Become a Tattoo Artist in Spokane, Washington

We’re building our Spokane Mentor network right now. Apply today, and you’ll be first in line to be matched with a working Tattoo Artist in the city through Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship. Spokane is a strong place to build the career: Washington pays Tattoo Artists well, and Spokane costs about 20% less to live in than the state average.

What does it take to become a Tattoo Artist in Spokane?

It takes structured training with an experienced Mentor, a Washington tattoo artist license and real hands-on practice in a working tattoo studio. There’s no shortcut around the fundamentals.

Tattooing is part fine craft and part health responsibility. You’re putting permanent ink into living skin, so hygiene, safety and precision matter as much as drawing.

You don’t need to be a lifelong prodigy. You need discipline, practice and the right Mentor beside you.

Why is Spokane a smart place to start your tattoo career?

Washington pays Tattoo Artists above the national average, Spokane is far more affordable than the rest of the state, and the city has its own tattoo expo tradition.

Start with income. As of December 2025, Tattoo Artists in Spokane earn an average of $108,047 a year, according to ZipRecruiter. Statewide, the Washington average is higher, at $121,028 a year as of September 2026. Established Tattoo Artists with a full book earn much more.

Your money goes further here. Spokane’s cost of living is 20% below the Washington average and 1% below the national average, according to RentCafe. Housing is 13% cheaper than the U.S. average, and utilities are about even.

Local Tattoo Artists built their own scene. The Lilac City Tattoo Expo, co-founded by Spokane-area Tattoo Artists, brought Tattoo Artists from across the country to the Spokane Convention Center, with six Spokane tattoo studios lending Tattoo Artists to the show.

How do you become a Tattoo Artist in Spokane, step by step?

Build your drawing, assemble a starter portfolio, start a structured tattoo apprenticeship, complete safety training, get your Washington license, then step into your career.

Step 1: Build your drawing foundation

Sketch every day. Line confidence, shading and composition are muscles that grow with reps.

Step 2: Create a starter portfolio

Collect your strongest pieces. Mentors want to see effort and growth, not finished brilliance.

Step 3: Enroll in a Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship

This is the turning point. Apply through our Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship to be matched with a Mentor. Read about mistakes aspiring tattoo apprentices should avoid first.

Step 4: Complete bloodborne pathogen and safety training

Washington requires a current bloodborne pathogens certificate, and approved courses follow the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard.

Step 5: Earn your Washington tattoo license

Apply for your tattoo artist license through the Washington State Department of Licensing. Our licensing support walks you through it.

Step 6: Launch your professional career

With your license and job-ready skills, you step into your guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios.

What are Washington’s tattoo licensing requirements?

Washington is one of the states that licenses every Tattoo Artist individually. The Washington State Department of Licensing runs the program.

Here’s what you need:

• Be at least 18: Washington only licenses adults as Tattoo Artists.
• A current bloodborne pathogens certificate: Your certificate must be active when you apply.
• A licensed location: Every location where tattooing happens must hold a shop, mobile unit or event license.

If you relocate later, read how to transfer a tattoo license to California or explore how long a tattoo license takes in Colorado to plan ahead.

What skills do you need to build before you tattoo?

You need strong line work, an understanding of skin and healing, machine control and disciplined hygiene and sterilization.

Without these, even creative ideas fall apart on real skin. With them, your work heals clean and lasts.

• Drawing fundamentals: Line weight, shading and composition.
• Machine handling: Depth control, speed and consistency.
• Skin knowledge: How tattoos heal, following guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology.
• Equipment literacy: Get familiar with the tools every beginner Tattoo Artist should know. 

Why is tattooing an AI-proof career?

Tattooing takes a human hand, real-time judgment on living skin and personal trust no machine can replicate.

Clients come to you for a story made permanent, not a file generated by a prompt. Read why Tattoo Artists are still essential in an age of robots and AI.

How does Ink Different train aspiring Tattoo Artists?

Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months across four phases, with 1:1 mentorship, licensing support, and interest-free payment plans. It’s available in 60+ locations nationwide, and we’re building our Spokane Mentor network now.

It’s a college alternative for people ready to do real work with their hands. Here’s what you get:

• Four phases: Drawing and design, hygiene and safety, machine work, then supervised work with real clients in a professional tattoo studio.
• 1:1 mentorship: Each Mentor takes on only two Tattoo Apprentices per tattoo studio.
• Beginner-friendly: No experience required.
• Interest-free payment plans: Spread the cost while you train.
• Licensing support: Help with your bloodborne pathogens certificate and Washington license.

When you finish, you get a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s own tattoo studios.

This is a career that comes with confidence. Our “Good Humans” culture means you’re never alone on this journey.  

Remember: Seats in a quality tattoo apprenticeship are limited, because real mentorship cannot be mass-produced. 

What is the Master Mentorship program?

Master Mentorship is a one-year, in-person intensive where beginner and experienced Tattoo Artists train with celebrity and award-winning Master Mentors to master a specific style, grow their career and build a business.

You train with our Master Mentors: Al Fliction, Liz Cook, Kyle Dunbar, Boneface, Jordi Pla, Kara Gutierrez, Joey Tattoo, James Vaughn, Big Jaz, Marcel Oliveira, Big Ceeze, BillyJack Gunter, Javi Antunez and Sebastian Murphy.

Ink Different also has Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, NYC, Miami, San Antonio and San Diego.

Ready to take the first step?

Every day you wait is another sketch left in the margin. We’re building our Spokane Mentor network now, and applying puts you first in line.

Apply to Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship today. Not sure yet? Book a call or fill out our quick questionnaire for personalized support.