoo Training in Your Language
We believe language should never be a barrier to success. That's why we offer:
- Spanish-speaking support in Brooklyn, Chicago, Tampa, and Miami–Fort Lauderdale.
- Portuguese-speaking support in Dallas and Orlando.
We're here for diverse communities and believe every Tattoo Artist deserves to be heard, understood, and supported.
Start Your Tattoo Apprenticeship Journey With Us
Azalea didn't know this was where she'd end up. But with the proper guidance, the best people, and the right training, she found her place. She made her mark. And now, she's living her dream.
You don't have to figure it out alone. You just have to start. If you love tattoos and dream of making it your career, let Ink Different show you how.
What’s the Ink Different Community Like?
At Ink Different Tattoo School, we’re all about community. We don’t just want to train you and send you off into the world. We want you to be part of our family—a family that’s as passionate about tattoos and creativity as you are. We’re here to support you, inspire you, and make sure you succeed every step of the way.
From Ink Master to Industry Leaders: How Reality TV and Social Media Are Shaping Tattooing Today
Master Mentorship Program
Boost Your Tattoo Career with Elite Training
For aspiring tattoo artists looking to refine their craft, expand their skill set, and push their careers to new heights, the Master Mentorship Program offers an unparalleled opportunity. This exclusive program connects you with world-renowned tattoo artists like Liz Cook, Robbie Ripoll, Gabe Jaksich, and other industry legends for personalized, high-level mentorship.
Whether you want to perfect your technique, develop a signature style, master new tattooing methods, or prepare to open your own studio, this program provides hands-on guidance and insider knowledge to help you achieve your goals. With expert feedback, tailored instruction, and real-world business insights, you'll gain the tools and confidence needed to stand out in the competitive tattoo industry.
Join the Master Mentorship Program and unlock your full potential as an artist. Your next level starts here.
The Future of Tattooing
The tattoo industry is constantly evolving, shaped by reality TV and social media. While Ink Master introduced tattooing to mainstream audiences and provided exposure to tattoo artists, social media has now taken over as the dominant force in self-promotion. However, no matter how much technology changes, one thing remains constant: authenticity matters.
For aspiring tattoo artists, the best path forward is a balance of tradition and innovation. Learning the fundamentals, networking with real clients, and staying true to their artistic identity will always be more valuable than chasing viral trends.
As the industry moves forward, the most successful artists will be those who can blend old-school craftsmanship with new-school marketing without losing the soul of the art form.
