Become A Tattoo Artist in North Jersey
North Jersey Tattoo Apprenticeship
Tattoo Apprenticeships in North Jersey, NJ
For tattoo artists in North Jersey, New Jersey, who are serious about becoming working, professional Tattoo Artists, Ink Different's Tattoo Apprenticeship Program has arrived! Together with Joey Tattoo, you may know him from Tattoo Rescue, and his shops Main Street Tattoo and Park Ave Tattoo, Ink Different Tattoo School will now offer its Tattoo Artist Certification Program for North Jersey aspiring tattoo artists!
WARNING! YOU CAN NOT LEARN HOW TO TATTOO IN 2 WEEKS. ANYONE WHO TELLS YOU THAT IS A LIAR. OUR TRAININGS WITH GUARANTEED TATTOO LICENSES AND GUARANTEED JOB OFFERS RANGE FROM 570 - 2000 HOURS.
North Jersey Full Tattoo Apprenticeship Program Tattoo Artist Certification
Your Path to Career Success in the Tattoo Industry.
Ink Different's Tattoo Artist Certification Guarantees a Job Offer and Becoming a Licensed Tattoo Artist for each apprentice who completes the Full Tattoo Apprenticeship Program.
Our Full Tattoo Apprenticeship Tattoo Artist Certification Program is based on the traditional model with an increased focus on long-term success in the tattoo industry through the only tattoo industry training program that guarantees a job offer.
Meet Joey Tattoo, in North Jersey, NJ!
Guaranteed Job Offer
SPEAK WITH A REAL HUMAN!
Text or Call 1-917-227-2842.
3 Step Process
1. Interview with an Advisor!
Apply by submitting your artwork. If your artwork is approved for enrollment, you will be invited to interview with an Admissions Advisor.
2. Start From Home - Finish In Our Studios
As a tattoo apprentice, you’ll start online in a live virtual classroom, where you will work one-on-one with your trainer. Once you pass your virtual classroom requirements, you’re ready to complete your apprenticeship in one of our studios. Apprenticeships generally take 1 year to complete.
3. Guaranteed Job Offer
Upon completion of the full tattoo apprenticeship, Ink Different's Tattoo Artist Certification Program, we welcome you to tattoo at one of the Ink Different owned or Affiliated tattoo studio. You will have all the skills necessary to provide quality custom tattoos with world-class customer service to your clients.
Joey Tattoo
How to Become a Tattoo Artist in North Jersey, New Jersey
If you're ready to turn your love of art into a professional path, North Jersey is the place to begin. Our tattoo apprenticeship program provides you with everything you need to launch a career in the tattoo industry—structure, guidance, and hands-on experience included.
You’ll train under the mentorship of Joey Tattoo, a respected figure in the industry and former host of Tattoo Rescue on Spike TV. With studios at both Main Street Tattoo in Lincoln Park and Park Ave Tattoos in Park Ridge, you’ll gain real-world experience in two of North Jersey’s top shops. This apprenticeship is designed for artists who want to take their skills seriously and build a future they can be proud of.
North Jersey Tattoo Apprenticeship Program
Learning in a professional environment changes everything. The moment you step into Main Street Tattoo or Park Ave Tattoos, you’ll feel the difference. These aren’t just shops—they’re communities where apprentices are treated with respect and expected to grow. You’ll have the chance to learn from real clients, study seasoned artists at work, and develop your personal style in a studio that values originality and high standards.
What sets this program apart is the mentorship. Joey Tattoo isn’t just a name—he’s present, hands-on, and deeply invested in helping you become a successful Tattoo Artist. Whether you’re just beginning or switching careers, you’ll be given a clear path, honest feedback, and consistent support. It’s a fast-paced industry, and we make sure you’re not just keeping up—but leading the way.
Career Benefits of Becoming a Tattoo Artist in North Jersey
Tattooing is one of the few careers where your income is directly tied to your creativity, discipline, and passion. If you're someone who values independence and self-expression, this is a profession where you’ll thrive. You set your own schedule, work directly with clients, and have the opportunity to grow at your own pace. Whether you dream of owning your own studio one day or just want to live life on your terms, tattooing gives you that freedom—plus the satisfaction of creating art that lasts a lifetime.
Parents often worry when their kid says they want to be a Tattoo Artist. We get it—it’s not the most traditional path. But that’s exactly why we’ve built a structured, professional apprenticeship program that provides a clear roadmap to success. We help bridge the gap between artistic passion and long-term career growth, so your kid can do what they love with the security of real mentorship and opportunity. We’re here to answer questions, ease concerns, and support families through the process.
Follow Joey Tattoo @joeytattoo
Ready to be inspired by a safe tattoo community? Check out Joey's Instagram, @joeytattoo, to see thehis work on clients and the tattoo studios in North Jersey.
Tattoo Apprenticeship Blog
Dive into all the information, insights, interviews, videos, and resources you need to understand tattoo apprenticeships and tattoo artist training!
