How to move to Denver and start your tattoo career the right way
You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. More and more people are packing up their apartments, leaving behind draining jobs, and heading to cities where they can build lives that feel authentic, creative, and bold. If you're one of them, and tattooing has been calling your name, Denver might be exactly where you need to be. Here are 8 steps you need to take for relocating to Denver for a tattoo apprenticeship.
This isn’t just about a new address. It’s about making a move that aligns with your artistic goals, your values, and the kind of life you want to build. Denver has become a hub for emerging Tattoo Artists, and for good reason. The culture is supportive, the clients are passionate, and the studios? They’re some of the best in the country.
So if you’re wondering what it takes to relocate and get started, consider this your unofficial guide. We’re not sugar-coating anything; we’re giving you the full picture, from neighborhoods and transportation to how to find real mentorship and launch your career in ink.
Let’s map out your move to the Mile High City, and how to make it the best decision you’ve ever made.
Step 1: Admit You’re Ready for a Fresh Start
Let’s face it, sometimes the city you’re in just doesn’t have what you need to grow. Maybe the local tattoo scene is more gatekeeper than mentor. Maybe the opportunities just aren’t there. Or maybe, you just need a reset. If you’re reading this, odds are you’re feeling that itch to pack your sketchbooks and your courage and go somewhere that gives you room to become the Tattoo Artist you want to be.
Denver could be that place. Scratch that… Denver is that place.
Relocating to Denver for a tattoo apprenticeship isn’t just a change of scenery. It’s a step toward structure, mentorship, and a community that supports Tattoo Artists in a way that feels honest, gritty, and exciting.
Step 2: Choose a City That Makes Career Change Feel Possible
Denver isn’t just a beautiful city. It’s one of the few major metros in the U.S. that still feels accessible. The cultural scene is authentic and deeply community-driven. You’ll find murals on every corner in RiNo (River North Art District), art walks on Santa Fe, and tattoo collectors who genuinely appreciate the work and the artists behind it.
The tattoo culture in Denver is excellent, and it’s not intimidating. There’s room to grow, and people want to see new Tattoo Artists thrive. The clientele here is diverse, loyal, and open to all kinds of styles, from bold blackwork to intricate fine line to vivid, full-color sleeves.
And here’s the real kicker: you won’t be buried under big-city expenses. Compared to places like New York or LA, Denver gives you space, affordability, and opportunity, all in one.
Step 3: Find the Right Neighborhood for You
When you’re moving to a new city, the neighborhood you choose makes a huge difference in how you settle in. The good news? Denver’s got options. Here are a few of the best spots for tattoo apprentices:
Capitol Hill is central, artsy, and packed with creatives. It offers affordable rentals, cool coffee shops, and easy access to downtown tattoo studios.
RiNo is Denver’s art district, filled with murals, street art, indie galleries, and music venues. It’s high-energy and perfect if you want inspiration on every corner.
Baker combines historic charm with tattoo-friendly culture. Expect vintage stores, record shops, and dive bars with murals on the side.
Congress Park is quieter, more residential, and still well-connected. It’s a great option if you prefer peace while being just a quick ride away from all the action.
Step 4: Figure Out Transportation
(Hint: It’s Easier Than You Think)
Denver’s public transportation system is managed by RTD (Regional Transportation District), which includes bus routes and a light rail system that connects the city and suburbs. If you're coming from areas like Aurora or Lakewood, you can ride the train into central neighborhoods with ease.
If you live near Capitol Hill, RiNo, or downtown, biking and walking are totally doable. Denver is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., with designated lanes and paths throughout.
And for days when your legs are tired or time is tight? Scooters, Ubers, and Lyft are everywhere.
Step 5: Explore the Culture—Because Inspiration Lives Outside the Studio
Tattooing is a creative craft, and you can’t create well if your own creative tank is empty. Denver makes sure that never happens. When you’re not in the studio, you can explore:
The Denver Art Museum, which offers rotating exhibitions, from global contemporary work to Indigenous art. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an iconic outdoor concert venue surrounded by natural beauty, and yes, you’ll find artists there sketching the view during sound checks.
Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station, where immersive art becomes a full-body experience that will challenge your imagination and possibly your understanding of space and time. First Fridays on Santa Fe, where artists, musicians, and food trucks take over the arts district for an evening of community celebration. Sports fan?
You’ve got the Rockies, Broncos, Nuggets, and Avalanche all within city limits. Because sometimes you just need to unwind, yell at a referee, and eat stadium nachos.
