Meet the Good Humans helping you become a Tattoo Artist
We’re the people behind Ink Different Tattoos: Real people with real lives in the real world, committed to the craft and community of tattooing.
Every day, everyone at Ink Different does everything we can to help ensure excellence in the craft and community of tattooing. Human to human. One day at a time.
A real way into tattooing, wherever you’re starting from
Most people who join us didn’t grow up in a tattoo shop. They’re career changers, parents, veterans and artists who never had a way in. Ink Different Tattoos has been opening that door since 2011: a structured tattoo apprenticeship in a real studio near you, with a Mentor who tattoos for a living. Start remote, finish in the studio, and leave with a Guaranteed Job Offer.
Our vision is a nationwide community of art-gallery-inspired tattoo studios, staffed by Good Human Tattoo Artists who create memories for clients and give every Tattoo Apprentice a respectful place to learn.
- 60+studios nationwide
- 2011training Tattoo Artists since
- 4 phasesover 18 to 24 months
- GuaranteedJob Offer when you finish
Alongside your studio Mentor, you learn from our Master Mentors: Tattoo Artists with TV credits and decades at the chair.
These are the people you will meet and speak with on your journey to becoming a professional Tattoo Artist.
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FounderPaul-Anthony Surdi
Founder
With over fifteen years in tattooing, Paul-Anthony founded Ink Different Tattoos as part of his personal mission to help ensure a world where children can grow up knowing their dreams can come true. He believes tattooing will always need a human touch, regardless of how fast robotics and A.I. impact society. As the host of the Ink Different Tattoos Podcast and founder of Ink Different Productions & Talent Management, Paul-Anthony magnifies and amplifies our mission to help ensure excellence in the craft and culture of tattooing, worldwide.
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Director of CurriculumJanine Pierce
Director of Curriculum
Janine holds degrees in art education, including a BA in Visual Arts Education and Masters Degrees in Art Education and Curriculum and Instruction. She ensures every stage of the Tattoo Apprenticeship blends best practices from formal art education with the traditions of the tattooing craft. She ensures that the curriculum is authentic and relevant to each Apprentice, built on communication, collaboration, and critical and creative thinking, while empowering our Tattoo Artist Training team with the critical skills development needed to succeed as art educators.
Advisory Board
Leaders in the craftTattoo Artists, shop owners and entrepreneurs who guide Ink Different and help ensure excellence in the craft and community of tattooing.
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Founder, Spot On Health & BeautyKara Gutierrez
Founder, Spot On Health & Beauty
Kara is a fully licensed and insured Tattoo Artist and the founder of Spot On Health & Beauty, a practice that bridges modern medicine, aesthetics and advanced tattoo art. She specializes in Areola Restoration, Permanent Makeup, Cosmetic Tattooing and Scar-Aware Technique, grounded in education, safety and shared decision-making.
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Co-Owner, Rebel Muse TattooLiz Cook
Co-Owner, Rebel Muse Tattoo
Liz is internationally renowned for her color realism and hyper-saturated portrait work, and holds a BFA in Studio Painting and Drawing from the University of North Texas. She is a Tattoo Master Mentor at Ink Different, creator of the Liz Cook Signature Series pigment set, and gained national recognition on TLC’s Tattoo Girls.
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Owner, Marked 4 LifeChico Cortez
Owner, Marked 4 Life
Chico owns tattoo studios in Florida and Georgia and has spent more than a decade in the industry, mentoring countless Tattoo Artists, several of whom have made their mark on national television. As the leader of Marked 4 Life, he fosters a collaborative, supportive studio culture built on craftsmanship, community and mentorship.
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Tattoo Artist Certification Program Leader, DallasBillyJack Gunter
Tattoo Artist Certification Program Leader, Dallas
BillyJack is an award-winning Tattoo Artist with 30 years in the industry, and a seasoned mentor known for his no-nonsense approach to technical precision, discipline and professionalism. His philosophy is simple: respect the craft, master the fundamentals, and earn your place in the industry.
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Veteran Tattoo Artist and DesignerJoe Breeze
Veteran Tattoo Artist and Designer
With over 20 years of experience, Joe owns F.I.N.A.O. Ink Tattoo Company in North Providence and also works as a clothing and graphic designer. He lives by the mantra "Failure Is Not An Option", the mindset that has shaped his career and inspires the artists he mentors.
