Ink Different Expands Its College-Alternative Tattoo Apprenticeship to The Colony Through Artistic Encounter and Mentor BillyJack Gunter
THE COLONY, Texas, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Ink Different Tattoos is proud to announce the launch of its second Dallas-area tattoo apprenticeship location, now open at Artistic Encounter in The Colony, Texas. Building on its existing partnership in Deep Ellum, Ink Different is expanding its reach across the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro through one of the region's most respected studios and one of its most accomplished mentors, BillyJack Gunter. This expansion offers aspiring Tattoo Artists in North Dallas and the surrounding suburbs a clear, structured path into a professional, AI-proof creative career.
"What separates BillyJack's work is the intentionality behind it," says Paul-Anthony Surdi of Ink Different Tattoos. "He loves blending Japanese tradition with black and grey realism in a way that's rooted in storytelling. Every piece has meaning, every composition is deliberate. That's an artistic philosophy that will shape how apprentices approach their craft for the rest of their careers."
Artistic Encounter in The Colony brings Ink Different's apprenticeship program to North Dallas and the broader DFW suburbs, complementing the program's existing Deep Ellum location and extending access to structured tattoo education across one of the country's largest and most creatively active metro areas. Leading the apprenticeship program is BillyJack Gunter, a prominent figure in the Dallas-Fort Worth tattoo scene with a career defined by technical precision, artistic versatility, and a genuine commitment to elevating the standards of the craft. As a mentor, he tailors his approach to each apprentice individually, challenging them to rise to their potential while guiding them with the hard-earned wisdom of a true industry veteran.
A College Alternative in the Dallas Area
Ink Different's Tattoo Apprenticeship is designed as a structured college alternative for talented artists aspiring to become professional Tattoo Artists. Instead of taking on student debt for a four-year degree, apprentices learn the trade of tattooing with Ink Different and studios like Artistic Encounter, receiving hands-on experience, one-on-one mentorship, and professional development over 18–24 months.
Tattooing is an AI-proof career, driven by human creativity, craftsmanship, and personal connection. With professional Tattoo Artists earning a median income of around $106,000 per year, the apprenticeship offers a practical pathway from passion to profession.
Graduates complete the program industry-ready, with a guaranteed job offer upon successful completion and the skills needed to thrive in today's competitive tattoo industry.
Now Enrolling in The Colony
Applications are now open for the Ink Different Tattoo Apprenticeship at Artistic Encounter in The Colony. Whether you're a recent graduate exploring a college alternative or someone ready to commit to a creative career, this program offers structure, individualized mentorship, and a clear path forward in one of Texas's most dynamic and fast-growing creative communities.
Learn more or apply at:becomeatattooartist.com
About Ink Different Tattoo Apprenticeship
Ink Different Tattoos offers what no college can: a direct path from aspiring artist to working professional, inside a real studio, under a real mentor. With a guaranteed job offer for every graduate and a commitment to excellence and equal opportunity at every step, Ink Different's Traditional and Master Mentorship tracks have made it the country's leading name in professional tattoo education.
Media Contact
Maria Zacarias, Ink Different Tattoos, 1 917-227-2842, [email protected]
SOURCE Ink Different Tattoos
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