J. Picaso

I’m J. Picaso, founder of Cielo Ink Tattoo Studio & Academy. With 10 years in the tattoo industry, my path has been built on hard work, dedication, and pushing limits—not just for myself, but for the future of the tattoo industry.

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Cielo Ink – The Beginning

Cielo Ink is my first studio, built from the ground up. It’s where my vision started to take shape: to create one of the best studios in Michigan and set a new standard for artistry, professionalism, and client experience.

“Winning is not about the finish line. It’s about starting and refusing to stop.” – Tim Grover (Winning)

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Cielo Ink Academy – The Heart

The Academy is the middle, the heart and umbrella of everything I do. It’s my vision to help hungry, dedicated artists build their own stories and legacies in the industry. When I came up, there was no safe haven, no structured place to learn. The Academy is that place—a home where artists can grow in ways that once didn’t exist.

Here, apprentices and artists learn not only tattooing, art, hygiene, design, and composition, but also the skills needed to become self-sustaining and respected professionals:
- Taxes & business structure
- Business planning & branding

- Photography & videography - Social media & marketing

“You don’t wait for greatness. You create it.” – Tim Grover (Winning)

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Maestro Tattoo Studios – The Expansion

Maestro Tattoo Studios is the next chapter. Built alongside my artist and business partner, Dr. Dre, Maestro is proof of what’s possible through mentorship and hard work. Together we’ve created another studio where artists can master their craft and, through dedication, work their way to the top—not just as tattooers, but as leaders and business owners.

“A leader’s job is to create more leaders.” – Ralph Nader

The Vision

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My mission is to push the tattoo industry forward, revolutionize the craft, and create a new lane for artists to grow. Each studio, each artist, and each tattoo is part of a bigger story: a movement to transform tattooing into something greater than ever before.

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs