The foundation
Learn
Build a grounded knowledge base through self-paced online education designed for real understanding—not memorization.
Picosa Ink Academy
Professional education, intentionally designed.The Intentional Piercer
Where artistry meets intention.
Comprehensive beginner piercing education for artists who want more than a certificate—they want the skill, judgment, and mentorship to build a career people trust.
A first look inside the Academy
Meet your educator. See how you’ll learn.
Step inside The Intentional Piercer with Bella. Watch the course welcome for a feel for the teaching, the care behind the curriculum, and the approach you’ll bring to your own practice.
Ready to begin? Apply to the AcademyThe philosophy
We do not produce technicians. We develop professionals.
Piercing is more than making a hole. It is anatomy, safety, communication, ethics, artistry, and the judgment to know what a client truly needs.
This is not weekend training, a shortcut, or a certificate-and-you’re-done course. It is a structured path toward safe, confident, sustainable practice.
One intentional path
Learn. Practice. Begin.
The Academy is designed to give you a thoughtful beginning, then the time and supervision required to keep developing safely.
The practice
Apply
Connect your learning to intentional at-home practice with the tools, feedback, and preparation provided along the way.
The beginning
Grow
Join a supervised modeling weekend, then continue developing your judgment, technique, and professional identity.
How your journey begins
A beginning you can build on.
Application review comes first. Payment follows acceptance. The initial program is a foundation—not a promise that one weekend makes anyone ready to pierce independently.
Apply
Share your goals, experience, and approach to learning. Beginners are welcome, and no payment is collected with the application.
Receive a decision
We review your application, follow up with questions when needed, and send accepted applicants enrollment details and a payment link.
Learn and practice
Complete the online foundations within three months of access. Pillars open gradually, with guided practice on the fake ear and nose in your kit.
Begin hands-on training
After completing the online requirements and receiving approval, take your first step into hands-on piercing at a two-day supervised modeling weekend in Loveland. Choose from Academy-set dates within six months.
View upcoming datesPlan your hands-on learning
Upcoming in-person training dates
Two-day supervised modeling weekends in Loveland, Colorado.
- December 5–6, 2026Saturday & Sunday
- December 12–13, 2026Saturday & Sunday
- January 16–17, 2027Saturday & Sunday
- January 23–24, 2027Saturday & Sunday
Attend after completing the online requirements and receiving Academy approval, within six months of completion and approval. Applying does not reserve a training weekend.
The journey continues
After completing the online education and supervised modeling weekend, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion recognizing the theory and foundational hands-on training you completed through The Intentional Piercer.
This certificate does not mean Picosa Ink has assessed you as ready to pierce independently. Becoming a skilled piercer takes continued education, repetition, and hands-on practice beyond the initial training.
For students who want to continue with us, additional paid mentorship is available for more supervised practice and feedback as you work toward proficiency in the piercings offered at Picosa Ink.
Each piercing is assessed individually—not only for technique and safety, but for your ability to guide clients through aftercare, healing, and jewelry downsizing. Once you demonstrate proficiency in a specific piercing, you’ll receive an individual Certificate of Proficiency for that piercing. Progress is based on demonstrated skill, not a set number of models or hours, and has no fixed completion deadline.
The curriculum
Seven pillars of an intentional practice.
Technique matters, but it is only one part of becoming the artist clients trust for years.
- 01Artist identity & professionalism
- 02Safety & sterilization
- 03Anatomy & placement
- 04Tools, jewelry & equipment
- 05Technique
- 06Client experience & ethics
- 07Continued development
This may be for you if
You want a legitimate path, not another confusing shortcut.
- You are new to piercing and want to begin safely.
- You value ethics, professionalism, and client trust.
- You want both structured education and guided practice.
- You are ready to build confidence through understanding.
- You want mentorship that continues after the lesson ends.
Applications open September 28
Become the kind of piercer people feel safe choosing.
Applications are open for the next foundation cohort. Tell us where you are beginning, and we’ll be in touch after review.
Apply to begin your training