Northern Colorado's First Professional Piercing Academy
Ready to start your career as a professional body piercer? Picosa Ink Academy launches in 2026 with hands-on training that teaches you everything you need to succeed in the piercing industry. Learn from an experienced artist with over 100 piercings completed in a real studio setting.
Turn your passion for body art into a real career. Our weekend program gives you the skills, confidence, and certification to start piercing professionally.
The piercing industry is growing fast. Body piercing services are expected to reach over $2 billion by 2027. Professional piercers earn $35,000 to $50,000 per year, and studio owners can make up to $100,000 annually. With proper training, you can build a career doing work you love.
Why Picosa Ink Academy?
Most people who want to become piercers struggle to find good training. Traditional apprenticeships can take years and often come with unclear expectations. Our weekend intensive program gives you professional skills in just three days, so you can start your career faster.
- First in Northern Colorado: We're bringing professional piercing education to our region for the first time. No need to travel out of state for quality training.
- Real studio experience: Learn in an actual working studio, not just a classroom. See how a professional business operates.
- Hands-on training: Practice on live models under expert supervision. Leave with real piercing experience.
- Small class sizes: Get personal attention and feedback. We keep groups small so you learn properly.
- Certification included: Graduate with a Picosa Ink Academy Certification to show employers and clients.
- Guest Teaching: Our special guest accupunture instructor will teach students the medical technicalities invloved, meaning that every piercing is connected to pressure points, which can relieve your body.
What You'll Learn in Our Weekend Program
Our three-day intensive training covers everything you need to start your piercing career with confidence. You'll learn theory and get real hands-on practice in a professional studio environment.
Weekend Program Schedule:
- Friday Evening: Introduction to piercing fundamentals. Learn about anatomy, piercing placement, and jewelry basics. Understand what makes a safe, professional piercing.
- Saturday Full Day: Safety and sanitation training. Practice setup and breakdown of piercing stations. Learn sterilization techniques and cross-contamination prevention. Practice basic piercings under supervision.
- Sunday Full Day: Hands-on training with live models. Perform supervised piercings including lobes, nose, and helix. Learn client communication, aftercare instructions, and professional standards.
Skills You'll Master
By the end of the weekend, you'll have practical skills you can use right away:
- Safe piercing techniques: Learn proper needle handling, jewelry insertion, and sterile procedures that protect you and your clients.
- Anatomy knowledge: Understand ear anatomy, nose structure, and safe piercing locations. Know what to avoid and why.
- Sanitation protocols: Master cleaning, sterilization, and preventing infections. Meet professional health standards.
- Client communication: Learn how to calm nervous clients, explain procedures clearly, and provide excellent aftercare instructions.
- Studio setup: Know how to prepare a clean workspace, organize tools, and maintain a professional environment.
- Beginner piercings: Practice lobes, nose piercings, and helix piercings with confidence.
Phase 2: Fine Line Tattoo Academy (Coming Later)
After we launch the Piercing Academy, we'll add Fine Line Tattoo training. This will teach the specialized skills needed to create beautiful, delicate tattoos. Stay connected on Instagram @picosainkacademy for updates.
Who Should Join Picosa Ink Academy?
Our program works for anyone serious about starting a piercing career:
- Career changers: Want to leave your current job and do something creative? Piercing offers flexibility and good income.
- Beauty professionals: Already work in hair, makeup, or esthetics? Add piercing to grow your services and earnings.
- Body art enthusiasts: Love tattoos and piercings? Turn your passion into a profession.
- Entrepreneurs: Want to open your own studio someday? Learn the skills and see how a successful business runs.
- Young adults: Looking for a creative career with good pay? Piercing is growing fast and always needs skilled professionals.
You must be 18 or older to attend. No previous experience needed, just a serious commitment to learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're launching in 2026 with our Piercing Academy program. Follow us on Instagram @picosainkacademy for exact dates and enrollment information. We'll announce our first class schedule in early 2026.
Pricing will be $1,300 to $1,500 when enrollment opens in 2026, to provide our students professional, yet still affordable training. Similar weekend programs typically range from $2,000 to $2,500. Follow @picosainkacademy on Instagram to be first to know when pricing is released.
No previous piercing experience required. We teach you everything from the beginning. You just need to be 18 or older and committed to learning professional techniques.
Before your first class day, you'll need to complete online Bloodborne Pathogens training and CPR/First Aid certification. We'll send you links to approved online courses when you enroll. These typically cost $10-30 each and take 2-3 hours to complete.
Yes. You'll receive a Picosa Ink Academy Certification showing you completed professional piercing training. This certificate demonstrates to employers and clients that you learned proper techniques and safety protocols. Note: Additional licensing requirements vary by county and state.
Our program gives you the foundation to start your career. Some students open their own studios, others work in existing shops. Check your local health department for any additional licensing requirements in your area. We'll guide you on next steps during the program.
Start Your Piercing Career in 2026
Follow us on Instagram for updates on enrollment, dates, and pricing.
@PICOSAINKACADEMY