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Founder, Dynamic MarketingOsmay Gonzalez
Founder, Dynamic Marketing
Osmay is an award-winning designer and entrepreneur who, alongside his brother, has launched multiple ventures built on strong values and a shared entrepreneurial spirit. He is committed to empowering his teams, and supports his community through donations to his local church and disaster recovery efforts.
Admissions Assistants
Usually the first voice you hearYour Admissions Assistant gets to know you and your art on a short Info Call, answers your first questions and books you in with an Admissions Advisor.
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Admissions AssistantLauren Barteske
Admissions Assistant
Lauren is often the first voice you’ll hear from Ink Different. On your Info Call, Lauren gets to know you, your art and the career you want.
You’ll hear from Lauren on a number ending 9282
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Admissions AssistantTegan Stroud
Admissions Assistant
I joined Ink Different in October 2025, and I’m honored to work in a community that lifts each other up and celebrates every artist’s growth. Outside work I love to travel, further my education and spend time with friends and family.
You’ll hear from Tegan on a number ending 9769
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Admissions AssistantJesi Dalconzo
Admissions Assistant
I joined Ink Different in August 2026, and I love working with a team that roots for each other and for every Tattoo Apprentice’s success. Outside work I host dinner parties, teach yoga and practically live at Venice Beach, watching my dog chase sea birds into the sunset.
You’ll hear from Jesi on a number ending 3389
Admissions Advisors
With you all the way to day oneYour Admissions Advisor walks you through the whole Tattoo Apprenticeship: your nearest studio, your Mentor, how the stages work and what it costs. They stay with you right up to your first day.
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Admissions AdvisorJosy Garza
Admissions Advisor
I joined Ink Different in May 2023, and I enjoy connecting with aspiring artists and helping them pave a career path as a professional Tattoo Artist. Outside work I love spending time in nature, reading and traveling, and crafting is my biggest hobby.
You’ll hear from Josy on a number ending 5254
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Admissions AdvisorShannon Dillon
Admissions Advisor
I joined Ink Different in March 2025 and feel blessed to be part of the family, helping people pursue their dream of becoming a Tattoo Artist. At home the motto is "it’s a zoo around here": I’m married with two fantastic kids, and we have eight cats, four dogs, two grand dogs and the occasional animal that lands on our doorstep.
You’ll hear from Shannon on a number ending 3584
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Admissions AdvisorTianna Fox
Admissions Advisor
I’ve been with Ink Different for four years, combining my love for tattoos and the culture with my passion for helping others find their place in the industry. When I’m not talking ink, I’m busy being a mom to three girls and embracing everything that makes life a little less ordinary.
You’ll hear from Tianna on a number ending 9461
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Admissions AdvisorAna Taylor
Admissions Advisor
Ana walks you through the whole Tattoo Apprenticeship on your Advisors Call, from your nearest studio and Mentor to how the stages work and what it costs, and stays with you all the way to day one.
You’ll hear from Ana on a number ending 8468
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Admissions AdvisorBryan Lieser
Admissions Advisor
Bryan is the person to ask anything about your Tattoo Apprenticeship: your Mentor, your nearest studio, the stages and the cost. Bryan stays with you from your Advisors Call through to day one.
You’ll hear from Bryan on a number ending 7351
What we mean by Good Humans
Everyone who works at Ink Different reads and signs our Good Humans Handbook. It’s less a rulebook than a promise about how we treat people, and that includes you.
- Trust
You could trust them with your wallet.
- Kindness
They’d hand a lost phone in to lost and found.
- Care
They’d make sure you got home safe.
- Integrity
They do the right thing, even when no one is looking.
- Respect
They read every message, and they reply.
- Effort
They try their best, every single time.
Our mission is to ensure excellence in the craft and community of tattooing.
Ink Different · Good Humans · since 2011
How it works with us
Three conversations, three different people, and every one of them knows your name.
- First call
Info Call
A short, friendly conversation with an Admissions Assistant about you, your art and the career you want.
- Second call
Advisors Call
The full walkthrough with an Admissions Advisor: your nearest studio, your Mentor, how the stages work and what it costs.
- Day one
Meet your Mentor
You start from home, live and one to one with a working Tattoo Artist, and finish in a partner studio.
Ready to say hello?
Apply and one of us will be in touch. We’ll learn about you before we tell you about us.