Financial Benefits of Tattooing in North Jersey
Yes—and a good one. According to ZipRecruiter, Tattoo Artists in New Jersey earn between $14 to $52 an hour, translating to a yearly income of $29,442 to $108,486, depending on experience, skill level, and demand. This isn’t a job where you clock in and wait for a raise. As your reputation and portfolio grow, so does your earning power. Your income reflects your effort, style, and hustle—not just your hours.
Even better? As a Tattoo Artist, you control your schedule, rates, and creative process. You can work locally, travel for guest spots, or even take your skills internationally. Whether you want to settle into a steady client base or stay mobile and adventurous, tattooing is a profession that goes wherever you go. And with the guidance of a mentor like Joey Tattoo, you'll have everything you need to build a solid financial future doing what you love.
What’s Life Like in North Jersey?
North Jersey offers the best of both worlds. You're close enough to New York City to tap into the energy, art, and opportunity—but far enough away to enjoy quieter neighborhoods, scenic parks, and a lower cost of living. From suburban towns with tight-knit communities to vibrant cities full of culture, North Jersey gives you a variety of environments to call home. Whether you’re walking through the streets of Montclair or relaxing at a waterfront café in Hoboken, life here has rhythm and personality.
Beyond lifestyle perks, North Jersey is also incredibly connected. With trains, highways, and airports nearby, you can work locally and still access major conventions, guest spots, and clients from around the tri-state area. That connectivity gives Tattoo Artists more exposure and opportunity—making it an ideal place to build a reputation and grow a following.
How’s the Art and Culture Scene in North Jersey?
North Jersey is an underrated powerhouse when it comes to creative energy. From murals and galleries to underground music and street art, there’s inspiration everywhere you turn. The Montclair Art Museum brings fine art, film, and rotating exhibitions to the area. Whether you’re into sculpture, design, or tattooing, there’s a place for you to plug into the culture here.
And tattooing? It’s not just accepted in North Jersey—it’s celebrated. You’ll find locals who value unique body art as part of their identity, and artists who treat skin like canvas. Working in studios like Main Street Tattoo and Park Ave Tattoos, you’ll be surrounded by fellow creatives who see tattooing as an extension of fine art, not a fringe practice. The community here respects the hustle and embraces the ink.
North Jersey: What’s it like for a Foodie in New Jersey?
North Jersey is a food lover’s paradise, and yes—there’s more here than pizza and bagels (though we’ve got some of the best). The area is rich with cultural diversity, which means you can find anything from handmade dumplings to old-school Italian, Puerto Rican mofongo, or halal platters on any given block. The Ironbound District in Newark is legendary for Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine, while Jersey City and Hoboken are known for trendy cafes and innovative eats.
Looking for local faves? Grab a classic slice at Star Tavern in Orange, hit Ani Ramen for a steaming bowl of noodles, or swing by a food truck parked outside a late-night bar in Montclair. Whether you’re on a budget or ready to treat yourself after a long day at the shop, North Jersey has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Being a Tattoo Artist here doesn’t just mean great ink—it means great eats too.
Is North Jersey a Good Place for Outdoor Life?
If you like a mix of city energy and outdoor escapes, North Jersey is the sweet spot. You don’t have to drive hours to find trails, lakes, or places to unplug. You can hike the scenic routes of Ramapo Valley County Reservation, paddle down the Passaic River, or relax in Branch Brook Park during cherry blossom season. Nature is woven right into daily life here—you just need to step outside.
The best part? You’re not sacrificing convenience to get that green space. Everything’s within reach, from tattoo shops and coffee houses to mountain trails and waterfront views. If you're someone who needs a creative reset in nature after a long day in the studio, or you draw inspiration from your surroundings, North Jersey delivers the perfect balance between hustle and recharge.
What’s the Community Like in North Jersey?
What really sets North Jersey apart is the people. This region is home to artists, immigrants, small business owners, and dreamers from every walk of life. Whether you're settling into Main Street Tattoo in Lincoln Park or showing up for a guest spot at Park Ave Tattoos in Park Ridge, you’ll find yourself surrounded by clients and colleagues who value individuality, respect the grind, and show up to support one another.
The neighborhoods here are tight-knit without feeling small. Places like Montclair, Bloomfield, and Hoboken have strong community vibes, regular events, and endless opportunities to connect. Whether you're meeting fellow artists at a local gallery or chatting with loyal clients at the shop, the relationships you build in North Jersey will last well beyond the ink.
Ready to Start Your Tattoo Career in North Jersey?
If you're passionate about becoming a Tattoo Artist and seek expert mentorship, hands-on training, and a clear path to success, our North Jersey Tattoo Apprenticeship Program at Main Street Tattoo and Park Ave Tattoos is the ideal place to begin. Let's turn your artistic passion into a thriving career—apply today!
