Apprentices

We’re excited to announce that our talented tattoo apprentices are now offering apprentice-priced tattoos here at the shop! This is a great chance to get quality work at a reduced rate while supporting the growth of up-and-coming artists under the guidance of our experienced team.

Whether you're after a small piece or looking to try something new, our apprentices are building their portfolios and ready to bring your ideas to life.

Design options may be limited. Availability is limited.

Hello, my name is Miguel, and I’m one of the apprentices here at Devoted Ink. I was born and raised in the High Desert, and I’ve been passionate about drawing since I was a kid—so much so that my first-grade teacher once took my sketchbook because I was too focused on it during class. I started off drawing the same cartoons over and over, and eventually became interested in drawing people. I didn’t get good at portraits until high school, and even then, I had very little formal training. My first and only art class in high school was my senior year, but the teacher was out all year. We had subs the entire time, and no one took it seriously—except for one sub named Mr. Elliott. He was the only one who cared, and he actually became my first client when he commissioned me to draw his daughter. That small moment meant a lot to both of us, and he left a lasting impression on me before he sadly passed away the following year.

After graduating in 2014, I attended community college at 17 and quickly realized how much I had to learn—especially about portraits. I was surrounded by artists who were much better than me at the time, but instead of giving up, I leaned into the challenge. Over the next three years, I took every assignment seriously and pushed myself to improve. I graduated in 2017 with associate's degrees in Fine Arts as well as Computer Science, and I was proud to be one of the top students in my final art classes.

I had plans to transfer and pursue my bachelor’s, but life took a different path. I had to use my savings to help my family when we were without a home, and college had to wait. Even so, my art journey didn’t end. I started a small commission business with my best friend, painting and drawing whatever people requested—mostly portraits. Eventually, I took over the business and drew hundreds of portraits over the next few years. It was fulfilling, but financially unstable, and when COVID hit, everything came to a halt.

After a few tough years and big life changes, I eventually settled in Temecula. I continued to do portraits on the side, but I had to take on a regular job to get by. I started working at a pizza shop, commuting on my bike, and trying to find a new path forward. Then, in 2023, a friend recommended me to pursue an apprenticeship at a shop that was hiring. I reached out to Devoted Ink and was given the opportunity to apprentice here—and it honestly feels like a full-circle moment. I’m back in an environment where I’m learning, growing, and once again surrounded by incredible artists. It’s humbling, but also exciting. Tattooing is a new medium for me, but the passion and dedication are the same. I’m grateful to be here and ready to keep pushing forward in this next chapter of my journey.