Ink Different Tattoos Expands to Des Moines with New Apprenticeship at Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing

Partnership with Entrepreneur and Tattoo Artist Chris Pruisner brings Ink Different's college-alternative apprenticeship program to Iowa

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:03pm

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Ink Different Tattoos is launching a new tattoo apprenticeship location in Des Moines, Iowa, in partnership with Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing, led by longtime tattoo artist and entrepreneur Chris Pruisner. This collaboration brings Ink Different's structured, real-world tattoo apprenticeship program to central Iowa, offering aspiring artists a clear, supported path into a professional, AI-proof career.

Why it matters

The partnership between Ink Different Tattoos and Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing provides a college-alternative pathway for aspiring tattoo artists in the Des Moines area to receive hands-on training, mentorship, and a guaranteed job offer upon completion of the 18-24 month apprenticeship program. This helps address the need for structured, supportive pathways into the tattoo industry beyond traditional four-year degrees.

The details

Through this partnership, Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing becomes the official home of Ink Different's apprenticeship program in Iowa. The apprenticeship offers aspiring artists a structured, real-world training program that combines hands-on experience, one-on-one mentorship, and professional development, without the burden of student debt from a four-year degree. Graduates complete the program industry-ready and receive a guaranteed job offer.

  • Ink Different Tattoos is launching its newest tattoo apprenticeship location in Des Moines, Iowa in March 2026.
  • The apprenticeship program at Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing is now accepting applications.

The players

Ink Different Tattoos

A company redefining tattoo education as a clear college alternative, offering real apprenticeships in real studios nationwide.

Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing

A tattoo studio in Des Moines, Iowa, led by longtime tattoo artist and entrepreneur Chris Pruisner, that is now the official home of Ink Different's apprenticeship program in Iowa.

Chris Pruisner

A longtime tattoo artist and entrepreneur who has been tattooing in the Des Moines area since 2008 and now leads Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing.

Paul-Anthony Surdi

A representative of Ink Different Tattoos.

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What they’re saying

“Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing is proof of what happens when talent meets grit and caring.”

— Paul-Anthony Surdi, of Ink Different Tattoos

What’s next

Applications are now being accepted for Ink Different Tattoo Apprenticeships at Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing in Des Moines.

The takeaway

This partnership between Ink Different Tattoos and Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing provides a structured, supportive pathway for aspiring tattoo artists in the Des Moines area to receive hands-on training and mentorship, without the burden of student debt, and with a guaranteed job offer upon completion of the 18-24 month apprenticeship program.