Tattoo Apprenticeship Program Kansas City | Learn to Ink
- 5 days ago
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Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Kansas City
Kansas City's Only State-Registered Tattoo Apprenticeship Program — 90 Days to Your Missouri Tattoo License
Learn to Ink is the premier tattoo apprenticeship program in Kansas City, MO. Led by licensed artist Nick Young — practicing since 2014 — our 90-day, 110-step curriculum takes you from drawing table to licensed artist with 50 supervised tattoo procedures, real clients, and a direct path to your Missouri Tattooist Practitioner License. No guesswork. No multi-year waiting games. Just a structured, state-compliant program built for serious artists.
Apply Now — Enroll Today
Simple, Transparent Tuition
PAY-IN-FULL SPECIAL: $4,500 (Save $500)
Pay in full and save $500 instantly. This is our best rate — available to students who pay the full $4,500 upfront at enrollment. Standard tuition is $5,000.
STANDARD TUITION: $5,000
Pay with a 50% deposit at enrollment and complete your balance before in-studio training begins. Payment plans and limited scholarships available.
State of Missouri licensing fee ($100) is paid separately, directly to the state. No credit check required to enroll.
Everything You Need to Start Your Career
90-day hybrid program (online coursework + in-studio training)
110 structured steps across 5 program stages
50 supervised tattoo procedures on real clients
Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) Certification — OSHA-compliant, included FREE
Missouri state program registration included
Eligibility to apply for your State of Missouri Tattooist Practitioner License
One-on-one mentorship with licensed instructor Nick Young
Portfolio-building guidance
Client consultation and booking system training
Flexible scheduling — morning, afternoon, and evening sessions available
Post-graduation job placement assistance
Potential in-house career opportunities at the studio
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Tattoo Artist
Stage 1 — Online Coursework & State Registration
Complete your foundational coursework online at your own pace. You have 180 days to finish before in-studio training begins. Covers skin anatomy, healing, infection prevention, legal compliance in Missouri, and professional conduct.
Stage 2 — In-Studio Observation
Step into the studio. Observe professional tattooing in a real working environment, learn studio protocols, and begin applying your online knowledge in a supervised setting.
Stage 3 — Fundamentals & Machine Handling
Get hands-on. Learn machine mechanics, needle theory, stencil application, and design translation under direct instructor guidance before touching a client.
Stage 4 — 50 Supervised Tattoo Procedures
This is where you become a tattoo artist. Complete 50 documented, supervised procedures on real clients, logging every step toward your state licensing requirements.
Stage 5 — Licensing Prep & Application
We walk you through the Missouri Tattooist Practitioner License application from start to finish. Graduates leave the program license-ready.
Trained by a Pro. Guided by Experience.
Nick Young has been a licensed tattoo artist and body piercer in Kansas City since 2014, holding Missouri Practitioner License #2014042818. He built Learn to Ink because he saw too many aspiring artists stuck in informal apprenticeships with no structure, no milestones, and no clear path to licensure. Learn to Ink is his answer — a transparent, compliant, proven program that takes serious artists from concept to career in 90 days.
Studio licensed: Missouri Establishment License #2025044808
Is This Program Right for You?
This program is built for:
Aspiring tattoo artists in Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood, Lee's Summit, Independence, Grandview, Olathe, Shawnee, and Gladstone
Self-taught artists ready to get properly trained and licensed
Artists tired of waiting years in unpaid, unstructured apprenticeships
Creative professionals looking to build a real career — not just a hobby
Anyone 18+ with a portfolio of at least 50 original artwork pieces who is serious about the craft
What You Need to Apply
Must be 18 or older with valid government-issued photo ID
Portfolio of at least 50 polished, original artwork pieces
CPR & First Aid Certification (external, student's cost)
Bloodborne Pathogen Certification (included in tuition)
Application reviewed within 48 hours — no credit check
What Can You Earn as a Tattoo Artist?
New tattoo artists typically earn 40–50% commission of their bookings. With a solid client base, that translates to:
Entry-level: $30,000–$60,000/year
Your income scales directly with your skill and client base — both of which this program is designed to build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Learn to Ink located?
1024 W 103rd St, Kansas City, MO 64114 — inside KC Looks Salon & Spa, next door to Price Chopper at 103rd & State Line.
How long is the program?
90 days / 110 steps. You have 180 days to complete your online coursework before in-studio training begins.
What does it cost?
Standard tuition is $5,000. Pay in full upfront and you get a $500 discount — bringing it to $4,500. A 50% deposit is all you need to start. Payment plans and limited scholarships are available.
Do I need art experience?
Yes. A portfolio of at least 50 original artwork pieces is required to apply. You don't need prior tattoo experience, but you do need to demonstrate serious artistic ability.
Is this program recognized by the state of Missouri?
Yes. Learn to Ink is a registered apprenticeship program with the Missouri Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing and Branding. Our establishment is licensed (#2025044808). Upon graduating, you will be eligible to apply for your State of Missouri Tattooist Practitioner License.
How many students do you accept?
We keep enrollment limited to 2 participants at a time to ensure individualized mentorship and quality training.
Are sessions flexible?
Yes. Morning, afternoon, and evening in-studio sessions are available — the program is designed to be compatible with a current work or school schedule.
What happens after I graduate?
You'll be license-ready and receive post-graduation job placement assistance. In-house opportunities at the studio may also be available.
Your Career as a Tattoo Artist Starts Here
Enrollment is limited to 2 students at a time. Don't wait.
Learn to Ink is Kansas City's only state-registered tattoo apprenticeship program. 90 days. 110 steps. 50 real clients. Your Missouri license. Whether you live in Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, or anywhere in the metro — this is the most direct, transparent, and professionally structured path to becoming a licensed tattoo artist in Missouri.
Apply Now
Questions? Call or text us: 816-255-7051 | Email: info@learntoink.com
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