Step 6: Train Somewhere That Honors Tattoo Tradition
Not all tattoo apprenticeships are created equal. When you’re relocating to Denver for a Tattoo Apprenticeship, you're trusting a new city and a new studio with your future. That’s why Denver Classic Tattoo stands out.
This studio carries a mentorship legacy shaped by none other than Chico Cortez and the legendary Mark 4 Life team. That influence isn’t just part of the studio’s history; it’s in every critique, every technique, and every moment of guidance.
At Denver Classic Tattoo, you’ll be mentored by Tattoo Artists who don’t just know how to tattoo; they know how to teach. And they care about preserving the respect, discipline, and art form of tattooing. That’s rare. And in your first year of training? It’s priceless.
Step 7: Choose a Program That Trains You and Sets You Up for Success
Ink Different is designed for people starting from scratch, especially those changing careers. You don’t need prior tattoo experience or an art degree. You just need drive, creativity, and a willingness to learn.
The tattoo apprenticeship includes:
- Tattoo-specific drawing.
- Sanitation, safety, and licensing education.
- Tattoo machine training.
- Client communication and consultation.
- Business and branding guidance.
The best part? Ink Different is the only tattoo education institution in the country that offers a guaranteed job offer to every graduate of the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship Program. That means you don’t just learn to tattoo, you leave with a clear, supported path into your first professional studio job.
Step 8: Start Building a Career That’s Actually Yours
The moment you land in Denver and start your tattoo apprenticeship, things start to shift. You’re not just dreaming anymore. You’re learning. Practicing. Earning trust from tattoo mentors and clients. You’re drawing flash that gets attention, posting tattoos that get DMs, and building something real.
Denver clients are curious, loyal, and willing to book with new Tattoo Artists when the work is solid. And with the foundation you get from Ink Different and Denver Classic Tattoo, you’ll be more than ready to earn your spot.
This isn’t just a job. It’s a career you built with your hands and heart.
Ink Different Tattoos: A New Path for Aspiring Tattoo Artists
Our Tattoo Apprenticeship Program offers:
- One-on-one mentorship with professional Tattoo Artists.
- Step-by-step training in drawing, tattoo machine handling, hygiene, technique, and client care.
- Business and branding skills to help you build a sustainable career.
- Portfolio support so you’re constantly improving and showcasing your best work.
- Real tattoo experience in actual tattoo studios, not just watching from the sidelines.
And yes, it’s available right here in Denver.
Guaranteed Job Offer: Security for Your Tattooing Career
No more graduating from a program and wondering, “Now what?”
We’re proud to be the only tattoo school in the country that offers a guaranteed job offer to every graduate of our Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship Program. That means:
- You’ll finish training with a professional tattoo studio that is ready to hire you.
- You won’t have to compete for an open chair.
- You’ll have real experience before you start tattooing full-time.
We do that because when you train with Ink Different, you’re not just a tattoo apprentice, you’re part of our crew.
Ink Different Speaks Your Language
Ink Different proudly supports Spanish-speaking and Portuguese-speaking tattoo apprentices.
We offer Spanish-language support in our:
- New York City
- Chicago
- Tampa
- Orlando
- Miami–Fort Lauderdale studios
And Portuguese support in:
- Dallas
- Orlando
We offer tattoo apprenticeships in other languages because your passion for tattooing shouldn’t be limited by language.
Master Mentorship Program: Elevate Your Skills with the Best in the Industry
For experienced tattoo artists looking to take their skills to the next level, Ink Different offers a Master Mentorship Program. This program connects tattoo artists with some of the best tattoo professionals in the industry for advanced training, specialized techniques, and business strategies. Whether you’re refining your style, exploring new tattooing techniques, or learning how to open your own tattoo studio, our Master Mentorship Program provides the guidance and knowledge needed to succeed at the highest level. Our mentors bring years of experience and a deep passion for the craft, ensuring that participants receive invaluable insights into both the artistic and business sides of tattooing.
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.
New City, New Career, New You: Relocating to Denver for a Tattoo Apprenticeship
Relocating to Denver for a tattoo apprenticeship isn’t just about changing zip codes. It’s about giving yourself permission to grow, choosing a city that matches your energy, learning from people who want you to succeed, and proving to yourself that you’re capable of more than you thought. In Denver, you’ll find more than inspiration. You’ll find opportunity, mentorship, and community. You’ll find a place that respects Tattoo Artists and the traditions of tattooing. And you’ll find a future in ink that feels like yours.
So if you’re ready to bet on yourself, this is your sign.
INK DIFFERENT TATTOO SCHOOL
Submit your art today and start your journey toward becoming a professional Tattoo Artist!
