Thinking About Moving to North Jersey for a Tattoo Apprenticeship?
Great choice. Let’s be honest—you could go to many places to start your tattoo career. But North Jersey? It hits that sweet spot: busy without being overwhelming, connected to New York City without paying NYC rent, and packed with opportunity if you’re serious about becoming a Tattoo Artist. Whether you're local to the area or thinking of relocating, this guide will walk you through what makes North Jersey a great place to begin your journey—and how you can make it work (and thrive) with the right tattoo apprenticeship.
Let’s get the big question out of the way: Why North Jersey?
Well, North Jersey is a growing hub for aspiring Tattoo Artists because it offers the best of both worlds: access to the thriving art and tattoo scenes of New York City, without the sky-high rent or overwhelming pace.
What else makes Relocating to North Jersey awesome?
- Location, location, location – You're a short train ride from NYC, but get to live, train, and grow in a less competitive (but still super active) market.
- Diverse clientele – You’ll work with clients from all backgrounds and styles, from commuters to locals.
- Strong tattoo studio culture – The tattoo community in North Jersey is tight-knit but welcoming—perfect for learning, building your network, and growing your skills.
And for aspiring Tattoo Artists who want a fresh start? North Jersey gives you access to top-tier mentorship with just the right mix of city energy and community support.
What Should You Know Before Relocating to North Jersey?
Cost of Living Is Manageable (Compared to NYC)
North Jersey cities like Newark, Jersey City, and Hoboken aren’t exactly “cheap,” but they are significantly more affordable than Manhattan or Brooklyn. Expect to pay $1,200–$1,800/month for a studio or one-bedroom, depending on the neighborhood. Shared housing is standard (and way more budget-friendly), especially for students and tattoo apprentices.
Public Transit Is Your Friend
One of the perks of North Jersey? You can survive—and thrive—without a car. The NJ Transit rail system connects you to NYC, while buses, trains, and light rail lines help you navigate locally. You’ll save big on gas, parking, and all the headaches that come with driving.
It's a Walkable, Artistic Place
North Jersey's art scene is alive and well, from colorful murals to tattoo-friendly events. You’ll find inspiration everywhere, as well as potential clients who genuinely value custom work. Many tattoo studios are within walking distance of cafes, parks, galleries, and creative spaces. It’s a great environment to stay motivated and build your craft.
What's the Tattoo Scene Like in North Jersey?
In a word? Thriving. North Jersey benefits from the crossover energy of both the NYC and New Jersey tattoo scenes. That means more styles, more clients, and more creative freedom. Whether you’re into fine line, realism, neo-traditional, or lettering, you’ll find a place to learn and thrive.
You’ll also see a more supportive vibe than you might find in significant metro studios. People here want to see each other win. That makes it an ideal location to start your career, especially if you wish for mentorship over gatekeeping.
Can I relocate to North Jersey to pursue a career in tattoos?
Absolutely—and many people do!
With proximity to NYC, lower rent, and an amazing creative community, North Jersey is an ideal relocation destination for aspiring Tattoo Artists. Whether you’re from out of state or upstate, you’ll find affordable housing, plenty of transit access, and a built-in network of artists and small businesses ready to collaborate.
Many of our tattoo apprentices move here for the program and stay for the career, and we’re happy to guide you through housing, scheduling, and flexible training options.
What About Financing to Become a Tattoo Artist in North Jersey?
Let’s talk money—because relocating and training at the same time is a big move (literally).
Good news: Tattoo education is far more affordable than traditional college. While a four-year degree can cost you $100K+, our programs start under $15,000—and we offer flexible payment plans to make it manageable.
We also work with platforms like Climb Credit and Affirm to provide financing options that suit your needs so that you can focus on your future, not your debt.
And if you're still wondering if student loans are worth the trade-off, check out this New York Times video, in which reporter Stacy Cowley explains why loan forgiveness is drying up and borrowers are now facing years of resumed payments.
For many aspiring artists, learning a skill like tattooing is proving to be a more intelligent investment.
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 North Jersey.
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.
Your Tattoo Career Starts Here, in North Jersey
If you're serious about becoming a Tattoo Artist and looking for the right place to train, North Jersey is your perfect match. It offers:
- An amazing, growing tattoo scene.
- Proximity to NYC without NYC-level rent.
- A welcoming, artistic culture.
- Diversity in both clients and creative styles.
- And now, a clear, professional pathway into the industry through Ink Different Tattoos.
Relocating isn’t always easy, but sometimes the best things in life come when you step outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re coming from across the state or the country, North Jersey offers an incredible environment to grow your skills, build your network, and start your tattoo career with real momentum.
And with Ink Different’s structured training, professional mentorship, and guaranteed job offer, you’re not taking a risk—you’re taking control of your future.
So if you’re ready to stop waiting and start tattooing, we’re here to help you make the move and make it count.
INK DIFFERENT TATTOO SCHOOL
Submit your art today and start your journey toward becoming a professional Tattoo Artist!
